A group of aspiring writers became published authors for the first time this week when the University of Canberra's annual collection of creative works, FIRST, was launched on Thursday. This year's edition, called Pulling Threads, includes 28 stories and poems chosen from more than 100 entries. It is the 23rd anthology published by the University. Pulling Threads is available for purchase from the Co-op Bookshop and Paperchain Bookstore in Manuka for $15.

What's on

October 29: The Defeat of Conscription: A Centennial Retrospective, including the launch by Professor Joan Beaumont of the book The Conscription Conflict and the Great War edited by Robin Archer, Joy Damousi, Murray Goot and Sean Scalmer. Free, no bookings required. Hedley Bull Centre, Australian National University, 1-5.30pm. labourhistorycanberra.org.

October 30: The Fellowship of Australian Writers October Meeting is on from 1 to 4pm at the National Library. Please check at the front desk to see which room has been allocated. All welcome. This month's topic is an animal story. Shared afternoon tea. Gold coin donation. Further enquiries: Adrienne Johns on 62312470 or Chris Burt on 62311937.

October 30: In the 2016 Harold White Lecture, journalist and author Di Morrissey looks back on her years in the Australian writing world and speculates on the future. National Library of Australia Theatre, Lower Ground 1, 2pm. $20 Friends, $30 Non-members. Bookings: nla.gov.au.

October 30: In Conversation and Book Signing with Australian war photographer Gary Ramage in the main gallery, The Photography Room, Old Bus Depot, 21 Wentworth Avenue, Kingston Foreshore at 2pm. eventbrite.com.au/e/conversation-book-signing-gary-ramage-the-shot-tickets-28615006.

November 3: The second book in local author LJM Owen's Canberra-based series, Mayan Mendacity, will be launched at the National Library at 6pm. Free, but bookings are advised. nla.gov.au/node/9549.

November 4: At 6.15pm for 7pm in the Meet the Chef dinner series, chef and food writer Stephanie Alexander will be in conversation with Marion Halligan on Alexander's new book The Cook's Table. The menu, inspired by her latest book, will feature appetiser, two-course dinner, tea & coffee and a glass of Clonakilla wine. University House, 1 Balmain Crescent, Acton.Tickets: $85 . Bookings at 6125 5270 or unihouse.anu.edu.au/news-events.

November 5: The fully Australian, printed in Canberra book Joc the Croc by Andrea Annear and Liza Swaine (early readers to age 12) will be launched at Paperchain Bookstore Manuka at 10.45 for 11am. RSVP Telephone 6295 6723.

November 5: Stephanie Alexander, author of The Cook's Table, will be in conversation with Canberra's own MasterChef Trent Harvey at Muse Canberra at 2pm. Tickets $10 includes a drink. musecanberra.com.au.

November 6: Join local author Dr L.J.M. Owen and Echo Publishing commissioning editor Angela Meyer as they demystify the process of writing and publishing a book at Muse Canberra at 3pm. Tickets $10 includes a drink.musecanberra.com.au.

November 12: Professor Bill Gammage will launch The Bibbenluke Estate in the Bibbenluke Hall, Burnima Street, Bibbenluke (21 kilometres north of Bombala) at 10.30am. Following the launch there will be an excursion to four local sites that sparked controversy and upheaval in the battle for land between the manager of the Bibbenluke Estate and would-be selectors. If attending the excursion, please bring along a packed lunch. Morning tea will be provided. Bookings not necessary but if you have any enquiries, please contact: barbara.dawson@anu.edu.au.

November 13: There's a Body in the Library! A Library Lovers Bookclub will be held at the National Library at 1pm.. Free, but bookings are advised: eventbrite.com.au/e/library-lovers-bookclub-tickets-28675940510.

November 19: At Smith's Alternative at 4pm. Cock Crow: Rosemary Dobson in Words and Music is a performance of Dobson's poetry alongside music that reflects aspects of the poem including pieces by Bach, Vivaldi, Elena Kats-Chernin and May Howlett. Bookings: smithsalternative.com.

November 20: Madeleine O'Dea's The Phoenix Years follows the stories of nine contemporary Chinese artists to show how China's rise unleashed creativity and sparked tensions between the individual and the state. Hear more at Muse Canberra at 3pm. $10 includes a drink. musecanberra.com.au.

November 23: Home Grown, a political thriller by Hugh Watson, will be launched at Muse Canberra at 6pm. Admission free. musecanberra.com.au.

November 27: Tell the Truth, Shame the Devil, a crime novel by Melina Marchetta, will be launched at Muse Canberra at 3pm. $10 includes a drink. musecanberra.com.au.

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