From sex to surfing -- Reality returns to the Coast

Last year's hugely successful nonfiction writers' festival, Reality Bites, returns to the Sunshine Coast as a season of literary events spread over the coming winter months.

The Sunshine Coast Council-run event will feature 33 celebrated writers covering topics ranging from sex to surfing, politics to national service, travel to Indigenous Australia. The first session kicks off on Saturday 6 June and the program wraps up on Sunday 2 August.

Some of Australia's sharpest minds and most gifted storytellers will contribute to this year's program, including:

* Multi-award-winning journalist Hugh Lunn
* Bettina Arndt, psychologist, writer, sex therapist and social commentator
* Lonely Planet's Innovation Ecosystem Manager Matthew Cashmore
* Caroline Jones, ABC Radio National presenter and contributor/presenter of Australian Story since its inception in 1996.

Bernice Childs, from the Sunshine Coast Council's cultural team, said the program had been developed with a small team led by local author and literary agent Annette Hughes.

"It is exciting to work with such experienced people living in our region," she said.

"We would not be able to offer the range of genres, from blogging to memoir and screenwriting to journalism, without the support and knowledge of our local community members.

"The season covers a mix of individual presentations, panel discussions and debates, literary lunches, screenings, in-conversations and readings.

"Whether you are a reader, writer, historian or an avid current affairs follower, there is something for all tastes on the Reality Bites program."

Note:
Hard copies of the Reality Bites program can be ordered by calling 07 5472 0107 or emailing bernice.childs@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au or www.realitybitesfestival.blogspot.com

WEEKEND 1 - 6/7 JUNE
WEEKEND 2 - 13/14 JUNE
WEEKEND 3 - 4/5 JULY
WEEKEND 4 - 25/26 JULY
WEEKEND 5 - 1/2 AUGUST