Mr Ayliffe has been a journalist for almost 20 years and is the managing editor of Television and Video for ABC News.

Mr Ayliffe will discuss his second book, State of Fear, which is part of a three book thriller series featuring seasoned journalist and war correspondent John Bailey.

State of Fear will follow the journalist, who drinks too much to drown the memories of being kidnapped and tortured in Iraq.

However, as he battles to get his life back together, a story will break that will force him back into the spotlight and into another deadly situation.

The book, which will be published in August, follows, The Greater Good, which also featured John Bailey.

Running with the Winter Fire Festival, Mr Ayliffe will speak alongside fellow authors Debra Adelaide, Meg Keneally, Summer Land, and Felicity Mclean at the writers festival.

For more information visit www.cwl.nsw.gov.au or tickets are available at eventbrite.com.