From Magnetic Island to the Whitsundays: Award-Winning Author Rachel Armstrong to Headline Festival
Award-winning author Rachel Armstrong will headline the 2026 Whitsundays Writers Festival on Sunday 13 September, bringing audiences a rare chance to hear from a writer at the very top of her game, fresh off a national award win.
Rachel’s appearance comes hot on the heels of major recognition for her latest novel, Island Bite, the second book in her Wolf Shifters of Magnetic Island series, named 2026 Speculative Fiction Romantic Book of the Year by the Romance Writers of Australia at its awards in Darwin in August. The award recognises Armstrong’s ability to combine romance, fantasy and the distinctive atmosphere of North Queensland in a story that has captured the imagination of readers.
At the festival, Rachel will deliver the From the Heart keynote. A chance for audiences to sit with an award-winning Australian author and hear, in her own words, how a story goes from idea to international acclaim, what her writing process really looks like, and where her North Queensland-set stories come from.
‘Having Rachel join us immediately after winning another Romantic Book of the Year is a real coup for the Festival,’ said Festival President and Programme Director Richard Evans. ‘Her success is also a wonderful example of the depth of Australian writing talent and the kinds of stories that can come from our own region.’
A full day built for readers and writers alike
The keynote is just the start. Across the day, audiences can:
- Go behind the book in two live author conversations: Is There a Book in You? with A. L. Tippett, Greg Bourke and Rachael Smith on turning an idea into a finished, published book; and Where Do You Get Your Story Ideas From? with Krissy Regan, Gary Wood and Veronica Lando, on the unexpected places stories begin.
- Be there for the moment a writer’s career changes, as the 2026 Whitsundays Literary Heart Awards are presented live, with winners and runners-up announced across the Short Story Open Age, Short Story Under 18 and Poetry Prize divisions, plus interviews and readings from the winning works.
- Browse, meet and buy directly from regional authors, with local author markets running throughout the day.
- Settle in for the afternoon with live entertainment, artists at work, refreshments and a sausage sizzle, plus prizes and raffles.
‘We wanted this year’s programme to be about the stories behind the stories,’ Richard said. ‘Where ideas come from, how writers develop their craft, and what it takes to bring a book into the world.’
Then the whole community is invited
From 3pm, the festival opens up to everyone with Stories by the Sea, a free afternoon celebration featuring more than 20 regional authors, book stalls, readings, live music, art, children’s activities and a community book swap. No ticket required.
Don’t miss it
Bookings for the main programme are strong, with the day expected to reach capacity. Secure your seat now from our website to guarantee your place.
Stories by the Sea is free and open to all from 3pm, no booking needed.
Festival Details
What: Whitsundays Writers Festival
When: 10:30am for 11am-4:30pm Sunday 13 September 2026
FREE community event: 3pm-4:30pm Stories by the Sea
Where: Whitsunday Marine Club, Cannonvale
About Rachel Armstrong
Based in Townsville, Rachel Armstrong is a multi-award-winning author of rural, paranormal, and contemporary romance. Her novels combine small-town settings, emotional depth, suspense, and hope, celebrating the resilience and strength found in regional Australian communities.