In addition to writing about Istanbul and Turkey, I give insightful and considered talks about my books and writing career as well as bespoke author walks in Istanbul. You can read more about who I am and get in touch via the contact tab to have me talk to your book group, school class and other organisations either in person in Istanbul or via Zoom.

Here’s a list of my events, past and present. Bookmark this page if you want to know what I have coming up. I hope to see you at one of them!  

Future writing events

12-19 September – WRITING RETREAT TURKEY 2026

Does the idea of a week in Turkey where you can dive into the aquamarine Mediterranean Sea from the teak decks of a wooden yacht AND learn how to take your writing from the level of backyard swimming pool to deeper waters appeal? Then my 2026 Writing Retreat Turkey hosted by Meridian Travels and Yachting is for you.

Past writing events

19 June 2026 – 13. Sariyer Edebiyat Günleri

I was honoured to participate in the 13th Sariyer Literature Days Festival, held in Haydar Aliyev Park in Sariyer on the banks of the Bosphorus. I had fun signing my books and talking to new people.

International Women of Istanbul Business Group talk

I spoke about my writing career to the IWI Business group on 7 January 2026, describing how I went from being a Jill of all Trades in Sydney, Australia, to becoming an author, sociologist and travel writer in Istanbul, Turkey. The women were a lovely bunch and such an attentive audience! I was pleased to be able to inspire them and provide them with useful tips to improve and focus their writing aspirations.

It was a pleasure to meet the members of the Spouses of the Istanbul Consular Corps on 5 May 2025 and talk to them about my background, how I ended up in Turkey and what inspires me to write. They were an attentive audience who asked lots of interesting questions.

Minoa Bookshop Talk

On 24 November 2024 I gave a BOOK TALK at Minoa Bookshop Akaretler, in Beşiktaş. I talked about my background, how I ended up in Turkey and then gave a reading from one of my books. I finished off by talking about what inspires me to write and then answered questions from the audience. You can watch some of it here.

Featured Writer at SPOKEN WORD ISTANBUL.

Spoken Word Istanbul began in January 2012 and apart from a few interruptions (Gezi, the alleged coup and COVID), has been going strong every since. The Spoken Word stage is a place where people can be themselves or someone else, speak their words and nobody will judge them for what they say. I was thrilled to be their featured writer on 22 October 2024 at Infiniti Sahne, in Beyoğlu.

29 May 2024 Panelist on “We Call It Home: Istanbul Dialogues

I very much enjoyed being a member of the panel that delved into the theme of “Exploring Istanbul”, on 29 May 2024, in the lead up to summer and splendid weather. My copanellists were very interesting and it was great to take questions from the audience and to speak with them afterwards.

8 June 2024 Meet the Artist Smiley’s Community presents Lisa Morrow, writer.