Writing Workshops

Ashley Kalagian Blunt:  Writing Crime FictionUnlock the secrets of complex characters, twisty plots and atmosphere-rich tension. Through analysis and discussion of crime novels plus a variety of writing exercises, this workshop will show you how to bend the rules, build suspense and leave your readers on the edge of their seats.

Topics covered include: 
- Outline of the crime fiction genre and subgenres
- Characters: victims, villains and investigators 
- Means, opportunity and motive
- Plot-driven versus character-driven narratives
- Setting as a character
- Clues, red herrings and types of evidence 

Commencing at 10am and concluding at 4pm, Ashley's workshop will be held at Ngununggula , the Southern Highlands Regional Art Gallery at 1 Gallery Lane, East Bowral.  Either bring along a packed lunch or purchase it along with coffee and snacks from Hearth by Moonacres Cafe located within the grounds of Ngununggula.  Participants are asked to bring writing materials (pen/pencil & paper - no electronic devices please).  At $190 per person, tickets may be purchased by clicking here or on the button opposite - 10 tickets only.

Bio:
 Ashley Kalagian Blunt is the author of Dark Mode, an internationally published psychological  thriller. Her earlier books are How to Be Australian, a memoir, and My Name Is Revenge,  collected fiction and essays, which was a finalist in the 2018 Carmel Bird Digital Literary  Award. Her writing appears in the Sydney Morning Herald, Overland, Griffith Review, Sydney Review of Books, Australian Book Review, Kill Your Darlings and more. Ashley co-hosts James and Ashley Stay at Home, a podcast about writing, creativity and health, and teaches creative  writing. Originally from Canada, she has lived and worked in South Korea, Peru and Mexico.

Ashley Kalagian Blunt

tickets

Dr Inga Simpson:  Writing NatureWhen we tug at a single thing in nature, we find it attached to the rest of the world – John Muir

This nature writing workshop is ideal for fiction and non-fiction writers at all levels with a passion for the natural world. You’ll focus on techniques for bringing landscapes, flora and fauna to life for your audience, including: evocative description, connecting characters to place, effective use of emotion, and the importance of story. You’ll also consider issues such as anthropomorphism vs anthropocentrism, and the challenges faced when writing with an environmental message.

Inga uses a combination of instruction, inspiring examples of nature writing and practical writing exercises, with plenty of opportunity for group discussion. You’ll come away with a stronger understanding of nature writing – past and contemporary, Australian and international – and a practical toolkit for sharing your love of nature on the page.  

Commencing at 10am and concluding at 4pm, Inga's workshop will be held at Ngununggula , the Southern Highlands Regional Art Gallery at 1 Gallery Lane, East Bowral.  Either bring along a packed lunch or purchase it along with coffee and snacks from Hearth by Moonacres Cafe located within the grounds of Ngununggula.  Participants are asked to bring writing materials i.e. pen/paper (no electronic devices please).  At $190 per person, tickets may be purchased by clicking here or on the button opposite - 10 tickets only.

Bio:DR INGA SIMPSON  is an Australian novelist and nature writer. Her books include Willowman - longlisted for the 2023 Indie Book Awards.  The Last Woman in the World - shortlisted for the Margaret and Colin Roderick literary Award and the Indie Book Award for Fiction. Inga’s first novel, Mr Wigg, was shortlisted for the Indie Award for Debut Fiction. Nest was longlisted for the Miles Franklin, the Stella Prize, and shortlisted for the ALS Gold Medal. And Where the Trees Were - longlisted for the Miles Franklin, an ABIA Award for Fiction, The Green Carnation Prize, and shortlisted for the Indie Award for Fiction. Understory: a life with trees Inga's first book-length work of nature writing, was shortlisted for the Adelaide Writers Week prize for nonfiction. The Book of Australian Trees, illustrated by Alicia Rogerson is Inga's first book for children. 
Read more:  https://www.ingasimpson.com.au