The Bundaberg Writers’ Club will be hosting a workshop for local wordsmiths thanks to a grant from the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF).
The workshop will be run by internationally published author and former club member Sue-Ellen Pashley and will focus on how to create compelling characters using a psych-based tool kit.
As an author and social worker who has completed three years of psychology studies, Sue-Ellen is well placed to explore the topic of psychological theories and tools that writers can use to create captivating protagonists.
Bundaberg Writers’ Club President Jacqueline Read said the workshop aimed to support writers of all levels and genres.
“Some have aspirations to publish and, like past club member and workshop presenter Sue-Ellen Pashley, have gone on to become published authors,” she said.
“Providing workshops is essential to helping regional writers develop their craft.”
Jacqueline said the RADF grant allowed the club to bring authors and presenters of Sue-Ellen’s calibre to Bundaberg.
“We believe it is important to pay all authors industry rates as set out by the Australian Society of Authors,” said Jacqueline.
“The industry expertise and knowledge they provide is invaluable to emerging writers and they should be paid accordingly.”
The Bundaberg Writers Club was established in 1992 and currently has 32 active members.
They meet on the third Saturday of every month at the Rum City Silver Band Hall where the workshop is also taking place.
“(The club’s) aim is to bring together a group of people who have a love of writing and, together, to foster and develop this art,” said Jacqueline.
“It offers workshops and/or other writing activities which are carried out each month.
“There is some opportunity for members’ writing to be shared and feedback given if this is what the individual member requests.”
Jacqueline believes that regional writers could often bring a unique perspective to their stories, inspired by local settings, characters and experiences which add to the richness of literature.
“Regional writers also have fewer opportunities than those in metropolitan areas to hone their craft,” she said.
“To be able to engage presenters with industry expertise and bring them to our local community is a cost-effective way to provide a service that many regional writers may not otherwise be able to access”.
The RADF is a partnership between the Queensland Government and Bundaberg Regional Council to support local arts and culture in regional Queensland.
For more information about the RADF, click here.
Bundaberg Writers’ Club Workshop: Creating Compelling Characters Using a Psych Based Tool Kit
When: Saturday 20 May. Doors open at 9 am, workshop starts at 9.30 am.
Where: Rum City Silver Band Hall, 89 Targo Street (opposite Dan Murphy’s)
Cost: $10 (includes morning tea), bookings preferred (here) or cash only on the day.
