MARION will be closed for the festive season from 13 December to 13 January. Thank you for all your support over our 30th Anniversary period! We wish you all a peaceful holiday period filled with plenty to read and time to write. We look forward to sharing an exciting new year ahead!

Today is International Day of People with Disability. One of the many wonderful things about reading is that helps broaden our perspectives. To mark the date, we're sharing a handful of our favourite books written by people with disability. #idpwd2025

Thanks to everyone who came along to our 30th Anniversary End-of-Year Celebration last Friday 28 Nov at Gorman House! Thanks to Capital Brewing for their support and the Gorman Arts Centre team who were brilliant. 🥂Here’s to 30 years of MARION, and many more! marion.ink/news/end-of-...

Our December Focus On is here featuring books by Erik Eklund, Emily Gallagher, edited by Natalie King and Iwantja Arts, Daniel O'Malley, Caroline Palmer, and Peter Papathanasiou! Check out these & more: marion.ink/focus-on #FocusOn @danielomalley.bsky.social @anupress.bsky.social

We are delighted to share that Capital Brewing Co is our Drinks Sponsor for the our End-of-Year Member Gathering! Founded in Canberra in 2016, Capital Brewing Co is one of the largest independent craft breweries in Australia. Thank you so much to Capital Brewing Co for their support!

Have you got your ticket for our End of Year celebration this Friday? CJ Bowerbird will be leading an Open Mic, drinks will be supplied, and in the spirit of the old days, please bring a plate to share. Thanks to Capital Brewing Co. for their support! events.humanitix.com/marion-30th-...

📣 🍸 Date Change ✨ Unfortunately, due to an unexpected venue disruption, we have rescheduled this event. Spirited Words with Craig Cormick, will now take place at Big River Distilling Co. on Friday 5 December. We hope you can join us! Info here: events.humanitix.com/spirited-wor...

Our End of Year MARION Members' Celebration is coming up! We're delighted to have CJ Bowerbird leading an Open Mic for the occasion. Thanks to Capital Brewing Co for their support. We'd love for you to join us! events.humanitix.com/marion-30th-...

Come Write with us this Saturday 15 November 11am–1pm at Tuggeranong Arts Centre for this special SpringOUT edition of Come Write, hosted by Emma Batchelor! This is the final Come Write for the year before it takes a break over the summer. RSVP: marion.ink/come-write-w...

MARION members! Join us at Gorman House as we rewind to 1995, the year our story began. Celebrate our shared history, reconnect with friends and raise a glass to the stories still to come. Thanks to Capital Brewing Co. for their support of this event! events.humanitix.com/marion-30th-...

Our October Focus On features books by Plestia Alaqad, Jack Heath, Dominic Hoey, Kate Liston-Mills, Bridget Vincent, & Robert Wellington: marion.ink/focus-on @drrwel.bsky.social @dominichoey.bsky.social @bloomsburyacad.bsky.social @macmillanaus.bsky.social @allenandunwin.bsky.social #FocusOn

Join MARION, Bookface Gungahlin and Kamberri region writers and readers for a celebration of Queer literature. Featuring local writers and creatives Emma Batchelor, Alex Eagleton, and Jarrad West, this free, informal event will be full of book recommendations, literary discussion and connection.

On Saturday we're holding Writing Short Stories with @kaaronwarren.bsky.social, fresh off the heels of Conflux 19 where she was announced as a winner of 3 Ditmar Awards incl. Best Novel for The Underhistory. Congratulations Kaaron & all winners! Grab your ticket: events.humanitix.com/writing-shor...

Join us for Interdisciplinary Arts Party with Emma Batchelor, in partnership with QL2 Dance as part of SpringOUT Festival! This free, craft focused workshop will give participants an insight into writing in conversation with other artistic disciplines. events.humanitix.com/interdiscipl...

Last chance to join multi-award winning story teller Kaaron Warren as she leads you through the ups and downs of creating short fiction! We’ll find the right voice for your story and build characters who come to life on the page. events.humanitix.com/writing-shor... @kaaronwarren.bsky.social

Join us for Spirited Words, a special 30th anniversary write-in at Big River Distilling with Craig Cormick. This relaxed gathering is for MARION members of all levels, whether you’re a seasoned storyteller or just dipping your pen for the first time. events.humanitix.com/spirited-wor...

Our October Focus On features books by Nick Arley, Eva Baltasar translated by Julia Sanches, Virginia Haussegger, Bri Lee, Jacqui Malins, and Omar Musa. Check out these & more: marion.ink/focus-on #focuson @allenandunwin.bsky.social @simonschusteranz.bsky.social

Truth, Trust and Transparency: MARION Responds to Les Carlyon Literary Prize Decision Read our statement: marion.ink/news/les-car... @allenandunwin.bsky.social @artshub.bsky.social @canberratimes.bsky.social @australia.theguardian.com #lescarlyonliteraryprize #chrismasters

Nigel Featherstone is an award-winning novelist, librettist and now playwright based in Goulburn. Nigel spoke to MARION before rehearsals commenced for The Story of the Oars, an evocative 'mystery with music' which will premiere 19–21 Sept at The Street, Canberra. marion.ink/interviews-m...

We're seeking a part-time Administration & Events Coordinator to be the first point of contact for members and the community. We're looking for an organised, proactive person with strong communication skills and a passion for literature. Applications due Fri 12 Sept! marion.ink/news/join-ou...

Our September Focus On features books by Liz Cameron, Judith Nangala Crispin, Rhett Davis, Edmund Goldrick, Meredith Hambrock, & Robert Macklin with Dr John Gray. Check out these & more marion.ink/focus-on #focuson

“All people deserve to live free from violence. And all victims of violence and their allies must be allowed to speak out about their experience.” Sonia Orchard on withdrawing from the Bendigo Writers Festival.

We’re on the hunt for a part-time Administration and Events Coordinator! Could that be you? MARION is seeking an experienced and motivated individual who feels at home with all things literary to join our team! marion.ink/news/join-ou...

We’re delighted to announce that Barrina South has been appointed to the MARION Board of Directors this month! marion.ink/news/south-j...

📚 Ever wondered how critics read? Join award-winning critic Beejay Silcox for Reading Like a Critic — a hands-on workshop to sharpen your eye + strengthen your writing. Sat 20 September, 10-4pm Harry Hartog ANU, Canberra 🎟️ Tickets: events.humanitix.com/reading-like...

MARION is celebrating 30 yrs with a Spring/Summer season of writerly adventures. First up is the brilliant academic, writer, & broadcaster Kim Huynh ❤️ Join him to explore Ways of Writing & Engaging with Others - 12-4pm, Sat 20 Sept - Harry Hartog ANU 🎟️ Tickets: events.humanitix.com/writing-diff...

We are delighted that Prime Minister's Literary Award shortlist includes “Makarra” by Barrina South, “Warra Warra Wai” by Darren Rix & Craig Cormick and "Australia in 100 words" by Amanda Laugesen. Huge congratulations to everyone who was shortlisted for this prestigious honour!

Join us to celebrate the results of the MARION Science + Storytelling Prize Awards this Saturday 16 August at Tuggeranong Arts Centre. Stay on for August Come Write! This is a free event, but registration is essential: events.humanitix.com/2025-marion-... #ScienceWeek #ScienceWeek2025

🔬📖 Shortlist Announced! MARION Science + Storytelling Prize We are thrilled to announce the shortlist for the MARION Science + Storytelling Prize — a celebration of creative work that explores science through story. The winners will be announced on 16 August during National Science Week.

Canberra-based actor and theatre maker Craig Alexander spoke with MARION during rehearsals for Dylan Van Den Berg’s powerful stage adaptation of Barbara Baynton’s iconic Aus gothic short story, The Chosen Vessel. Find out more. Book your tickets and read the interview: marion.ink/interviews/s...

Our August Focus On is here featuring books by Hiro Arikawa, Alison Booth, Darrow Farr, Jess Kitching, Irfan Master, & Maura Pierlot. Check out these+our region archive: marion.ink/focus-on #focuson @boothalison.bsky.social @allenandunwin.bsky.social

Join award-winning author Irma Gold for Hidden Nerve: Sharpening. This winter, we turn our focus to the foundations of fiction writing: structure, plot & character. Irma's session will cover Editing Essentials. Refine your craft with HIDDEN NERVE: marion.ink/hidden-nerve...

We are delighted to be co-hosting Ginsights with guest author Samantha Faulkner on 7 August from 6–8 pm at Big River Distilling Co! The signature cocktail for Samantha’s visit is a Citrus Spritz full of warm flavours and colours to evoke the Torres Strait. bigriverdistilling.com.au/collections/...

Join award-winning author Peter Papathanasiou for Hidden Nerve: Sharpening. This winter, we turn our focus to the foundations of fiction writing: structure, plot & character. Peter's session will cover Plot Development. Refine your craft with HIDDEN NERVE: marion.ink/hidden-nerve...

More than 100 high-profile and distinguished Australians -and BA graduates- have signed the @austhistassoc.bsky.social open letter calling for the repeal of Job-Ready Graduates: a policy that punishes humanities students with life-changing debts: www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...

So brilliant! ❤️ www.theguardian.com/books/2025/j...

We are delighted to announce Olivia Congdon as our judge for the MARION Science + Storytelling Prize! There are still a few days left to make your submission for the MARION Science + Storytelling Prize: marion.ink/science-stor... #ScienceWeek #ScienceWeek2025

Looking forward to seeing who wins the Miles Franklin tonight. A shame that they pay tax on their winnings but if you win the Block or a TV game show you don't pay tax. Past time for change! australiainstitute.org.au/post/heres-s...

Love this new literary trail focussing on First Nations music and language - now available on BLACWORDS @austlit.bsky.social Fantastic resource for educators, please share widely 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

Join award-winning author Irfan Master for Hidden Nerve: Sharpening. This winter, we turn our focus to the foundational tools of fiction writing: structure, plot, and character. Irfan's session will focus on Character Development. Refine your craft-sign up for HIDDEN NERVE now!

Deadline extended until 11:59pm 27 July! The MARION Science + Storytelling Prize is looking for original, imaginative short written works that respond to the 2025 National Science Week theme: Decoding the Universe – Exploring the unknown with nature’s hidden language. marion.ink/science-stor...

We are delighted to be sponsoring Ginsights with guest author Sam Guthrie tomorrow 24 July from 6–8 pm at Big River Distilling Co! Ginsights is hosted by Big River Distilling & Paperchain Bookstore, & co-sponsored by MARION and Canberra Writers Festival. bigriverdistilling.com.au/collections/...

The MARION Science + Storytelling Prize invites ACT-based writers of all ages to creatively explore the wonders of science through storytelling. The Prize is free to enter and has a $1,600 prize pool. Entries close Tuesday 22 July–don't miss out! marion.ink/science-stor...

Presenting the Winter Season of Hidden Nerve: Sharpening! Held over 3 Saturday mornings Hidden Nerve: Sharpening will feature Irfan Master on Character Development, Peter Papathanasiou on Plot Development, and Irma Gold on Editing Essentials Book now: marion.ink/hidden-nerve...

Our July Focus On is here featuring Joan Beaumont, Cormac Farrell, Greg Jericho, Angie Faye Martin, Fiona Kelly McGregor, & Emma Pei Yin: marion.ink/focus-on @grogsgamut.bsky.social @emmapeiyin.bsky.social @cormacfarrell.bsky.social @angiefayemartin.bsky.social @fionakellymcgregor.bsky.social

Magabala titles 'Big, Big Love' by Lisa Fuller, illustrated by Samantha Campbell, and 'Compassion' by Julie Janson have won 2025 ACT Literary Awards. 'Refugia' by Elfie Shiosaki was also highly commended in the Poetry category. Read more here: bit.ly/4lchtTf Congrats to all 📚

📢 CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS – MARION Science + Storytelling Prize Are you an ACT-based writer with a curious mind? Explore the hidden language of nature through storytelling! Submit a short story, essay, poem, or hybrid piece and you could win. Find out more here: marion.ink/science-stor...

🎉 Congratulations to Danny Corvini, and Stun magazine. Danny is the recipient of the 2025 Canberra Airport Recognition Award for Literacy Inclusion. It was wonderful to celebrate his contributions to our region at the ACT Literary Awards!! ❤️ .

I didn’t win but I was extremely excited to be shortlisted 💕 Thanks @marion-writers.bsky.social

Thank you so much to everyone who donated to our 30th Anniversary Fundraiser – EOFY Giving Drive! Congratulations to Jacinta Froud, Cate Furey, Dianne Lucas, and Lucy Neave who have each won one of our Read & Relax packs 🩵