Stop the Clocks: On Grief
ABOUT THE SHOW
Damien Wilkins, Kathryn Heyman, Michael Winkler & Josie Shapiro in conversation with Raeden Richardson
These graceful and intimate novels pose trenchant questions about the nature of grief and regret, exposing the eternal collision of past and present. How do we face unthinkable loss? What do we do with someone else’s pain? And how can we reconcile the promise of youth with the reality of ageing?
PART OF BRISBANE WRITERS FESTIVAL
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Damien Wilkins is one of New Zealand’s leading writers. His novels have twice won the national book award. He also received a Whiting Award. He teaches creative writing at Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington. He records his own songs under the name The Close Readers.
Dr Kathryn Heyman is the author of seven novels as well as a memoir, a poetry collection and several dramas for stage and for BBC radio. Her work has won and been nominated for numerous awards in Australia and the UK and her memoir, Fury, is in development as a feature film. Circle of Wonders is her latest novel.
Michael Winkler is a writer of novels, non-fiction, journalism and book reviews. He won the Calibre Award for his essay The Great Red Whale. His previous novel Grimmish was the first self-published book ever shortlisted for the Miles Franklin Literary Award. His latest novel is called Griefdogg.
Josie Shapiro is the author of two novels, Good Things Come and Go and Everything is Beautiful and Everything Hurts. She was a Sargeson Fellow in 2024 and one of 2025’s New Voices of Aotearoa. She lives in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland with her husband and two daughters.
Raeden Richardson is a novelist and essayist. His debut novel, The Degenerates, was nominated for the Miles Franklin Award, the ALS Gold Medal and the Voss Literary Award. His writing has appeared in The Griffith Review, Meanjin, The Sydney Morning Herald and New Australian Fiction.
PERFORMANCE DATES & TIMES
VENUE
TICKETS
DURATION
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Suitable for All ages
18 months and under free on the knee; all other ages must hold a valid ticket
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Damien Wilkins is one of New Zealand’s leading writers. His novels have twice won the national book award. He also received a Whiting Award. He teaches creative writing at Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington. He records his own songs under the name The Close Readers.
Dr Kathryn Heyman is the author of seven novels as well as a memoir, a poetry collection and several dramas for stage and for BBC radio. Her work has won and been nominated for numerous awards in Australia and the UK and her memoir, Fury, is in development as a feature film. Circle of Wonders is her latest novel.
Michael Winkler is a writer of novels, non-fiction, journalism and book reviews. He won the Calibre Award for his essay The Great Red Whale. His previous novel Grimmish was the first self-published book ever shortlisted for the Miles Franklin Literary Award. His latest novel is called Griefdogg.
Josie Shapiro is the author of two novels, Good Things Come and Go and Everything is Beautiful and Everything Hurts. She was a Sargeson Fellow in 2024 and one of 2025’s New Voices of Aotearoa. She lives in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland with her husband and two daughters.
Raeden Richardson is a novelist and essayist. His debut novel, The Degenerates, was nominated for the Miles Franklin Award, the ALS Gold Medal and the Voss Literary Award. His writing has appeared in The Griffith Review, Meanjin, The Sydney Morning Herald and New Australian Fiction.
