Masterclass | Byron Writers Festival

For Term 3, join author Shel Sweeney for a series of masterclasses where students will develop their creative writing techniques across a range of genres. Classes are designed to be fun and celebrate the joy of storytelling.

FREE! Registrations essential. This is a year-long program, commencing Term 2, and running until the end of Term 4, 2023.

Term 3 Dates: 3 Aug (Zachery Jane will be covering this class), 17 Aug, 31 Aug, 14 Sept, 21 Sept
Time: 5 – 6.30pm
Where: Goonellabah Library, 27 Oliver Avenue, Goonellabah
Suitable For: School years 7 – 12

Shel Sweeney is a freelance editor, writing mentor, counsellor and teacher. She works with children, young people and adults throughout the Northern Rivers region.

Sam Smith

Join author Zanni Louise for a series of masterclasses where students will learn and experiment with a range of creative writing techniques and genres. Classes are designed to be fun and celebrate the joy of storytelling.

FREE. Registrations essential. This is a year-long program, commencing Term 2, and running until the end of Term 4, 2023.

Term 3 Dates: 20 July, 3 Aug, 17 Aug, 31 Aug and 21 Sept
Time: 5 – 6.30pm
Where: Goonellabah Library, 27 Oliver Avenue, Goonellabah
Suitable For: 8 – 12 years

Author of over twenty kids’ books, including bestselling picture book series HumanKind, Zanni Louise writes and draws every day and hopes she will keep going until she’s too old to hold a pen!

Sam Smith

Join author, poet, podcaster and journalist Samantha Turnbull for a series of masterclasses where students will learn and experiment with a range of creative writing techniques and genres. Classes are designed to be fun and celebrate the joy of storytelling.

FREE. Registrations essential. This is a year-long program, commencing Term 2, and running until the end of Term 4, 2023.

Term 3 dates: 26 July, 9 Aug, 23 Aug, 6 Sept and 20 Sept
Time: 5 – 6.30pm
Where: Ballina Library, 8 River Street, Ballina
Suitable For: 8 – 13 years

Samantha Turnbull is a children’s author and podcast producer with the ABC. Her books include Fierce Girls, Remember the Rainbows and The Anti-Princess Club series. She is also a qualified primary teacher and loves competing in poetry slams.

Sam Smith

In Term 2 and 3, join filmmaker and author Benjamin Gilmour for a series of masterclasses where students will learn and experiment with a range of creative writing and screenwriting techniques. Melaina Faranda will return as facilitator later in the year.

FREE. Registrations essential. This is a year-long program, commencing Term 2, and running until the end of Term 4, 2023.

Term 3 Dates: 27 July and 10 Aug with Ben, 24 Aug, 7 Sept and 21 Sept with Melaina
Time: 4.00 – 5.30pm
Where: Byron Bay Library, Cnr Middleton St & Lawson St, Byron Bay
Suitable For: 13 – 17 years

Benjamin Gilmour is an award-winning poet, author, film director and ambulance paramedic. What excites him most is sharing his knowledge of ‘guerilla’ filmmaking and inspiring young people to write and make art.

Author and teacher Melaina Faranda is passionate about working with young people, helping to foster their creative talent and be inspired by infinite possibilities.

Sam Smith

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