EVENTS
Jaclyn regularly moderates events at writers festivals, literary organisations like The Wheeler Centre and Writers Victoria, as well as bookshops. She gives author talks about gardening and making pasta at libraries, community centres and food stores. Jaclyn also runs gardening workshops for children. She is regularly on ABC Radio reviewing books and making reading recommendations.
Veronica Sullivan, Festival Director,
Melbourne Writers Festival
“Jaclyn Crupi is one of my favourite people to program. Whether speaking with debut local writers or high-profile international guests, the hallmarks of Jaclyn’s interviewing style are her genuine warmth and passion for all things literary and/or culinary. Jaclyn invariably brings impeccable readerly acumen, wise and curious engagement with books, and infectious enthusiasm to every event she hosts.”
Jennifer Down, Miles-Franklin Award winning author of Bodies of Light
“Jaclyn is a shrewd and empathetic reader – traits that make her an excellent interviewer. Whether in conversation with Jaclyn myself, or watching her speak with another writer, I always feel I’m in the safe hands of someone who wants to share her passion and her intellectual curiosity with the reading public. She knows my books better, I suspect, than I do.”
Natalie Paull, Beatrix Bakes
“It’s an immense delight to be interviewed by Jaclyn. As soon as you are ushered through the discussion doorway with her generously flattering and impeccably researched introduction, the chat is like you are sitting with a close friend! Jaclyn makes you feel comfortable being yourself, encourages a giggle (or several) and gives you room to explore deeper emotions. She is a confident and charismatic conduit of conversation. ”
Sarah Krasnostein, multi-award winning author of The Trauma Cleaner and The Believer
“The depth of her reading and the breadth of her thinking make Jaclyn a rare and wonderful interviewer. Our conversation back in 2018 remains, for me, a highlight of my writing career.”
Upcoming Events
-
Willy Lit Festival
Saturday 21 June, 10.30am
Angelika von Sanden shows us how dogs can help you worry less and walk into a better future.
----
ANGELIKA VON SANDEN
Angelika von Sanden is a clinical supervisor working with counsellors, therapists, peer support workers and other health and welfare practitioners. Her new book Sit, Stay, Grow invites us to face life's challenges supported by our furry friends, but also to join into their playfulness and joy, and to use the daily dog walk as a time for meaningful contemplation. -
Kimberley Allsopp Book Launch
Readings Emporium, Thursday 26 June, 6.00pm
Join us to hear Kimberley Allsopp in conversation with Jaclyn Crupi about Rise and Shine.
This is a story about marriage. It is also a story about life and love and happiness and the absence of happiness and what we need to do to find it again. It's a story about hope, baking, making music, lemon trees, painting, love, divorce, dogs, the families we create for ourselves, and the heat of the Brisbane sun. It's a story about August and Noah. It begins at the end.
Free, but bookings are essential.
-
Writing Food, Writing Family Workshop
Sunday 13 July, 10:30am—1:30pm
Writing about food and family can so often intertwine. Memories are made around the kitchen table and love is so often shown through food. Capturing family recipes and culture is incredibly important.
In this workshop, we will examine how to best write food stories and memories. Understanding the ethics of writing about family, alive and dead, will also be explored. Food writing can deliver a hearty and satisfying meal to a reader leaving them satiated, or even better, hungry for more. Gain confidence in delving deeper into family memoir and food writing.
You Will Learn:
How to navigate the recording of family recipes and stories.
To better understand and appreciate the craft of good food writing.
Ways to appreciate and write about the intersections of food and family.
Tools to utilise memories and other methods of research in life and family writing.
-
Mildura Writers Festival
17–20 July 2025
Jaclyn will be a guest author at the festival moderating a conversation with Damon Young and sharing stories of her Italian culture and heritage at the Big Italian Night Out.
Damon Young: Immortal Gestures A tilted head. A finger to the lips. Gestures constitute a whole realm of communication that often goes overlooked. Infused with different histories as they accrue layers of meaning, gestures point to a hidden richness in language. Join celebrated philosopher Damon Young in conversation with Jaclyn Crupi as they journey into the unspoken, in what is sure to be a warm and convivial opening night.
Big Italian Night Out Inspired by the 1996 film ‘Big Night’ with Stanley Tucci and Isabella Rossellini, this feature dinner celebrates the history of the Italian diaspora around the world and its influences in Mildura through food and wine served on the night. Jaclyn Crupi, author of Nonna Knows Best, Garden Like a Nonno and Pasta Love, joins us to share her stories with Donata Carrazza.
-
Bendigo Writers Festival
15–17 August 2025
Jaclyn will be a guest author at the festival moderating three gastronomy sessions.
The Intricate World of Cookbook Publishing
Julie Gibbs is one of Australia's most well-respected publishers. If you own a cookbook by household names like Kylie Kwong, Maggie Beer, Stephanie Alexander or Chin Chin, you have unknowingly seen Julie's work. Join Jaclyn Crupi and Julie as they discuss the complex world of cookbook publishing; from who owns a recipe to what a good pitch looks like. Plus, they'll look at the tips and tricks required to publish your own cookbook.Surprise lunchboxes & other core memories
For many of us when it comes to what we eat, our favourites are linked to core childhood memories, for multi-cultural Australian’s it can be fraught with school yard bullying, denial of culture and the memories of surprise lunchboxes. This panel explores how our past predicts our future. The idea that the flavours of our childhood often influence many aspects of our adulthood, including our careers. Join panellists Helly Raichura, Shannon Martinez and Jennifer Wong, alongside moderator Jaclyn Crupi as they grapple with the impact their childhood food memories have had on their lives.Smith and Daughter Comes to Bendigo
Local cafe Hoo-Gah will host a vegan feast curated by Shannon Martinez with a Q&A hosted by Jaclyn Crupi. -
JULY AND AUGUST EVENTS Sandringham Library, Thursday 31 July, 6pm Frankston Library, Sunday 10 August, 10.30am Altona Library, Wednesday August 13, 6.30pm Mornington Library, Tuesday 19 August, 10.30am Glenroy Library, Wednesday 27 August, 1pm Collingwood Library, Saturday 30 August, 10.30am
JULY AND AUGUST EVENTS
Talk and Native Plant Propagation Demonstration
Want to help the native wildlife in your area but not sure how to start? Are you keen to grow more native plants but have a small budget? Would you like to attract native birds, bees and butterflies to your outdoor spaces?
Countless Australian species of birds, bees and butterflies are in decline or threatened with extinction, but you can help. Writer and gardener Jaclyn Crupi shows us that protecting and fostering precious native wildlife starts in our own backyards. The first step: start planting! And choose native plants where possible. This alone presents endless opportunities for habitat creation – sometimes it’s the smallest actions that make the biggest difference. Providing a well-placed dish of water on a hot day, building and installing a simple insect hotel or allowing leaf litter to stay where it falls are among the many other super simple ways you can make your garden more attractive to native birds, bees and butterflies, and in turn benefit all species. Loads of practical advice for gardeners and novices alike.
-
Pasta Love Author Talk and Pasta-Making Demonstration
Wednesday 20 August, 2pm
VERMONT SOUTH LIBRARYAccording to Jaclyn Crupi – a proud Italian-Australian pasta maker and devotee – pasta is love, pasta is life. Pasta can be a quick and simple meal or a culinary masterpiece, but in essence it is about generosity, comfort and the beauty to be found in simplicity. Her book Pasta Love is a celebration of pasta and the people who make it. Join Jaclyn to learn how to make fresh pasta at home and how to improve your dried pasta dishes (unlock the secrets of starchy salty pasta cooking water). Hear stories of the incredible pasta nonne (Italian grandmothers) Jaclyn has been making pasta with and learn their pasta-making ways. Jaclyn will demonstrate how to make a semola rimacinata flour and water pasta dough and then shape it into cavatelli, orecchiette, fusilli al ferretto, lorighittas and many more pasta shapes. So if you’re keen to give pasta making a go, or you just love all things pasta, this is the event for you.
-
Northcote Nursery event with Claire Mosley
Saturday 30 August, 2pm
Join us at Northcote Nursery for a fun and informative family friendly event led by author Jaclyn Crupi and illustrator Claire Mosley with their new book Planting for Native Birds, Bees and Butterflies: How to create a garden that attracts Australian wildlife.
Learn how to create a vibrant garden that attracts and supports native birds, bees, and butterflies. Discover the best plants to help these essential pollinators thrive. Don't miss this opportunity to make a positive impact on your local ecosystem!
About Northcote Nursery
Northcote Nursery is a cherished local garden centre offering a diverse range of indoor and outdoor plants, including native species, fruit trees, seedlings, and all of your garden supplies. Staffed by qualified horticulturists dedicated to delivering personalised advice and exceptional customer service. Open 7 days a week, we serve as a go-to destination for both novice and seasoned gardeners seeking quality products and expert guidance.
-
SEPTEMBER EVENTS St Kilda Library, Wednesday 10 September, 6.30pm Yarra Junction Library, Saturday 13 September, 11am Hastings Library, Wednesday 17 September, 2pm Wheelers Hill Library, Thursday 18 September, 6.30pm
SEPTEMBER EVENTS
Talk and Native Plant Propagation Demonstration
Want to help the native wildlife in your area but not sure how to start? Are you keen to grow more native plants but have a small budget? Would you like to attract native birds, bees and butterflies to your outdoor spaces?
Countless Australian species of birds, bees and butterflies are in decline or threatened with extinction, but you can help. Writer and gardener Jaclyn Crupi shows us that protecting and fostering precious native wildlife starts in our own backyards. The first step: start planting! And choose native plants where possible. This alone presents endless opportunities for habitat creation – sometimes it’s the smallest actions that make the biggest difference. Providing a well-placed dish of water on a hot day, building and installing a simple insect hotel or allowing leaf litter to stay where it falls are among the many other super simple ways you can make your garden more attractive to native birds, bees and butterflies, and in turn benefit all species. Loads of practical advice for gardeners and novices alike.
-
OCTOBER AND NOVEMBER EVENTS Phoenix Park Library, Saturday 4 October, 11am The Pines Library, Wednesday 8 October, 2.30pm Belgrave Library, Thursday 6 November, 2pm Niddrie Library, Tuesday 14 October, 6pm Hoppers Crossing Library, Wednesday 29 Oct, 6.30pm Bunjil Place Library, Saturday 8 November, 11am
OCTOBER AND NOVEMBER EVENTS
Talk and Native Plant Propagation Demonstration
Want to help the native wildlife in your area but not sure how to start? Are you keen to grow more native plants but have a small budget? Would you like to attract native birds, bees and butterflies to your outdoor spaces?
Countless Australian species of birds, bees and butterflies are in decline or threatened with extinction, but you can help. Writer and gardener Jaclyn Crupi shows us that protecting and fostering precious native wildlife starts in our own backyards. The first step: start planting! And choose native plants where possible. This alone presents endless opportunities for habitat creation – sometimes it’s the smallest actions that make the biggest difference. Providing a well-placed dish of water on a hot day, building and installing a simple insect hotel or allowing leaf litter to stay where it falls are among the many other super simple ways you can make your garden more attractive to native birds, bees and butterflies, and in turn benefit all species. Loads of practical advice for gardeners and novices alike.
-
Pasta-Making Demonstration
Sunday 12 October, 2pm
BALLARAT LIBRARYSemola Pasta Demonstration
According to Jaclyn Crupi – a proud Italian-Australian pasta maker and devotee – pasta is love, pasta is life. Pasta can be a quick and simple meal or a culinary masterpiece, but in essence it is about generosity, comfort and the beauty to be found in simplicity. Her book Pasta Love is a celebration of pasta and the people who make it.
Join Jaclyn to learn how to make fresh pasta at home and how to improve your dried pasta dishes (unlock the secrets of starchy salty pasta cooking water). Hear stories of the incredible pasta nonne (Italian grandmothers) Jaclyn has been making pasta with and learn their pasta-making ways. Jaclyn will demonstrate how to make a traditional semola rimacinata flour and water pasta dough and then shape it into cavatelli, orecchiette, fusilli al ferretto, lorighittas and many more pasta shapes. She'll also demonstrate some simple seasonal sauces to suit the pasta shapes made. So if you’re keen to give pasta making a go, or you just love all things pasta, this is the event for you.
PAST EVENT
New York Times-bestselling author Sloane Crosley was live in conversation with Jaclyn Crupi exploring the sharp comic edges of reality, writing the surreal and the fear of running into your ex.
Jaclyn in conversation with Sloane Crosley
Jaclyn has four author talks based on her book Garden Like a Nonno: Soil and Seeds, The Winter Productive Garden, The Autumn Productive Garden and The Spring Productive Garden. In each talk she shares wisdom and gardening knowledge taught to her by her grandfathers.
PAST EVENT
Jaclyn in conversation with Stephanie Alexander
Hear Stephanie Alexander reflect on her unparalleled five-decade career as a cook, writer and restaurateur, and the legacy she has built for generations of professionals and amateurs in kitchens around the country.
PAST EVENT
Jaclyn moderated several panels at the inaugural Sorrento Writers Festival and interviewed Chris Hammer, Sofie Laguna, Megan Rogers, Andre Dao, Saman Shad, Pirooz Jafari, Armando Lucas Correa, Joelle Gergis, Sam Vincent and Simon Holmes a Court.
Sorrento Writers Festival
PAST EVENT
Over a seasonal lunch prepared with Indigenous Australian ingredients, a panel of culinary superstars met at Big Esso to discuss their approaches to cooking and sharing food, and the intersections and impact of multiculturalism, immigration and First Nations cuisine on Australian food culture. Inspired by Griffith Review: A Matter of Taste, the event featured Mabu Mabu owner and head chef Nornie Bero and author and broadcaster Alice Zaslavsky with host Jaclyn Crupi.
On the Table: A Matter of Taste
PAST EVENT
Super Bloom: Jaclyn in conversation with Jac Semmler
Jaclyn Crupi visits Heartland, the home garden of Jac Semmler, author of Super Bloom: a field guide to flowers for every gardener to talk gardening, beauty, the book and of course maximum flowers in a special one off podcast.
PAST EVENT
Jaclyn in conversation with Anna Krien and Favel Parrett
For October’s Double Booked Club, we’ll hear from two acclaimed Australian authors, whose new works of fiction take readers to distant corners of the globe … and back again.
PAST EVENT
Jaclyn has programmed and hosted many events at Hill of Content Bookshop
The Writers on the Hill event program began in 2018 and has gone from strength to strength. Authors interviewed include Sarah Krasnostein, Helen Goh, Chloe Hooper, Laura Elizabeth Woollett, Jennifer Down, Paul Kelly, Alice Robinson, Guy Grossi, Jane Lopes, Charlotte Wood, David Holmgren, Kirsten Bradley, Nick Ratar, Belinda Jeffery, Natalie Paull, Scott Pickett, Lesley Harding and Kendrah Morgan.
Jaclyn was interviewed by The Age journalist Cara Waters at Basils Farm as part of Queenscliffe Writers Festival
PAST EVENT
This lunch event sold out in record time. Diners enjoyed Italian dishes, some of them from recipes in Jaclyn’s books, and good conversation about the Italian art of living well.
PAST EVENT
Soil and Seeds
The Winter Productive Garden
The Autumn Productive Garden
The Spring Productive Garden
