To the delight of the organisers, huge crowds turned out over this last weekend at The Rydges Tradeswinds Hotel in Cairns to celebrate, associate and educate their fellow exponents in the art of writing.

Workshops were held by established and sucessful writers and high profile publishers.  Talks and lectures were given to attracted audiences with plenty of new ideas presented and valuable lessons learned. 

It never ceases to amaze how writers especially successful ones are ready and willing to share their knowledge and experience with both their peers and any lesser mortals who may have just started on their road to writing. 

All those who come along greedily absorb the words of wisdom and gratefully note the experiences retold.  Whilst most writers have the same emotions like envy and jealousy as in any other walks of life, it seems in art they are more capable of overcoming that negativity to teach, learn and prosper from others success.

The Cairns Writers Festival expertly accommodated exactly that need during this weekend.  The range and volume of talks, lectures and workshops laid on was as sumptious, exciting, entertaining and most importantly educational as any attendee could hope for.

There were so many highlights throughout the weekend but maybe four standouts (Editors view) were Philip Newey from All-read-E discussing the structure of writing entitled, "Architect, Builder and Interior Designer." 

Matthew Kelly from Hachette Publishers giving his opinion on trends and the future.  Ian McCalman in fascinating conversation with Sonja Anderson discussing his amazing new book, "The Reef - A Passionate History."

And Bill Wilkie and Jack Heywood chatting about their work for both Bills forthcoming publication and Jacks local community play about the Daintree Blockade.  The audience was  treated to a short musical performance sampler from Jacks play introducing two of the crucial characters of his play; the bullbozers!!

The Writers Festival proved to be an excellent meeting ground to expand contact bases and learn about the latest trends and fashions making the publishers go 'wobbly at the knees'. 

Very well attended with many congratluations going to the organisers for setting the scene so well for this superb annual festival.