Studies show that those who become fully immersed in works of fiction are naturally more empathetic. How crazy to think that the art of getting lost in a fantasy world can help you show up in life with more compassion.
But that’s the immense power of words, right? These tiny letters arranged into shapes and sounds are the greatest artillery we have as humans. That’s why the 21st Ubud Writers & Readers Festival theme Satyam Vada Dharmam Chara (Speak the Truth, Practice Kindness) is so poignant, especially given our current climate. It’s a way to honour the truth-tellers amongst us by celebrating their works through panels, discussions, workshops, performances, art, and rituals – all under the tropical sun and swaying forests of Ubud, Bali.
Image Credit – Prema Ananda
Balinese culture is so visually poetic, and the festival’s opening gala was splashed with the vivid imagery of dance, lights, music and words spoken from a deep love for the art of writing and reading. There was a palpable excitement of things to come as the bibliophiles came together to celebrate pages read and pages yet to be read – in the intricate surrounds of Ubud Palace. Over the course of the festival, there’d be talks from Nobel Peace Prize laureates, activists, award-winning authors, journalists, artists and change-makers alike. Humans from all over the world converging with the same mission – to speak the truth and practice kindness. The discussions spanned a wide array of topics – The Books That Changed Our Lives, Feminism in Asia, Navigating Mental Health Through Writing, Journalism, Ethics & Freedom of Speech, and Ecotourism, the last of which particularly piqued my interest.
Image Credit – Rio Kharisma
Juliet Kinsman, a distinguished eco-travel journalist and sustainable luxury travel expert, shared her insights on how to approach travel with a deeper sense of purpose. ‘Engage with nature, appreciate your surroundings, be fully present, and remember to put your phone down. Disconnect from technology and connect with real people, especially locals. Use a few words from the local language to show respect.’ Juliet also emphasised the importance of booking directly through locally run accommodations and choosing eco-friendly stays where possible. If you’re curious about how to travel more sustainably, check out her book The Green Edit.
Image Credit – Wisuda
Another moderator that piqued my interest was Veronica Sullivan, Director of the Melbourne Writers Festival. After her panel, we sat down to discuss the transformative impact of connecting through stories. ‘Reading enables us to better understand not only ourselves but also those we interact with, fostering deep and meaningful connections. Truly immersing in a story and a life that’s not ours is magic. It transforms us into more engaged and accountable human beings. It demands we see people’s full humanity, and we have an obligation towards ourselves and others to do that.’ Her words highlighted to me Just how vital festivals like the Ubud Readers & Writers Festival are in helping to dissolve barriers and bring us closer to a shared human experience.
Image Credit – Winarni
For those emerging writers, there was endless information, inspiration, and introspection – a wonderfully uplifting sentiment in an industry that can be famously hard to break into. Rosemarie Milsom, Festival Moderator and Director of the Newcastle Writers Festival spoke about rejection in the publishing world and gave some fantastic advice for emerging writers. ‘Be your own champion, find your people, join a writing event, do a short course, and don’t allow loneliness to dominate you. Look at the story you want to tell, and don’t lose sight of that despite what you think an algorithm is selling you. Stick to your creative ideas, have an authentic voice and don’t be afraid to seek support. It’s hard to break through, but it’s worth it, and there are so many opportunities out there now, especially for regional writers. Residences, prizes, emerging writing grants and an exceptional range of programmes are available. Just put yourself out there, which isn’t easy, but if you take that first step, you’ll be rewarded.’
After speaking with and hearing the words of so many impactful humans, I was honestly left with a renewed faith in humanity. United, we hold so much power, especially in the face of adversity. It’s not often you get to spend time in the presence of so many people who are having a positive impact on the world. So, do yourself a favour and book a ticket to Bali for next year’s festival, and in the meantime, Satyam Vada Dharmam Chara.
Ubud Writers & Readers Festival 2025 will return next October. Stay tuned for more updates here.
