I was in Aotearoa New Zealand’s only Booktown recently for the eighth Featherston Booktown Karukatea Festival which featured more than 50 events, 80 presenters, and 25 booksellers.

This is my third year attending the festival. If you’re keen to hear a bit about my previous visits, I jotted down a few things in 2022 and 2021. Or, if you want the latest from this year, scroll on.

A couple of friends, my partner and I eased ourselves into the day with coffees and cheese scones at local cafe Everest, then joined a talk about where books might be going in the future, before enjoying a pub lunch at The Royal Hotel, followed by a wander around the market stalls and the town’s many bookstores.

Exploring the New Book: Substack / Patreon / Metaverse

Held at the Featherston School Hall, this talk focused on a few alternative ways of publishing stories and reaching readers. The entire hour was such a delight, with so many hilarious and fascinating anecdotes from panellists Emily Writes and Martin Baynton, and moderator Mike White. I was so engrossed that I completely forgot to take any notes – oops!

Among many other things, Emily Writes discussed blogging, parenting, being authentic, access to content creators, email newsletters, and reaching readers through subscription services such as Patreon and Substack. Emily was so generous with her time, experience, and knowledge!

Martin Baynton also had so much to share, including reading books with bears in virtual reality, self-publishing for the first time in his seventies, being where readers are, embarking on TikTok, and doubling down on his “authentic old man” brand.

If you get an opportunity to attend next year’s festival in Featherston, or any other book festivals nearer to you, make sure you consider checking them out!