Luke Bateman & the Debutants

Ever since he burst onto BookTok in 2025, NRL-star-turned-fantasy-author Luke Bateman has been using his platform to champion the work of other writers. Now, ahead of his debut novel being released in 2027, he’s doing it in person! Join Bateman as he chats with four of Australia’s most exciting new novelists – whose work runs the gamut from literary to speculative fiction and from fantasy to slasher romcom – to explore the thrills and spills of being a first-time author. Brisbane Writers Festival is proudly supported by Brisbane City Council. Discover the full 2026 festival program now via the Brisbane Writers Festival website.