Sydney Writers' Festival Making a Writer
Jun 24, 2025
Join Charlotte Wood, a Booker Prize-nominated author, and Colm Tóibín, Irish Fiction Laureate, as they interrogate the literary landscapes of Australia and Ireland. They discuss the challenges of growing as a writer in a country that inadequately supports its creative voices. The conversation dives into personal anecdotes that shape their identities, the transformative process of editing, and the urgent need for arts funding. With a touch of humor, they passionately advocate for reading and nurturing young talent in a vibrant literary community.
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Charlotte Wood's Early Writing Support
- Charlotte Wood credits two English teachers and early community writing classes for nurturing her writing passion.
- Support from a local writer's center made a significant difference in her early development.
Colm Tóibín's Literacy Legacy
- Colm Tóibín shares his family's struggle with illiteracy under the British Empire and their reverence for books.
- This contrast inspired his literary ambition and provided a powerful foundation for his writing.
Irish Writers' London Dilemma
- Irish writers often seek publication in London, experiencing mixed feelings about their colonial literary relationship.
- London publishers historically influenced Irish writers' careers, reflecting complex national identity dynamics.
