Grassroots Writers Weekend 2016 Program
Registration for Grassroots Writers Weekend 2016 is now open via Trybooking.
The fee for Friday to Sunday is $30 per participant which gives admission to all panel sessions and workshops.
Workshops and guided conversations run concurrently with 3 options. You will need to make your workshop selection at the time of booking.
Social events are additional - Friday night BBQ $25
and Saturday Writing Slam dinner $32.
The bar will be open on both evenings.
The program is correct at the time of publishing 31/01/16.
All sessions are subject to availability of the presenters and Nambucca Valley Writers Group reserves the right to substitute sessions and presenters as required.
The full program can be downloaded below:
The fee for Friday to Sunday is $30 per participant which gives admission to all panel sessions and workshops.
Workshops and guided conversations run concurrently with 3 options. You will need to make your workshop selection at the time of booking.
Social events are additional - Friday night BBQ $25
and Saturday Writing Slam dinner $32.
The bar will be open on both evenings.
The program is correct at the time of publishing 31/01/16.
All sessions are subject to availability of the presenters and Nambucca Valley Writers Group reserves the right to substitute sessions and presenters as required.
The full program can be downloaded below:
| grassroots_writers_weekend_program_2016_final.pdf |
Friday 1st April
2.30 pm Registration
3.30 pm Workshop 1 (choose from below)
5.30 pm Keynote address - Fiona Macarthur
6.00 pm Official Opening
6.30 pm BBQ dinner
2.30 pm Registration
3.30 pm Workshop 1 (choose from below)
5.30 pm Keynote address - Fiona Macarthur
6.00 pm Official Opening
6.30 pm BBQ dinner
Friday Workshop Options
Option 1
Workshop:
How Do You Start? Presenter: Roby Aiken
A practical workshop for beginners. Discussing genre, character, the shape of a story and more, with some practical exercises to get your imagination moving.
Option 1
Workshop:
How Do You Start? Presenter: Roby Aiken
A practical workshop for beginners. Discussing genre, character, the shape of a story and more, with some practical exercises to get your imagination moving.
Option 2
Workshop:
Cut & Paste – Collage Poetry Presenter: Diane Curran
Construct poetry from cut-out words. Words huddle together in unexpected groups triggering new association and images. Relaxing, inspiring and challenging.
Collage Poetry Examples
Option 3
Workshop:
Grab That Reader Presenter: Michael Burlace
Hook and hold your reader all the way from page one to the next book. This is a sound approach for people who want their books read, not just looked at. Particularly, it fits people who want to be published. Bring a page or more of your writing to polish - ideally the first page they see because that is the best place to cast a spell on them.
Workshop:
Grab That Reader Presenter: Michael Burlace
Hook and hold your reader all the way from page one to the next book. This is a sound approach for people who want their books read, not just looked at. Particularly, it fits people who want to be published. Bring a page or more of your writing to polish - ideally the first page they see because that is the best place to cast a spell on them.
Saturday 2nd April
9.00 am Panel Session - Things I wish I knew when I started
10.15 am Morning Tea (provided)
10.45 am Workshop 2
12.15 pm Lunch - Book Launch - Aussie Midwives by Fiona McArthur
1.30 pm Workshop 3
3.00 pm Afternoon Tea (provided)
3.30 pm Workshop 4
6.30 pm Writing Slam Dinner
9.00 am Panel Session - Things I wish I knew when I started
10.15 am Morning Tea (provided)
10.45 am Workshop 2
12.15 pm Lunch - Book Launch - Aussie Midwives by Fiona McArthur
1.30 pm Workshop 3
3.00 pm Afternoon Tea (provided)
3.30 pm Workshop 4
6.30 pm Writing Slam Dinner
Saturday Workshop Options 10-45 am - 12.15 pm
Option 1
Workshop:
Assessing Writing Presenter: Lisa Milner
Many writers give feedback on other people’s writing. Learning how to provide, and receive, writing assessment can be a huge incentive for this task.
Bring along one page of your writing for another person to assess.
Option 1
Workshop:
Assessing Writing Presenter: Lisa Milner
Many writers give feedback on other people’s writing. Learning how to provide, and receive, writing assessment can be a huge incentive for this task.
Bring along one page of your writing for another person to assess.
Option 2
Workshop:
Desktop Publishing Basics Presenter: Ion Newcombe
Desktop Publishing (DTP) Basics is aimed at writers who’d like to know more about how to self-publish their work professionally — either on paper or as e-books — using a computer. It is an easy introduction to the conventions of desktop publishing that demystifies page layout, reading psychology, typography, spacing, margins, graphics, book formats, printing, binding, print on demand services, and publishing terminology. This course also highlights a number of useful online and offline resources for self-publishers.
Workshop:
Desktop Publishing Basics Presenter: Ion Newcombe
Desktop Publishing (DTP) Basics is aimed at writers who’d like to know more about how to self-publish their work professionally — either on paper or as e-books — using a computer. It is an easy introduction to the conventions of desktop publishing that demystifies page layout, reading psychology, typography, spacing, margins, graphics, book formats, printing, binding, print on demand services, and publishing terminology. This course also highlights a number of useful online and offline resources for self-publishers.
Option 3
Conversation: Travel Writing Presenter: Leonie Henschke
Everybody likes to travel - to get away from day to day routines - whether it is to exotic locations or to a b&b up in the hills. In every one of those settings there is a story. It is up to the writer to capture the sights, smells, sounds, and, most particularly, personal stories to make that special place come alive for the reader. In this relaxed session, journalist and writer (and adventure traveller), Leonie Henschke, facilitates group conversation to share, inspire, amuse and challenge other travel junkie writers! Bring along your memories!
Conversation: Travel Writing Presenter: Leonie Henschke
Everybody likes to travel - to get away from day to day routines - whether it is to exotic locations or to a b&b up in the hills. In every one of those settings there is a story. It is up to the writer to capture the sights, smells, sounds, and, most particularly, personal stories to make that special place come alive for the reader. In this relaxed session, journalist and writer (and adventure traveller), Leonie Henschke, facilitates group conversation to share, inspire, amuse and challenge other travel junkie writers! Bring along your memories!
Saturday Workshop Options 1.30 - 3.00 pm
Option 1
Workshop:
Establishing the World of Your Writing Presenter: Rosalie Skinner
In this workshop we will explore how to create a world our readers can navigate and understand. Even though we may create an imaginary world an author needs to know how and why the world’s elements exist. We will discuss different aspects of world building that any author can use to ensure their world is well rounded. From culture to geology, climate to garments, an author has a duty to share as much data as possible with their readers. Our workshop will cover how to achieve this without overwhelming our readers.
Option 2
Workshop:
Show Don’t Tell: Developing Your Writer's Style Presenter: Margaret Penhall-Jones
Develop an understanding of the key writing technique “show don’t tell” so that aspiring writers are able to assess their own work for “showing” rather than “telling”.
Option 3
Conversation:
Let’s Talk about Sex (Scenes), Baby. Facilitator: Diane Curran
Was it good for you? When we ask this question of sex scenes, the answer can vary depending on whether the author’s intention is to shock, titillate or move the reader, along with the expectations of the reader. Leave your inhibitions at the door as we discuss the ins and outs of sex on the page.
Option 1
Workshop:
Establishing the World of Your Writing Presenter: Rosalie Skinner
In this workshop we will explore how to create a world our readers can navigate and understand. Even though we may create an imaginary world an author needs to know how and why the world’s elements exist. We will discuss different aspects of world building that any author can use to ensure their world is well rounded. From culture to geology, climate to garments, an author has a duty to share as much data as possible with their readers. Our workshop will cover how to achieve this without overwhelming our readers.
Option 2
Workshop:
Show Don’t Tell: Developing Your Writer's Style Presenter: Margaret Penhall-Jones
Develop an understanding of the key writing technique “show don’t tell” so that aspiring writers are able to assess their own work for “showing” rather than “telling”.
Option 3
Conversation:
Let’s Talk about Sex (Scenes), Baby. Facilitator: Diane Curran
Was it good for you? When we ask this question of sex scenes, the answer can vary depending on whether the author’s intention is to shock, titillate or move the reader, along with the expectations of the reader. Leave your inhibitions at the door as we discuss the ins and outs of sex on the page.
Saturday Workshop Options 3.30 pm = 5pm
Option 1
Workshop: Playing with Words Presenter: Iris Curteis
This session is about building your creative muscle, playing with words, letting go and being daring! Together we will build courage so that you can perform your writings in front of an audience – rather than just read them. We will look at different ‘styles’ and how they can work for you and your chosen piece. We will also create a piece of collaborative writing and perform this during the weekend. Be prepared to embarrass yourselves and have a lot of fun doing it.
Bring 2 pieces of work you’d like to work on plus 2 copies for collaborators.
Option 2
Workshop:
Tighter and Sharper – Writing like a Professional
Presenter: Greg Barron
Knock out useless words, eliminate adverbs, tighten your prose until it shines. Learn to use vivid detail and sensory description to immerse the reader in your work.
Requirement: 1 page of writing, double spaced, size 14 font
Option 3
Conversation: The Writing Life Facilitator: Carrolline Rhodes
Group conversation about different writing methods and different genres, tools, rituals, processes. Sharing what works and what doesn't, discovering voice, becoming intimate with the reader. Meeting the guides, the journey from first draft to final submission.
Option 1
Workshop: Playing with Words Presenter: Iris Curteis
This session is about building your creative muscle, playing with words, letting go and being daring! Together we will build courage so that you can perform your writings in front of an audience – rather than just read them. We will look at different ‘styles’ and how they can work for you and your chosen piece. We will also create a piece of collaborative writing and perform this during the weekend. Be prepared to embarrass yourselves and have a lot of fun doing it.
Bring 2 pieces of work you’d like to work on plus 2 copies for collaborators.
Option 2
Workshop:
Tighter and Sharper – Writing like a Professional
Presenter: Greg Barron
Knock out useless words, eliminate adverbs, tighten your prose until it shines. Learn to use vivid detail and sensory description to immerse the reader in your work.
Requirement: 1 page of writing, double spaced, size 14 font
Option 3
Conversation: The Writing Life Facilitator: Carrolline Rhodes
Group conversation about different writing methods and different genres, tools, rituals, processes. Sharing what works and what doesn't, discovering voice, becoming intimate with the reader. Meeting the guides, the journey from first draft to final submission.
Sunday 3rd April
9.00 am Workshops - choose one
10.30 am Morning Tea
11 am Workshops - choose one
12.30 pm Lunch
1.30 pm Panel: Pathway to Success
3.30 pm Wrap up and handover
9.00 am Workshops - choose one
10.30 am Morning Tea
11 am Workshops - choose one
12.30 pm Lunch
1.30 pm Panel: Pathway to Success
3.30 pm Wrap up and handover
Sunday 9am Workshop Options
Option 1
Workshop: You Can Do It! Presenter: Fiona McArthur
Drawing from what she’s learnt from listening to Susan Mallory in her workshop ‘Screw The Muse’ and Stephen Pressfields ‘The War of Art ‘ Winning the Inner Creative Battle and other motivational speakers – including ‘How to write a book in 30 minutes!’ Leave this workshop with tools to keep you going until you get to the end of that first or fifteenth book. And then how to get it out there.
Requirements: Outline of the book you want to write
Option 1
Workshop: You Can Do It! Presenter: Fiona McArthur
Drawing from what she’s learnt from listening to Susan Mallory in her workshop ‘Screw The Muse’ and Stephen Pressfields ‘The War of Art ‘ Winning the Inner Creative Battle and other motivational speakers – including ‘How to write a book in 30 minutes!’ Leave this workshop with tools to keep you going until you get to the end of that first or fifteenth book. And then how to get it out there.
Requirements: Outline of the book you want to write
Option 2
Workshop:
Creating Snapshots of the Past and Present Presenter: Leonie Henschke & Kim Hodges
Writing a life-long memoir of yourself or someone of interest is a big challenge. A huge hunk of time. However, if you pick out little snippets, perhaps based on photographs or mementoes, you can zero in on intimate, life-changing and, perhaps, very entertaining moments. And afterwards you can always connect the vignettes as a life story. Come along with three personal items relevant to your story and we’ll create some memorable pieces, sharing, inspiring, and improving from working together as a group. You’ll learn techniques for creating atmosphere, a recognisable flavour of the period, setting and language, and structure to engage the reader.
Workshop:
Creating Snapshots of the Past and Present Presenter: Leonie Henschke & Kim Hodges
Writing a life-long memoir of yourself or someone of interest is a big challenge. A huge hunk of time. However, if you pick out little snippets, perhaps based on photographs or mementoes, you can zero in on intimate, life-changing and, perhaps, very entertaining moments. And afterwards you can always connect the vignettes as a life story. Come along with three personal items relevant to your story and we’ll create some memorable pieces, sharing, inspiring, and improving from working together as a group. You’ll learn techniques for creating atmosphere, a recognisable flavour of the period, setting and language, and structure to engage the reader.
Option 3
Workshop: Fantastic Magic Presenter: Roby Aiken
Find out how to fill your world with magic, from creatures to spells and beyond. Expand your imagination and embrace all things magical. Practical tips and exercises for any world.
Workshop: Fantastic Magic Presenter: Roby Aiken
Find out how to fill your world with magic, from creatures to spells and beyond. Expand your imagination and embrace all things magical. Practical tips and exercises for any world.
Sunday Workshops 11.00 am - 12.30 pm Options
Option 1
Workshop:
Learning Writing from Reading
Presenter: Annette Marfording
Important aspects of good writing include beginnings, voice, 5 senses, metaphor, original and vivid detail and more. In this workshop Annette Marfording will point to and discuss some great examples in literature that achieve these elements brilliantly.
Option 1
Workshop:
Learning Writing from Reading
Presenter: Annette Marfording
Important aspects of good writing include beginnings, voice, 5 senses, metaphor, original and vivid detail and more. In this workshop Annette Marfording will point to and discuss some great examples in literature that achieve these elements brilliantly.
Option 2
Workshop:
Invigorate Your Muse Presenter: Wendy Laharnar
This is a fun session to stimulate your muse by devious means to make her work for you. At the end, you’ll know the joy of saying, ‘Where did this come from?’ and ‘Did I write that?’ Beginning with a blank page and blank mind, we’ll trick, prompt, question and cajole your muse into releasing ideas and hidden gems which surprise and delight you. Then we’ll create order from chaos, revealing the bones of the story or poem your muse delivered.
Workshop:
Invigorate Your Muse Presenter: Wendy Laharnar
This is a fun session to stimulate your muse by devious means to make her work for you. At the end, you’ll know the joy of saying, ‘Where did this come from?’ and ‘Did I write that?’ Beginning with a blank page and blank mind, we’ll trick, prompt, question and cajole your muse into releasing ideas and hidden gems which surprise and delight you. Then we’ll create order from chaos, revealing the bones of the story or poem your muse delivered.
Option 3
Workshop:
Editing for Your Reader Presenter: Michael Burlace
As I see it, there is one person to edit for: The person who reads your book - your agent; your publisher; your retail buyer; the Hollywood producer who chases you for the rights; or someone who listens to your audiobook. Each needs certain things you can deliver at the same time. We will look at how changing your editing approach can make your writing click with your reader. This workshop is a sound fit if you want to make a full or part income from fiction or non-fiction.
Workshop:
Editing for Your Reader Presenter: Michael Burlace
As I see it, there is one person to edit for: The person who reads your book - your agent; your publisher; your retail buyer; the Hollywood producer who chases you for the rights; or someone who listens to your audiobook. Each needs certain things you can deliver at the same time. We will look at how changing your editing approach can make your writing click with your reader. This workshop is a sound fit if you want to make a full or part income from fiction or non-fiction.