Spend the afternoon spell-casting with trusted, magical mentor, and Riverland author Amanda Maynard-Schubert.

Magic is a central part of building a fantasy world, it's what makes these stories unique, immersive and alive. However, a world without limits, restrictions and laws can get messy very easily. Amanda will teach participants the fundamentals of grounding those fantastical elements of their stories within realistic limits.

Participants will learn:

• The fundamentals of how magic without limits can cause readers to disengage with a story.
• The impact that character development has on the believability of a magical world.
• What the true meaning of "magical realism".
• The establishing laws and limitations on different magical systems.

This event is presented as part of our Portal: Fantasy Workshop Festival in the Riverland (Sept 9-11). See all events, workshops and updates here!

This workshop is presented by the Writers SA No Limits: Young Regional Writers program, and is aimed at regional writers under 30, however writers all ages and locations are very welcome to attend.

About Amanda Maynard-Schubert

After making her debut as an international speaker at Crom Castle, Ireland, in 2019, Amanda published her debut YA fantasy novel, ‘The Bards of Birchtree Hall’, in November 2020, followed by the sequel, ‘The Vengeance of the Morrigan’, in 2021. Both belong to the series titled ‘The Stormbringer Chronicles’, with the third and final book to be released in 2023. ‘The Bards of Birchtree Hall’ won the international Literary Titan Gold Award for Excellence, while ‘The Vengeance of the Morrigan’ received a Silver Award. ‘Bards’ was also honoured with a coveted 5-star review by Reader’s Favorite. In addition to ‘The Stormbringer Chronicles’, Amanda has also contributed to several anthologies, ranging from romance to inspirational non-fiction stories.

This is a FREE event as part of No Limits. This workshop is presented by Writers SA, with support from the Berri Barmera Council.

Venue: Barmera Memorial Hall, 24A Barwell Avenue, Barmera (between Part of Things and Bonney Theatre)

—We strongly recommend all staff, speakers, and attendees of in-person events be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. You cannot attend if you have been asked to isolate by SA Health or are feeling unwell. See our full policy here.

—Writers SA members must be logged in to receive the member discount. If you would like to use a workshop credit to book in, please contact [email protected] at least five working days before the workshop commencement date. Our staff don’t work full time and we don’t want you to miss out!

—Our Youth Membership category also includes a subscription to Voiceworks. Voiceworks is a national literary journal that features exciting new writing and art by young Australians. Join here.