The Geelong Booktrovert Event at the Books & Brew Café

This afternoon we attended the very first Booktrovert Meet & Greet + Book Swap at the welcoming Books & Brew Café in North Geelong. Running from 11am to 3pm, the event marked the launch of a new bookish community for Geelong and surrounds — a space for readers, writers, and quiet creatives to gather and feel at home.
The café was alive with friendly conversations, book swapping, and curious visitors learning about the new Fiction and Non‑Fiction Book Clubs. Local indie authors and makers had their work on display, adding a lovely creative buzz to the room. It was the kind of gathering where strangers quickly became bookish friends, and where the simple joy of sharing stories felt like the heart of the afternoon.
A wonderful first chapter for the Booktrovert community — and a warm, memorable day at Books & Brew.

Over at Weekly Prompts, this weekend’s challenge word is Fruitful.
The Booktrovert gathering turned out to be a truly “fruitful” afternoon at Books & Brew — full of new faces, shared stories, and the quiet joy of creative community. To visit their fabulous site, please click >> Here


Books & Brew Café — the perfect welcome for Geelong’s first Booktrovert gathering.
A bright, inviting front view where readers, writers, and quiet creatives wandered in with curiosity and smiles.


The counter humming with coffee, conversation, and that gentle Booktrovert buzz.
Frankie’s chosen table — our little home base amid the warmth of the afternoon.


Local indie authors and makers showcasing their work — a colourful corner of creativity and community.


A lively crowd filling the café with book swapping, friendly chats, and new connections. A beautiful first chapter for the Booktrovert community.


Captured moments by Catherine — fellow Geelong Writers poet and generous friend.
A lovely snapshot of us together, celebrating stories and community.
Her images reflect the heart of the day: warmth, camaraderie, and shared creative spirit.





A wonderful first chapter for the Booktrovert community
— full of warmth, curiosity, and connection. Books & Brew proved the perfect home for this new creative gathering, and I’m already looking forward to the next event.







Ivor Steven ©  September 2026

Creative Geelong Market Day, This Saturday, August 16th

It’s Market Day this Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
* Our popular monthly markets are all undercover at Centrepoint Arcade on the third Saturday of every month.
* They feature art, unique goods from local makers, second-hand goods, plants, books, and more.
* There are also open art studios, Yesterday Vintage, Untether Gallery, HBT Collectables, and the May’d Shop. 

All at, Centrepoint Arcade
132 Little Malop St, Geelong
From 11 am to 3 pm

And I’ll be there with ‘Frankie’ and my “New Bookstall Set-up”








Ivor Steven (c) August 2025

Geelong’s Botanical Gardens Greenhouse/Conservatory

Built in the 1960s, the Conservatory houses a collection of weird and wonderful plants from around the world. The displays change constantly, so there is always something new to see.

The ‘Mango Tree’ and the ‘Jacobean Lily’ were impressive

The Lily Pond was the centrepiece of the Conservatory

The Greenhouse/Conservatory was full of intriguing and colourful plants.











Ivor Steven (c) November 10th 2024

Day 4, Gina Comes to Geelong

After our early morning walkies, Frankie, Gina, and I went to the Box Office Cafe for a scrumptious breakfast.

My Bowl of Porridge, Fruit, and nuts … Frankie enjoyed his toast and coffee

Frankie and his friend Bella, eyeing off Gina’s scrambled eggs.

Then we drove to the nearby Geelong Waterfront for another enjoyable walkie …

1.00 pm was approaching and it was time to take Gina to the train station and say a fond goodbye to our gracious and generous guest … until the next time “Gina Comes to Geelong”






Ivor Steven (c) October 25th 2024

Day 3, Gina Comes to Geelong

After enjoying our morning walkies, Gina and I (without Frankie) travelled to Drysdale, where we enjoyed an excellent luncheon/dining experience on board The Q Train, a historic train that travels between Drysdale and Queenscliff.

Thursday evening we attended the Geelong Library’s special presentation of the famous Australian author, “Tim Winton, in conversation with Jock Serong, as they discussed Tim Winton’s new novel, JUICE. [This event was the main reason why Gina had come to Geelong]

Tim Winton signing Gina’s copy of “Juice”




Ivor Steven (c) October 2024

Creative Geelong Market Day and the Untethered Gallery

I had a wonderful day, chatting with the other stallholders, and visiting the fabulous ‘UntetheredGallery’.

Over at Weekly Prompts, the Weekend Challenge is the word “Ahead.” Needless to say, as a member of the Creative Geelong Group, I will always be “Ahead.” To visit their fabulous site, please click on >> Here.

Visiting the Untethered Gallery.
The displays that captured my imagination …





The Other Stallholders.

Above Left, Jen Cromaty, the proprietor of the ‘Untethered Gallery’







Ivor Steven (c) October 19th 2024

Winter Solstice Celebrations

Late yesterday afternoon I went down to the city waterfront to capture the full moon rising over the bay. Then I attended the Creative Geelong Winter Solstice event and the City’s Solstice Festival … No poem, but I took lots of Photos …

The Full Moon and the Sunset over Corio Bay

The Creative Geelong Event at our Makers Hub

The City’s Solstice Festival








Ivor Steven (c) June 22nd 2024

Creative Geelong, the MAY’D SHOP

A new initiative of Creative Geelong, the MAY’D SHOP is a retail experience that showcases the latest works from our diverse membership. From glass sculptures to clothing, paintings, and drawings to jewellery and homewares – the MAY’D SHOP will provide the community with a unique array of special creative works.
And yes, my Poetry Books are available and on display.

Creative Geelong website >> https://www.creativegeelong.com.au/

TRADING HOURS

Thursday-Saturday

11am-3pm










Until Eyes Hear Soundis NOW Available From,


Lulu Books: https://www.lulu.com/shop/ivor-steven/until-eyes-hear-sound/paperback/product-jeev886.html?page=1&pageSize=4

Jaymah Press: https://www.jaymahpress.com.au/product-page/until-eyes-hear-sound

Tullawalla is Available From

Jaymah Press:https://www.jaymahpress.com.au/

Ivor Steven: email, ivorrs20@gmail.com

Amazon: search via, ‘Tullawalla by Ivor Steven’

AND
Perceptions is Now Available via:

Amazon: https://amzn.asia/d/4yFHWrT

Jaymah Press: https://www.jaymahpress.com.au/

Lulu Books: https://www.lulu.com/shop/ivor-steven-and-derrick-knight/perceptions/hardcover/product-2pwqe4.html?q=Perceptions+by+Ivor+Steven&page=1&pageSize=4

OR: email me directly for a signed copy – ivorrs20@gmail.com



Ivor Steven (c) May 2024

The Stage is Set (a Tanka)

Please visit the Geelong Arts Centre Development via clicking on this link >>
https://www.development.vic.gov.au/projects/geelong-arts-centre?page=overview




The Stage is Set (a Tanka)




Unfurl the curtain

For the grand opening night

Geelong’s pride and joy

A cultural theatre

And Arts Centre is ready





I know it’s not poosible: but in my dreamy imagination, it would have been fabulous to have our local international star, Xavier Rudd, sing at the opening night




Tullawalla is Available From

Jaymah Press:https://www.jaymahpress.com.au/

Ivor Steven: email, ivorrs20@gmail.com

Amazon: search via, ‘Tullawalla by Ivor Steven’


AND
Perceptions is Now Available via:


Amazon: https://amzn.asia/d/4yFHWrT

Jaymah Press: https://www.jaymahpress.com.au/

Lulu Books: https://www.lulu.com/shop/ivor-steven-and-derrick-knight/perceptions/hardcover/product-2pwqe4.html?q=Perceptions+by+Ivor+Steven&page=1&pageSize=4

OR: email me directly for a signed copy – ivorrs20@gmail.com  




Ivor Steven (c) June 2023