For those in the vicinity of Melbourne we can heartily recommend the second Emerging Writers Festival being held this weekend, 6th-8th May, at the Victoria Hotel 251 Little Collins St, Melbourne.

Why? Here?s five good reasons.

1. Terry Jaensch, the Festival Director, was once Cordite?s poetry editor!

2. Cordite uber-editor, David Prater, will be appearing in person!

3. Sean M. Whelan, our audio guru, is also appearing!

4. Liam Ferney, our current poetry editor, will be there too!

5. Cordite contributors past and present will be strutting their stuff, including alicia sometimes, Emilie Zoey Baker, Louise Swinn, Zoe Dattner, Justin Heazelwood, Cate Kennedy and Phil Norton! Yes, it?s true.

But best of all, the weekend features readings, panels, launches and workshops that you?d be dead-set crazy to miss.

Check out details of the Festival on the Express Media website!