with Karen Wyld

Before we send our words into the world as fully-fledged stories, we weave them into existence.

Throughout history, story has been a part of everyday life. Stories are legacies given to us by family and communities, and they are how we express our individuality. Around kitchen tables, by campfires, or with written word, we retell the best and worst of humanity.

Within a yarning circle, where you will be taught how to weave an actual basket, we return to the basics of story. Where do we collect our threads (ideas)? How do we shape these threads until they resemble a short story or book? Are we brave enough to unpick problems?

Do you struggle to find time to write? Are you too distracted by the book of Face or binge-watching the latest must-see TV series? Do you ever think to yourself, ‘If only I just had a day to write, I’d get so much done’? Then TWELVE, the literary lock-in, is for you. 

"TWELVE" means no excuses, no limits, no distractions. Crank your writing projects up to boiling point with twelve hours of uninterrupted writing. You’ll be surprised how much you can get done.

Whether you’re starting a novel, finishing a work-in-progress, or just looking for time to focus, TWELVE is the way to do it.

with Rob George

The workshop will introduce participants to the basic elements of screenplay writing from an understanding of the layout and basic attributes of a screenplay to the stages that screenplays go through as an idea is developed into a completed script. Participants will be required to undertake a number of short writing exercises and an opportunity will be provided to discuss the development of their own ideas into screenplays.

with Clare Connelly

So you’ve written a book, or a chunk of a book (hurrah!). What next? How do you approach a sound edit of the work yourself, and when you’re ready to engage professionals, how do you know who to contact? What should you pay? What’s the difference between a beta reader, a critique partner, a manuscript assessment, a structural or copy edit. Do you want to publish the book? And how? What pathways to publication are open to you? How might you access an agent? A publisher? And what should you look for in a contract? How do you write a synopsis, a cover letter, tighten your first three chapters? How long will it take before you hear back? What if you don’t? How do you cope with rejection without losing confidence in your writing?

Finally, what’s next? It’s time to move on to the next project - what techniques will you use from this program to steer your future writing projects?