What’s On

This workshop is suitable for almost any area of interest … memoir, biography, personal essay, local history, travel diary, feature article – wherever your creative non-fiction takes you. Bring an idea to work on or an empty space and see what unfolds.

Exercises and discussions progressively build upon each other. These start with starting – often the hardest part – but it doesn’t have to be, especially when the right side of the brain comes into play.

The writer’s voice, finding an opening hook, sensory language and dialogue get attention. Turning facts into a compelling story is at the heart of the workshop which explores writing a scene and the writer’s maxim, Show, Don’t Tell. The workshop finishes with polishing and a look at self-editing, drawing on the left side of the brain.

The approach taken in this highly participatory workshop is that participants learn not just from the presenter, but from and with each other. For this reason, both more and less experienced writers find the workshop satisfying.

Workshop Details

When: 23 November, 10am – 4pm
Where: Byron Writers Festival Office, Level 1 – 28 Jonson St, Byron Bay
Tickets:  $85 Members / $105 General

Limited to 10 places. Book early to avoid missing out.

About Graeme Gibson

Graeme Gibson has a background in adult learning, principally in the environmental and   community services sectors. His approach to learning is that people learn from and with each other, not just from a teacher. He also works as a group facilitator and mediator, getting close to people’s core concerns. Graeme has been presenting writing workshops, including life story & writing about place, since 2013. These have been mostly in regional areas – he likes to get around.

Most of his writing is non-fiction with a focus on nature, community, politics & their intersection. He has published essays, contributed to and edited a number of short story collections and self-published Beyond Fear and Loathing: Local politics at work. This account of local politics and community activism is based on personal experience. He is currently working on a memoir and a social and environmental history of the Richmond River.