May 1 2009 Food for thought at literary lunches

Local cuisine and lashings of insight from Australia's top writers will be on the menu at three literary lunches being served up as part of the Reality Bites non-fiction literary festival from 6 June to 2 August.

Returning to the Coast after a hugely successful debut in 2008, the festival will feature some of Australia's top authors and gifted storytellers over a season of 21 literary events from Sunshine Beach to Cooroy.

Community Policy and Programs Portfolio Councillor Jenny McKay said the luncheons would allow audiences to get up close and personal with four top-selling Australian authors.

"The literary lunches will provide for all tastes -- from surfing to tennis to surviving a midlife crisis," Cr McKay said.

"Audiences can hear first-hand what makes their favourite author tick and of the life events that have inspired them to write and share their story."

The literary lunch program includes:

* Sunday 14 June: The Commentary of Motion -- Surf writers Tim Baker and Phil Jarratt will discuss the sport, the athletes and the love of surfing. Sunshine Beach Surf Club, two-course meal.

* Sunday 5 July: Sweet Surrender with Mary Moody -- Former Gardening Australia presenter and author Mary Moody will share her story of coming to terms with her midlife crisis and French escapes by embracing the inevitable -- ageing and the pull of family. The Boathouse, two-course lunch.

* Sat 25 July: The Great Fletch with Hugh Lunn -- Best-selling author and raconteur Hugh Lunn will tell the tale of how he's captured the life of his best friend, the larrikin tennis player Kenny Fletcher, in his latest book. The Boathouse, two-course lunch.

Bookings are essential, on 5472 0107 or email bernice.childs@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au


The luncheons form only a small part of the extensive Reality Bites program, which features 33 speakers in 21 sessions over five weekends this coming winter. For the full program, visit your nearest library or Sunshine Coast Council Customer Service Centre, or go to: www.realitybitesfestival.blogspot.com