So many treasures at Writers' Week

So many treasures at Writers' Week

I've had a good week, particularly the three days I was able to attend Adelaide Writers' Week, part of the Adelaide Festival. It was held in the Pioneer Women's Memorial Garden from 9am to 6pm over 6 days (February 28th - March 5th). There are two stages, the East stage and the West stage, and seven 1 hour sessions at each. Over the six days the place is packed full of treasures - the authors, the interviewers, the audience, the staff, the volunteers, the book tent, the blue sails providing shade, the coffee, the food, the children parading in nylon costumes, the Story tent,  the book tent, the signing table, the children playing on the slope (with palm tree fronds as swords), the shadows, the plants on the stage backdrops, the program, the beautiful hand soap in the bathrooms (Aesop brand) and more. 

I made it to a total of 12 sessions. Sometimes it's difficult to choose between the two offered sessions! Authors I heard speak were Helen Castor, Jenny Uglow, Andy Griffiths, Martha Baillie, Elia Barcelo, Omar Musa, Julia Gillard, Nicholas Clements, Miranda Richmond Mouillot, James Bradley, John Darnielle, Smith Henderson, Rohan Wilson, Graeme Simsion, Jenny Offill and Roxane Gay. All (and those interviewing them) were very impressive. One of the highlights for me was the line at the microphone for questions at the session with Andy Griffiths. Lots of confident children aged from about 5 up asking very interesting questions. Unfortunately there wasn't time for them all. The line at the signing table afterwards was one of the longest I saw. 

I love the familiarity of the event, as well as some of the small changes. How wonderful too that it is every year now. It used to be every two years. One of the small changes this year was the backdrops behind the two stages. For the last few Writers' Weeks they have been made up of twigs and looked quite fantastic. As they did this year as well, comprised of small native plants which had been grown by Trees for Life volunteers over the past six months. Volunteers watered the plants during the week. The plants were also used for the arch entrance and you can see them in the photo above. 

As well as the wonderful memories I got to take home a couple of treasures. After hearing Jenny Offill talk I decided to buy her book, Dept. of Speculation and am enjoying it very much. I also brought home an envelope I was given by one of the volunteers. Inside were some seeds to plant so I can grow some Enchylaena Tomentosa (ruby saltbush) at home. 

The envelope I was given. 

Inside the envelope

I'm already looking forward to next year's Writers' Week. And in the meantime I have some reading to do and plants to grow. I still have some books from last year to read too. 

This is a six word Saturday post. See how others' describe their week or part thereof at www.showmyface.com.