News and Events
Karen runs school workshops for children in upper primary school and lower secondary college. She focuses on verse novels, poetry and general storytelling. She is available for year level presentations, single classroom workshops and a series of workshops.
Contact Karen directly
Once Upon Tomorrow Book Launch – Karen Comer and Helen Farch in conversation
Date: Wednesday 29 April 2026 | 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Location: Readings State Library Victoria, 285-321 Russell Street, Melbourne Victoria 3000
Tickets: Free, but bookings are essential. Book here.
Melbourne Writers Festival
Date: Wednesday 6 May – Thursday 7 May | 10AM – 2PM
Location: State Library Victoria
Tickets: Book here
Sydney Writers Festival
Date: Saturday 23 May 2026 | 6:30PM – 8:00PM
Location: Carriageworks, 245 Wilson Street, 10AM – 11AM
Tickets: Book here
Melbourne Secondary Teacher night
Date: Tuesday 26 May 2026 | 6:30PM – 8:00PM
Location: The Little Bookroom, 8 Village Avenue
Tickets: Book here
Surf Coast Writers Festival
Date: Saturday 27 June 2026
Location: RACV Torquay Resort
Tickets: Book here
Sketch and Scribe Festival
Date: Saturday 5 September 2026
Location: Jan Juc Surf Lifesaving Club
Tickets: Book here
Book launch
Grace Notes was launched at Readings Kids, Carlton, in February 2023. Karen Ginnane led the Q & A, and Danielle Binks did a reading. There were cupcakes, tattoos and a long line of readers in the signing queue! And look at that window display!
Endorsement
Grace Notes
‘I can’t recommend this stunning debut novel highly enough. It explores the challenges imposed by the pandemic but is also a beautiful rendering of how much we need art to sustain us during tough times. This highly accessible story will inspire readers to think about art and its role in society.’
Sunshine on Vinegar Street
‘Karen Comer, whose debut was YA verse novel Grace Notes (Lothian), hits just the right notes in Sunshine on Vinegar Street, guiding the reader through frustration, hope, determination and resilience, slowly building to acceptance and belonging. Freya is never too perfect to be real and is a fantastic example for older middle-grade readers of how to take those angry, bitter thoughts and feelings you might have when something goes wrong and be more productive with them. Written in verse, Sunshine on Vinegar Street is a great example that novels don’t always need to follow a strict format to succeed. This universal story is perfect for any young reader who’s ever felt left on the outside, and will appeal to fans of Nova Weetman.’