Fringe Writers' Festival

Name and Role: Irina Dunn – Director.

Plug your show? This one-day festival is a must for aspiring writers and journalists who will hear from industry insiders on how to write a winning manuscript or an award-winning stage or film script, publish an e-book or get a job in journalism, or promote their own writing through social media. Speakers include Allen & Unwin's Publicity Manager Andy Palmer, HarperCollins publisher Anna Valdinger and literary agent Anthony Blair, print and blog journos, gig-guide editors, comic and graphic novel producers, and an e-book publisher and a digital writer on publishing and promoting your writing on the web.

Where did the idea for your show come from? Basically from the fact Fringe was lacking a writing component.

What have the past few months or so been like in the lead-up to Fringe? It was very exciting to put together such a great line-up. There were so many offers to participate from fantastic industry professionals that next year's program is already prepared.

What inspires you artistically? I am inspired by any work of art from theatre to film to a book to a painting to a piece of music when it has been finely crafted and informed by passion.

What the most cringe-worthy thing you've seen on stage? People trying to mouth the words of the national anthem when they clearly don't know it.

What other shows are you looking forward to at this year's Fringe? I am really looking forward to seeing the Steampunk version of The Tempest.

What excites you about being involved in the Sydney Fringe 2012? I am looking forward to meeting many new people interested in pursuing writing and journalism careers. When he saw the program, well-known Australian writer Michael Wilding (novelist, editor, publisher, author of The Prisoner Of Mt Warning and Wild Bleak Bohemia) said: “With this line-up of experienced industry insiders, the day promises to provide aspiring book writers and journalists with all the information they need to further their professional careers and interests.”

WHEN & WHERE: Sunday 23 September, Harold Park Hotel