Photos from Writers in the Park Festival at Centennial Park, Sydney

Rainy morning weather couldn't stop our local writer's festival, Writers in the Park, from launching with a bang at Centennial Park in Sydney this past Sunday 27 September.

Ventura authors were there in force, including The Good Greek Girl's Maria Katsonis, Icing on the Cake's Annabel Morley and Talk with your Kid's Michael Parker. Our managing director Jane Curry even shared her book tips on a killer publishing panel. 

You can read an in depth recap of the event from the wonderful Nicole Melanson, editor of WordMothers.

Annabel Morley and Maria Katsonis enjoying their memoir panel. Photo by John Grant.

Annabel Morley, author of Icing on the Cake. Photo by John Grant.

Publisher Jane Curry with Annabel Morley and Maria Katsonis. Photo by John Grant.

Maria Katsonis, author of The Good Greek Girl. Photo by John Grant.

Jane Curry named 100 Women of Influence by Westpac and Financial Review

Ventura Press founder and managing director Jane Curry has been named a Westpac and Financial Review 100 Women of Influence in the Business Enterprise category. Congratulations Jane! We couldn't be more thrilled and proud at Ventura HQ.

A big congratulations to all the winners. Read more about the 100 Women of Influence here.

Between the Dances launches in Sydney with Fran Kelly and Imogen Clark

Between the Dances, a collection of stories from WW2 women, was launched to great success in Sydney on 14 August - a day before the 70th anniversary of VP Day.

RN Breakfast's Fran Kelly officially launched the book, while folk singer Imogen Clark rounded out the event by singing her beautifully poignant song about women in war, While Women Wait.

Author Jacqueline Dinan has been travelling across Australia since the launch of the book in March sharing the stories of these women - two of whom were in attendance to celebrate their contributions to the book.

Peggy Williams was working at a citrus farm in Leeton, Victoria when the war ended. She was interviewed by Fran for RN Breakfast to share her memories from that joyous day. Listen to the audio here.

Imogen Clark, Fran Kelly, Jacqueline Dinan and Publisher Jane Curry

Jacqueline Dinan, City of Sydney Deputy Lord Mayor Robyn Kemmis, Jane Curry

Jacqueline Dinan signs books at the Sydney launch of Between the Dances

Meg Green, State President of the War Widows Guild assisting one of her widows, Peggy Williams, while also meeting Edna Petfield and Fran Kelly

Honey Brown goes to Byron Bay Writers Festival

Beautiful Byron Bay with the host to the Byron Bay Writers Festival on 7 - 9 August and author of Six Degrees Honey Brown was thrilled to be speaking on two panels.

The Green Room was buzzing, and charismatic attendees and authors were in abundance, says Honey.

Her first time at the festival, Honey spoke at Romance: Escapism or Relationship Hotline with fellow authors Krissy Kneen and Jennifer St George, and Crime Scene with Mathew Condon and Michael Robotham.

Here's cheers to a wonderful festival, and to an even better 2016!

COVER REVEAL: Pocket Paleo by Catherine Proctor, released in September

The next book in our powerhouse pocket range is here with Pocket Paleo! To be released on 1 September 2015, Pocket Paleo is the easiest and most effective introduction to the paleo diet. Brought to you in a handy pocket-size at an incredible price point, the book outlines the philosophy of paleo with over 50 delicious recipes. 

Ventura Press launches with Simon & Schuster

After 12 years of successful publishing, we are delighted to announce the launch of Ventura Press from 1 August 2015.

The launch of Ventura Press celebrates a new trade sales and distribution partnership with Simon & Schuster Australia, which will ensure the continued growth of our company across Australia and New Zealand.

The first title to be published under Ventura will be Six Degrees by award-winning author Honey Brown, one of Australia’s best contemporary fiction writers.

“This is a wonderful opportunity... to join forces with the trade strength of Simon & Schuster,” said Jane Curry, managing director of Ventura Press. “Ventura will continue to publish our signature brand of strong Australian non-fiction, health, and high-end fiction titles to complement the excellent Simon & Schuster list.”

Dan Ruffino, managing director of Simon & Schuster Australia, said he is thrilled to welcome Jane Curry, one of Australia’s most well respected independent publishers, to the company.

“The experience that Jane and her team bring coupled with her passion and innovative approach both complements and enhances the values we have here,” he said. “We are looking forward to growing the sales and presence of Jane’s books across Australia New Zealand from 1 August.”