Stella, in partnership with Geelong Regional Libraries is proud to announce a FREE one-day literary event, featuring 2022 Stella Prize winner and 2026 Stella Prize shortlisted poet Evelyn Araluen in conversation with writer and bookseller Charlotte Guest.

Evelyn was recently awarded both the 2026 Victorian Premier’s Literary Award and the VPLA for Indigenous Writing for her second poetry collection The Rot, and Charlotte was awarded the VPLA for her unpublished manuscript Kookaburra. This event is a very special chance for local readers and writers to hear from two significant voices in new Australian writing at different stages in their creative careers, in conversation with one another.

This will be an intimate evening of creative conversation and big ideas, celebrating some of the best new Australian writing by women, hosted at the beautiful Geelong Library Events Space.

Session includes:

• Author in conversation with local moderator, and readings from the book
• Open forums for audiences to ask questions and engage in discussion
• Book signings – books will be available for purchase before and at the event, courtesy of The Book Bird Geelong

Event information

Doors open: 5:30pm

Session: Evelyn Araluen in conversation with Charlotte Guest

6:00pm-7:00pm

Evelyn Araluen is one of the most singular voices in Australian poetry, known for her sharp, witty, incendiary writing on and against colonial violence. Her poetry is tough on systems, while staying tender in its handling of people and place. Her debut collection Drop Bear was an instant success and won the Stella prize in 2022. Her latest collection, The Rot, took home both the Victorian Premier’s Literary Award for Literature and Indigenous Writing, and is shortlisted for this year’s Stella Prize. Meanwhile, moderator Charlotte Guest won this year’s VPLA for an unpublished manuscript with her work Kookaburra.

In this session, Evelyn and Charlotte will talk craft, process, and what it means to be an ‘emerging writer’. How do you know if you’ve ‘emerged’? What does a writing life look like? This is a conversation for writers and readers alike and is one not to be missed.

Book sale and signing available after the session, hosted by The Book Bird.

Bookings FREE but essential. Register via Eventbrite here.

For accessibility information, and if you need assistance in order to participate in this event, please contact events@grlc.vic.gov.au at least two weeks prior to the event date.

Beverages and light refreshments provided.

This event is supported by Geelong Regional Libraries, the Hugh Williamson Foundation, and Quest Apartment Hotels.