STEPPING out of the page and onto the stage, some of the country's brightest minds will share the story behind their stories at Newcastle Writers Festival.
It's the first time in three years that the festival will be held in-person after a tough gig with COVID-19.
And, pulling it all together hasn't come without sleepless nights, festival director Rosemarie Milsom said.
"You have to be bold, we couldn't not have an event, we haven't had one in three years," she said.
"I can appreciate people are cautious, they may be wanting to get out of isolation so it's multifaceted - COVID has shaped our whole behaviour around attending anything.
"That uncertainty is a huge factor but we just have to as an organisation be very safe in our measures and just keep going essentially."
The festival brings together up-and-coming and seasoned writers from across Australia, with the theme of 'What the World Needs Now' this year.
It's about love in all its forms, Ms Milsom said, and touches on the importance of connection after a difficult shared experience through COVID.
"There's going to be this really special energy, it makes you value what the arts is doing and given everything that's going on, this event reminds you of how important it is to support the arts because it has offered so much solace to people," she said.
"It's been an amazing 12 months in publishing in Australia, the range of books and new voices is quite extraordinary and there is that side of the festival where you get to discover new writers."
Audiences will hear from prolific voices like Trent Dalton, Julia Baird and Clementine Ford amid a program of 70 events featuring about 120 writers.
First held in 2013, the festival brings together a microcosm of creatives to share thought-provoking concepts, discuss literature and take part in workshops across a variety of genres.
Ms Milsom said Newcastle can't afford to lose any more cultural events.
"I hope people vote with their feet, come out and show their support," she said.
"I'm hoping hearts and minds are nourished, I'm always taking notes and often someone will say something on stage that just resonates.
"I hope that happens this weekend."
The festival is on April 1 to 3, for session information visit the website.
