2026 Festival

Speaker Profile

Francesca Carter

Francesca Carter is a communications specialist and a member of the Sorrento Writers Festival programming committee. She began her career as a journalist with Fairfax and News Limited, where she developed a deep understanding of what makes a compelling story. As a mother of three young children, Francesca is passionate about how storytelling can inspire a lifelong love of reading.
Free Event

The Power of the (Morn) Pen and Its Impact on My writing

Thursday April 23
Hotel Sorrento (Cooper Room)
9.00am / 60 mins

Victoria Brownlee, Garry Disher and Anne Olle with Francesca Carter 

Our three writers plus host Tracee Hutchison all live on the Mornington Peninsula. Each day they are inspired by the natural world around them, and each day they write. Join this discussion about the importance of where we work and its impact on how we work.

This session is supported by MP Magazine. This is a Free Event

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The Attention War: Can books lure kids off their screens?

Friday April 24
The Ballroom, The Continental
9.00am / 60 mins

Scott Gordon, Sally Rippin and Norman Swan with Francesca Carter

The book’s biggest competitor is the screen.  And despite new social media bans, kids are still finding companionship and entertainment via the laptop or iPhone. How can parents encourage book reading in ways that are meaningful and bring results? 

This session is supported by Coote Family Lawyers

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