November 1: If you've ever considered writing about your life – in columns, personal essays or as a memoir – but weren't sure where (or how) to start, then join this in-depth exploration of writing the most important story you'll ever tell: your own. Join memoirist and journalist Benjamin Law for a workshop to refine your story-telling voice. He will  then back up on On November 2 to lead a workshop exploring the essentials of successful freelance writing. ACT Writers Centre, $110 members, $170 non-members. Bookings: 6262 9191 or actwriters.org.au

LECTURE 

November 6: To mark the life and work of Captain Matthew Flinders RN, the Hakluyt Society has published the two-volume Australia Circumnavigated: The Journal of HMS Investigator, 1801-1803, edited by Dr Kenneth Morgan, Professor of History at Brunel University and Fellow of the Royal Historical Society. Join Captain Michael Barritt, President of the Hakluyt Society, and Dr Morgan as they launch this remarkable work, which brings together Matthew Flinders' journals and his memoir for the first time, 200 years after his death. This edition includes a substantial introduction, excerpts from Flinders' survey sheets, maps of the voyage, and botanical and artistic illustrations. National Library of Australia Theatre, $10 (includes refreshments and an opportunity to pre-order the book at a discount). Bookings: nla.gov.au/bookings or 02 6262 1271

KERRY STOKES

November 7: Join Kerry Stokes and award-winning journalist Andrew Rule as they discuss the remarkable story of how Stokes overcame impoverished beginnings to become one of Australia's wealthiest and most powerful people. A private man, this remarkable Australian – businessman, art collector and philanthropist – has finally allowed his story to be told. In association with HarperCollins. National Library of Australia, 12.30 pm. Free. Bookings: nla.gov.au/bookings or 6262 1271

WRITERS' FESTIVAL

November 7-9: A great line-up for the Snowy Mountains Writers' Festival at Thredbo. Well-known Canberra journalists and authors Chris Uhlmann and Steve Lewis will be guest speakers at the Sunset Festival Dinner and over the weekend you can catch up with Peter Fitzsimons (Gallipoli), Karen Viggers (The Grass Castle), Omar Musa (Here Come the Dogs), Biff Ward (In My Mother's Hands), Sulari Gentill (A Murder Unmentioned), Anna George (The Beauty of Stone), David Leser (To Begin to Know – Walking in the Shadows of My Father), poet Victoria McGrath, and others. There will also be writing workshops, discussions with authors, a high tea, literary lunch and a celebration dinner on the Friday night. Details: snowymountainswritersfestival.org

CREW DINNER

November 8: The Australian Literacy Educators' Association and the ACT Association for Teachers of English are holding a literary dinner with young adult-fiction writer Gary Crew. 6.30pm at the National Press Club. Cost: $100 members, $120 institutional members, $140 non-members. Book online: alea.edu.au/events/category/act or by email: actaleatreasurer@gmail.com

YA FICTION WORKSHOP

November 8: Award-winning young adult and children's author Kaz Delaney will lead a workshop on how to write successfully for young adults. She will discuss tone, markets, audience, agents, selling across two continents and popular culture in the context of the YA novel. Participants will have the opportunity to create their own compelling YA protagonist and be encouraged to dig deep to find the story that drives them. ACT Writers Centre, $110 members, $170 non-members. Bookings: 6262 9191 or actwriters.org.au

ANZAC STORY

November 9: Just before Remembrance Day, popular speaker and well known historian Michael McKernan will give a talk at Tuggeranong Homestead, where CEW Bean wrote The Anzac Story. His topic: Writing about the Great War 100 years later. 2pm. Cost: $15 entry, pay at door includes afternoon tea. Bookings essential: 62314535 or robhorsfield@bigpond.com 

PETER FITZSIMONS

November 11: Peter Fitzsimons, with his trademark vibrancy and expert melding of writing and research, recreates, in his new book Gallipoli, the disaster as experienced by those who endured it or perished in the attempt. A Canberra Times/ANU Meet the Author event. 6pm. Manning Clark Lecture Theatre 1. Bookings:  events@anu.edu.au or 6125 8415.

BARRIE CASSIDY

November 11: Melbourne University Publishing and Paperchain Bookstore invite you to join Barrie Cassidy, author of Private Bill: In Love and War, in conversation with Paul Daley. Private Bill is a classic heart-warming story – as told by their son – of how a loving couple prevailed over the adversities of war to live an extraordinarily ordinary, happy life. 5.45 for 60pm. RSVP 6295 6723 or info@paperchainbookstore.com.au

PAUL MALONE

December 1: Is it only the Orang-utans that matter? Australian journalist Paul Malone will talk about his new book The Peaceful People – The Penan and Their Fight For the Forest. Asia Bookroom, Lawry Place, Macquarie. 6pm. RSVP by November 30 to books@asiabookroom.com or 62515191 Entry by gold coin donation to the Indigenous Literacy Foundation.

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