Regional writers from around Australia present a program of workshops, readings & discussions in romance, crime, poetry, young adult fiction and short story writing. And if you have a writing project you are seeking advice on, you can book in for a one-on-one consultation (each event $15). This is a great opportunity for budding writers to learn and enjoy! To book for an event please contact Varuna via email and then complete a booking form available on the website. For full timetable details & booking form go to www.varuna.com.au and the Varuna Community Open Day is being held on Saturday, 11 October from 2 to 4pm with readings and afternoon tea in the garden at Varuna – this is a free event. LongLines Community Week brings writers from all round Australia to Varuna specially to work with the writers of the Blue Mountains community. Supported by the Blue Mountains City Council through the Cultural Partnerships Program, LongLines Community Week is a thank you from Australia's regional writers to the Blue Mountains community for the gift of Varuna – The Writers' House.

The Crime Writers Association of Australia was set up in the mid 1990s to promote and encourage Australian crimewriting through the establishment of the Ned Kelly Awards. The 'annual Neddies' have subsequently become an eagerly anticipated fixture on the Australian literary scene and the winners of the Ned Kelly Awards 2008 are:

Best First Fiction: The Low Road, Chris Womersley (Scribe) Best Fiction: Shatter, Michael Robotham (Hachette Livre) Best Non-Fiction: Red Centre, Dark Heart, Evan McHugh (Penguin) Lifetime Achievement Award Marele Day. It is fantastic recognition for Michael Robotham who visited Orange as Ambassador for Books Alive. Check out the image gallery for the awards event at www.nedkellyawards.com