Algorithms, Aisles, and Accidents
How do we find our next great read, or does it find us? From the precision of algorithmic recommendations to the happy chaos of bookstore browsing, this panel explores the strange, delightful ecosystem of story discovery in the digital age. Our panellists unpack how taste is shaped by TikTok trends, library shelves, book clubs, and the random recommendations that change everything. Is the future of reading curated by code, community, or sheer coincidence?
A lively and contemporary conversation for our times, for anyone who’s ever fallen in love with a book they didn’t even know they were looking for.
Each of the guest panel members bring a very different and unique perspective. From booktokkers, to podcasters, to book shop owners. The conversation will likely be spread thin across the plethora of opinions for sourcing your new favourite author and story.
Lauren Jackson is an Australian author and an avid reader and a co- administrator and booktooker with Booktok Bookclub.
Sarah Williams is a bestselling romance author and CEO of Serenade Publishing. As a publisher, podcaster and festival director, Sarah offers an intimate insight to book discovery trends.
Ky Garvey a writer, podcaster and coffee/chocolate connoisseur. She has been a judge for the Australian Podcast Awards and most recently included in the Courier Mail list of Brisbane’s 60 Most Inspirational Women 2025.
Kat T. Masen is a USA TODAY bestselling author. She is the founder of the Books Ever After store, and spends way too much time on BookTok.
Moderated by author, journo, and podcaster extraordinaire, Louisa Duval.
Book signings: After the In Conversation, authors will be signing books in the Dendy foyer. You can also purchase the authors’ books (and many more) at the Books@Stones pop-up bookstore in the foyer.