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Start to Write (fiction)

Faber Writing Academy

Event Date: 5 November 2016
Author / Presenters: Paddy O'Reilly

You've got great ideas.

What do you do next?

Start to Write is a one-day writing course to kick-start your writing life.

In the Melbourne office of Australia's largest independent publisher, you'll get the hands-on teaching you need to start writing from acclaimed tutor and novelist Paddy O'Reilly. You'll be writing there and then, getting instant responses, experimenting with structure and techniques, plus gaining tips on what to do next to start your writing life.

• Discover the tools you need to start writing.
• Overcome common problems shared by emerging writers.
• Understand the fundamentals of fiction.
Praise for Start to Write

'A kick in the pants to start writing.' Julia (2015)

'I've been to a lot of creative workshops, and this was one of the best - the atmosphere was non-critical and collaborative... I wholeheartedly recommend this course to anyone who wants to write but doesn't know where to start.' Samantha (2014)

'The Start to Write workshop does exactly what it says. I'm now equipped with all the tools I need to start my journey to writing fiction.' Amey (2014)

About the Tutor

Paddy O'Reilly is the author of three novels including The Wonders and two collections of short stories, most recently Peripheral Vision, which have been published and broadcast internationally. She has won a number of fiction awards and her books have been shortlisted for the Queensland Premier's Literary Awards and the ALS Gold Medal, as well as being nominated many times in best books of the year lists. She has been a recipient of Australia Council and Arts Victoria awards, as well as Australian and overseas writing residencies. Paddy has a PhD in English from Latrobe University and has won two prizes for excellence in teaching.

How the day will run:

Saturday 5 November 2016

10am-1pm: Creating Ideas
The morning session will focus on the starting point of all fiction: ideas.
Where do ideas for stories come from? Which novels have moved you the most profoundly? How can you use imitation and improvisation to create stories? There will be writing exercises to develop good practice, which will in turn help facilitate good ideas.

1-2pm: Lunch (not provided)

2-4pm: The Bare Bones of Stories
The afternoon session will concentrate on how to tell a great story: starting with the basic elements and building up the action layer by layer. You will use writing exercises to explore different narrative effects and leave with your own piece of fiction.

Morning and afternoon tea provided.

How to Make a Booking

Download the application form (PDF)

To secure your booking, please email your application material to: [email protected]

or by post to:
Faber Writing Academy Manager
Allen & Unwin
PO Box 8500
St Leonards NSW 1590

For further information, contact us: [email protected] or (02) 8425 0171

No refunds will be given to students who don't attend the course on the day.

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