Maleny continues to surprise one with its variety of activities, community spirit and cultural environment. I recently became aware through an acquaintance of a group under the name of “Outspoken” described as an extended literary festival that takes the form of in-conversations with writers, once a month, or thereabouts.

They work with two bookstores in Maleny (there are four bookstores. Yes, four. Two second hand shops and two new ones. It's that kind of town. If you like books, come and visit.) Maleny Bookshop sells their tickets and otherwise helps to manage events, Rosetta Books sells visiting authors' books on the night. Please visit their website  at  http://www.outspokenmaleny.com

On Wednesday night we were privileged to have Booker Prize winning novelist, playwright and acclaimed historian Tom Keneally as the guest. He discussed the second vloume of his “History of the Australian Peoples” with local author Steven Lang.To the previous description of Tom Keneally, after over an hour of intrigue and being mesmorised by his knowledge of Australian history, woven into the people of the times one could include the added description of a “Raconteur”.  It was said “He tells a story with both passion and a novelist’s style, with allways an eye to the individual human story.

In January Outspoken, will partner with Maleny Film Society for their Australian Film Festival, the weekend of 20-21st. Together they will bring Judy Morris to Maleny for a conversation about writing for film. Judy was scriptwriter for the new film of Patrick White's novel Eye of the Storm which will screened, starring Geoffrey Rush, Charlotte Rampling and Judy Davis, directed by Fred Schepisi.  For further information visit their website ( www.outspokenmleny.com ) or call the Maleny Bookshop on 07 5494 3666