Events
Events
Welcome to the Good Reading Events Calendar! Here you'll find book-related events near you. From festivals, exhibitions, author talks, book signings and launches to literary lunches and dinners, there's always something happening in the book world.
| Genealogy Seminar | NT: Palmerton |
9am-4pm, 25-Jan-2012
to 25-Feb-2012
Goyder Building PO Box 496 Host Alan Phillips, nationally renowned Genealogist and Historian, along with local presenters, will cover topics including how to search Government and police gazettes, and an introduction to using Findmypast.
Tel: 1800 019 155 |
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| WRITING A NOVEL with Kathryn Heyman and James Brad | NSW: Sydney - CBD |
Monthly, 01-Feb-2012
to 29-Feb-2012
Writing a Novel is a six-month, intensive, practical course for writers ready to make the leap
Tel: 02 8425 0100 |
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| Are we there yet? | NT: Palmerton |
10am-5pm, 01-Feb-2012
to 22-Feb-2012
Goyder Building PO Box 496
To begin the National Year of Reading 2012 celebrations, an exhibition of original artwork from Alison Lester’s award winning picture book Are we there yet? will travel to every State and Territory during 2012. Are we there yet? is a warm, heartfelt story based on an actual journey undertaken by author and illustrator, Alison Lester. The story is based on the reflections of her children on their adventurous and sometimes funny expedition around Australia.
Tel: (08) 8999 5511 |
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| Pygmalion. | NSW: Sydney - CBD |
8pm, 04-Feb-2012
to 03-Mar-2012
Jessica Marais plays the iconic Eliza Doolittle in Peter Evans’ bold new production of George Bernard Shaw’s enduring classic of wicked wordplay. 3 hours, including interval at Sydney Theatre. Tickets from $40.
Tel: (02) 9250 1777 |
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| Fighting naval officers - two naval men talk about | NT: Palmerton |
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5.15pm, 16-Feb-2012
Goyder Building PO Box 496
Lieutenant Commander Eric Thompson RAN was the Gunnery Officer of HMAS Deloraine during its fight with the submarine I-124 in January 1942 - a battle which sent the 80-man submarine, one of four in the fight, to the bottom of the harbour where it remains today. Eric will talk about his experiences with Dr Tom Lewis OAM - also a naval officer, Director of Darwin Military Museum, and author of A War at Home - an account of those first raids; Zero Hour in Broome, and Darwin's Submarine I-124 . Free event, open to the public. Bookings preferred 1800 019 155.
Tel: 1800 019 155 |
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| A Tall Drink of Water: Inside Small Beer Press | QLD: Brisbane |
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6:00pm - 8:00pm, 16-Feb-2012
Auditorium 2, Level 2, State Library of Queensland, Cultural Centre, Stanley Place, South Brisbane
Discover the inner workings of the independent press during this in conversation with Gavin J. Grant & Kelly Link of Small Beer Press. Discuss the changing relationships with authors, booksellers, and the place of independent press in the emerging new publishing world. Small Beer Press is a publisher of fantasy and literary fiction, based in Northampton, Massachusetts. It was founded by Gavin J Grant and Kelly Link in 2000 and publishes novels, collections and anthologies. It also publishes zine Lady Churchill's Rosebud Wristlet, chapbooks, the Peapod Classics line of classic reprints, and limited edition printings of certain titles
Tel: 07 3842 9922 |
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| Historical Fiction Development Series | QLD: Brisbane |
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10:30am - 4:30pm, 18-Feb-2012
to 17-Mar-2012
QWC Offices, Level 2, State Library of Queensland, Cultural Centre, Stanley Place, South Brisbane
Historical Adventure is a versatile and enduring genre that covers dramas, epics, can include fantasy elements, and is written for virtually any age group. In this vibrant two-part series, Simon Higgins, will guide writers through the conception and development of a commercially viable historical tale, whether a standalone epic or a genre series that draws on ancient or hybridised cultures. Simon will provide personalised coaching and advice on steering the work towards publication. Simon Higgins is a former police officer and homicide investigator, and writes historical adventures set in Japan, where he has trained in laido: traditional duelling. His novels are studied as Asian history and culture curriculum texts. His work is published in several countries, including the US with the publishers of Twilight.
Tel: 07 3842 9922 |
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| Book Launch ‘Refugees in our own country’ | NT: Palmerton |
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1pm, 19-Feb-2012
Goyder Building PO Box 496
Janet's book was first published in 1995, and covers the evacuation of women and children from Darwin in December 1941 on board the troop ship ‘Zealandia'. For Janet, the book has been a release from transferred memories of what her mother, Gladys Litchfield, experienced during the evacuation and for the people that she interviewed. The book will be launched by Wendy James, who herself was one of the evacuees along with her mother, brother and baby sister.Free event, open to the public. Bookings preferred 1800 019 155
Tel: 1800 019 155 |
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| Magic for Beginners: Exploring the Supernatural | QLD: Brisbane |
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10:30am - 4:30pm, 19-Feb-2012
Queensland Writers Centre,Level 2, State Library of Queensland, Cultural Centre, Stanley Place, South Brisbane Delve into magical, fantastical and spooky in this rare and exclusive workshop with international guest Kelly Link, the multi-award winning author of fantasy stories for adults and children. Create and build your own uncanny worlds and discover the extraordinary characters that inhabit them with one of the world's most acclaimed writers and editors of speculative fiction. Kelly Link is the author of three collections of short stories, Stranger Things Happen, Magic for Beginners and Pretty Monsters. Her short stories have won three Nebulas, a Hugo, and World Fantasy Award. Link and her family live in Massachusetts, USA, where she and her husband, Gavin J. Grant, run Small Beer Press, and play ping-pong. In 1996 they started the occasional zine Lady Churchill’s Rosebud Wristlet.
Tel: 07 3842 9922 |
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| Military History Seminar - War Comes to Australia | NT: Palmerton |
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4pm-7pm, 20-Feb-2012
Goyder Building PO Box 496
Guest speakers are:
Tel: 1800 019 15 |
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| Will You Read My Work: Beta Reading for Beginners | QLD: Brisbane |
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10:30am - 4:30pm, 25-Feb-2012
Queensland Writers Centre, Level 2, State Library of Queensland, Cultural Centre, Stanley Place, South Brisbane
Writers accept that receiving feedback is an essential part of the writing process, however most shy away from the actual task of critiquing, afraid they’ll do more harm than good, or not knowing exactly how or where to start. Beta Reading for Beginners provides writers with practical skills and knowledge to tackle the process of beta reading with confidence. Jodi Cleghorn is a writer, editor, and publisher, following the siren song of the narrative since primary school. A founding partner at eMergent Publishing, Jodi is the creative spark behind the Chinese Whisperings and Literary Mix Tapes Anthologies. She is 2010 recipient of the Kris Hembury Encouragement Award.
Tel: 07 3842 9922 |
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| Overcoming Writer's Block | QLD: Brisbane |
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10:30am - 4:30pm, 26-Feb-2012
Queensland Writers Centre, Level 2, State Library of Queensland, Cultural Centre, Stanley Place, South Brisbane
Need some new ideas on beating writers block? This workshop will experiment with a number of techniques that can enhance your creativity and help you write through your blocks. Edwina Shaw will work with you to develop personal strategies that will help you break through writers block and advance your writing. Edwina Shaw is a Brisbane writer of fiction and memoir. Her novella, Thrill Seekers, was published through Ransom Publishing UK in September 2011. It is due for release in Australia in early 2012. She has had several pieces published in national and international literary journals. www.edwinashaw.wordpress.com.
Tel: 07 3842 9922 |
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| Poetry Manuscript Development Series | QLD: Brisbane |
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6:00pm - 8:00pm, 28-Feb-2012
to 10-Jul-2012
Queensland Writers Centre, Level 2, State Library of Queensland, Cultural Centre, Stanley Place, South Brisbane
In this program for poets who have compiled a chapter or full length collection of poems, you’ll receive and provide critical feedback on poetry manuscripts. Award-winning poet, Bronwyn Lea, will provide formal guidance, focusing on craft, editing and critique along with information on poetry markets in Australia. If you have a poetry manuscript in the making, Bronwyn will provide all the tools you need to pull it together for publication. Bronwyn Lea is founder and series editor, with Martin Duwell, of The Best Australian Poetry Anthology. Her collections of poetry include Flight Animals (2001), and, most recently, The Other Way Out (2008). Her poems have been widely anthologised and translated into several languages. Bronwyn teaches poetics and contemporary literature at the University of Queensland.
Tel: 07 3842 9922 |
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| Tiger Men - Judy Nunn | NSW: Sydney Wide |
6.30pm - 8pm, 29-Feb-2012
Judy Nunn's career has been long, illustrious and multifaceted. After combining her internationally successful acting career with scriptwriting for television and radio, Judy decided in the 80s to turn her hand to prose. The result was two adventure novels for children, EYE IN THE STORM and EYE IN THE CITY, which remain extremely popular, not only in Australia but in Europe. Embarking on adult fiction in the early 90s, Judy's three novels, The Glitter Game, Centre Stage and Araluen, set respectively in the worlds of television, theatre and film, became instant bestsellers. Her subsequent bestsellers, Kal, Beneath The Southern Cross, Territory, Pacific, Heritage, Floodtide and Maralinga confirm her position as one of Australia’s leading popular novelists.
Tel: . |
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| Creative Writing I | QLD: Brisbane |
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10:30am - 12:30pm, 07-Mar-2012
to 28-Mar-2012
Queensland Writers Centre, Level 2, State Library of Queensland, Cultural Centre, Stanley Place, South Brisbane
If you’re the kind of person who loves books and films, who gets brilliant ideas for characters and plots while sitting on the bus, who scribbles in a journal or is just inspired to imagine and create stories… well, it’s quite likely you’re a writer! Take the plunge and join us for this four-week course where you will explore your unique writing voice, discover your own abilities and learn new tools and exercises to nurture that inner storyteller. Meg Vann is Manager of the Australian Writer’s Marketplace published by Queensland Writers Centre. Convenor of Sisters in Crime (Brisbane chapter) and a tutor and guest lecturer in Writing, Editing and Publishing at The University of Queensland. An emerging crime writer, Meg has a manuscript under consideration by a major Australian publisher, and a short story out in The Review of Australian Fiction.
Tel: 07 3842 9922 |
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| Creative Writing II | QLD: Brisbane |
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6:00pm - 8:00pm, 07-Mar-2012
to 28-Mar-2012
Queensland Writers Centre, Level 2, State Library of Queensland, Cultural Centre, Stanley Place, South Brisbane
If you’re the kind of person who loves books and films, who gets brilliant ideas for characters and plots while sitting on the bus, who scribbles in a journal or is just inspired to imagine and create stories… well, it’s quite likely you’re a writer! Take the plunge and join us for this four-week course where you will explore your unique writing voice, discover your own abilities and learn new tools and exercises to nurture that inner storyteller. Peter M. Ball’s short fiction has appeared in publications such as Dreaming Again, Strange Horizons, Apex Magazine, Eclipse 4, and Years Best SF 15. His faerie-noir novella, Horn, was published in 2009 by Twelfth Planet Press, and was followed by Bleed in 2010. He can be found online at www.petermball.com.
Tel: 07 3842 9922 |
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| Confessions of a Literary Scout | QLD: Brisbane |
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6:00pm - 8:00pm, 09-Mar-2012
Auditorium 2, Level 2, State Library of Queensland, Cultural Centre, Stanley Place, South Brisbane
You’ve heard of agents, but have you heard of literary scouts? Most Australian writers are unaware of this mysterious profession. Now you have an exclusive opportunity to meet one, as international guest, Elena Lappin lifts the veil on the strange and inscrutable life of a literary scout. You’ll learn how scouts work with publishers and agents, and, ultimately how they help unearth exciting manuscripts by new writers. Elena Lappin is a novelist, journalist, and literary scout based in the UK. As a scout, Elena uses her fluency in several languages to find the best contemporary fiction and narrative non-fiction for publishing clients in numerous territories. She is also the author of a collection of short stories, Foreign Brides (Picador 1999), and a novel, The Nose (Picador 2001).
Tel: 07 3842 9922 |
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| Going the Distance | QLD: Brisbane |
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10:30am - 4:30pm, 10-Mar-2012
Queensland Writers Centre, Level 2, State Library of Queensland, Cultural Centre, Stanley Place, South Brisbane
Do you have a pile of half-completed manuscripts or unfinished stories lurking in your bottom drawer? If so, you’re not alone. Many writers struggle with seeing their ideas through to completion. Bring along an unfinished project and let Tiana Templeman help you turn your writing dreams into reality at this inspiring hands-on workshop. Tiana Templeman is a Brisbane-based author, freelance writer and qualified corporate trainer. She reviews for The Gourmet Traveller Restaurant Guide and writes for such diverse markets as The Weekend Australian, South China Morning Post, Australian Traveller and the Australia Council for the Arts. She holds a Master of Creative Industries from Queensland University of Technology. www.tianatempleman.com
Tel: 07 3842 9922 |
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| Short Story Writing | QLD: Townsville |
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9:30am - 3:30pm, 17-Mar-2012
Aitkenvale Library, 4 Petunia Street, Aitkenvale
Explore the short form in an encouraging and engaging workshop with award winning short story author, Angela Slatter. Learn the tropes and structures of short fiction in this exciting workshop for budding short story writers, and those looking to brush up on a few basic skills. Angela Slatter is a Brisbane-based writer of speculative fiction. Her collection, The Girl with No Hands and Other Tales (2010), won the Aurealis Award for Best Collection and her other collection of 2010, Sourdough & Other Stories, was shortlisted for the World Fantasy Award for Best Collection. She blogs at www.angelaslatter.com.
Tel: 07 3842 9922 |
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| Short Story Writing | QLD: Cairns |
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9:30am - 3:30pm, 18-Mar-2012
TBA
Explore the short form in an encouraging and engaging workshop with award winning short story author, Angela Slatter. Learn the tropes and structures of short fiction in this exciting workshop for budding short story writers, and those looking to brush up on a few basic skills. Angela Slatter is a Brisbane-based writer of speculative fiction. Her collection, The Girl with No Hands and Other Tales (2010), won the Aurealis Award for Best Collection and her other collection of 2010, Sourdough & Other Stories, was shortlisted for the World Fantasy Award for Best Collection. She blogs at www.angelaslatter.com.
Tel: 07 3842 9922 |
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| Short Story Clinic | QLD: Brisbane |
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6:00pm - 8:00pm, 22-Mar-2012
to 06-Sep-2012
Queensland Writers Centre, Level 2, State Library of Queensland, Cultural Centre, Stanley Place, South Brisbane
In this program for writers who are serious about writing and submitting short fiction, internationally acclaimed short fiction authors Angela Slatter and Trent Jamieson will provide the tools and knowledge to understand what makes a compelling short story and how to fix a broken one. Each month for six months, you’ll read and provide feedback to your fellow classmates, and you’ll receive feedback on your own work, finishing the program with one or more polished stories ready to submit to publication markets. Angela Slatter is a Brisbane-based writer of speculative fiction. Her collection, The Girl with No Hands and Other Tales (2010), won the Aurealis Award for Best Collection and her other collection of 2010, Sourdough & Other Stories, was shortlisted for the World Fantasy Award for Best Collection. She blogs at www.angelaslatter.com.
Tel: 07 3842 9922 |
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| The Bones of a Novel | QLD: Brisbane |
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10:30am - 4:30pm, 31-Mar-2012
Queensland Writers Centre, Level 2, State Library of Queensland, Cultural Centre, Stanley Place, South Brisbane
How does a blank sheet of paper become a completed manuscript? The process of sitting down to start can seem overwhelming, but it all begins with that blank sheet. It’s about constructing the building blocks and the skeleton of the whole – the bones of the novel. Join Liz Adams as she takes you through the essential elements of any novel – structure, character, narrative – and fits it into the bigger picture. The perfect place to start that novel you’ve always wanted to write! Liz Adams has taught History and English at university, and worked as a bookseller in Lismore. She is currently Di Morrisey’s structural editor, and has been so for her last five best-selling books. For twelve years she was the weekly book reviewer on local ABC radio station 2NR.
Tel: 07 3842 9922 |
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| The Business of Being a Writer | QLD: Brisbane |
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6:00pm - 8:00pm, 12-Apr-2012
Auditorium 2, Level 2, State Library of Queensland, Cultural Centre, Stanley Place, South Brisbane
Ready to make the leap from home hobbyist to professional writer? Then this is the seminar for you! The Business of Being a Writer will take you through the things you need to know and do to make a living from your writing. Copyright issues, contracts and licenses, finances, tax and marketing will all be covered by our panel of experts. Alex Adsett is a publishing consultant with over 15 years experience in publishing and bookselling. She offers business advice to authors, publishers and booksellers, helping them review and negotiate their contracts including print and ebook publishing agreements, film and translation. Kylie Pappalardo is a copyright lawyer and a doctoral candidate in the QUT Faculty of Law and the ARC Centre of Excellence for Creative Industries and Innovation (CCI). She holds degrees in Law and Creative Writing from QUT and a Masters of Laws from Georgetown University in Washington DC. Rachael Bermingham is regarded as one of Australia’s #1 self-published female authors. With her friend, Kim McCosker, Rachael co-wrote and self-published 4 Ingredients, which went on to become Australia’s bestseller in 2008. Rachael’s first solo title, How to Write Your Own Book & Make it a Bestseller, also became an overnight bestseller.
Tel: 07 3842 9922 |
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| Grammar for Writers | QLD: Brisbane |
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10:30am - 4:30pm, 14-Apr-2012
Queensland Writers Centre, Level 2, State Library of Queensland, Cultural Centre, Stanley Place, South Brisbane
The mechanics of language can be daunting for any writer. If it has been a few years since you brushed up on the rules of grammar, this is an essential workshop for you. Let Chris Lynch demystify the world of grammar and gain clear explanations and practical tips to help you master the techniques of good writing in any genre or form. Chris Lynch has survived Clarion South, walked the length of Japan, eloped, started Tangled Bank Press, and climbed volcanoes. His poetry has appeared in Blackmail Press, page seventeen and Islet. He recently edited The Tangled Bank: Love, Wonder and Evolution, an anthology of speculative fiction.
Tel: 07 3842 9922 |
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| Writing Your Life | QLD: Toowoomba |
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9:30am - 3:30pm, 21-Apr-2012
Toowoomba City Library, 27 Victoria St. Toowoomba
Memoir and biography are powerful forms to share a personal story with the world. Shaping this story into a compelling narrative your reader finds memorable and rewarding can be a challenge. Join Kathy Hoopmann, as she highlights the techniques to help you find your voice, create a narrative from your life, and fill your story with texture and detail. Kathy Hoopmann is the author of fourteen books for children and teens with translations into ten languages. Kathy is best known for All Cats have Aspergers Syndrome and All Dogs have ADHD. Her work sells widely in Australia, the UK, the USA, and the Middle East, and she has won and been shortlisted for many literary awards.
Tel: 07 3842 9922 |
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| Unlocking Your Poetic Voice | QLD: Rockhampton |
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9:30am - 3:30pm, 21-Apr-2012
Poetry is about seeing the world through a different lens. It is about unlocking the creative self and uncovering the beauty of words and the rhythms of language. Over the course of a month this series will explore and examine the craft of poetry. ‘Unlocking Your Poetic Voice’ focuses on providing a variety of practical tools around structure, language, and style to help you develop your own poetic expression. Paul Summers is a Northumbrian poet who lives in Central Queensland. He has also written for TV, film, radio, theatre and collaborated with many artists and musicians on mixed-media projects and public art. Publications include: Union, Three Men on the Metro, Big Bella's Dirty Cafe, Cunawabi and The Last Bus.
Tel: 07 3842 9922 |
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| The Proposal | QLD: Brisbane |
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10:30am - 4:30pm, 22-Apr-2012
QWC Offices, Level 2, State Library of Queensland, Cultural Centre, Stanley Place, South Brisbane
Your publishing proposal is your ‘elevator pitch’: You have just a few moments to engage a publisher or editor on your book idea. So, how do you get them to read your cover or query letter, let alone your manuscript? During this masterclass learn how to create a strong proposal, including cover letter and synopsis, that will catch a publisher’s eye. The first half of the day will be dedicated to the general principles of publishing proposals: what publishers are looking for, how to cover all the angles, the style of language to use. The second half will be intensively hands-on, critiquing and developing your own proposals. Sally Collings is an internationally successful book publisher and bestselling author. She offers a 360-degree view of how books get written and published, as well as what makes a bestseller fly off the bookstore shelves. Sally is the author of Sophie’s Journey, Positive, The World According to Kids and Parenting with Soul.
Tel: 07 3842 9922 |
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| THE MAURICE SAXBY LECTURE | NSW: Sydney - CBD |
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6pm, 01-May-2012
The Maurice Saxby Lecture recognises the contribution made to the CBCA by Dr Maurice Saxby AM, especially as first National President, and his ongoing involvement and support over more than sixty years. He is one of the most significant people involved in the development of children’s literature in Australia, as a highly-respected lecturer, writer, reviewer and mentor. He is recognised internationally as an authority on children’s literature. In recognition of his achievements he was granted life membership of the CBCA NSW Branch, also a CBCA National Citation. Among his many other awards are the Nan Chauncy Award (2002), the Lady Cutler Award (1989), the Dromkeen Medal (1983), and, in 1995, Member in the Order of Australia (AM). The Maurice Saxby Lecture
Tel: (02) 9818 3858 |
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| Toolkit for Writers I | QLD: Brisbane |
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10:30am - 12:30pm, 09-May-2012
to 30-May-2012
Queensland Writers Centre, Level 2, State Library of Queensland, Cultural Centre, Stanley Place, South Brisbane
This series of workshops explores the ways in which essential ingredients of creative writing can be exploited for their maximum potential. Toolkit for Writers will help you further develop your writing practice and lay the foundation to produce a greater piece of writing. Once you understand how plot, characterisation, dialogue and setting work within a story you can start to write more effectively. Perfect for anyone who is about to embark on their first novel! Angela Slatter is a Brisbane-based writer of speculative fiction. Her collection, The Girl with No Hands and Other Tales (2010), won the Aurealis Award for Best Collection and her other collection of 2010, Sourdough & Other Stories, was shortlisted for the World Fantasy Award for Best Collection. She blogs at www.angelaslatter.com.
Tel: 07 3842 9922 |
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| Unlocking Your Poetic Voice | QLD: Brisbane |
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6:00pm - 8:00pm, 09-May-2012
to 30-May-2012
Meeting Room 1B, Ground Floor, State Library of Queensland, Cultural Centre, Stanley Place, South Brisbane
Discover your poetic voice with Brisbane powerhouse, Pascalle Burton, in this series for those newer to the poetic form. Learn a variety of practical tools around structure, language, and style to help you develop your own poetic expression. Pascalle Burton is a performance poet, musician and teacher with a passion for poetry and art. Her experience spans centuries, continents, and age groups. She is responsible for A Vast Laugh (Small Change Press) and the 7" vinyl The Outlandish Watch, collaborating with poets Nathan Shepherdson and David Stavanger.
Tel: 07 3842 9922 |
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| Toolkit for Writers II | QLD: Brisbane |
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6:00pm - 8:00pm, 09-May-2012
to 30-May-2012
Queensland Writers Centre, Level 2, State Library of Queensland, Cultural Centre, Stanley Place, South Brisbane
This series of workshops explores the ways in which essential ingredients of creative writing can be exploited for their maximum potential. Toolkit for Writers will help you further develop your writing practice and lay the foundation to produce a greater piece of writing. Once you understand how plot, characterisation, dialogue and setting work within a story you can start to write more effectively. Perfect for anyone who is about to embark on their first novel! Peter M. Ball’s short fiction has appeared in publications such as Dreaming Again, Strange Horizons, Apex Magazine, Eclipse 4, and Years Best SF 15. His faerie-noir novella, Horn, was published in 2009 by Twelfth Planet Press, and was followed by Bleed in 2010. He can be found online at www.petermball.com.
Tel: 07 3842 9922 |
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| Writing Popular Fiction | QLD: Rest of QLD |
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9:30am - 3:30pm, 12-May-2012
Mission Arts Centre, Lot 1 MARCS Park, Cassowary Drive, Mission Beach, 4852
Every form of literature comes with reader expectation. Join award-winning author, Helene Young, as she demonstrates these differences and highlights ways you can make your story more compelling. You will explore story premise, conflict, pacing, and story arc, and come away with all the tools you need to write gripping fiction. Hélène Young is a contemporary suspense author and lives near a beach just north of Cairns. When she’s not writing, she flies Dash 8 aircraft around regional Australia. Her stories are set in the top end of Australia – a wild and wonderful, larger-than-life environment just begging to be showcased in novels filled with intrigue.
Tel: 07 3842 9922 |
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| Character Building | QLD: Brisbane |
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10:30am - 4:30pm, 12-May-2012
Queensland Writers Centre, Level 2, State Library of Queensland, Cultural Centre, Stanley Place, South Brisbane
All great stories have great characters. But how do writers create their characters? You’ll explore memory, performance, illustration, people-watching, storyboarding, image-gathering, collaboration and the written word to create memorable, multi-layered characters to inspire a short story that will be written by the end of the day. Complete the day with a slate of new characters and a deeper understanding of how character is story and story is naught without character. Tristan Bancks tells stories for the page and screen - his background is in acting and filmmaking. His new books are Galactic Adventures (UQP), First Kids in Space (UQP) and My Life and Other Stuff I Made Up (Random House). He has written the Mac Slater, Coolhunter (Random House Australia, Simon & Schuster US), and the Nit Boy series. Tristan loves telling inspiring, fast-moving stories for young people. www.tristanbancks.com
Tel: 07 3842 9922 |
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| Writing & Publishing | QLD: Cairns |
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6:00pm - 8:00pm, 17-May-2012
Aitkenvale Library, 4 Petunia Street. Aitkenvale
Get the lowdown on how publishers approach publishing in this special Industry IQ event with Hachette Australia. How do you find the right publisher for your book and how do you interest them in your manuscript? What happens after you sign the contract? Answer all these questions and more as Bernadette Foley walks you through the perilous world of publishing. Bernadette Foley is a publisher of adult fiction and non-fiction at Hachette Australia. She has worked as an editor and publisher for over twenty years and is always excited to meet writers who have an original story and a strong story to tell.
Tel: 07 3842 9922 |
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| Writing & Publishing | QLD: Cairns |
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6:00pm - 8:00pm, 18-May-2012
Get the lowdown on how publishers approach publishing in this special Industry IQ event with Hachette Australia. How do you find the right publisher for your book and how do you interest them in your manuscript? What happens after you sign the contract? Answer all these questions and more as Bernadette Foley walks you through the perilous world of publishing. Bernadette Foley is a publisher of adult fiction and non-fiction at Hachette Australia. She has worked as an editor and publisher for over twenty years and is always excited to meet writers who have an original story and a strong story to tell.
Tel: 07 3842 9922 |
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| Publishers & Agents | QLD: Brisbane |
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11:00am - 1:00pm, 19-May-2012
Auditorium 2, Level 2, State Library of Queensland, Cultural Centre, Stanley Place, South Brisbane
How do you find the right publisher for your book and how do you interest them in your manuscript? Do you need a literary agent to get published? How do publishing contracts work and how do authors get paid? And why does it take so long for them to respond to your submissions?!? By learning the answers to these questions, and understanding the basics of the business, you’ll be in a much stronger position to plan your options, and to approach a publisher or agent when your manuscript is ready for that exciting next step. Amy Thomas has worked in publishing for eleven years and is Executive Editor in the Books for Children and Young Adults department at Penguin Books, working with such authors as Melina Marchetta and Alison Lester. Sophie Hamley has been the literary agent at The Cameron Creswell Agency since 2006. Sophie has worked in the print and online publishing industries for many years, as a bookseller at Shearer’s; senior editor at HarperCollins; and writer and content producer at the Seven Network, Massive Interaction and CCH.
Tel: 07 3842 9922 |
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| The Building Blocks of Short Story Writing | QLD: Brisbane |
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10:30am - 4:30pm, 26-May-2012
Queensland Writers Centre, Level 2, State Library of Queensland, Cultural Centre, Stanley Place, South Brisbane
Short fiction has its own tropes and tricks, and this exciting course offers budding short story writers, and those looking to brush up on a few basic skills, the chance to explore and develop short fiction. This informative and engaging workshop features lots of writing and idea development exercises, and discussion about the form, examining beginnings, setting, character development, dialogue, and that all too important ending. Explore the short form in an encouraging setting and walk away with a brand new piece of short fiction! Lee McGowan writes, every day if he can get away with it. He also teaches; at QUT mostly. He’s about to receive his doctorate and has been published in a range of glossy and not so glossy publications. And, he blogs too at leemcgowan.wordpress.com.
Tel: 07 3842 9922 |
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| Children's Fiction | QLD: Brisbane |
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10:30am - 4:30pm, 27-May-2012
QWC Offices, Level 2, State Library of Queensland, Cultural Centre, Stanley Place, South Brisbane
Just before the angst of adolescence comes a time when many children love the freedom and adventure that stories bring. Discover how to write a book that children, teachers and publishers will want to read. Learn from CBCA Book of the Year winner James Moloney what young people find interesting and amusing, as well as preferred word limits, favourite genres, and appropriate style and language for 8-13 year olds. James Moloney is one of Australia’s most respected writers for children and young adults. His thirty-five titles cover the range from nearly emergent readers, adventure stories, fantasy and award winning YA fiction.
Tel: 07 3842 9922 |
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| So You want to be a Writer? | QLD: Brisbane |
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11:00am - 1:00pm, 02-Jun-2012
Auditorium 2, Level 2, State Library of Queensland, Cultural Centre, Stanley Place, South Brisbane
Interested in writing as a career and not quite sure where to start? So, You Want to Be a Writer talks you through the realities of a writing career, from submission schedules to deadlines, networking and the awards circuit. Whether you’re a fiction or non-fiction writer, journalist or reviewer, this seminar will inform the emergent writer to the pitfalls and pleasures of a career in writing. Anna Krien’s book, Into the Woods: The Battle for Tasmania’s Forests, won the Queensland Premier’s Literary Award for Non-Fiction and the People’s Choice Award at the Victorian Premier’s Literary Awards in 2011. Her writing has also been published in The Monthly, The Age, The Big Issue, Best Australian Essays, Best Australian Stories, Griffith Review, Colors and Frankie. Angela Slatter is a Brisbane-based writer of speculative fiction. Her collection, The Girl with No Hands and Other Tales (2010), won the Aurealis Award for Best Collection and her other collection of 2010, Sourdough & Other Stories, was shortlisted for the World Fantasy Award for Best Collection. She blogs at www.angelaslatter.com. Benjamin Law is a senior writer for Frankie and writes regularly for The Monthly and QWeekend. His debut book – the memoir, The Family Law – was shortlisted for the 2011 Australian Book Industry Awards (ABIA) for Biography of the Year and Book of the Year. www.benjamin-law.com
Tel: 07 3842 9922 |
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| Writing Journey with Joanne Fedler in Tuscany | Online: Online |
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n/a, 03-Jun-2012
to 15-Jun-2012
A walking and writing journey with author Joanne Fedler in Tuscany, 3 June 2012 for 11 days. Limited to 12 women only. No writing experience necessary. Full information regarding this event can be found here: http://womensownadventure.com.au/pages/adventure-holidays/tuscany-a-cultural-walking-and-writing-journey-with-joanne-fedler/overview.php
Tel: n/a |
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| Non-Fiction Narrative | QLD: Brisbane |
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10:30am - 4:30pm, 03-Jun-2012
Queensland Writers Centre, Level 2, State Library of Queensland, Cultural Centre, Stanley Place, South Brisbane
Non-Fiction can be as evocative and compelling as any fiction narrative. Develop the tools and learn the fine art of crafting compelling non-fiction narrative with QLD Premier’s Literary Award winner, Anna Krien. From travel narrative to journalism, biography to contemporary history, this non-fiction masterclass is designed for serious non-fiction writers looking to advance their technique. Anna Krien’s book, Into the Woods: The Battle for Tasmania’s Forests, won the Queensland Premier’s Literary Award for Non-Fiction and the People’s Choice Award at the Victorian Premier’s Literary Awards in 2011. Her writing has also been published in The Monthly, The Age, The Big Issue, Best Australian Essays, Best Australian Stories, Griffith Review, Colors and Frankie.
Tel: 07 3842 9922 |
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| Write Me Charming: Translating Life Stories | QLD: Brisbane |
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10:30am - 4:30pm, 16-Jun-2012
Queensland Writers Centre, Level 2, State Library of Queensland, Cultural Centre, Stanley Place, South Brisbane
How do you paint realistic portraits of real people and still create compelling literature? If you’ve ever considered writing your life, but weren’t sure where, or how, to start, then join Benjamin Law for an in-depth exploration of creative non-fiction and autobiographical narrative. Learn key techniques for evoking people, places, and experiences in a way that remains true to memory and is still exciting for readers. Get some tips on what to include and what to edit, and gain a refined understanding of how to put your life on the page. Benjamin Law is a senior writer for Frankie and writes regularly for The Monthly and QWeekend. His debut book – the memoir, The Family Law – was shortlisted for the 2011 Australian Book Industry Awards (ABIA) for Biography of the Year and Book of the Year.
Tel: 07 3842 9922 |
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| Research for Crime Fiction | QLD: Brisbane |
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10:30am - 4:30pm, 16-Jun-2012
Queensland Police Museum, Ground Floor, Queensland Police Headquarters, 200 Roma Street, Brisbane
Any crime fiction author will tell you the secret to compelling crime is in the details. Learn how to access primary and secondary research resources to find great ideas for your crime writing, and to flesh them into gripping stories. Meg Vann will show you how to best locate and engage crime experts for advice, and at what point in your project to consult them. You will explore creative writing techniques and structures to prompts and strengthen your use of research, and develop a research action plan for your own crime story premise. Meg Vann is Manager of the Australian Writer’s Marketplace published by Queensland Writers Centre. Convenor of Sisters in Crime (Brisbane chapter) and a tutor and guest lecturer in Writing, Editing and Publishing at The University of Queensland. An emerging crime writer, Meg has a manuscript under consideration by a major Australian publisher, and a short story out in The Review of Australian Fiction.
Tel: 07 3842 9922 |
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| From Page to Stage: Writing for Performance | QLD: Brisbane |
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10:30am - 4:30pm, 17-Jun-2012
Meeting Room 1B, Ground Floor, State Library of Queensland, Cultural Centre, Stanley Place, South Brisbane
Love performance and the written word? Then take a look at From Page to Stage with poet provocateur David Stavanger. This innovative workshop will introduce participants to the key elements of creating writing for performance, and explore aspects of poetry slam, writing text based cabaret, the art of creating introductions for pieces, improve text in live performance, and generating performance opportunities. Over the course of the workshop, participants will write a number of group and individual pieces as well as critiquing and performing a piece for the group. David Stavanger aka Ghosboy - Two writers in the one skin, David has released two books of poetry and co-founded Small Change Press. Ghostboy is one of Australia’s premier performance poets, who has featured at numerous festivals. In 2011 he undertook an ARTS Queensland spoken word tour of the US. Ghostboy also fronts Green Room Award nominated neo-cabaret ensemble Ghostboy with Golden Virtues.
Tel: 07 3842 9922 |
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| Show, Don't Tell | QLD: Brisbane |
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10:30am - 4:30pm, 23-Jun-2012
Queensland Writers Centre, Level 2, State Library of Queensland, Cultural Centre, Stanley Place, South Brisbane
It’s the mantra of good writing, but what is it? How do you apply it in your prose? Master storyteller Venero Armanno will help you explore this enduring tenet of strong writing. Through practical exercises and class discussion, you’ll understand how to recognise when there’s too much telling and not enough showing. You’ll gain a more sophisticated understanding of the uses of exposition and descriptive writing, and how to reveal character, plot, and theme. Dr. Venero Armanno is the award-winning author of ten novels, the latest being Black Mountain (2012). He holds a PhD in Creative Writing and is a Senior Lecturer at The University of Queensland.
Tel: 07 3842 9922 |
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| The Kindest Cut: Self-Editing | QLD: Brisbane |
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10:30am - 4:30pm, 01-Jul-2012
Queensland Writers Centre, Level 2, State Library of Queensland, Cultural Centre, Stanley Place, South Brisbane
Self-editing is a vital tool for every writer - learn how to step back and look at your work with an editor’s eye. Liz Adams will show you how to examine structural elements like plot, tension, and resolution, as well as the nitty gritty process of line editing. By working on a piece of your own writing, you will leave with a much clearer idea of how to edit your draft and prepare it for submission to a publisher. A short and sharp introduction to editing your own work. Liz Adams has taught History and English at university, and worked as a bookseller in Lismore. She is currently Di Morrisey’s structural editor, and has been so for her last five best-selling books. For twelve years she was the weekly book reviewer on local ABC radio station 2NR.
Tel: 07 3842 9922 |
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| Keep It Rolling: Narrative Momentum | QLD: Brisbane |
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10:30am - 4:30pm, 14-Jul-2012
Queensland Writers Centre, Level 2, State Library of Queensland, Cultural Centre, Stanley Place, South Brisbane
Explore what engages readers and how to deliver that narrative pull to keep your manuscript on the move from page one. You will examine the importance of story essence, the perspective of the reader, and specific tools and strategies to tighten and trim the text. With a focus on drawing characters, scene setting, establishing the hook and avoiding dead ends, learn to differentiate between what you need, and don’t need, on the page in order to keep the reader moving right along.
Tel: 07 3842 9922 |
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| Making Picture Books | QLD: Mackay |
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9:30am - 3:30pm, 16-Jul-2012
Mackay City Library, Gordon St Mackay
Focusing on the principles of writing for children and the craft of creating picture books, as well as covering how to build your resume and submit work to publishers, Katherine Battersby will illustrate each concept using picture book examples drawing from both classic and modern Australian titles. Perfect for anyone with a children's story in the making! Katherine Battersby is a children's writer and illustrator whose first picture book, Squish Rabbit, was published by Viking (Penguin) in 2011. She has had many short stories published in The School Magazine and anthologies such as Short and Scary (Black Dog Books). In 2010, Katherine was awarded a Marten Bequest Travelling Scholarship for her writing, and in 2008 she won an Australian Society of Authors mentorship. www.katherinebattersby.com
Tel: 07 3842 9922 |
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| Children's & Picture Books | QLD: Townsville |
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9:30am - 3:30pm, 16-Jul-2012
Thuringowa Library, 86 Thuringowa Drive, Thuringowa
Explore the craft of writing for children between the ages of 8 and 12. Children’s book author and artist, Jacque Duffy, will guide you through the key principles of children’s and picture books, exploring tone, language, themes and character. If you’ve always wanted to write stories for children, this is the perfect place to gain a refined understanding of this publishing category to set you on your way. Jacque Duffy, an award-winning artist, is the author and illustrator of seven books for children, five of which were chosen by the Queensland government to be placed into every state school, preschool and library within the state. She has short stories and poetry published in several anthologies. She is currently completing another five picture books to send out to publishers.
Tel: 07 3842 9922 |
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| Writing Your Life | QLD: Townsville |
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10:30am - 4:30pm, 21-Jul-2012
Thuringowa Library, 86 Thuringowa Drive, Thuringowa
Memoir and biography are powerful forms to share a personal story with the world. Shaping this story into a compelling narrative your reader finds memorable and rewarding can be a challenge. Join editor and biographer, Sally Collings, as she highlights the techniques to help you find your voice, create a narrative from your life, and fill your story with texture and detail. Sally Collings is an internationally successful book publisher and bestselling author. She offers a 360-degree view of how books get written and published, as well as what makes a bestseller fly off the bookstore shelves. Sally is the author of Sophie’s Journey, Positive, The World According to Kids and Parenting with Soul.
Tel: 07 3842 9922 |
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| The First Two Pages | QLD: Brisbane |
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10:30am - 4:30pm, 21-Jul-2012
Queensland Writers Centre, Level 2, State Library of Queensland, Cultural Centre, Stanley Place, South Brisbane
If you can’t hook a publisher or a reader on the first two pages, they’ll never know how exciting and satisfying your story is. Those first few paragraphs have a big job to do. They must introduce your characters, set the scene, foreshadow the conflict and, most importantly, excite the reader so much they are compelled to read on. Back by popular demand, and open to writers of all levels, this workshop will have your story sizzling from the first word. Alison Goodman is the author of EON and EONA, the New York Times bestselling fantasy duology which has sold into 17 countries. EON was shortlisted for Victorian, NSW and WA Premier’s Literary awards, and won the 2008 Aurealis Award for Best Fantasy Novel. Alison’s other novels are the award-winning Singing the Dogstar Blues, and her crime novel, Killing the Rabbit, which was shortlisted for the 2007 Davitt Award. She lives in Melbourne with her husband and their Machiavellian Jack Russell Terrier. www.alisongoodman.com.au.
Tel: 07 3842 9922 |
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| Writing Your Life | QLD: Cairns |
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9:30am - 3:30pm, 22-Jul-2012
Memoir and biography are powerful forms to share a personal story with the world. Shaping this story into a compelling narrative your reader finds memorable and rewarding can be a challenge. Join editor and biographer, Sally Collings, as she highlights the techniques to help you find your voice, create a narrative from your life, and fill your story with texture and detail. Sally Collings is an internationally successful book publisher and bestselling author. She offers a 360-degree view of how books get written and published, as well as what makes a bestseller fly off the bookstore shelves. Sally is the author of Sophie’s Journey, Positive, The World According to Kids and Parenting with Soul.
Tel: 07 3842 9922 |
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| Narrative Structure | QLD: Brisbane |
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10:30am - 4:30pm, 22-Jul-2012
Queensland Writers Centre, Level 2, State Library of Queensland, Cultural Centre, Stanley Place, South Brisbane
While all great stories follow a narrative structure, is there more to it than just a beginning, middle, and end? Take a long hard look at traditional narrative structures in this masterclass with legendary teacher of the craft, Alison Goodman. Get a firm grasp of the basics, and learn how to exploit, explore, and manipulate basic story-telling to create an exciting and riveting narrative. Alison Goodman is the author of EON and EONA, the New York Times bestselling fantasy duology which has sold into 17 countries. EON was shortlisted for Victorian, NSW and WA Premier’s Literary awards, and won the 2008 Aurealis Award for Best Fantasy Novel. Alison’s other novels are the award-winning Singing the Dogstar Blues, and her crime novel, Killing the Rabbit, which was shortlisted for the 2007 Davitt Award. She lives in Melbourne with her husband and their Machiavellian Jack Russell Terrier. www.alisongoodman.com.au.
Tel: 07 3842 9922 |
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