October 12: Hear the diverse voices of published and award-winning poets Sisters in Rhyme - Jane Baker, Victoria McGrath, Lizz Murphy and Robyn Sykes - when they perform   in the restored Lovett Chapel, Meehan Street, Yass as part of YASSarts Spring! They will be joined by singer/songwriter Siobhan McGrath. All welcome. at 2pm. Gold coin. Details: 6226 2724

EVERYTHING ROSIE

October 14: Graeme Simsion, author of The Rosie Project and The Rosie Effect, will be speaking about and signing his new book. Manning Clark Theatre 2, ANU, 6pm. Details: 6125 8415 or events@anu.edu.au

POETRY AT THE GODS

October 14: The next Poetry at the Gods reading will feature Jordie Albiston and Samuel Wagan Watson. Samuel Wagan Watson's books include Of Muse, Meandering and Midnight and Smoke Encrypted Whispers. A new collection, Love Poems and Death Threats, is just out from UQP. Albiston's collections include Botany Bay Document, The Hanging of Jean Lee and The Fall, which was shortlisted for Premiers' Prizes in Victoria, NSW and Queensland. Her latest collection is The Book of Ethel (Puncher & Wattmann 2013). The Gods Cafe, ANU Arts Centre, 8pm. Details: 6248 5538 in business hours or thegodscafe@gmail.com (any time)

ADVENTURE STORY

October 14: In the Mouth of the Tiger is a novel that is very personal to authors Derek Emerson-Elliott and military historian Lynette Silver. It is based on real people and events and the central character is based on Derek's own father, Denis Emerson-Elliott, who worked for British intelligence before, during and after World War II. He is also the MI6 spy who Lynette Silver met on Central Railway station in Sydney.  The book will be launched at Paperchain Bookstore, 5.45 for 6pm. Details: 62956723 or info@paperchainbookstore.com.au

LOST IN TRANSLATION

October 15: Translator of classical and modern Japanese Dr Meredith McKinney will speak at the Asia Bookroom, Lawry Place, Macquarie about her two most recent translations, Essays of Idleness and The Wild Goose. RSVP: 62515191 or books@AsiaBookroom.com. Entry by gold coin to the Indigenous Literacy Foundation. 6pm. Details: AsiaBookroom.com/events.cfm

LOCAL LAUNCH

October 16: Local author Rebecca James will launch her book Cooper Bartholomew is Dead at Electric Shadows Bookshop, 40 Mort St, Braddon. 6pm for a 6.30pm start. RSVP by October 13 to 62488352 or esb@electricshadowsbookshop.com.au.

HUGH MACKAY

October 22: The Art of Belonging advances the argument put forward in Hugh Mackay's bestselling The Good Life: a 'good life' is not lived in isolation or in the pursuit of independent goals; a good life is lived at the heart of a thriving community, among people we trust, and within an environment of mutual respect. Drawing on 50 years experience as a social researcher, Mackay creates a fictional suburb, Southwood, and populates it with characters who,  like most of us,  struggle to reconcile their need to belong with their desire to live life on their own terms. He chronicles the numerous human interactions and inevitable conflicts that arise in a community when characters assert their own needs at the expense of others. This event is free and open to the public but seats are limited. Books will be available for sale and signings will take place after the event at the Co-op stand. Theatre 1, Manning Clark Centre, Union Court, ANU. 6pm for 7. Bookings: 6125 8415.

ERIC ROLLS MEMORIAL LECTURE

October 22: Award-winning author and northern Australia correspondent for The Australian Nicolas Rothwell reflects on his experience living in Australia's north, and explores what lies in the Australian landscape and what we read within it. Supported by Elaine Van Kempen in recognition of the contribution of poet, historian and naturalist Eric Rolls. National Library of Australia. Theatre, free (includes refreshments), 6pm.  nla.gov.au or 6262 1271.

WRITERS' FESTIVAL

November 7-9: A great line-up for the Snowy Mountains Writers' Festival. Well-known Canberra journalists and authors Chris Uhlmann and Steve Lewis will be guest speakers at the Sunset Festival Dinner and over the weekend you can catch up with Peter FitzSimons (Gallipoli), Karen Viggers (The Grass Castle), Omar Musa (Here Come the Dogs), Biff Ward (In My Mother's Hands), Sulari Gentill (A Murder Unmentioned), Anna George (The Beauty of Stone), David Leser (To Begin To Know – Walking in the Shadows of my Father), poet Victoria McGrath, and others. There will also be writing workshops, discussions with authors, a high tea, literary lunch and a celebration dinner on the Friday night. Details: snowymountainswritersfestival.org 

CREW DINNER

November 8: The Australian Literacy Educators' Association and the ACT Association for Teachers of English are holding a literary dinner with young adult-fiction writer Gary Crew. 6.30pm at the National Press Club. Cost: $100 members, $120 institutional members, $140 non-members. Book online: alea.edu.au/events/category/act or by email: actaleatreasurer@gmail.com