Four must-see events at the Melbourne Writers Festival that will leave you inspired

You may already be familiar with Ziggy Ramo for his political activism and advocacy for First Nations peoples, as well as being a highly talented musician. However, the Wik and South Sea Islander is now an author after the release of his debut memoir Human?. On May 10, join Ramo at the Athenaeum Theatre for a live musical performance and a chat with Walkley Award-winning journalist Jan Fran about his memoir that overturns colonial myths, celebrates his heritage and invites readers to fight for a future that restores humanity to all. Tickets range from $30-$35, with free tickets available for First Nations peoples. Book them at the website here.

Ten years ago Australia stood still as we heard of the shocking news that Luke Batty was killed by his father in a violent incident. After losing her son in such horrifying circumstances, Rosie Batty has become a fierce advocate against domestic violence, going on to win Australian of the Year in 2015. Batty’s latest memoir, Hope, is about how we find hope after all is seemingly lost. On May 12, Batty will discuss her book and share insights into reclaiming peace in the presence of grief. Tickets range from $30-$35, with free tickets available to First Nations peoples. Book them at the website here.

For a limited time, the Melbourne Writers Festival is offering two-for-one tickets for 'Rosie Batty: Hope'. But be quick because the offer ends Sunday, April 27. 

Authors Paul Murray and Bryan Washington have seemingly penned their own ghost stories in their respective novels. Murray’s The Bee Sting is a tragicomedy about a family haunted by the ghosts of past trauma, while Washington’s Family Meal is a tender exploration of lust, love and grief, as well as the phantoms of lost opportunities.

In this fascinating conversational event, the pair will share the stage to talk about their novels' shared interest in ghosts with accomplished author Toni Jordan. See this captivating discussion on May 12 at the Athenaeum Theatre. Tickets range from $30-$35, with free tickets available to First Nations peoples. Book them at the website here. 

For a limited time, the Melbourne Writers Festival is offering two-for-one tickets for 'Familiar Haunts'. But be quick because the offer ends Sunday, April 27. 

Viet Thanh Nguyen won the 2015 Pulitzer Prize for his novel The Sympathizer, a gripping spy novel set during the Vietnam War. Now, Nguyen has written a poignant memoir titled A Man of Two Faces about his success as a writer and migrating to California as a young refugee from the Vietnam War. 

In a one-night-only event, the popular author will speak to André Dao about his autobiography that reckons with the ghosts of imperialism, family, memory and identity. The conversation will also take the audience on a journey through the double identities Nguyen explores in his fiction. Catch him at the Athenaeum Theatre on May 11. Tickets range from $35-$40, with free tickets available to First Nations peoples. Book them at the website here.