In Her Words

Join us for an inspiring morning as we celebrate women authors, their stories, and the power of friendship and community.

In Her Words brings together six incredible voices who will share the highs and lows of their writing journeys, the challenges they’ve faced, and the importance of community in the literary world.

Featuring:
✨ Claudine Tinnellis
✨ Karina May
✨ Aunty Barb Nicholson
✨ Hayley Scrivenor
✨ Catherine McKinnon
✨ Camille Booker

This is more than a panel—it’s a celebration of resilience, creativity, and connection.

About the Panellists:

Claudine Tinellis

Claudine is a Sydney-based author, podcaster, and literary advocate. A former corporate lawyer, she transitioned into publishing in 2014 and is best known as the creator and host of the popular podcast Talking Aussie Books, which champions Australian fiction and has featured hundreds of authors. She is also a founding member of the Northern Beaches Readers Festival and a fiction judge for the Woollahra Digital Literary Award. Claudine writes contemporary women’s fiction and is passionate about fostering literary community.

Karina May

Karina is one of Australia’s brightest new voices in women’s commercial fiction. A former magazine journalist turned digital marketer, she is the author of romantic comedies including Duck à l’Orange for Breakfast and Never Ever Forever. Her debut was longlisted for the Indie Book Awards, and she co-hosts the popular podcast That Rom Com Pod. Karina’s stories are known for their humour, heart, and global settings.

Aunty Barb Nicholson

Aunty Barb is a respected Wadi Wadi Elder, poet, and activist from the Illawarra. She holds a degree in English Literature and an Honorary Doctorate of Laws from the University of Wollongong. She is the founder and director of the Ngana Barangarai (Black Wallaby) Project, which publishes anthologies of writing by First Nations inmates, including the acclaimed Dreaming Inside series. Her decades-long work in education and literature has earned her a Lifetime Achievement Award from the First Nations Australian Writers Network.

Hayley Scrivenor

Hayley is the internationally bestselling author of Dirt Town and Girl Falling. Her debut won the Lambda Literary Award for LGBTQ+ Mystery and the ILP John Creasey Dagger, and was shortlisted for multiple major prizes. Hayley has a PhD in Creative Writing from the University of Wollongong and lives on Dharawal Country. Her work explores secrets, shame and human resilience.

Catherine McKinnon

Catherine is a Miles Franklin Award-shortlisted author and playwright. Her acclaimed novel Storyland was shortlisted for multiple literary prizes, and her latest work, To Sing of War, has been praised for its lyrical depth and historical scope. Catherine’s plays have been produced nationally, and she teaches creative writing at the University of Wollongong. Her writing often explores interconnectedness, history, and the environment.

Camille Booker

Camille is an award-winning historical fiction author and creative writing teacher. Her debut novel What If You Fly? was published in 2021, and her second, The Woman in the Waves, won the Hawkeye Manuscript Development Prize and was released in 2025. Camille’s work blends mystery, history, and strong female characters. She is currently completing a PhD in Creative Writing and is passionate about mentoring emerging writers.

Dymocks Nowra will be selling copies of our panellists works on the day.

Important Information:

This event will be held at the Nowra School of Arts, at 11 Berry Street.

While this event will not be catered, please feel free to support our local cafes and BYO tea or coffee to enjoy.

Please note that the venue is subject to change depending on bookings. Ensure your contact details are accurate so we can advise you of any changes.

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Host or Publisher Shoalhaven Libraries