Lizzy's Auckland Writer's Festival Wrap Up
It’s hard to believe that Auckland Writer’s Festival is over - I feel like my brain is still processing the incredible events and conversations (and my wallet is still recovering too!). As a way to bring a sense of closure for myself, here’s a wrap up of the main lessons learnt from the experience this year - with some tips for what I’ll be making sure I do for next year’s festival to make the most of this special event.
Top Tips for Next Year's Festival
- Go along to the Gala event: I didn't book tickets fast enough and I think I thought it would be a bit long for me, but in retrospect it's probably one of the most magical events of the whole festival. It sets the tone, brings together some key authors who you may not otherwise hear from, and is a celebration to kick things off. I only heard amazing things from my friends who did go along, and next year it will be my top priority!
- Book in for the masterclasses early - especially if you have an interest in writing: I left these until last because they're a bit more expensive and I was struggling to decide which to prioritize, but I wish I'd gone along to the sessions by Tony Tulathimutte and Lily King. When else do you get the chance to learn about writing from the experts.
- Bring along snacks: There is plenty of food and drink available at the event, but in order to save money for the actual books themselves, I would next time take along a muesli bar or some fruit in my bag for those 10 minutes where you just need a quick refuel. If you're buying a meal out the food trucks in the square were incredible and meant you could sit in the sunshine without having to travel too far (I ate haloumi loaded fries more than once, they were so good).
- Take along the tamariki: One of my favourite memories will be bringing my 4 year old along with me for a morning. We went to a show and then explored the free events and stations set up for kids and it was so beautifully and thoughtfully done. A love of reading starts early, and Auckland Writer's Festival knows this and embraces the chance to make tamariki feel as welcome as all the adults.
- Take advantage of the panels: Time (and energy/money) is limited, and there are so many amazing writers involved in the festival. My strategy was to book in a few key authors like David Szalay, R.F. Kuang, and Charlotte McConaghy, but then to try and also book in some panels where I knew one or two authors but had the chance to hear from a bigger selection. The conversations are always fascinating, and it can help you discover a new favourite author (Karen Hao for me!!!).
- Branch out, take a risk: Speaking of finding new favourites, some of my favourite sessions were the ones with authors I had never known about or read of their work. I absolutely adored Ingrid Horrocks discussing her award winning collection, All Her Lives, and my random ticket to Louise Erdrich has introduced me a huge new selection of books by an absolutely incredible human that I had managed to pass by. The free events are a great way to do this in a low risk way.
- Don't avoid the virtual events: I know for a lot of us there's hesitation when we see an event is a virtual one rather than the author being there in person. After attending a virtual session with Maggie O'Farrell and hearing from others who went to different virtual sessions, I would have no hesitation booking more of these next time. They are such a great way to get huge international authors involved who can't be here in person and the facilitation and technology makes the whole thing just as impactful.
- Connect with others: The beauty of this festival is that it is in person, surrounded by people. Although at times the sheer volume of book lovers can be overwhelming, some of my favourite moments were the ones where I got chatting with the random person beside me, or caught up with a friend for a glass of wine between sessions. Even if you're going alone (as I was for most of the festival), embrace the moments where you might make a new bookish friend or run into an old one.
Ngā mihi nui, the biggest thank you to:
The the authors and writers who came along from near and far, and the amazing folks who hosted their conversations and opened up such fascinating kōrero for us to eavesdrop in on.
The fellow readers and bookish people who came and said hi, folded me into their group, and reminded me that I am part of a constellation of book lovers.
The incredible team of volunteers who were every where all the time and helped the festival run so smoothly (and told me multiple times where the same rooms were).
To the festival itself for creating a special moment in time and place to celebrate reading and books and for creating events that will live on for many of us far longer than the event itself.
To Book Hero for letting me go along on work time and have the most incredible and inspirational time.
And lastly thank you to my husband who basically became a solo parent for 72 hours - you're the best! Sorry for spending all our money on books!
