Stories, wine and conversation – Fringe Fireside Chats at Flagstone

Saturday, 23 August, 2025
Flagstone Wines
TIME:    10h00
COST:    R60 pp
VENUE:    Flagstone Wines, W.R. Quinan Boulevard (off Strand Beach road), Paardevlei
Helderberg

Join us at Flagstone Wines on Saturday, 23 August, for a full day of engaging talks, panel discussions, and author meet-and-greets.

Join us at Flagstone Wines on Saturday, 23 August, for a full day of engaging talks, panel discussions, and author meet-and-greets. From romance writing and self-publishing to stories of resilience, there’s something to inspire every book lover. Enjoy great wine, connect with passionate storytellers, and be part of a day celebrating the power of words. We will have a delicious lunch offering from our food truck for only R90.00 starting from 11am.

Finding Your Voice: Writing Romance with ROSA: 10h00 - 11h00

Join members of ROSA (Romance Writers Organisation of South Africa) as they reveal how the organisation supports and empowers romance writers through mentorship, community, and professional guidance — while championing the genre, challenging stigma and creating space for South African authors to tell bold authentic love stories.

​Featuring Authors:

  • Francine Beaton
  • Marilize Roos
  • Dorothy Ewels
  • Nicole Ann Nielsen
  • Stephanie du Toit

Click HERE to book now

Let’s Talk Romance: 12h00 - 13h00

Celebrate the joy of writing love stories with a panel of authors who’ve shared the journey. From early critique partners to writing mentors and creative allies they reflect on craft community and why romance writing is as bold as it is beautiful.

Featuring Authors:

  • Francine Beaton
  • Dorothy Ewels
  • Sarah Bullen
  • Elsabé Welman
  • Marilize Roos

Click HERE to book now

Shiloh’s Essential Realities: Self Publishing 14h00 - 15h00

Author and music historian Shiloh Noone shares practical insights on self-publishing:

  • How to publish on Amazon, Smashwords, and Barnes & Noble
  • Going indie vs traditional publishing
  • Distributing through bookstores vs privately
  • Realistic costing, hidden fees, and key contacts for the best deals
  • Pitfalls and rewards of digital publishing

​Speaker:

Shiloh Noone, Cape Talk Radio presenter and established author of seven books lives in Onrust and is the custodian of the Anglo Zulu War ‘Matshana Museum’. A well-known public figure, Shiloh entertained and drew the biggest crowds in the first and second year of the festival. Not to be missed!

Click HERE to book now

Writing Resilience: Stories from the Edge: 16h00 - 17h00

What do a behavioural strategist, spiritual mentor, field guide, self-defense expert and satirist have in common? Resilience. Join Joni Peddie, Vicki Burke, Christopher Tanser, Des Bosch and Leslie de Plume as they share how their life paths shaped their writing and message.

Featuring Authors:

  • Joni Peddie
  • Christopher Tanser
  • Vicki Burke
  • Des Bosch
  • Leslie de Plume

Click HERE to book now