Fancy yourself a writer? Not sure how to get started? For the fifth year, Kiama and Gerringong Libraries are thrilled to host an incredible line-up of popular and celebrated local authors, in a series of workshops designed to inspire and support writers.
Carla James, Outreach Officer at Kiama Library, has watched the community embrace the workshop program over the years.
"Each year we've found attendees have responded well to all the different skills and talents our local authors have brought to the program," Carla said. "And we expect the same from this new group of authors.
"Our November writing workshop program began in 2022 to coincide with National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo); a daunting but straightforward challenge to write 50,000 words of a novel in 30 days."
Carla has watched the program evolve to support writers of not only fiction but non-fiction, too, wherever they are in their journey.
Although the original challenge was initially targeted at novel writing, budding wordsmiths across many formats come along to the workshops, and for that reason the libraries always include one non-fiction author in the mix.
"We're incredibly lucky to have Kate Forsyth, Amy Molloy, Camille Booker and Juliet Madison coming to our libraries to share their writing knowledge with the community," Carla said.
"This year's program includes popular, award-nominated or award-winning authors across a variety of genres and mediums and storied backgrounds, and they all bring a wonderfully grounded approach to the writing process that the community will not want to miss."
The workshops are for ages 15+ and for all levels of experience, and can be booked via the Kiama Library website: https://library.kiama.nsw.gov.au/NN. Sessions are $35, or $120 for all four sessions.
Kate Forsyth
Kate Forsyth - Elements of story structure
Friday 6 November 4-5pm, Gerringong Library
In this workshop, Kate will guide you through the essential elements of story structure. Learn how to build a strong narrative arc, keep your readers hooked, and create a compelling, cohesive story.
Amy Molloy
Amy Molloy - Memoir magic: Writing stories inspired by real life
Friday 13 November 4-5pm, Kiama Library
Learn how to recognise the value in your own life experiences, the healing power of sharing your story, and how to respect your own boundaries as a storyteller to write a story with impact.
Camille Booker - Crafting atmospheric settings
Friday 20 November 4-5pm, Gerringong Library
In this workshop, Camille explores practical ways to craft atmospheric settings that build tension, immerse the reader and create a mood.
Juliet Madison
Juliet Madison - Creating memorable characters
Friday 27 November 4-5pm, Kiama Library
Bring your characters to life with techniques for uniqueness and authenticity, emotional depth, and establishing reader connection. Discover how to use characters to help move the story forward, and how to make them live on in your reader's mind after the story ends.
Top photo: Camille Booker
