Writers' Festivus

Attended Melbourne's Emerging Writer's Festival over the weekend. Less of a learning experience than a welcome burst of inspiration from the company of dozens of similarly haunted scribes. As one panelist put it, a palpable fear filled each room, assuring him he was among kindred creatives. Melbourne is Australia's cultural hub, meaning there's more frustrated writers here than anywhere else on the continent. No wonder I've taken to it like a duck to a pond.

The festival was held at Melbourne's Town Hall; I snapped these photos from the grand structure's portico balcony:Looking north along Swanston Street.
Art deco masterpiece Manchester Unity Building across the street.