Four exceptional and celebrated writers to headline the National Writers’ Conference on 18 June as part of the 2022 Emerging Writers’ Festival.

The 2022 EWF Ambassadors are writer, broadcaster, and award-winning social advocate Yassmin Abdel-Magied (Yassmin’s Story, forthcoming Talking About a Revolution), award-winning author and editor Jennifer Down (Bodies of Light, Pulse Points), Stella Prize shortlisted writer and multidisciplinary artist Jamie Marina Lau (Gunk Baby, Pink Mountain on Locust Island) and poet and academic Jeanine Leane (Purple Threads, Walk Back Over).

This year’s Ambassadors are all at the forefronts of their fields. Having achieved both literary and commercial success, they are the perfect mentors to inspire and empower the next generation of writers at the National Writers’ Conference, the centrepiece event of EWF.

It’s a privilege and a pleasure to return to EWF as an Ambassador [after] almost a decade of attending as an audience member and artist. EWF sets an incredible standard for exciting, inclusive, enlivening arts programming: each year I learn so much from the generous writers, readers, critics and other practitioners involved. In celebrating emerging voices, we open the door to a greater breadth of experience, talent and perspective — and create a more accurate representation of contemporary storytelling in so-called Australia.

#EWF22 Ambassador Jennifer Down

Continuing from two successful years of hosting the National Writers’ Conference (NWC) online, the NWC remains a digital affair – giving anyone across the country the opportunity to attend. The conference is designed to allow emerging writers to develop their craft, via a selection of keynotes, panels, workshops and industry pitching sessions. This year, each of our Ambassadors will share their knowledge via a keynote presentation, and an interactive industry advice panel session, 4 x 4 Rules of Writing.

We’re honoured to have some of the best writing talent from across this continent as Ambassadors for our festival, year on year. This year is certainly no exception, as we welcome and celebrate four fabulous writers working across varied disciplines and forms. We are so excited to learn from them at the National Writers’ Conference.

EWF Artistic Director Ruby-Rose Pivet-Marsh

The National Writers’ Conference is held online on Saturday 18 June. Early bird tickets to the National Writers’ Conference are on sale from now. Purchase tickets here.

Emerging Writers’ Festival returns 15–25 June 2022.