Two of Australia's most successful and prolific writers, Jenny Bond and Chris Sheedy, have partnered with the Tuggeranong Arts Centre to share their knowledge with the Canberra community. Through a series of courses, the pair hope to encourage novice authors, journalists and others interested in writing to take the next step in making their passion a profession. Courses include: How to write your novel (September 12) and Writing for newspapers, magazines and online (September 19). For more information: thehardword.com.au

What's on

September 6: Ghada Karmi will speak about her book Return: A Palestinian Memoir, which centres on her return to her homeland to try to help with the peace process. At Paperchain Bookstore at 2.45pm for a 3pm start. RSVP: 6295 6723.

September 8: Poetry at the Gods features three Canberra poets: PS Cottier, Melinda Smith and Owen Bullock. Dinner at 6pm, readings at 7.30pm. Bookings: The Gods Cafe, ANU Arts Centre, 6248 5538.

September 9: Old Man's Story, by Big Bill Neidjie.Senator Nova Peris will discuss the achievements and mentoring of her great-uncle, Big Bill Neidjie, a Gagudju elder, with one of Big Bill's final collaborators, photographer Mark Lang, and John Paul Janke, Director of Communication and Engagement, Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies. Starts at 6.30pm in the National Library of Australia Theatre. Admission: $10, includes refreshments. Bookings: 6262 1271 (Monday-Friday, 9am-noon).

September 9: At Paperchain Bookstore Manuka at 5.45 for 6pm, David Uren will speak with Chris Richardson about Uren's book Takeover: Foreign Investment and the Australian Psyche, a history of the economics and the politics of foreign investment in Australia. RSVP: 6295 6723.

September 12: Join published poet Lizz Murphy on a poetry scavenge from 10.30am to 1.30pm at the Meeting Room, Belconnen Arts Centre. Rummage in your cupboards and sideboards, and comb your streets and garage sales for trash or treasure you might turn into poems. Cost: $35/$30 concession or ACT Writers Centre members. Website: belconnenartscentre.com.au/whatson/poetry.html.

September 13: The ACT Storytellers Guild and Mannyfesto will present an afternoon of stories and song on the Northside at 2.30 pm at Kangara Waters Community Centre, 2 Joy Cummings Place, Belconnen. Cost: $12 at the door includes light refreshments. Enquiries: Mary French on 6254 2349.

September 17: Robert Drewe, Australian author of the prize-winning memoirs The Shark Net and Montebello, presents a lecture exploring the complexity of writing a memoir. National Library of Australia, theatre lower ground 1, 6pm. Free. Bookings: nla.gov.au.

September 17: In a Canberra Times/ANU Meet the Author event, 2007 Australian of the Year, Tim Flannery, will be speaking about his new book, Atmosphere of Hope – Searching for Solutions to the Climate Crisis. Starts at 6.30pm, Manning Clark 2, ANU. Bookings: 6125 8415.

September 22: Australian author and poet Kate Llewellyn discusses her latest book, a collection of letters from her private correspondence with artists and writers. National Library of Australia conference room level 4, 6pm. Admission: $10. Bookings: nla.gov. au.

September 25: Australian of the Year 2015 Rosie Batty reveals the grief, passion and purpose uncovered in her memoir, A Mother's Story. In February 2014, her 11-year-old son, Luke, was murdered by his father, who was then shot dead by police. Since that event, Batty has become an outspoken crusader against domestic violence. National Library of Australia, theatre lower Ground 1. Admission: $10. Bookings: nla.gov.au.

* Contributions to Litbits are welcome. Please email litbits@canberratimes.com.au by close of business on the Monday prior to publication. Publication is not guaranteed.