That it was also to involve a Live and Local component showcasing published authors and content creators from the Valley made it even more enticing.

(That the organiser also invited yours truly to appear as a panel member for a discussion during a gap in the live stream program may also have been a clincher!)

However, we share the organiser's disappointment with the lower than expected – even if well-intentioned and enthusiastic – turnout across the weekend.

Given the premise and production quality, it should have been a fantastic showcase event for our local writers of all persuasions and for those who enjoy and appreciate their work. Ahead of the festival, local author Melissa Pouliot said for writers who for the most part do it on their own “to go out and be inspired by others gives you a boost and keeps you learning”.

Having international authors and academics, world-renowned journalists and brain surgeons, all speaking about their craft while being streamed live to a big screen in the Bega civic centre was an enticing idea for a region that has previously missed out on such big-ticket events.

There was also the opportunity for people across the country to be a part of the sessions by submitting questions directly to guest authors in Sydney via a live feed.

That more Bega Valley residents didn't take up the offer of attending was sad to see.

Hopefully organisers don't lose heart and go on to offer this world-class event to local audiences again next year. If they do, please make the time and effort to head along, lest our region once more find itself lacking the spirit and ability to hold such events.

On a more positive note, the smaller crowd did make it a little less daunting for this editor when asked to join MC Ian Campbell from About Regional in a friendly discussion about local media and the changing landscape of news consumption.

And putting me on after a nerosurgeon speaking about a lifetime of operating on people's brains, the personal toll and the politics of hospitals wasn't daunting in the least...