A must attend event. Acclaimed and sometimes controversial Scottish author and playwright Irvine Welsh in conversation with the ABC’s Richard Fidler. Best known as the writer of the Trainspotting series, Welsh will chat about Dead Men’s Trousers, the fifth novel in the series that has made Welsh a household name in the literary world. Hear from the man who swears he had a criminal record at eight years old.

Netflix. The rise of the dictator. Brexit. Global refugee crisis. Cyber wars. The challenge of China. At a time of unprecedented global change, when technology is threatening the humble newsagent and ushering in the driverless car, our illustrious panel will attempt to sift through this new world disorder. Where are the strong global leaders for these treacherous times? Will Donald Trump win a second term or be impeached for past misdeeds? And will bookstores survive the onslaught of Amazon?

Canberra's creative life is burgeoning and these three highly successful authors will share with you the paths they have taken, what drives their writing, have they made it yet or what will it take to say "I’ve made it". Jack Heath, Andrew Hutchison and Ellen Broad will talk about their writing journey. The highs and the lows and where to next with creative industries academic Dr. Sandra Phillips.