Acclaimed authors and artists on-board include Bigambul illustrator Dub Leffler, writer and recovering teacher Gabbie Stroud, author and filmmaker Benjamin Gilmour and Yuwaalaraay author and musician Nardi Simpson.

They'll be presenting an informal panel, answering audience questions and selling books on Friday December 4 from 5.30pm in Bellingen Library.

The event is free but capacity restrictions apply and bookings are essential. To book, email the library on bellingenlib@crl.nsw.gov.au

"Covid-19 has made us all pause and reflect on what is important. We believe that connecting readers with emerging writers is more important now than ever," said tour manager, Zacharey Jane. "Writers on the Road is all about sharing the power of storytelling, up close and personal, and reminding ourselves of what is real and what is valuable."

Now in its seventh year, Writers on the Road takes award-winning Australian authors, illustrators and poets to regional towns in northern NSW for free school workshops and community events. It boasts alumni of renowned writers including Kristina Olsson, Michael Robotham, Jock Serong, Lian Hearn, Ashley Hay, Nick Earls, Ellen van Neerven and Omar Sakr, among many others.

"We are so grateful to Create NSW for continuing to fund this unique community program," said Byron Writers Festival Director Edwina Johnson. "Over the years it has created valuable connections between our touring writers and communities throughout the North Coast. The writers love sharing their stories on the road with readers, and each other."

All events are free and all are welcome. Come share your own ideas about the real world with these wonderful writers and creatives. More info at byronwritersfestival.com/wotr.