The Next Big Thing: Echoes

Join four talented writers as they showcase their anticipated debut works at one of our most beloved series, The Next Big Thing.   

In our very first edition of The Next Big Thing for 2024, five compelling writers look to the echo to explore the ideas, feelings and sentiments that resonate with us. James Colley tackles Australia’s obsession with ‘Big Things’ in his aptly titled The Next Big Thing; Abbey Lay’s Lead Us Not explores the emotions, expectations and blurriness of female friendship; Roslyn Orlando’s book Ekhō considers the phenomenon of the ‘echo’ in society and across history; and Ernest Price’s debut novel The Pyramid of Needs examines complex dynamics embedded in families and whether they can change. Amélie Jean Staff’s Voiceworks piece, ‘Birdy’, is about the delicate nature of sisterhood and the intricate relationships between women. Join us at The Moat to celebrate these exciting emerging voices in Australia’s literary landscape. Hosted by Diem Nguyen.   Unfortunately, James Colley is no longer able to appear at this event.  

The Next Big Thing series is generously supported by George and Rosa Morstyn.

Want to meet tomorrow’s literary stars today? Let us introduce you. The Next Big Thing takes place every month at the Moat and is a cherished Melbourne institution. It’s the place to be if you want to hear great emerging writers read from new and adventurous work. Enjoy a delicious drink and a bite to eat, while sampling writing from tomorrow’s best and brightest literary stars.