GINSIGHTS
Co-presented by Big River Distilling Co, Canberra Writers Festival and MARION
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GINSIGHTS:
MICHAEL MOHAMMED AHMAD
Thursday 5th February - 6pm
Olims Bar & Bistro, Mercure Hotel
Ainslie Ave & Limestone Ave, Braddon
On Thursday 5 February from 6-8pm, Olims Bar and Bistro will host Ginsights in the Lounge with acclaimed author Michael Mohammed Ahmad in conversation about his new release novel Bugger. Mohammed’s work explores the intersections of ethnicity, religion and class, and depicts the personal and political consequences of both marginalisation and solidarity. In Bugger he writes with devastating poignancy and gritty tenderness, revealing an uncompromising representation of abuse and explores the impact one day can have on a lifetime.
Mohammed is the founding director of Sweatshop Literacy Movement and editor of the critically acclaimed anthology After Australia (Affirm Press, 2020). Mohammed's debut novel, The Tribe (Giramondo, 2014), won the 2015 Sydney Morning Herald Best Young Novelists Award. His second novel, The Lebs (Hachette, 2018), won the 2019 NSW Premier's Multicultural Literary Award and was shortlisted for the 2019 Miles Franklin Award. His third novel, The Other Half of You (Hachette, 2021), won the Queensland Literary Award for Fiction Book of the Year, and was shortlisted for the Miles Franklin Award and the Voss Literary Prize.
At Ginsights we will have a formal Q&A and guests will also be able to share cocktails and informal conversations with Mohammed. Our bookseller event partner Paperchain bookstore will have copies of Mohammed’s books for sale and signing on the night. The Olims Bar will be selling a cocktail of the night featuring Big River spirits, alongside a Big River G&T, in addition to their usual selection of drinks. Olims Bistro will be open to purchase snacks and meals.
This is a ticketed event in the Carlton Lounge located between the Mercure Hotel registration desk and the Olims Bar and Bistro.
All are welcome to come along to join this informal reader/writer conversation co-sponsored by Big River Distilling Co, Canberra Writers Festival and MARION.
GINSIGHTS:
J.P. POMARE
Wednesday 25th March - 6pm
Olims Bar & Bistro, Mercure Hotel
Ainslie Ave & Limestone Ave, Braddon
Join us for an evening of crime fiction, cocktails and conversation as Olims Bar & Bistro hosts Ginsights in the Carlton Lounge, featuring bestselling author JP Pomare in conversation about his gripping new novel, The Gambler.
JP Pomare is a proud Māori (Ngāpuhi) writer who grew up in Aotearoa and now lives in Melbourne. With seven novels to his name, he’s widely regarded as your favourite crime author’s favourite crime author, earning praise from literary heavyweights including Dervla McTiernan, Ian Rankin, Michael Robotham and Benjamin Stevenson.
The Gambler introduces PI Vince Reid in the first book of JP’s brand-new series. Reid is offered what seems like an easy case: why did a respected local woman open fire at a political rally, killing a promising young university graduate? It’s meant to be a sure thing—but as Reid digs deeper, unseen forces begin to surface and the stakes rise dangerously high. Will he walk away a winner, or pay the ultimate price?
Following the success of 17 Years Later, The Gambler is a sharp, timely thriller that reflects JP’s keen insight into how AI and technology are being used by the criminal underworld to scam, radicalise and destroy lives—often with terrifying ease.
Readers may already know JP’s work, but viewers can also catch his latest screen adaptation, Watching You, now streaming on Stan.
The evening will feature a formal Q&A, followed by relaxed, informal conversations over drinks. Our event bookseller Paperchain Bookstore will have copies of JP’s books available for purchase and signing. Olims Bar & Bistro will offer a cocktail of the night featuring Big River spirits, alongside a Big River G&T and their full menu of drinks and dining options.
This informal reader–writer event is proudly co-presented by Big River Distilling Co, Canberra Writers Festival and MARION.
