Where Storytellers Meet: Q&A with Melbourne Literary Salon
WB: What is Melbourne Literary Salon and what makes it unique?
MLS: The Melbourne Literary Salon is a regular, friendly and informal meeting place for all those who are active in the literary world: writers, illustrators, editors, publishers, librarians, journalists, booksellers, arts programmers. It’s a welcoming environment that’s designed as a relaxed networking session: writers and artists tend to spend a lot of time working alone, and the Salon is a space to connect with like-minded literary types.
Unlike most literary events, there are no readings or extended talks: the focus is on getting to know one another, sharing ideas and expertise and generally providing a supportive, interesting environment. We’re all about that bit that normally starts to happen at the very end of other events: the fascinating conversations that don’t quite happen because everyone has to leave before their car parking expires.
In short, it’s where storytellers meet!
WB: How did these events come to be?
MLS: I set-up and then hosted the Edinburgh Literary Salon from 2005-2011, designing it as a meeting place for writers, publishers and all those working with books and festivals. We got a great mix of people, who began cooking up projects with new-found colleagues, and it’s still going strong eight years later. When I moved from that City of Literature to this one, there seemed to be opportunity for a similar space: there’s an equally strong creative community here, and I wanted a way to meet everyone. It has turned out to be a great and simple way for the literary community to regularly get together.
WB: If I come along to Melbourne Literary Salon, what will my experience be like?
MLS: We’re very friendly. You’ll be met near the door, usually by me, and can say hello and grab a drink from the bar before having chance to chat to the other writers and storytellers. I give a very short 60-second speech rounding up news, opportunities and projects from around the literary city, and do some introductions. Any first-timers will be adopted by regular attendees, to make sure that they feel comfortable and get to meet a range of people: and then it’s all about the mingling.
WB: When and how can I join in?
*Sometimes we also talk about things other than books.You don’t have to be a book nerd – it just helps.
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