A new collaboration between the Newcastle Writers Festival (NWF) and the University of Newcastle (UoN) is set to offer emerging scribes the opportunity to learn from some of Australia’s leading authors.
The four-week course, Writing Place, begins in mid-April and will be led by UoN creative writing academic and poet Dr Keri Glastonbury.
It also includes guest authors Amy Lovat, Kim Mahood and Charlotte Wood, who will participate in a series of hour-long online discussions about their work with NWF director Rosemarie Milsom.
Recent books by the trio effectively evoke various settings, including Newcastle, Sydney and rural and remote locations in Australia.
The course is for readers who want to make the transition to becoming writers, who are happy to hear from the authors and read their recent books, and then complete the in-person writing workshops, which will take place at the University of Newcastle’s NUspace building.
At the conclusion, participants will submit a 3000-word draft to Dr Glastonbury for written feedback with a focus on the evocation of environment.
Ms Milsom said the concept was created in response to local demand.
“It brings together a brilliant UoN creative writing teacher with an impressive line-up of authors who have all featured in festival programs,” she explained.
“Both Amy and Charlotte are on our April schedule.
“The course may end up inspiring someone to make the leap into more intensive study.
“Part of our remit is to support the growth of the literary sector and the festival is committed to providing a platform for new talent of which there is no shortage of in the Hunter.”
Head of the School of Humanities, Creative Industries and Social Sciences Professor Kate Nash agreed.
“Writing Place represents an exciting new chapter in the relationship between the University of Newcastle and the Newcastle Writers Festival,” she said.
“We all have stories to tell and this course is all about fostering a love of writing, providing newcomers with the skills, insights and support they need to begin their writing journey.”
Bookings are now open for the April course, so to read a more detailed schedule visit https://www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/writing-course/
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