By Benjamin Millar
Footscray writer Jo Case is beginning a new chapter in her love affair with books.
Ms Case will take up the role as program manager of the Melbourne Writers Festival next month. It’s a dream job for a bookworm who lives and breathes all things writing.
She will be responsible for developing and delivering more than 400 events, featuring close to 500 writers across 50 Melbourne venues.
Far from being daunted, the Sun Bookshop bookseller and author of
Boomer & Me – a memoir of motherhood and raising a son with Asperger’s – is relishing the challenge.
“The festival is the heart of this
city of literature. It’s turning 30 this year and has grown along with Melbourne as a literary hub.”
Ms Case is no stranger to the Melbourne Writers Festival (MWF), having worked on the programming committee for a number of years and appeared
at the festival as a writer.
“A lot of the job is about making connections, bringing people together,” she said.
Festival director Lisa Dempster said Ms Case was appointed as program manager after a worldwide search for the ideal candidate.
“Jo Case has been involved with all aspects of Melbourne’s writing, publishing and book- selling industry for more than 20 years,” Ms Dempster said.
“Alongside her wealth of literary knowledge, she is bringing some exciting ideas that will assist MWF to inspire and delight local audiences.”
Ms Case says her own favourite writer changes regularly, as she gets newly enthused.
The 2015 Melbourne Writers Festival is from August 20-30.
Visit www.mwf.com.au.
