Rand Show 2017 will inspire writers at new Authors' Day

Deon Maas, author of Melk die Heilige Koeie, is one of the speakers at Authors’ Day, a new half-day literary conference that forms part of the inaugural Johannesburg Design Week being launched at the Rand Show. Register online at www.jhbdesignweek.co.za. (Photo by Alet Pretorius.)

Melk die Heilige Koeie, by Deon Maas, one of the authors who’ll be participating in Authors’ Day at the Rand Show on 20 April 2017. Register online at www.jhbdesignweek.co.za.

Radio host and author Sam Cowen joins three other local authors to guide aspiring writers taking part in Authors’ Day, a new half-day literary conference that forms part of the inaugural Johannesburg Design Week being launched at the Rand Show. Register online at www.jhbdesignweek.co.za.

From Whiskey to Water (Jacana, 2016), by Sam Cowen, one of the speakers at the Rand Show’s Authors’ Day (20 April, 2017). Register online at www.jhbdesignweek.co.za.

Maverick indie author Paula Gruben will take Authors’ Day delegates behind the scenes of a #writerslife. Join Paula and three other local authors at this new half-day literary conference that forms part of the inaugural Johannesburg Design Week being launched at the Rand Show. Register online at www.jhbdesignweek.co.za.

Umbilicus: An autobiographical novel, by Paula Gruben, one of the speakers at the Rand Show’s Authors’ Day (20 April, 2017). Register online at www.jhbdesignweek.co.za.

Douglas Kruger, author of They’re Your Rules – Break Them!, will take the mike alongside other local authors at Authors’ Day, a new half-day literary conference that forms part of the inaugural Johannesburg Design Week being launched at the Rand Show. Register online at www.jhbdesignweek.co.za.

Authors’ Day forms part of the lineup of the inaugural Johannesburg Design Week 2017, an exciting new first-for-Gauteng initiative that aims to make great design accessible to people from all walks of life.

Launching this year at the Rand Show, South Africa’s biggest consumer exhibition, Johannesburg Design Week 2017 consists of curated displays of intriguing design, public workshops and talks on design topics, and a series of conferences, workshops and master classes that will inspire those in the world of business. And of course, Authors’ Day...

Inspiration from top authors

Join Deon Maas, Sam Cowen, Paula Gruben and Douglas Kruger on Thursday, 20 April, for this half-day event, where they’ll discuss their latest books, give advice on writing a book, and guide aspiring authors on the often daunting process of getting published. There will also be book signings after the event.

• Deon Maas’s Melk die Heilige Koeie (Tafelberg, 2016) takes on everything “from beards and Banting to Zupta and zol”, with the same honesty, controversy and humour that built him a reputation for being a columnist who tells it like it is. Currently working as a film producer, Deon is also the author of Witboy in Africa.

• Radio host and author Sam Cowen is the author of bestselling titles Waiting for Christopher and Good Enough Mother, two popular books on motherhood. Her latest book, From Whiskey to Water (Jacana, 2016), is described as a “no-holds-barred memoir” about her struggle with addiction.

• Maverick indie author Paula Gruben released Umbilicus: An autobiographical novel in 2016. It's a coming-of-age story based on her remarkable journey as an adoptee, going in search of and reuniting with her biological family.

  She will take Authors’ Day delegates behind the scenes of a #writerslife, offering first-hand insight and practical advice on what goes into writing, designing, producing, marketing, and distributing your first book. She will spill the beans on the pros and cons of the self-publishing industry, and she will share some innovative ideas on how to ‘use your book as a business card’, to grow your career as an ‘authorpreneur’.

• Douglas Kruger is a professional speaker and business author, who has penned six business books, including the acclaimed Own Your Industry – How to Position Yourself as an Expert. His latest book, They’re Your Rules – Break Them! (Penguin Random House, 2016), looks at how behemoth organisations can become more agile. Find Douglas at www.douglaskruger.co.za.

  Book your seat

  The Rand Show’s Authors’ Day takes place on Thursday, 20 April 2017, from 9am to 1pm, in the MAN Building at the Johannesburg Expo Centre, Nasrec.

  Register for Authors’ Day at www.jhbdesignweek.co.za/thursday-20-april for a cost of R150, which includes entry to the Rand Show. Seats are limited, so book today.

  Once again, the Rand Show has a full lineup of top-class entertainment for the whole family, so why not bring along the rest of the clan to enjoy the fun while you learn how to become the next JK Rowling? South Africa’s biggest consumer expo is the only show to offer attractions covering everything from sport, motoring, military, and science and technology, to design, animals, gardening, health and beauty, and variety shows... there’s an entire day out for the whole family packed into each Rand Show ticket.

  Visit www.randshow.co.za to find out about what’s on this year at the Rand Show.

  When, where, how much?

  The Rand Show runs from Friday, 14 April, to Sunday, 23 April 2017, from 9am to 7pm (last entry at 6pm), at the Johannesburg Expo Centre, Nasrec (GPS – S26°14.484’ E27°58.510). There is ample secure paid parking at the venue, with visible policing.

  Rand Show tickets at the gate cost R150 for adults, R50 for pensioners, R50 for 13-16 years, R20 for 6-12 years, and under six enter free. Midweek specials for Tuesday, 18, Wednesday, 19, and Thursday, 20 April, only are R75 for adults, and R20 for 13- to 16-year-olds. Open-air parking is R20 per car. Tickets are available at the gate or through Computicket.

  Tickets give access to a wide variety of entertainment attractions, but exclude rides on the helicopter and monorail, drifting, bagjumping, the fun fair, and refreshments and food.

  About the Rand Show

  Dates: Good Friday, 14 April to Sunday 23 April 2017
  Show Hours: 09h00 - 19h00 Daily; 18h00 Last Entry
  Venue: Johannesburg Expo Centre, Cnr Rand Show & Nasrec Roads, Nasrec; (GPS - S26°14.484' E27°58.510')
  Tickets: Available at the gates or through Computicket (www.computicket.com). Ticket prices available at www.randshow.co.za or www.computicket.com.
  Parking: Open-air parking is available at R20 per car.
  Spokesperson: Mr Craig Newman, Chairman - Dogan Exhibitions and Events (Pty) Ltd; Telephone: 011 494 1920; Email: az.oc.ertnecopxe@ngiarc.

  For more information visit www.randshow.co.za or e-mail az.oc.wohsdnar@aidem.