News and Upcoming Events
News and Upcoming Events
Embedded Files
General Update
General Update
September, 2026
September, 2026
Readers may notice that there is a paucity of updates on the "Updates/Events" page. Keen observers will notice that even some of the "events" have only been added several months after they occurred. There is no good reason for this. Except the very good reason that Robert was busy doing something else: looking at the sky, shuffling pot plants around...that sort of thing. He continues to do so.
His new book, The Big Time, is due in September 2027. You can expect it sometime in the next 8 - 10 years.
Mildura Writers Festival
Mildura Writers Festival
Saturday 18 July, 2026
Saturday 18 July, 2026
The star / cameo / interlocutor of several panels in the land of oranges and Murray Cod
Poetry and Prose Reading (Saturday morning)
Interviewing the old rogue, David Marr, about his life's work (Saturday afternoon)
An informal Q & A about Humour Writing (9 a.m. Sunday morning, the least funny time in the world)
John Clarke Prize for Humour Writing
John Clarke Prize for Humour Writing
Wednesday 19 March, 2025
Wednesday 19 March, 2025
Robert won the inaugural John Clarke Prize for Humour Writing at the Victorian Premier's Literary Awards, and also won the People's Choice Awards.
Clunes Booktown Festival
Clunes Booktown Festival
Sunday 23 March, 3.00 pm
Sunday 23 March, 3.00 pm
You Gotta Laugh
You Gotta Laugh
Hear a short sample from three of the books shortlisted for the inaugural John Clarke Prize for Humour Writing, followed by a discussion led by judging panelist (and daughter of John) Lorin Clarke.
Tickets and info here.
Hear a short sample from three of the books shortlisted for the inaugural John Clarke Prize for Humour Writing, followed by a discussion led by judging panelist (and daughter of John) Lorin Clarke.
Tickets and info here.
Williamstown Literary Festival
Williamstown Literary Festival
Sunday 16 June, 10.30 am
Sunday 16 June, 10.30 am
When I Should Have Been Writing
Robert Skinner (I’d Rather Not) and David Goodwin (Servo) in conversation with Jane Finemore.
When I Should Have Been Writing
Robert Skinner (I’d Rather Not) and David Goodwin (Servo) in conversation with Jane Finemore.
Fullers Bookshop
Fullers Bookshop
Friday 31 May, 5.30 pm
Friday 31 May, 5.30 pm
I'd Rather Not: Robert Skinner in conversation with Adam Ouston.
I'd Rather Not: Robert Skinner in conversation with Adam Ouston.
Sydney Writers Festival
Sydney Writers Festival
Friday 24 May, 3 – 4 pm
Friday 24 May, 3 – 4 pm
Life, Liberty and the Hapless Quest for Meaning: in conversation with Annabel Crabb.
South Australian-born broadcaster Annabel Crabb says she picked up Robert Skinner’s I’d Rather Not thinking he was a fellow countryman from the Adelaide Plains. By the time she realised he grew up in the suburb of Magill, she was already hooked.
Life, Liberty and the Hapless Quest for Meaning: in conversation with Annabel Crabb.
South Australian-born broadcaster Annabel Crabb says she picked up Robert Skinner’s I’d Rather Not thinking he was a fellow countryman from the Adelaide Plains. By the time she realised he grew up in the suburb of Magill, she was already hooked.
Annabel describes Robert’s rollicking memoir as “an absolute bag of lollies”, bursting with tales about endless jobs, escape and thwarted searches for a richer life.
Annabel describes Robert’s rollicking memoir as “an absolute bag of lollies”, bursting with tales about endless jobs, escape and thwarted searches for a richer life.
Laugh along with Annabel and the funniest new voice in Australian letters.
Laugh along with Annabel and the funniest new voice in Australian letters.
Cairns Tropical Writers Festival
Cairns Tropical Writers Festival
Wednesday 9 March, 1pm
Wednesday 9 March, 1pm
CTWF Hub at Crystalbrook Flynn speaking about I'd Rather Not with Jake Gries
CTWF Hub at Crystalbrook Flynn speaking about I'd Rather Not with Jake Gries
Books at the Brewery
Books at the Brewery
Tuesday 16 January, 5:30 – 8pm.
Tuesday 16 January, 5:30 – 8pm.
Castlemaine Taproom, with Robyn Annear and Paul Laverty.
Castlemaine Taproom, with Robyn Annear and Paul Laverty.
Headland Writers Festival
Headland Writers Festival
Sunday 29 October, 3.30 – 4.30 pm
Sunday 29 October, 3.30 – 4.30 pm
"I'd Rather Not": Robert Skinner In conversation with Sophie Longden.
"I'd Rather Not": Robert Skinner In conversation with Sophie Longden.
The Next Big Thing
The Next Big Thing
Monday 28 August, 6.30 pm
Monday 28 August, 6.30 pm
Reading at The Moat with five other authors. More information here.
176 Little Lonsdale St, Melbourne VIC.
Paperback Literary Salon
Paperback Literary Salon
Tuesday 1 August, 6pm – 7.30pm
Tuesday 1 August, 6pm – 7.30pm
One of four authors reading from their work at the world-famous (in my heart) Paperback Bookshop.
60 Bourke St, Melbourne VIC. More here
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse