The 2019 Word for Word National Non-Fiction Festival was directed by the wonderful Rochelle Smith and held at the Geelong Library and Heritage Centre from 15-17 November. I was invited to be on a poetry panel (Rhythm and Language) with poet Andy Jackson, and facilitator of the panel David McCooey.

I travelled with Mum from Brisbane to Geelong. We saw many stimulating and thought-provoking discussions and events. These included Tyson Yunkaporta’s opening address, which drew on his book Sand Talk: How Indigenous Thinking Can Save the World. As a diary keeper, I also loved The Bad Diaries Salon. Another highlight for us was the Bodies of Work panel with Lee Kofman and Andy Jackson, facilitated by Maria Takolander.

I was so grateful to be part of this fabulous non-fiction festival, especially as my poetry collection Amnesia Findings draws on so many facets of my life. The crowd was warm, asked good questions and I was touched by their kind comments after the panel.