INSPIRED BY NATURE | Johanna Bell, Rhett Davis and James O'Hanlon with Bianca Nogrady
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Bright and early on Sunday morning (yes, at 7:30am!), take a heart-stopping ride on the world’s steepest railway, then wander to the Rainforest Room where — like our featured authors — you may find yourself inspired by nature to tell stories in new and surprising ways.
In her verse novel Department of the Vanishing, Johanna Bell imagines a time of mass extinction and asks, can we live in a world without birdsong? In Liars, Cheats and Copycats, James O’Hanlon reveals the science behind camouflage, mimicry and masquerade. And, for his celebrated novel Arborescence, Rhett Davis offers readers a three-word pitch: People Becoming Trees.
These three very different but equally curious writers will be led in conversation by science journalist Bianca Nogrady.
*The Rainforest Room is not wheelchair accessible.
KEY INFO
Date: Sunday, 1 November 2026
Time: 7:30-9:30am
Venue: Scenic World, Katoomba
Tickets & More Info: https://www.bluemountainswritersfestival.com.au/events/inspired-by-nature
Rhett Davis is the author of Arborescence, a novel about what trees might do if we weren't careful. It was shortlisted for the Aurealis Award for Science Fiction and the Christina Stead Prize for Fiction, and longlisted for the Indie Book Awards and the ALS Gold Medal.
Johanna Bell writes fiction, poetry and children’s books. Her work is widely published and she has won a string of awards, including a Tasmanian Literary Award for her recent novel Department of the Vanishing.
James O’Hanlon isa research scientist turned author, illustrator and freelance creative. James draws from his background to create art and stories that explore themes of exploration, discovery, and embracing the unknown. He is the author of Silk & Venom and Liars, Cheats and Copycats.
This event is part of the 2026 Blue Mountains Writers Festival, head to bluemountainswritersfestival.com.au for more information.
In her verse novel Department of the Vanishing, Johanna Bell imagines a time of mass extinction and asks, can we live in a world without birdsong? In Liars, Cheats and Copycats, James O’Hanlon reveals the science behind camouflage, mimicry and masquerade. And, for his celebrated novel Arborescence, Rhett Davis offers readers a three-word pitch: People Becoming Trees.
These three very different but equally curious writers will be led in conversation by science journalist Bianca Nogrady.
*The Rainforest Room is not wheelchair accessible.
KEY INFO
Date: Sunday, 1 November 2026
Time: 7:30-9:30am
Venue: Scenic World, Katoomba
Tickets & More Info: https://www.bluemountainswritersfestival.com.au/events/inspired-by-nature
Rhett Davis is the author of Arborescence, a novel about what trees might do if we weren't careful. It was shortlisted for the Aurealis Award for Science Fiction and the Christina Stead Prize for Fiction, and longlisted for the Indie Book Awards and the ALS Gold Medal.
Johanna Bell writes fiction, poetry and children’s books. Her work is widely published and she has won a string of awards, including a Tasmanian Literary Award for her recent novel Department of the Vanishing.
James O’Hanlon isa research scientist turned author, illustrator and freelance creative. James draws from his background to create art and stories that explore themes of exploration, discovery, and embracing the unknown. He is the author of Silk & Venom and Liars, Cheats and Copycats.
This event is part of the 2026 Blue Mountains Writers Festival, head to bluemountainswritersfestival.com.au for more information.
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Where is it happening?
Scenic World Blue Mountains, 1 Cliff Dr, Katoomba NSW 2780, Australia, Katoomba
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.
Host or PublisherBlue Mountains Writers' Festival
