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September 2011
The Writers' Toolkit - with Michael Sharkey
Highly acclaimed poet, Michael Sharkey also brings his knowledge as a renowned literary critic and lecturer in literature to this one-day workshop.
Good ideas are not enough, there is a lot of craft involved in bringing a story to life, whether a novel or short story. And these days, it’s usually up to the author to have their book edited. This workshop focuses on technical aspects of writing, from vocabulary and grammar to sentence and paragraph style, overall structure and the stages of editing and polishing. Michael says: "We’ll look at the business of first of all getting down what you want to say, and then focusing on narrative, description, and dialogue—all of which assist the development of plot or theme.
Bring along some short pieces of writing containing description and narrative and a writing instrument (paper & pen or laptop). We’ll be engaged in writing, and we will have time to do some short exercises and discuss ways of polishing what’s written. Bear in mind that a story (including history or biography) can take on a life of its own as the writing proceeds, so we won’t be harping on designing a plot and then trying to make everything ‘fit’. Our focus will be on what you really want to say!"
DATE: Sunday 18 September, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.
VENUE: NEWC
COST: $45 members / $55 non-members
Michael Sharkey has published, edited, reviewed and otherwise promoted poetry for more than 30 years. His most recent collections of poetry are History: Selected Poems 1978-2000 (2002) and The Sweeping Plain) (2007).
He has worked in publishing and the public service and taught literature, writing and cultural history in universities in Australia and abroad. He has conducted poetry and writing workshops in most Australian states in a broad range of institutions as well as readings and seminars at festivals and summer schools in New Zealand, Ireland, England and Germany.
Michael is the chairman of the New England Writers Centre and has been a mentor for the Five Islands Press and Australian Poetry Centre Workshops at Wollongong and Bundanoon since 1999. Michael was the editor of the Illustrated Treasury of Australian Humour (published by Oxford University Press, 1988). His biography of the poet & journalist David McKee Wright is due for publication in 2011.
Inquiries
All workshops must be booked and paid for in advance. For information about the program or to book for events:
Phone (02) 6772 7210 or send an email message to newc44@dodo.com.au
NEWC membership entitles you to do the workshop at the reduced member rate.
You can become a member when you book a workshop. Our annual membership fees are:
| Adults: | $30.00 including GST |
| Students (tertiary): | $20.00 including GST |
| Students (under 18): | $15.00 including GST |
Venue
Unless otherwise stated, all events will be held at the New England Writers' Centre (NEWC), in the Neighbourhood Centre, 129 Rusden Street, Armidale (between the Council Building and the Town Hall).
Access
During opening hours and workshops, access is through the Cinders Lane car park (first door on left, in the corridor).
Parking
There is a one-hour parking restriction in the Cinders Lane carpark.
The New England Writers' Centre is assisted by the NSW Government through Arts NSW.
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