Participants will create a character to share in a collaborative workshop session based on the fundamentals of writing for comics and games.

The goal of this event is to create a character quickly, and then work with other writers to respond to challenges set by the workshop mentor Dan Thorsland. Participants will be encouraged to think on your feet, write for economy and clarity, and most of all have fun!

Participants will:

• Create a story world that would have a useful structure for episodic and interactive platforms such as comics and games
• Interactively work in small teams to create characters for the story world
• Learn how popular genres can be used to explore powerful real-world themes 
• Be introduced to tools for building interactive/non-linear story 
• Gain an overview of narrative roles within the game development industry 

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

About Dan Thorsland

Dan Thorsland, Business Development Manager, Flinders University College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences. Dan has over 35 years in industry as a creative practitioner, first as a comic book writer/editor at DC Comics and Dark Horse Comics in the U.S., then transitioning to digital storytelling on his arrival in South Australia. From 2001 to 2019, Dan produced a large portfolio of video games and other digital projects for major brand partners such as Atari,LucasArts, Disney and LEGO. At Flinders Dan manages Flinders University's motion capture and virtual production stage The Void.

WSA Member $88 / Non-member $140

No Limits (regional writers aged 30 and under) $20

No Limits workshops are heavily subsidised for regional writers aged 30 and under. If the fee is still a barrier please email [email protected] for the No Limits 50% off or 100% off code to enable you to participate. 

Venue: Mount Gambier Library, 6 Watson Terrace Mount Gambier 5290

—All staff, speakers, and attendees of in-person events must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, or hold a current medical exemption, in order to attend; and must comply with any precautionary measures Writers SA puts in place. We may request proof of your vaccination status or medical exemption upon entry. 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 or access the No Limits code, 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!

—Members of other writing centres in the National Writers Centre Network can access our member discount. Contact [email protected] with your membership number to make your booking.

—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.