More than 800 people packed into the Athenaeum Theatre in Melbourne last night to hear one of Australia's greatest writers, Tim Winton, talk about his latest novel Breath.

Readings brought Tim's entire back catalogue with them to the event and its made for quite a sight spread out over a few tables. Oh and Readings staff always like to pose.

Mark Rubbo, Managing Director of Readings, began proceedings by introducing the West Australian writer.

And before long Tim took to the stage.

Where he spoke about the genesis of Breath, the as-yet unfinished book he dropped in favour of writing Breath and life as Tim Winton the writer.

And all three tiers of the theatre listened to an hour or so as Tim spoke and read passages from his new book, before taking questions from the audience.

And to finish an evening with Tim Winton off there was the post-match signings.