Writers' Festival in Preview

Since its creation earlier this year, the State Library of Queensland's The Edge has played host to some fantastic events, and as we gear up for the Brisbane Writers' Festival, it'll be bringing us some of the best, brightest, loudest and quirkiest of the fest, courtesy of the BURN Writer's Collective.

Having quickly established themselves as a true fringe element of the last BWF, BURN have been let loose this year, with ‘A Night (Or Two) at The Edge’, a celebration of all things literary. Far from a bunch of stuffy readings in a hushed room, the events over the two days include Bics and Becks - The Writers' Kind of Quiz Night, with special guests William McInnes, Steve Cannane and Monthly editor, Ben Naparstek; So You Think You Can Write; a tribute to children's horror fave, Goosebumps;  open-mic events; and a performance by The Stress Of Leisure. Creative Director Matthew Lowe has relished the chance to bring a little of the BURN philosophy to the festival.

“Our real focus was on providing events that we would like to see ourselves, so moving away from a traditional format where the audience asks the author questions, or listens to an interview between esteemed panellists. We want the sort of event where the people and the audience are both involved in the performance. So that drives all of our events and I think that The Edge is the perfect space to do that.”

The BURN Writers' Collective is known for its role working with young writers to help integrate them into the writing community. One event that will be running both nights is a showcase of the writing of university students, which Matt explains is a helpful platform for emerging writers.

“It's really great because we're starting to develop a bit more of a presence in the Brisbane writing scene, which, over the past couple of years has really blossomed. Our mindset has always been to provide opportunities for young and emerging writers and I think that these types of events really do that, and encourage writers to work collaboratively, rather than alone in silence.”

Catch ‘A Night (Or Two) at The Edge’ on September 3-4 at the State Library of Queensland.