Talks for rooms that don’t need to be told it’ll be fine.
Every talk starts as a story, not a lecture — festival session or community hall, it doesn’t change much. Four topics, three formats.
Ten Dry Years
The story behind the book, told the way it actually happened rather than the tidied-up version. A short Q&A after, if the room’s got the appetite for it.
How to Talk About It
For rural halls rather than festival tents — a plain talk about a hard stretch, framed as story rather than advice, because nobody in a farming town wants to be told what to do.
Fence Lines
A reading from the essays, on boundaries of every kind. Shorter than the others, and considerably drier.
What the Weather Doesn’t Tell You
A companion talk to The Weather Book — what actually changes in a person, season by season, that the forecast never covers.
Speaker reel
A short reel from recent talks. The full recording is available on request for festival and event organisers.
One session
Festival tent or theatre. A short reading, a talk, and a signing table after if there’s time.
One evening
Library or hall, any size room. A story, then time for people to talk if they want to.
One session
A video call from the kitchen table — same talk, smaller screen.
Regional writers’ festival — closing session—Community hall — rural mental health talk—Library reading group—Regional writers’ festival — panel—Community hall evening—Local bookshop event—
“I didn’t come here to cheer anyone up. I came to say it out loud so you don’t have to.”
From the community talks
“Nobody asks a farmer for a TED talk. Good. I wouldn’t know how to give one.”
From the festival sessions
Booking, briefly
Fees vary by event type — ask and I’ll tell you straight. Happy to travel for the right room.