July 4: At Paperchain Manuka at 6pm, Robert Macklin will talk about his book Castaway: The extraordinary survival story of Narcisse Pelletier, a young French cabin boy shipwrecked on Cape York in 1858 with Bill Gammage. RSVP: info@paperchainbookstore.com.au or 6295 6723.

July 4: , ANU Professor of Strategic Studies Hugh White, pictured above, will be in conversation with the Lowy Institute's Sam Roggeveen on White's new book How to Defend Australia. This is a free ANU/Canberra Times Meet the Author event, at 6pm in Manning Clark Hall, Kambri Cultural Centre, ANU. Bookings at anu.edu.au/events or 6125 4144.

July 6: Canberra writer Zoya Patel is hosting a workshop, Writing Your Life, exploring different forms and formats of memoir, the craft of constructing a compelling story in narrative non-fiction, and the ethics of telling other people's stories. Visit eventbrite.com.au for tickets.

July 7: At Muse at 3pm, Tara June Winch will discuss her historical novel The Yield. musecanberra.com.au.

July 8: Mother Tongue: At Smith's Alternative, sign up to share a poem in a language other than English at mothertonguemic@gmail.com. $10/$5 on the door.

July 9: Erik Jensen will be in conversation with Karen Middleton on Jensen's new Quarterly Essay The Prosperity Gospel: How Scott Morrison won and Bill Shorten lost. This is a free ANU/Canberra Times Meet the Author event, at 6.00pm in Cinema Theatre, Kambri Cultural Centre, ANU, Bookings at anu.edu.au/events or 6125 4144.

July 10: Poetry at the House features Andy Kissane (Sydney), Lesley Lebkowicz and Suzanne Edgar (Canberra). 7.30pm in the Fellows' Bar of ANU's University House (1 Balmain Crescent, Acton). Bookings: gpage40@bigpond.net.au.

July 11: Author and screenwriter Scott Baker, who worked with Peter Jackson on The Hobbit, will talk about his novel The Rule of Knowledge, 6pm-8pm at Queanbeyan Library.

July 14: Robert Macklin will discuss his history book Castaway at Muse at 3pm. $15 includes a drink. musecanberra.com.au.

July 15: Not Very Quiet Presents: Songs Start with Poetry with the Gay and Lesbian Qwire: Songs from the Qwire plus Out of line(s), a panel of queer poets - Sandra Renew, Meredith Pitt, Tahi Atea and Jacqui Malins. Smith's Alternative, 76 Alinga St, Civic, 7-9pm. Entry $10 waged/ $5 unwaged, includes short open mic.

July 17: Canberra author Jono Lineen will talk about his new book, Perfect Motion, at the Woden Library from 12.00pm-1.00pm. Entry is free.

July 18 Niki Savva and Kerry-Anne Walsh will be in conversation on Niki's new book, Plots and Prayers: Malcolm Turnbull's Demise and Scott Morrison's Ascension. This is a free ANU/Canberra Times Meet the Author event at 6pm in the China in the World Auditorium, Fellows Lane, ANU. Bookings at anu.edu.au/events or 6125 4144.

July 22: That Poetry Thing: Recent Work Press launches Giant Steps: Fifty poets reflect on the fiftieth anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing and beyond, with readings by contributors and a space-themed open mic. Smith's Alternative, 76 Alinga St, Civic, 7-9pm. Free.

July 26: ACT Writers Centre is having a Winter Warmer, an evening of mingling, entertainment and some practical tips for writers and artists. 6pm-8pm at Harry Hartog ANU. Visit eventbrite.com.au for tickets.

July 31: Author Tony Park will talk about his latest thriller Ghosts of the Past, 6.30-.30pm at Gungahlin Library. Bookings essential at eventbrite.com.au.