How to Write About ‘Issues’ in YA (Without Making It an Issue)
Writers Victoria
Issues-driven YA fiction continues to push boundaries and challenge readers and publishers alike. But how do you explore an issue in an engaging way without preaching or lecturing? What are the challenges and pitfalls? Drawing on popular novels, established writing conventions and dynamic exercises, this workshop will help identify what issues are perennially relevant, current and emerging, offering strategies to apply to your own writing to help you better make your point, without losing the reader.
You can find details of how Covid-19 restrictions will affect the workshop here: https://writersvictoria.org.au/about-us/covid-19-information/. You are encouraged to wear a mask in the workshop space. The Wheeler Centre’s policy is that close contacts should not attend the building. If you are a close contact of somebody with Covid-19, or have Covid-19 symptoms yourself, please do not attend[email protected] to arrange a refund in this situation.
You Will Learn:
- Current and emerging trends in issues-driven YA
- To examine examples that work and some that don’t
- Where to start – with the story or the issue?
- To find the right voice and strike the right tone
- How to avoid speaking down to your reader
About the Tutor:
Nicole Hayes is an award-winning YA author and podcaster. Her novel, One True Thing, won the Children’s Peace Literature Award, and shortlisted for the WA Premier’s Literary Award. A Shadow’s Breath shortlisted in the NSW Premier’s Award and is a CBCA Notable. The Whole of My World, a YA #MeToo story set in the world of AFL, was longlisted for the Gold Inky. She is currently pursuing a creative writing PhD in YA fiction at Deakin University where she also teaches.
Not a Member?
Members of Writers Victoria receive up to 37% off the full price of our workshops, seminars and courses. In addition, members have access to a range of other discounts and opportunities and receive a subscription to 'The Victorian Writer' magazine. Memberships start from just $50. Find out more about becoming a member here.
Book early to access our early bird prices! These expire 9 days before the course begins. Please keep in mind that our workshops require a minimum number of participants to run, so booking early also helps ensure that a workshop will go ahead.
When: 12 August 2023 - 10:00 through 04:00 pm Where: The Wheeler Centre 176 Little Lonsdale Street Melbourne, VIC 3000 AustraliaSubscribe to events
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