Stories from the West

Meet the shortlisted authors of the 2026 Western Australian Book Awards at a day of panel discussions, book signings and live experiences that spotlight the richness, diversity and daring of WA writing.

Hear from some of the state’s most exciting voices as they explore identity, history, world-building and comedy. Each event offers fresh insight into how stories are shaped, moulded and brought to life. In between sessions, enjoy a drink at the bar and have your book signed at the Boundless Books pop-up bookshop. Cheer on illustrators and authors as they battle it out in Pictionary duels.

Whether you're a reader, writer, fan or simply curious about the stories being crafted across WA, join us at the State Library. Come for the whole day or choose your favourite event.

Panels and Events

Unlabelled and Unleashed: Stories bigger (or smaller) than the box (10am–11am)

Join Mabel Gibson, Kaya Orbitz, Holden Sheppard and Andrea Thompson as they explore moving beyond labels and identity-based expectations, how to resist being boxed in, and navigating the tension between representation and storytelling. Moderated by Geoff Hutchinson.

Bloodlines and Storylines: Writing what we carry (11.45am–12.45pm)

David Blacker, David Price, Shey Marque, Lizzie Marrkilyi Giles Ellis and Jan Turner come together to discuss balancing truth and historical accuracy, dealing with cultural narratives and telling untold stories. Moderated by Lisa Collyer.

Dice, Drama and Dragons: World building on the fly, a live D&D experience (1.30pm–2.30pm)

Dive into an hour of unpredictable magic as Kitty Black, Bianca Breen and H.M. Waugh build worlds on the fly, crafting characters as wild as their imaginations in a live D&D showdown. With Dungeon Master Stephen B Platt.

Picture This! Imagination on the clock (2.30pm–3.15pm)

Unticketed pop-in event.

A Pictionary-inspired live event where Gavin Aung Than, Cristy Burne and Shirley Marr face off in a series of timed illustration challenges. Expect giggles, gasps and plenty of creative chaos as the crowd tries to decode each drawing before the buzzer.

Place Steals the Scene: Locations with main character energy (3.15pm-4.15pm)

From wild coasts to urban grit, discover how a setting can become a force of its own as Rosanne Dingli, Sara Foster, Elizabeth Green, Tasma Walton and David Whish-Wilson dissect the art of making readers feel a place. Moderated by Julia Lawrinson.

Stand Up to Sit Down: Comedy as craft (5pm-6pm)

From Andrew HC McDonald’s precision‑engineered punchlines to Patrick Marlborough’s beautifully feral narrative chaos, this session dives into how comedians turn timing, rhythm and questionable life choices into writing gold. Bravely moderated by Kate Emery.