Duration: 30 minutes to 1 hr
Suitable for: Stages 2-6 and adult. (NB: can be adapted to include stage one in small schools.)

Workshop overview

Autobiographical talk using anecdotes, images, video and the web to trace how Tristanʼs books relate to his life story. From schoolboy in Sydneyʼs Blue Mountains to teen TV actor and presenter in Australia and London, through travel and university to film making and life as an author. Discover the books Tristan loves to read, how he finds inspiration and how he makes a living telling stories for page and screen. Along the way, have lots of laughs, gain valuable tips on using your own life to inspire your stories and help create a weird, funny, gross short story for the next My Life book.

Topics covered

• How to find story inspiration
• Top 5 writing tips
• Making writing an active, contact sport

Duration: 1, 2 or 3 hrs
Suitable for: Stage 2, Stage 3, Stage 4

Workshop overview

How can you use all the odd, boring, funny stuff that happens to you and turn it into excellent stories? Author Tristan Bancks used bits from his life to inspire his short story collections My Life and Other Stuff I Made Up and My Life & Other Stuff That Went Wrong. Like the time his sister made him eat Vegemite off her toe and the time he had his appendix removed just to get out of school detention. Learn how to mine your own life for cool, weird, funny stories that your friends and teachers will love.

Topics covered

• Using memory for story inspiration
• Mashing truth and fiction to create authentic, entertaining stories
• Freewriting practice to discover untapped story ideas

Duration: 1-3hrs
Suitable for: Stage 2, Stage 3, Stage 4, Stage 5 to adult.

Workshop overview

Participants observe, experience and let the world around them rush onto the page. The forward-motion and physical exercise bring the writing experience alive, forging new and unexpected stories. Can be done in the school playground! https://www.tristanbancks.com/2018/01/byron-bay-writing-safari-2.html (Inspired by Tristan’s writing process on his book Two Wolves.)

Topics covered

• Writing outdoors for story inspiration
• Present-moment awareness as a storytelling tool
• Discovering character inspiration from the people and spaces around you.

Duration: 1-3hrs
Suitable for: Stage 3, stage 4

Workshop overview

In-depth writing workshop for very keen / talented writers aged 10+ wanting to take their work to the next level and excavate the stories locked inside them. This workshop goes beyond ʻgetting startedʼ and plunges into voice, setting, character development, conflict, plotting, analysis of great writersʼ work and saying more by saying less.

Topics covered

• Writing outdoors for story inspiration
• Present-moment awareness as a storytelling tool
• Discovering character inspiration from the people around you.

Duration: 45 mins
Suitable for: All ages

Presentation overview

Jesse has entertained audiences from ages 4 to 94 in Australia and internationally with her tales of writing, researching, and extremely unusual creatures. Passionate about becoming a vet from childhood, she ended up becoming an author instead and has written a series about friendships between humans and animals.

A fibreglass seeing eye dog sets sail for the frozen south in Stay: The Last Dog in Antarctica. A young rider tries to save a wild horse in danger in Paruku The Desert Brumby, and a city kid has to draw on all her courage to save a koala from a cyclone in Dexter the Courageous Koala. Each of the books has school curriculum relevance, and teacher’s notes. Jesse has researched all her books out in the field, and her presentation follows her adventures with dramatic audio visuals in a highly engaging format for schools. She is also an international award-winning author of historical and contemporary fiction for adult readers.

Topics covered

• Finding story inspiration
• Researching an idea for a story
• How authors create characters using language and images
• Characters in context
• Author Q&A

Duration: 45 mins – 2 hours
Suitable for: All ages – content is tailored for each group

Workshop overview

It’s a rollercoaster ride as international award winning author Jesse takes participants through the thrills, chills and spills of creating a story. Activities include brainstorming ideas and story-worlds, creating memorable characters, how to make a story irresistible, and how get over the finish line. Jesse refers to her own junior novels and how they were created. She tailors every workshop to suit the ages and abilities of participants – she has taught hundreds of writers aged from seven to seventy in Australia and around the world, and is a passionate and enthusiastic teacher.

Curriculum outcomes/topics covered  (depending on the age of participants: K to Stage 3)

• Creating short, imaginative texts
• Creating literature – create literary texts that explore students’ own experiences and imagining
• Creating literature – create literary texts using realistic and fantasy settings
• Creating texts: Choose and experiment with text structures
• Create literacy texts by developing storylines, characters and settings
• Free-writing practise
• Overcoming writers block
• Writing with confidence
• Tips for editing and story development – re-read and edit for meaning by adding, deleting or moving words or word groups to improve content and structure
• Thinking imaginatively, creatively and interpretively
• Listen to and contribute to discussions to share information and ideas in a collaborative situation
• Use interaction skills, including active listening behaviours and communicate (to peers) in a clear, coherent manner

Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Suitable for: Stages 3-5

Workshop overview

Fearless Writing Workshop

This 1-2 hour workshop engages students on a creative journey of exploration, ideas, character, and story. Designed for Stages 3-5, this workshop encourages students to engage creatively with language and to find meaningful, fun, and affirming ways of expressing their feelings, experiences, ideas, and stories. The focus is on inspiring creativity (playing with language), demystifying the writing process, and providing students with opportunities to write creatively. We will be brainstorming, writing, sharing ideas, and playing with images and words. At the end of each session, students will have produced two articles of writing – a piece of poetry and either a work of flash fiction or an evocative description.

Siboney’s aim with these sessions is to encourage students to be fearless in their approach to writing by making it as experiential and fun as possible. As well as developing writing skills, students will also develop self-confidence and the courage to take risks with their stories.

Duration: 30 min – 45 min
Suitable for: Stage 1, 2 & 3

Presentation overview

In this engaging presentation, CBCA nominated children’s author, Zanni Louise shares her insights into how her different books are made. She engages the students in a discussion about effective storytelling techniques, and challenges them to think about what makes a good story. She also delves into how to develop and harness ideas, and be a courageous creative. Students have the option to ask Zanni anything they like (which they always enjoy.) Younger students also enjoy Zanni dressing up in character to read one of her picture books.

Topics covered

• How picture books are made
• Effective storytelling
• Writing for different ages
• Sourcing ideas
• Harnessing ideas
• Zanni’s ‘Secret Story Garden’
• Being a courageous creative
• The art of accepting feedback
• The art of collaboration
• Picture book reading, in character (optional)
• Author Q&A

Curriculum outcomes

• Storytelling techniques
• Problem solving and creativity
• Effective communication
• Collaboration and team work
• Working with feedback

Duration: 45min – 1hr (stage 1), 1hr – 1hr 45 (stage 2)
Suitable for: Stage 1, Stage 2

Workshop overview

CBCA nominated author, Zanni Louise, takes young writers on a magical writing journey into the imagination. Armed with an imaginary magic paintbrush, nifty story ideas, and a big imagination, young writers will step outside reality and create a story they are proud to share with others. This workshop promotes creative thinking, writing confidence and collaboration.

Topics covered

• Create compelling characters readers will connect with
• Create a world for your characters
• Develop a compelling story arc
• Tips for overcoming writer’s block
• Tips for editing and story development
• Story presentation
• Author Q&A

Curriculum outcomes

• Writes with confidence
• Problem solving and creativity
• Effective communication
• Collaboration and team work

Duration: 1hr – 2hr (stage 3)
Suitable for: Stage 3

Workshop overview

In this engaging workshop, CBCA nominated author Zanni Louise guides writers through steps to harness creativity, and develop compelling stories. Zanni shares tips for overcoming writer’s block, and developing fresh story ideas. Writers will develop compelling characters, with strong motivations and challenges, and use the narrative arc to guide characters home to a satisfying resolution. This workshop promotes creative thinking, story development, working positively with feedback, collaboration and confidence presenting work.

Topics covered

• Create compelling characters readers will connect with
• Develop a rich and compelling story arc
• Tips for overcoming writer’s block
• Tips for editing and story development
• Story presentation
• Author Q&A

Curriculum outcomes

• Writes with confidence
• Problem solving and creativity
• Effective communication
• Collaboration and team work

Duration: 30 min – 45 min
Suitable for: Stage 1 & 2

Workshop overview

Zanni Louise shows students how to make their own notebooks out of found materials. The students use simple sewing techniques to construct their book. The hands-on act of making a book from scratch grounds and relaxes students, while teaching basic bookbinding skills. Students have the option to decorate and personalise their books, which they can then use for their own writing projects.

Topics covered

• Understanding the construction of a book and basic bookbinding techniques
• Learning about the history of bookmaking
• Using basic sewing techniques
• Following instructions to make a book
• Using creativity to personalise books
• Suggest following this activity with a writing workshop

Curriculum outcomes

• Problem-solving
• History of bookmaking
• Creativity
• Following instructions

Duration: 1 hour
Suitable for: Stage 1, Stage 2, Stage 3

Workshop overview

Indigenous musician and author, Lucas Proudfoot presents a dynamic musical storytelling experience, showcasing dance, cultural diversity and Lucas’ creative process. This highly interactive session is great way to start a StoryBoard session with Lucas. Students get to know Lucas not only as an author, but also as a live performer who shares positive aspects of music, story & culture.

Topics covered

• Indigenous Australian culture and history
• Music
• Dance
• Multicultural diversity
• Storytelling
• The creative process

Curriculum outcomes

• History/culture
• Multicultural themes
• Performing arts

Duration: 1.5 hour
Suitable for: Stage 1, Stage 2, Stage 3

Workshop overview

Lucas’ creative writing session highlights the importance of using spontaneity and imagination to create short, fun-filled stories. This quirky format allows the students to experience the joy of writing without worrying about spelling mistakes and perfect grammar. The focus of the session is finding your voice, then expressing it through story.

“Lucas is a treasure personally and culturally. We are really lucky to have someone with his storytelling skills and gift for entertainment to inspire our students. His connection to his heritage and place was very powerful. The staff responses were glowing. I am like the kids; I only wish we could see him more often!” – Pottsville Beach PS, QLD

Topics covered

• Finding your writing voice
• Imagination and creativity
• Writing with joy
• Personal and cultural storytelling

Curriculum outcomes

• Creative writing
• History/culture
• Multicultural themes
• Performing arts

Duration: 1 hr
Suitable for:  Stage 2, Stage 3

Workshop overview

A tantrum in a shopping centre led to the creation of Sam’s bestselling children’s book series, The Anti-Princess Club. In this workshop, students will learn how to use their gripes as inspiration for their own stories. Students will then follow Sam’s steps for turning ideas into compelling narratives.

Topics covered

• Inspiration
• Creating characters
• Assembling a setting
• Building a narrative arc

Curriculum outcomes

• Writing and representing
• Thinking imaginatively, creatively and interpretatively
• Expressing themselves

Duration: 1 hr
Suitable for: Stage 2, Stage 3

Workshop overview

Middle grade author, Samantha Turnbull deliberately crafts characters that smash stereotypes. In this workshop, students will learn to articulate the difference between a boring character and a compelling one. They will  then create a bunch of their own captivating characters – from heroes to villains and everything in between – all while smashing stereotypes themselves.

Topics covered

• Character creation
• Identifying and avoiding stereotypes and cliches
• Types of characters (ie protagonists, antagonists, mentors, sidekicks etc)

Curriculum outcomes

• Writing and representing
• Thinking imaginatively, creatively and interpretatively
• Expressing themselves
• Responding and composing

Duration: 1 hr
Suitable for:  Stage 2, Stage 3

Workshop overview

As well as an author, Samantha Turnbull is an accomplished slam poet (it was the next best option after realising she couldn’t be a rap superstar). In this workshop, students will learn how to write and perform their own slam poem. Slam poetry a unique skill that blends creative writing, persuasive writing, public speaking and performance.

Topics covered

• What is a slam poem?
• Poetic devices – particularly rhythm, rhyme and repetition
• Using your passions as inspiration
• Performance/public speaking with flair

* Note: Video is included in Sam’s slam poetry workshop, so an IWB or computer with projector is needed please

Curriculum outcomes

• Speaking and listening
• Writing and representing
• Thinking imaginatively, creatively and interpretatively
• Expressing themselves

Duration: 45 minutes
Suitable for:  Stage 1, Stage 2, Stage 3

Presentation overview

It’s great to start a school visit with a presentation from Sam, so that students (both those participating in workshops and those who aren’t) get to hear what it’s like to have the best job in the world – WRITING! Sam’s talks are highly entertaining with lots of interactivity. She’ll talk about her creative process and how The Anti-Princess Club book series and other projects came to life. Her main message is: WRITING IS FUN!