Literary luminaries: Vogel winner at UNSW

One of the Australian literary world's rising stars, Andrew Croome, will speak at the inaugural UNSWriting NewSouthWriters Seminar Series this week (Wednesday, 16 September).

Croome is the first of a series of high-profile writers confirmed to take part in this new literary event series. Writers for future events include Tom Keneally on 8 October, and David Malouf in 2010.

All events are free, fully catered, and supported by booksellers.

"We hope to foster a literary festival atmosphere," said Stephen Muecke, Professor of Writing at UNSW, "where writers and readers can meet and exchange ideas in a fun and social setting."

Croome, who last year won the richest prize in the history of The Australian/Vogel Literary Award, will speak on the eve of the announcement of this year's winner. Previous winners include Tim Winton, Kate Grenville, Mandy Sayer and Brian Castro.

He will talk about what inspired him to write his novel Document Z -a tale of political espionage at the height of the Cold War, telling the story of the infamous Petrov Affair.

The author will give an insight into how he finally managed to finish the book, despite countless earlier drafts and how his life has changed since winning the $50,000 cash prize and publishing contract with Allen and Unwin.

Andrew's publisher, Annette Barlow, will introduce him.

The NewSouthWriters Seminar Series is sponsored by the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences and UNSWriting, the Creative Writing Program at UNSW.

What:NewSouthWriters Seminar Series: Andrew Croome in conversationWhen:6pm for 6.30pm start, Wednesday 16 SeptemberWhere:NewSouth Global Theatre, Robert Webster Building

Media contact: Susi Hamilton, UNSW media, 9385 1583 or 0422 934 024.