Bibliophiles, take your nose out of your book. Singapore Writers Festival 2024 is back and here are six best-selling authors we’re lining up to meet!
Calling lovers of words, stories and all things literature: Asia’s premier literary event is back and you’ll wanna pencil this into your calendar. Yes, we’re talking about the Singapore Writers Festival 2024, organised by Arts House Limited! The 27th edition of this multilingual literary festival will be held from 8 to 17 November this year, and as writers (and certified book lovers), we’ve been fervently counting down to its return.
Themed ‘In Our Nature’, this year’s festival is all about looking inward and reflecting on what it means to be human. With over 200 programmes, expect an exciting line-up comprising immersive experiences, exhibitions, performances and film screenings. What are we most stoked for? The meet-the-author sessions and talks where we can get up close with our favourite literary legends. Here are six best-selling authors who will be staging an appearance at the Singapore Writers Festival 2024!
Meet 6 top authors at Singapore Writers Festival 2024
1. Esi Edugyan, author of Washington Black
We can always count on historical fiction books to transport us to distant eras and places, and Esi Edugyan does this exceptionally well with her sensitively told stories. Her Booker-shortlisted novels Washington Black and Half-Blood Blues whisk us away to perilous eras where the protagonists undergo violent oppression like slavery.
Here’s your chance to sit down with Edugyan as she unveils how historical fiction can be used with care to tackle complex issues like identity, freedom and power.
Meet the Author: Esi Edugyan, Victoria Theatre, 15 November, 8pm to 9pm, $30 per ticket
2. Baek Sehee, author of I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki
With such an intriguing title, it’s no wonder why this best-seller has received tremendous attention on platforms like BookTok (aka the vibrant book community on TikTok). But look beneath the quirky tagline and you’ll uncover an intimate story of a young woman navigating her mental health issues.
Part memoir and part self-help book, this debut story from Baek Sehee will resonate with anyone who’s ever felt alone in their everyday despair. Join this intimate conversation with Baek where you’ll get to ask candid questions, pick her brain and unpack her powerful stories.
Meet the Author: Baek Sehee, Victoria Theatre, 16 November, 4pm to 5pm, $30 per ticket
3. Cat Bohannon, author of Eve
Think you understand the history of evolution? Cat Bohannon’s bestseller Eve challenges everything you know about it by putting the female body in the spotlight. Witty and hard-hitting, it’s an eye-opening read about the development of the female sex over the last 200 million years and how that has shaped our lives today.
If this discussion piques your curiosity, secure a spot at the keynote session with Bohannon as she delves into her book and unravels new perspectives on the history you thought you knew. Come ready to learn, un-learn and deep-dive into our evolutionary past!
Festival Keynote Talk: Cat Bohannon, Victoria Theatre, 16 November, 7pm to 8pm, $30 per ticket
4. Shehan Karunatilaka, author of The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida
Buckle up ‘cos this 2022 Booker Prize-winning novel by Shehan Karunatilaka will take you on a wild ride! Set in the tumultuous state of Sri Lanka in 1989, this magical realism story follows a dead war photographer trying to uncover the truth behind his death. It’s a satirical and witty tale with whodunnit elements that thriller fans will love.
Save the date for a cosy meet-the-author session with Shehan. Listen as he opens up about his writing journey, answers questions about this riveting story and discusses the art of magical realism in storytelling.
Meet the Author: Shehan Karunatilaka, Victoria Concert Hall, 10 November, 11.30am to 12.30pm, $30 per ticket
5. Gregory Pardlo, author of Spectral Evidence and Digest
Poetry fans, here’s a literary legend you don’t want to miss. Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Gregory Pardlo will hold a masterclass where he’ll impart his experiences and insights on poetry creation. Learn how to draw from the beauty and ugliness within your reality, history and culture to craft personal poems with powerful storytelling. An ode to the festival theme, this masterclass will spur you to reflect on the destructive forces in your life and gain strength from them.
After the Fire: Masterclass Talk with Gregory Pardlo, Chamber, The Arts House at the Old Parliament, 9 November, 2.30pm to 3.30pm, $30 per ticket
6. Krystal Sutherland, author of House of Hollow and The Invocations
Ever wondered how your favourite horror novels come to life? Let internationally published author Krystal Sutherland (whose books have been published in more than 20 countries!) share some tips and tricks on crafting spine-chilling stories with creepy atmospheric settings. Not for the faint-hearted, her bestselling books House of Hollow and The Invocations embody the essence of gothic horror, featuring quintessential supernatural elements like witches and demons. Horror lovers and thrill junkies, you’ll want in on this.
Meet the Author: Krystal Sutherland, Victoria Concert Hall, 10 November, 5.30pm to 6.30pm, entry by Festival Pass
Singapore Writers Festival 2024: A thought-provoking line-up awaits
From robust discussions on civil war and female evolution to mental wellness, it’s your chance to flex those mental muscles and pick the brains of these top literary stars. Besides getting up-close and personal with your fave authors, don’t miss the full Singapore Writers Festival line-up with over 200 programmes from 8 to 17 November 2024.
While individually ticketed programmes are available for selected events (including the meet-the-author, masterclass and keynote talk sessions), we’d recommend getting the SWF Festival Pass or Youth Pass for fuss-free access. This one pass offers access to up to 150 diverse programmes, including panel discussions, talks, workshops, readings and more.
Snag your tickets on the website and get ready to celebrate the best of Singapore’s and Asia’s literary world!
This post is in partnership with Arts House Limited, organiser of Singapore Writers Festival 2024.
