Book lovers prepare for the literary event of 2025

Picture this: you're wandering through a festival filled with the rustle of turning pages, the excited chatter of book lovers, and the anticipation that only comes when your favourite authors are about to share their stories.

The clock is ticking down to the Riverina Readers Festival - it's this weekend - and festival director Mel Fattore has every reason to be excited.

"The line up this year is exhilarating; and it is wonderful when we all come together to celebrate reading in all of its forms," she says, her enthusiasm infectious.

And what a lineup it is.

Nearly 16 speakers will grace the stage, including headlining Australian and international bestselling author Rachael Johns, who's making her first trip to the Riverina.

With over 20 novels under her belt, including The Patterson Girls which won the 2016 ABIA for General Fiction, Johns brings serious literary credentials to the festival.

She's also a two-time winner of the Romance Writers of Australia RUBY Award; this extraordinary interview will be moderated by Australian award-winning author and podcaster, Irma Gold.

But this isn't just about the big names.

The festival celebrates reading in all its forms, with something for every taste.

Crime fiction fans will relish hearing from bestselling authors Mark Brandi and Anna Snoekstra, alongside the returning and locally-adored Sulari Gentill.

They'll be sharing their humorous insights around writing the books that have us craving for more.

There's a strong rural romance contingent too, with Australian Country Romance experts Maya Linnell, Alissa Callen and Stella Quinn ready to transport readers to worlds of love and heartbreak against the backdrop of the Australian landscape.

For those drawn to newer genres, prepare to travel through new doorways of fiction with romantasy authors Kell Woods and Lyndall Clipstone, accompanied by Australian bestselling Young Adult Fantasy and dark academia author, Lili Wilkinson.

This panel will be facilitated by past Wagga local, talented journalist and avid reader, Tahlia Sinclair.

The festival also celebrates local talent.

Wagga Wagga's very own Young Adult and Children's author, Gabrielle Tozer - known for The Unexpected Mess of It All, Can't Say it Went to Plan, The Intern, Melody Trumpet, and Peas and Quiet - will be welcoming visitors on the day.

She'll be joined by Wuilli Wuilli woman and award-winning Young Adult author, Lisa Fuller, and 2024 Prime Minister's Literary Award Winner for Young Adult Fiction, William Kostakis.

Perhaps most intriguingly, the festival will explore the therapeutic power of reading.

Leading Australian Bibliotherapist, Dr. Susan McLaine will discuss the studied and practiced benefits of reading, explaining the power of walking through ink and paper into new worlds.

Bibliotherapy is a therapeutic approach employing books and other forms of literature, typically alongside more traditional therapy modalities, to support a patient's mental health.

Adding gravitas to the proceedings is 2023 Miles Franklin award-winner Shankari Chandran, whose presence underscores the festival's commitment to celebrating literary excellence.

"Presale tickets have been selling like hotcakes, and as long as we do not sell out, tickets can be bought at the door," Mel explains.

It's clear the community is hungry for this celebration of the written word. The festival organisers have been working with a local illustrator who has created a "To be read" festival list, which people can download from the Riverina Reader's Festival website and colour in at their leisure.

The talented illustrator will also be creating an artwork throughout the day that people can admire as it progresses.

Each year, the Riverina Readers Festival Inc. chooses an organisation that directly supports reading accessibility, reading in all its forms, or reading skills.

For 2024, that organisation is Story Dogs - a national literacy program where a volunteer, child and trained story dog spend dedicated time once-a-week in a school practicing reading at the child's reading level while building self-confidence and literacy skills for life. Donations can be made at ticket purchase or on the day.

The practical details are sorted too.

Doors open at 9:00AM for seat selections, festival merchandise sales and book sales, supported by Collins Booksellers Wagga Wagga.

The first panel commences at 9:30AM, with book signings and author meet and greets available following each session. While no food or drink will be available on site, local friends from Birdy Brew and Birdy Bar are offering a special 20% discount on all food and drink to festival ticket holders.

Simply show your wristband received upon entry and the discount applies all day across both cafe and bar.

BYO food and drink is welcome at this alcohol and drug free event.

This is more than just a festival; it's a celebration of the power of stories to connect us, heal us, and transport us to new worlds.

Whether you're drawn to crime fiction's dark mysteries, romance's hopeful endings, or the therapeutic possibilities of bibliotherapy, there's something here for every reader.

The Riverina community has always understood the importance of coming together, and this festival embodies that spirit perfectly.

It's a day when the love of reading brings people together, when local and visiting authors share their passion, and when the simple act of turning a page becomes a celebration.

Mark your calendars. Get your tickets. And prepare to fall in love with reading all over again.