VWC Program 2011 by Anna Kelsey-Sugg

2011 program Open up to a year of sharper writing

The Victorian Writers' Centre / Program 2011

Director's note

PROGRAM note

Roderick Poole

Mary Napier

VWC Director

VWC Program Manager

After a year in our new home, the Victorian Writers’ Centre is clearly entering a new and exciting phase of its existence. There is a terrific energy in the air and a lively buzz between all the resident organisations. We have learnt a lot in this first year about what works and what doesn’t and it has helped us more clearly focus our activities. This program shows a much greater emphasis on support and professional development for writers. The most frequently asked question from our members is “How do I get published?” There is no simple answer, but writing something brilliant will certainly help! The VWC hopes to not only help you improve your craft and understand the publishing business better, but also to create a sense of community for writers across Victoria.

Welcome to another year of writing at the VWC. This is my fifth program with the VWC and, each year, my aim has been to redevelop our calendar of activities with fresh eyes and a strong focus on members’ needs. Our primary purpose is to nurture writers in their creative and professional development and I hope the coming year of events does just that.

This program is only part of what we do, so do keep an eye on our website for developments with our writers’ residences at Glenfern and Rosebank, our regional and mentorship programs as well as competitions such as the Doris Leadbetter Poetry Cup and the Grace Marion Wilson Emerging Writers’ Competition. We will also be developing our members-only online activities throughout the year. Take a course, come to a workshop, drop into Write Club or just come and visit our office and library. Here's to a year of inspiration, revelation and great writing!

You may notice a few changes: more year-long courses and the introduction of half-year intensives, weekday and compact courses, and session series. For those interested in day workshops, our Summer School offers a jam-packed fortnight of something for everyone: short story, novel, freelance, essay, editing, memoir, romance, children’s writing and more. As for further workshops throughout the year, just because you don’t see it in this booklet, doesn’t mean it won’t be happening. Read on to find out about workshop and masterclass directives for 2011. And for full details of our events and authors head to vwc.org.au. Special thanks to all the guest speakers and tutors who will impart their knowledge, expertise and guidance over the coming year. Time to get out your highlighter, pick what takes your fancy and plan your writing year. Happy Writing!

The Victorian Writers' Centre / Program 2011

booking details

CONTENTS

Terms and conditions for bookings

SUMMER SCHOOL

06 – 10

How to Book Online: vwc.org.au By email: bookings@vwc.org.au By phone: 9094 7855

YOUR YEAR OF WRITIN

12 – 16

2011 VWC EVENTS AT A GLANCE

18 – 19

HALF-YEAR INTENSIVES

20 – 21

WEEKDAY WRITING

22 – 23

POETRY IN MOTION

SPECIAL EVENTS

Booking Policy • Bookings required for all events. As places are limited we advise booking at least one week before events. • Bookings confirmed upon full payment to VWC. • Refunds will only be given where a cancellation is made at least three working days prior to an event. • The VWC reserves the right to cancel any event due to lack of bookings up to two days prior to an event. Early Bird Discounts Book early for our courses and workshops and the VWC will provide a 10% discount. Please note the Early Bird Booking deadline for each event to take advantage of this special offer. Other Discount Incentives The VWC offers a booking discount for groups of 8+ for seminar sessions. Call the VWC office to arrange. A discount also applies to those who book for all four seminars in each Session Series.

SHORT AND SHARP

26 – 27

STAGE AND SCREEN

MASSAGING THE MANUSCRIPT

PUBLISHING PERSPECTIVES

Venue Details Unless otherwise stated all VWC events are held at: VWC @ The Wheeler Centre, 176 Little Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, Victoria. (Entry alongside State Library of Victoria) Disabled Access The VWC provides disabled access where possible. For assistance please phone prior to event. Latest Event Updates Due to the nature of a 12-month program, event line-up may be subject to change. See our website for the latest event updates: vwc.org.au. Workshop Ratings 1 = Introductory 2 = Intermediate 3 = Advanced A = All levels of experience be St

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The VWC gratefully acknowledges the support of the Victorian Government through Arts Victoria – Department of Premier and Cabinet, and the Australian Government through the Australia Council, its arts and funding advisory body.

Grace Marion Wilson Trust Supporting Emerging Writers

The Victorian Writers' Centre / Program 2011

summer school Short Story – Think First, Write Second with Steven Amsterdam Monday 10 January 10am – 4pm

Editing for Authors with Stephanie Holt Tuesday 11 January 10am – 4pm Workshop

Cost: $170, Members: $120/$110 Workshop

Rating: 1+2

Cost: $170, Members: $120/$110

Early Birds receive 10% discount

Rating: 1+2

Booking Deadline: 3 January

Early Birds receive 10% discount Booking Deadline: 3 January One way to avoid the problem of the blank page is never to see one. Grab hold of ideas when they come, take the time to expand them and give them meaning and structure before you write the first sentence. With an outline by your side, when you sit down to begin you have a roadmap for your journey. The goal of this workshop is to develop strategies for shaping the story before you start writing. Through exercises and workshop discussions, participants will be better equipped to avoid the blank page. Steven Amsterdam’s writing has appeared in Best Australian Stories, Heat, Overland, Meanjin, The Sleepers Almanac and Torpedo. His first book, Things We Didn’t See Coming, was named The Age Book of the Year, nominated for The Guardian First Book Award and will be on the VCE list in 2011.

Hit the wall with your writing? Your friends love it but you can’t get it published? Scared to “kill your darlings”? Why not try revising your work with experienced editor Stephanie Holt. Through workshopping, exercises and discussion you’ll learn to look at your work afresh, analysing its strengths and weaknesses. Learn tips to tighten your work and the pitfalls to avoid. Discover ways to get the right balance between your distinctive voice and the needs of readers and publishers. Bring along a sample of 500–1000 words of your writing to work on – or better still, provide a copy when enrolling. Email program@vwc.org.au. Stephanie currently teaches in RMIT’s Professional Writing and Editing program and writes for The Footy Almanac. Her own writing has been included in Best Australian Essays and Best Ever Australian Sportswriting. She is a winner of Australia’s most prestigious editing award, the Barbara Ramsden Award, and was previously editor of literary journal Meanjin.

Ratings » 1 = Introductory, 2 = Intermediate, 3 = Advanced, A = All levels of experience

The Victorian Writers' Centre / Program 2011

summer school Jousting with the Media – Freelancing in the New Landscape with Ben Pobjie Wednesday 12 January 10am – 4pm

The Big Picture of Children’s Books with Leigh Hobbs Thursday 13 January 10am – 4pm

Workshop Workshop

Cost: $170, Members: $120/$110

Rating: 1+2

Early Birds receive 10% discount

Booking Deadline: 3 January

Booking Deadline: 3 January For those aspiring to hurl themselves into the modern media maelstrom, this collaborative workshop tackles ways to make you stand out from the crowd as a commentator. Through a hands-on approach, up-and-coming writers can prepare and sharpen their skills for the freelancing life. Discover what makes a good article; how to tailor your writing to different audiences; techniques of commentary, feature writing, review and satire; researching; the differences between writing for print and online; and how to sell yourself. Ben Pobjie is a freelance writer, satirist, comedian and poet. He has a weekly column at ABC’s The Drum, and is the TV writer for The Age A2 section. He was resident satirist at newmatilda.com and his work has appeared in The Punch and Crikey.

This workshop combines discussion and exercises to explore your storytelling voice. Learn how pictures and text work together, and how to develop ideas and shape them into story through storyboards, sense of design and imagination. Leigh Hobbs is an artist and author best known for his characters Old Tom, Horrible Harriet, Fiona The Pig, Mr Badger and Mr Chicken. His latest picture book Mr Chicken Goes to Paris was shortlisted for the 2010 Prime Minister's Literary Award as well as the 2010 CBC Picture Book of the Year. Prestigious UK publisher Bloomsbury published four of Leigh’s picture books in 2010 and Mr Chicken has proved a big hit in the Louvre and Versailles bookshops in Paris.

The Victorian Writers' Centre / Program 2011

summer school Essay Writing with Anne Manne Friday 14 January 10am – 4pm Workshop

Summer Seduction with Marion Lennox Monday 17 January 10am – 4pm Workshop

Cost: $170, Members: $120/$110

Rating: 1+2

Early Birds receive 10% discount

Booking Deadline: 3 January

What is an essay? How does the essay, that most beguiling classic of writerly forms, differ from opinion columns, reportage or memoir? In this workshop writer and social philosopher Anne Manne will discuss the essay as an artform and assist students in shaping their own.

Do you love a heart-stopping romance and a breathtaking happy ending? So do women the world over (and a few men as well). If your storytelling conveys passion and true emotion, your marketing potential is awesome.

A former columnist with The Age and The Australian, Anne Manne’s longer essays on contemporary life now appear regularly in The Monthly. Her book Motherhood: How Should We Care for Our Children (2005) was a finalist in the Walkley Award for Best Non-fiction Book. Her Quarterly Essay "Love and Money; The Family and the Free Market," was published in 2008. A memoir, So This is Life: Scenes from a Country Childhood, Melbourne University Press, was published in 2009. Her Monthly essay “The Girl in the Room” was selected for Best Australian Essays, edited by Robert Drewe (Black Inc, 2010).

Marion Lennox has written over 85 romances for the giant international romance publisher Harlequin Mills and Boon, with stories encompassing the broad romance sub-genres of tender, medical, sexy and intrigue. Her books have been published in 126 countries, in 27 languages. She has won the prestigious US Rita Award twice for the year’s Best Traditional Romance and has been nominated 11 times. Marion comes from a university teaching background so she’s just the author to help you turn your passion into publication. Join her with your manuscript ideas, while she talks the nuts and bolts of love and laughter.

Ratings » 1 = Introductory, 2 = Intermediate, 3 = Advanced, A = All levels of experience

The Victorian Writers' Centre / Program 2011

summer school Novel Writing – Things I Wish I’d Known with Sonia Orchard Tuesday 18 January 10am – 4pm Workshop

Cost: $170, Members: $120/$110 Rating: 1+2 Early Birds receive 10% discount Booking Deadline: 3 January This six-hour class and workshop will introduce participants to some of the issues and techniques that novelists need to consider when embarking on a manuscript. These include plot and structure, themes, character development, narrative drive, point-of-view and dialogue. The day will be made up of a mixture of theory and discussion, writing exercises and workshopping. Participants will be expected to have started a manuscript. Sonia is a freelance writer and the author of two books: a memoir, Something More Wonderful (Hodder Headline Australia, 2003), and a novel, The Virtuoso (Fourth Estate, 2009), which received the Independent Booksellers Award for Best Debut Fiction for 2009. Sonia has a PhD in Creative Writing from RMIT where she teaches novel writing in the Professional Writing and Editing Diploma.

Travel Guidebook Writing 101 with Rowan McKinnon Wednesday 19 January 10am – 4pm Workshop

Cost: $170, Members: $120/$110 Rating: 1+2 Early Birds receive 10% discount Booking Deadline: 3 January You’ve flicked through the guidebooks at the bookstore, maybe travelled with a Lonely Planet or a Rough Guide, and you’ve thought that the job of a guidebook writer would be about as good as it gets. Exotic beaches and sunsets? Getting paid to travel? It’s harder than you’d reckon. In this workshop Rowan McKinnon will give you the good oil on guidebook authoring in a world where comprehensive travel information and advice is free on the internet and pundits are declaring the death of the book. Participants will learn what it takes to make a career as a gigging guidebook author. They’ll do hands-on research around the city centre reviewing hotels and restaurants, and compare notes and observations afterwards. Rowan is a 15-year veteran Lonely Planet author who has contributed to books on the USA, Caribbean and Australia. His specialist area, however, is the island states of the South Pacific.

The Victorian Writers' Centre / Program 2011

summer school Playing God: How To Make Fantasy Real with Alison Croggon Thursday 20 January 10am – 4pm Workshop

Cost: $170, Members: $120/$110

Memoir with Alice Pung Friday 21 January 10am – 4pm Workshop

Cost: $170, Members: $120/$110 Rating: 1+2

Rating: 1+2

Early Birds receive 10% discount

Booking Deadline: 3 January

Booking Deadline: 3 January Fantasy is strongest when it allows the reader to enter its reality. It is most successful when readers fall in love with the worlds the writer creates, accepting them without question. In this workshop explore how to create worlds that readers will believe in. Alison Croggon is a Melbourne poet, critic and novelist. Her epic fantasy Pellinor Quartet – The Gift, The Riddle, The Crow and The Singing – has been published worldwide to critical and popular acclaim, selling half a million copies to date in the USA and the UK alone. She has published several collections of poetry, for which she won the Anne Elder and Dame Mary Gilmore prizes, and was shortlisted for the Victorian (twice) and NSW Premier’s Literary awards. She co-wrote, with playwright Daniel Keene, Night Songs, a music theatre work for young people commissioned by Bell Shakespeare and has recently finished her sixth novel, Black Spring.

This workshop explores how to tell personal stories about yourself and those around you in a manner that flows like fiction. It will focus on finding your voice, writing character and perspective, and exploring settings. Alice Pung’s first book, Unpolished Gem (Black Inc, 2006), became the best-selling book at the Melbourne Writers Festival, won the Australian Book Industry Awards Newcomer of the Year Award in 2007 and was short-listed for numerous other state and national awards, including the Premier’s Literary Award in several states. She has since edited Growing Up Asian in Australia, a collection of stories that is used as a VCE and HSC text around the country. Alice is a frequent contributor to The Monthly magazine, The Age newspaper, The Australian and Good Weekend, and her work has appeared in Meanjin, The Griffith Review and The Best Australian Stories.

Ratings » 1 = Introductory, 2 = Intermediate, 3 = Advanced, A = All levels of experience

The Victorian Writers' Centre / Program 2011

the year to come MORE IN STORE FOR 2011

VWC ON THE NATIONAL STAGE

January features our five-day masterclass intensive Throughout 2010 the VWC engaged in with international writer Robin Hemley. This is the discussions with its sister organisations in NSW, first of the VWC masterclasses for 2011. In keeping ACT, SA and Tasmania, with the intention of with our aim to cater for writers of all levels, over forming a new national organisation to be the year the VWC will be extending invitations known as Writing Australia. If all goes according to visiting high profile interstate and international to plan, Writing Australia will become active in writers to deliver masterclass sessions, and day the first half of 2011. The idea is not to create or weekend workshops. These opportunities a new bureaucracy sucking up scarce resources, will arise from our interstate networks and from but to form a network that will take the best exchanges and partnerships with our fellow aspects of the programs of each state centre resident organisations at The Wheeler Centre. and extend them nationally. Although still in the With eight organisations housed at the Centre – planning stages, the program is likely to include Express Media, Emerging Writers’ Festival, a national writers’ touring circuit, an interlinked SPUNC, Australian Poetry, Overload Poetry network of writers’ residencies, a biennial writers’ Festival, Melbourne Writers Festival, Melbourne conference, a new unpublished manuscript PEN and, of course, the VWC – this home is award and a web portal to centralise a huge a hive of ongoing literary activity. As every number of writing resources and host online organisation is unique in its services to readers courses, residencies and forums. Members of the and writers, so too is each one's schedule of VWC will automatically become members of the activity planning across the year. This means that national organisation and will have full access to the VWC can take a more organic approach to its program and online services. This will create creating initiatives and broadening the scope of new opportunities for Victorian writers, either experiences for writers. What you don’t see in through interstate residencies or the chance to this program will be promoted via our website work with interstate writers, or by tapping into a and The Victorian Writer magazine. larger, national writing community.

The Victorian Writers' Centre / Program 2011

YOUR YEAR OF WRITING Year of the Novel with Sallie Muirden

Year of the Novel with Inez Baranay

Saturdays

5 March, 7 May, 2 July, 10 September & 5 November

10am – 4pm

course

10am – 4pm

course

Cost: $670, Members: $600/$560

Rating: 1+2

Early Birds receive 10% discount

Booking Deadline: 11 February

These classes will give budding novelists the opportunity to discuss, write and workshop their novels in a friendly environment. Class members will be introduced to a range of novel-writing techniques focusing on getting started, characterisation, point of view, dialogue, setting up scenes, structure and working towards publication. Participants will be asked to bring short sections of their novel for small group workshopping and will also receive individual feedback from Sallie.

Five all-day classes, two months apart, give new novelists a safe, supportive space to share and discuss issues in writing and a program to develop discipline and find inspiration.

Sallie Muirden is the author of three published novels, the most recent being A Woman Of Seville, published by HarperCollins in 2009. She has a PhD in Creative Writing from Melbourne University and has taught creative writing to adults for more than ten years.

Each participant will bring a short section of their novel as a basis for exploring aspects of novel writing. These will be about the text (character, structure, focalisation, dialogue); about the writing self (practice, purpose); and about context (readers, literary culture). Feedback will help with crafting and refining the novel. Inez Baranay is a widely published author of nine books and many essays, short stories and reviews. Her most recent novel is With the Tiger. She has a PhD in Creative Writing and has taught in many contexts since 1989.

Ratings » 1 = Introductory, 2 = Intermediate, 3 = Advanced, A = All levels of experience

The Victorian Writers' Centre / Program 2011

YOUR YEAR OF WRITING Year of YA with Maureen McCarthy

Year of Memoir with Anne Manne

Sundays

Saturdays

6 March, 1 May, 3 July, 11 September & 6 November

19 March, 14 May, 9 July, 17 September & 12 November

10am – 4pm

course

10am – 4pm

course

Cost: $670, Members: $600/$560

Rating: 1+2

Early Birds receive 10% discount

Booking Deadline: 11 February

Booking Deadline: 26 February

Fancy writing a novel for the generation more attuned to switching on a screen than turning a page? Why not book in for five intensive days spread out over 2011 with acclaimed writer for young adults, Maureen McCarthy. Through discussion and workshopping, learn what hooks in a younger readership – they’re more sophisticated than you might think! Learn, too, how to use your own experience as a basis for writing and to sift through ideas to find those that are truly your own. Discover how to set up a story, breathe life into characters, pace a plot and develop your own voice. Come prepared to work, share and have fun.

Isak Dinesen wrote that “All sorrows can be borne if you put them into a story”. How can writers transform the raw material of memories into memoir, creating a shaped, readable and well formed story from remembrance of times past? Writer, social philosopher and memoirist Anne Manne will help participants to form their own life stories into memoir.

Maureen has over ten successful titles under her belt. Her bestselling and muchloved book Queen Kat, Carmel and St Jude Get A Life was made into a highly successful four-part mini-series for ABC TV.

Former columnist with The Age and The Australian, Anne Manne’s longer essays on contemporary life now appear regularly in The Monthly. Anne is the author of Motherhood: How Should We Care For Our Children (2005), Quarterly Essay "Love and Money; The Family and the Free Market" (2008), and a memoir, So This is Life: Scenes from a Country Childhood. Her Monthly essay “The Girl in the Room” was selected for Best Australian Essays 2010.

The Victorian Writers' Centre / Program 2011

YOUR YEAR OF WRITING Year of Writing for Children with Karen Tayleur Sundays

10am – 4pm 20 March, 15 May, 10 July, 18 September & 13 November

Year of Non-fiction with Sian Prior Saturdays

10am – 4pm 26 March, 21 May, 16 July, 24 September & 19 November course

course

Cost: $670, Members: $600/$560

Rating: 1+2

Early Birds receive 10% discount

Booking Deadline: 4 March

Booking Deadline: 26 February This is a course for people who want to write fiction for children, addressing the craft of writing – including characterisation, plot, motivation, foreshadowing, redrafting – as well as journal jump-starting, mindmapping, writer’s block and understanding how to target and present work to publishers. Most importantly, it is a chance for those with a writing project to develop their piece over the year and use the tools they have acquired to polish their work or bring greater depth to their writing. Karen Tayleur has been involved in children’s publishing for ten years, both as an editor and an author. Her picture books, early chapter books, middle fiction and non-fiction, and young adult fiction books span both the educational and trade sectors in Australia and have been published around the world.

Have you always wanted to write a work of non-fiction but been daunted by the task? Got a half-written manuscript languishing on your computer – a book, series of essays or even an idea for a blog? Confused or curious about structure, pacing, voice and readership? Make 2011 the year to jump-start your non-fiction project in an inspiring and supportive workshop environment. Whether it’s artfully crafted true story or a practical how-to manual, these classes will help you to leap-frog your writer’s block and produce a publishable work. Sian Prior has been a writer and broadcaster for twenty years. She teaches journalism and non-fiction in RMIT’s Professional Writing and Editing Diploma, and has run non-fiction workshops for the VWC, the Northern Rivers Writers' Centre and the Ubud Writers and Readers Festival.

Ratings » 1 = Introductory, 2 = Intermediate, 3 = Advanced, A = All levels of experience

The Victorian Writers' Centre / Program 2011

YOUR YEAR OF WRITING Year of the Play with Raimondo Cortese Saturdays

10am – 4pm 2 April, 18 June, 6 August, 1 October & 3 December course

Year of Writing for Children and YA – Advanced level with Nicolas Brasch Sundays

10am – 4pm 13 February, 10 April, 19 June, 14 August & 9 October

Cost: $670, Members: $600/$560 Rating: 1+2

course

Early Birds receive 10% discount

Class limit: 12

Booking Deadline: 11 March

Cost: $690, Members: $625/$580

This course focuses on writing dialogue and scenes for theatre. Dramatic dialogue is dynamic – it inspires change. Participants are encouraged to treat their dialogues as verbal creations to be spoken then written, without censoring or judging. Through exercises, participants can address the complex reality of what is actually happening between people rather than what is literally happening. Raimondo Cortese has written over twenty plays including Features of Blown Youth, Roulette and St Kilda Tales. His most recent plays are Holiday (2007 Green Room Award for Best Australian Writing), The Dream Life of Butterflies commissioned for MTC and Intimacy, for the Malthouse Theatre and the 2010 Melbourne International Arts Festival. He teaches dramaturgy and scriptwriting, and is a lecturer at the Victorian College of the Arts, Centre for Ideas.

$200 deposit must be provided with submission Rating: 2+3 Early Birds receive 10% discount Booking Deadline: 21 January For emerging writers (fiction and nonfiction) in the children’s/young adult market, or published writers in other genres. Participants will develop a piece of work using tailored exercises and should have covered basic writing elements, through the VWC’s Year of Writing courses or similar. Prospective participants should email a brief writing CV (including courses attended) and a 750-word (max) excerpt of recent work to program@vwc.org.au. Submission deadline: 21 January. Nicolas Brasch has written more than 350 books for educational and trade markets, several of which have won major awards.

The Victorian Writers' Centre / Program 2011

YOUR YEAR OF WRITING Year of the Novel – Advanced level with Andrea Goldsmith

Year of Poetry – Advanced level with Jordie Albiston

Sundays

20 February, 10 April, 19 June, 7 August & 2 October

20 February, 17 April, 26 June, 21 August & 16 October

10am – 4pm

course

10am – 4pm

course

Class limit: 12

Cost: $690, Members: $625/$580

$200 deposit must be provided with submission

Rating: 2+3

Early Birds receive 10% discount

Booking Deadline: 28 January

This course is tailored for those who have completed a Year of the Novel course (or equivalent) or a first novel. The course provides a supportive and critical forum to explore techniques that will move your latest manuscript closer to completion. Prospective participants should email a brief CV of writing credits, a 250-word (max) synopsis of their current novel and a 500word (max) excerpt to program@vwc.org. au. Submission deadline: 28 January.

An opportunity for poets to engage in group discussion providing valuable feedback, and one-on-one tutoring − during and in between classes. Concept, structure, publishing and marketing will be addressed. Projects may range from a poetic sequence to a full-length manuscript of assorted poems, with a final draft being the overall aim. Participants should have ready a working proposal and at least six completed poems. Prospective participants should email a sample of four completed poems to program@vwc.org.au. Submission deadline: 28 January.

Andrea Goldsmith has published six novels. Her most recent, Reunion, was published by 4th Estate to wide acclaim. She has mentored many new novelists and has conducted several courses at universities, the VWC and writers’ centres throughout Australia.

Jordie Albiston has published six books of poetry. Her most recent, the sonnet according to “m”, won the 2010 NSW Premier’s Prize.

Ratings » 1 = Introductory, 2 = Intermediate, 3 = Advanced, A = All levels of experience

The Victorian Writers' Centre / Program 2011

2011 VWC events AT A GLANCE 18

EVENT

PRESENTERS

Short Story – Think First, Write Second

Steven Amsterdam

Editing for Authors

Stephanie Holt

Freelancing in the New Landscape

Ben Pobjie

The Big Picture of Children’s Books

Leigh Hobbs

Essay Writing

Anne Manne

Summer Seduction

Marion Lennox

Novel Writing – Things I Wish I'd Known

Sonia Orchard

Travel Guidebook Writing 101

Rowan McKinnon

Playing God: How To Make Fantasy Real

Alison Croggon

Memoir

Alice Pung

Year of the Novel

Sallie Muirden

Year of the Novel # 2

Inez Baranay

Year of Young Adult

Maureen McCarthy

Year of Memoir

Anne Manne

Year of Writing for Children

Karen Tayleur

Year of Non-fiction

Sian Prior

Year of the Play

Raimondo Cortese

Year of Writing for Children and YA – Advanced

Nicolas Brasch

Year of the Novel – Advanced

Andrea Goldsmith

Year of Poety – Advanced

Jordie Albiston

Writing the Contemporary Short Story

Emmett Stinson

Popular Fiction

PD Martin

Mastering the Poem

Claire Gaskin

Screenplay

Andy Cox

The Art of Creative Non-fiction

Lee Kofman

All About Fiction

Kalinda Ashton

Creating Picture Books

Meredith Costain

Plotting and Structure

Sydney Smith

Up Close and Personal

Les Murray

Doris Leadbetter Melbourne Poetry Cup

Various

Write Club

Various

Arts Funding Know-how

Arts Vic, Australia Council

Full Circle – VWC Program Launch

Various

Comedy, Comment and Overcoming Procrastination

Catherine Deveny

Writing for the Web

Clem Bastow

Intro to Journalism

Clare Kermond

Planning Your Career/What Comes Next?

Fran Cusworth, Paul Collins

Expand Your Editing Know-how

Penny Johnson

Essay Writing

Rebecca Starford

Writing for TV

Jutta Goetze, Mac Gudgeon

Writing for Film

Chris Anastassiades, Laurent Boulanger

In the Theatre

Elise Hearst, John Romeril

Adaptation

Toni Jordan, Jan Sardi

The Assessor and the Editor

Antoinette Eklund, Belinda Byrne

The Mentor

Clare Allan-Kamil, Lee Kofman

Targeting a Publisher

Zoe Dattner, Laurie Steed

The Contract

Anne Beilby

A Novel Relationship

Jo Butler, Jenny Darling, Sonia Orchard

Facts About Fiction Publishing

Allen & Unwin, Black Dog Books, Affirm Press

Facts About Non-fiction Publishing

Black Inc, Hardie Grant, Penguin

A Novel Relationship Too

Daniel Ducrou, Penny Hueston, Cora Kipling

The Victorian Writers' Centre / Program 2011

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUN

JUL

AUG

SEP

OCT

NOV

DEC

PAGE

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21 10

21 22 22

23 23

24 10 18

24 21

25 9 2 – 23

25 26

6 – 27

2011 VWC events AT A GLANCE

JAN

26 3 – 24

26 7 – 28

27 5 – 26

27 9 – 30

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The Victorian Writers' Centre / Program 2011

HALF-YEAR INTENSIVES Writing the Contemporary Short Story with Emmett Stinson Saturdays 10am – 4pm 12 February, 19 March, 9 April, 14 May & 18 June

course

Cost: $670, Members: $600/$560 Rating: 1+2 Early Birds receive 10% discount Booking Deadline: 27 January

Popular Fiction with PD Martin Saturdays 10am – 4pm 19 February, 26 March, 16 April, 21 May & 25 June

course

Cost: $670, Members: $600/$560 Rating: 1+2 Early Birds receive 10% discount Booking Deadline: 2 February

This course investigates the structures and forms writers can use to approach the contemporary short story. Through exercises, discussions and workshopping drafts of your fiction, learn to apply these techniques to your own writing and gain invaluable insight into the possibilities available to the short story as a form. Emmett Stinson is the author of the short story collection, Known Unknowns, published by Affirm Press in 2010. He has won The Age Short Story Award, The Arts SA Creative Writing Award and a Lannan Poetry Fellowship. His writing has appeared in Meanjin, Overland, Sleepers Almanac, Etchings, Pindeldyboz, The Age and The Big Issue, among many others. He is also a fiction editor for Wet Ink: The Magazine of New Writing and president of SPUNC – The Small Press Network.

If you have an idea for a commercial/popular fiction book or you’re in the early stages of a novel, this course will help you write or complete your book. You’ll be guided through the major stages of writing a commercial novel, including analysing genres, character development and the writing process. Sessions include theory, practical tips, exercises and workshopping, including methods for "stream of consciousness" writing. You’ll also learn all about finding an agent and publisher, and the publishing process. Phillipa (PD) Martin is the author of five crime fiction novels: Body Count, The Murderers’ Club, Fan Mail, The Killing Hands and Kiss of Death. Her Sophie Anderson series has met with international acclaim and The Age described her as a “formidable stylist”.

Ratings » 1 = Introductory, 2 = Intermediate, 3 = Advanced, A = All levels of experience

The Victorian Writers' Centre / Program 2011

HALF-YEAR INTENSIVES Mastering the Poem with Claire Gaskin Saturdays 10am – 4pm 16 July, 20 August, 24 September, 15 October & 19 November

course

Cost: $670, Members: $600/$560 Rating: 1+2 Early Birds receive 10% discount

Learn about the art of crafting a poem and discover that through the distillation of language your poems can be something more. Discuss what makes a piece of writing a poem and look at techniques to generate poetry as well as the technical aspects. Examine master poets to motivate and inspire, and look at how to get your poetry out into the world. Claire Gaskin has been publishing for over twenty years. Her collection entitled a bud was published by John Leonard Press in 2006 and shortlisted in the John Bray SA Festival Awards for Literature in 2008. She was the 2009 recipient of the Alan Marshall Scholarship and has been a long-term teacher of writing and literature in adult education. She was the Victorian editor of the literary journal Blue Dog from 2007 until 2010.

Booking Deadline: 29 June

Screenplay with Andy Cox Saturdays 10am – 4pm 13 August, 17 September, 8 October, 12 November & 10 December

course

Cost: $670, Members: $600/$560 Rating: 1+2 Early Birds receive 10% discount Booking Deadline: 27 July

Learn the essential elements of screenplay development through the process of demonstration and workshopping techniques. Examine important aspects of the screenwriting craft and apply these to personal ongoing projects. By the course’s end, participants will have tailored their idea to a workable screenplay draft. Andy Cox is a writer, script doctor, script editor and developer in feature film, theatre and documentary in the UK, USA, Australia and Southeast Asia, and a development consultant and manager for Screen Australia, Film Victoria and Screenwest. He is the writer of the Australian features Lucky Country and Under a Red Moon, and is working on adaptations including The Fortunes of Richard Mahoney with Bruce Beresford and Tim Bowden’s biography of Neil Davis, One Crowded Hour.

The Victorian Writers' Centre / Program 2011

WEEKDAY WRITING Turning Life into Literature: the Art of Creative Non-fiction with Lee Kofman Thursdays 1–4pm 10 February, 10 March, 14 April, 12 May & 9 June

course

Cost: $325, Members: $235/$215 Rating: 1+2 Early Birds receive 10% discount Booking Deadline: 27 January

All About Fiction with Kalinda Ashton Thursdays 1–4pm 17 February, 17 March, 21 April, 19 May & 16 June

This highly flexible, innovative genre includes a wide range of sub-genres (memoir, travel, true crime, personal essay), all of which have two things in common: they deal with real life and they are written in creative, vivid prose. Participants will learn the principles of creative non-fiction such as voice, ethics, self as character, structure and the use of fictional devices. Emphasis will be on the integration of personal experiences with research. Participants will be encouraged to develop projects in a supportive environment. Lee Kofman is an author of three books. Her short creative non-fiction, fiction and poetry has appeared in Australia, UK, USA and Israel. She has been the recipient of an Australia Council Grant for Developing Writers (2004), several writing residencies and an ASA mentorship, and she holds an MA in Creative Writing.

This course will cover key elements of fiction, both short story and novel writing, including narrative voice, place and setting, structuring and drafting, characterisation and dialogue. Participants will work towards completion of a novel extract or an extended short fiction piece, which they will develop throughout the course. Participants are asked to email a 1000-word sample of their prose fiction when enrolling, to indicate their style and area of interest, to program@vwc.org.au.

course

Cost: $325, Members: $235/$215 Rating: 1+2 Early Birds receive 10% discount Booking Deadline: 3 February

Kalinda Ashton is a short story writer and author of the novel, The Danger Game. Her fiction has been widely published in journals and anthologies. She has been an associate fiction editor at Overland magazine for four years and has taught literature and creative writing at several Australian universities.

Ratings » 1 = Introductory, 2 = Intermediate, 3 = Advanced, A = All levels of experience

The Victorian Writers' Centre / Program 2011

WEEKDAY WRITING Creating Picture Books with Meredith Costain Thursdays 1–4pm 14 July, 11 August, 15 September, 13 October & 10 November

course

Cost: $325, Members: $235/$215 Rating: 1+2 Early Birds receive 10% discount

In this series of “hands on” workshop sessions, Meredith will outline the elements of creating text for picture books, from the initial idea to the finished jewel. There will be plenty of opportunities for small-group discussion and writing as participants look at the range and scope of picture books, how to get ideas, language and structure, paging and storyboarding, and how to submit to publishers. Meredith Costain is an award winning and versatile author of over 100 books for children. Her picture book Doodledum Dancing, illustrated by Pamela Allen, was an Honour Book in the CBCA Early Childhood Awards and Musical Harriet was adapted for television by the ABC.

Booking Deadline: 30 June

Plotting and Structure with Sydney Smith Thursdays 1–4pm 21 July, 18 August, 22 September, 20 October & 17 November

course

Cost: $325, Members: $235/$215 Rating: 1+2 Early Birds receive 10% discount Booking Deadline: 7 July

This course is specially aimed at writers who are working on a novel, whether genre, literary or general fiction for adults or young adults. The focus will be on plotting and structure, and how they are shaped by character motivation. Each participant will be given a one-hour interview with Sydney outside class time when they will have a chance to discuss the particular issues of their writing. The class will workshop each writer’s plot by discussing their synopsis and a sample of the novel. Participants are required to submit a one-page synopsis and the first 1000 words of their manuscript prior to course beginning. Submission deadline 14 July. Email program@vwc.org.au. Sydney Smith is the founder and coordinator of the Victorian Mentoring Service for Writers and was a manuscript assessor for 11 years.

The Victorian Writers' Centre / Program 2011

POETRY IN MOTION February

SEPTEMBER

Wednesday 2 February 6–8:30pm

Saturday 10 September 7pm

Up Close and Personal with Les Murray

WORKSHOP

Doris Leadbetter Melbourne Poetry Cup

EVENT

Cost: $150, Members: $135/$125

Cost: Registrations $10

Rating: A

Audience members $6

Booking Deadline: 21 January

This is a licensed event Rating: A

This workshop is open to poets of all levels with participants being required to submit work prior to the session date. The session will be dedicated to rigorous workshopping with Les Murray who will provide valuable feedback and advice on all poetry contributions. Submission deadline 21 January. Email program@vwc.org.au. Les has won the TS Elliot Prize and the Queen’s Medal, and his publications of over 30 books of poems and essays have been translated into more than 20 languages. His latest book, Taller When Prone, is published by Black Inc. He is the literary editor of Quadrant magazine. Following the workshop, all participants will join Les for dinner at Lounge, 1/243 Swanston Street Walk, Melbourne. Workshop cost includes dinner.

The VWC continues to honour Doris Leadbetter through its 15th anniversary celebration of the Cup. This special event contributes to the excitement of the Overload Poetry Festival and gives writers the chance to present a ONE-MINUTE poem on stage. With three judges on hand, entrants have the potential to win a first prize of $2000! The runner-up receives $300, while two others receive encouragement prizes of $100 each. Participating poets can register from 10am, Monday 5 September. There is a limit of 40 registrations and conditions apply. Visit vwc.org.au for full details. Audience members can book online at any time.

Ratings » 1 = Introductory, 2 = Intermediate, 3 = Advanced, A = All levels of experience

The Victorian Writers' Centre / Program 2011

SPECIAL EVENTS Write Club Fridays, 6pm 18 March, 15 April, 20 May, 17 June, 15 July, 19 August, 23 September, 21 October & 18 November EVENT

Cost: FREE This is a licensed event Rating: A The first rule of Write Club is you don’t talk about Write Club ... Not Fight Club, Write Club! – somewhere free of seminars, workshops and panels; a place to catch up with your fellow VWC members and put faces to some of those names; a relaxed yet stimulating atmosphere for conversation, ideas and the meeting of minds. On the third Friday of each month starting in March, VWC will host an informal night of talk, readings, drinks and conversation. Write Club is part end of the week drinks, part networking opportunity and part literary hoedown. We aim to take the starch out of the writing community and have some fun. Each night we’ll have a different literary organisation take the lead and offer up an idea, a text, a musician, an artist, a profession, a language, a culture, even a writer(!), that will challenge the norm and stimulate discussion and conversation. Write Club is the place for the unusual, the challenging and the undiscovered.

Arts Funding Know-how with Arts Victoria & Australia Council Wednesday 9 February 6.30 – 8pm EVENT

Cost: FREE. This is a licensed event Rating: A

In conjunction with Arts Victoria, staff from the Literature Board of the Australia Council for the Arts present the opportunities available to writers through Arts Victoria's professional development program and Aus Council grants for publishing, new work and promotion.

Australia Council for the Arts Meetings Staff from the Literature Board will be available for individual meetings on Thursday 10 February. Book at bookings@vwc.org.au or on 9094 7855. www.australiacouncil.gov.au.

DECEMBER

Full Circle

Friday 9 December 6 for 6.30 start EVENT

Cost: FREE. This is a licensed event Rating: A

The countdown is on as 2011 draws to a close. Come join the VWC staff, industry representatives and fellow writers in a celebratory drink to help say goodbye to the working year, reflect on successes and launch the 2012 VWC Program. Once again, our annual program will aim to please with an array of long courses, short courses and informative events. With a host of activities commencing in January, there will be little time for an avid writer to take a pit stop. It’s time to fasten your seatbelts because there’s more in store for 2012.

The Victorian Writers' Centre / Program 2011

SHORT AND SHARP MARCH

Comedy, Comment and Overcoming Procrastination with Catherine Deveny Wednesdays 6–8.30pm 2, 9, 16 & 23 March course

Sure, you want to write but you’re not. Or not writing what you want to, how you want to or not getting it seen. Learn to bust through procrastination and find your true voice. To be a writer in this age of new media, old media and shape-shifting content you need to be a jack of all trades. We’ll talk non-fiction, columns, comedy, blogging and – yes – Twitter. Do you want to write for love or for money, or just to prove that you can? Catherine will help you find out, pull your finger out and get it done.

Cost: $215, Members: $170/$160 Rating: 1+2 Early Birds receive 10% discount Booking Deadline: 21 February

Catherine Deveny is a comedy writer, ABC regular, Age newspaper columnist, stand-up comedian and the author of Free to a Good Home, Say When and It’s Not My Fault They Print Them.

JULY

Gone are the days when being a writer meant a little note-pad and a file full of newspaper clippings. Learn how to approach writing for the web – from microblogging to “new media” done the “old media” way – and explore new writerly horizons. Is pitching to an online editor different from a print editor? Should you embrace embedded media? What are “hits” and “page views” and should you care? Find the answers without resorting to Google!

Writing for the Web with Clem Bastow Wednesdays 6.30–8.30pm 6, 13, 20 & 27 July course

Cost: $215, Members $170/$160 Rating: 1+2 Early Birds receive 10% discount Booking Deadline: 27 June

Clem Bastow is a Melbourne-based freelance critic and writer, whose work appears in The Sunday Age, The Big Issue and Inpress magazine, and online at TheVine.com.au, ABC’s The Drum and The Dawn Chorus.

AUGUST

Gain an insight into the many facets of journalism, including freelancing and working in the newspaper and magazine industries. This course will benefit those wishing to pursue journalism as a career or seeking opportunities to establish themselves as a freelance or feature writer, or even editor.

Intro to Journalism with Clare Kermond Wednesdays 6.30–8.30pm 3, 10, 17 & 24 August course

Cost: $215, Members: $170/$160 Rating: 1+2 Early Birds receive 10% discount Booking Deadline: 25 July

Clare Kermond is a senior journalist at The Age. Her current title is sections editor, Business. She joined The Age in 1995 and has worked in a range of roles including state politics reporter, industrial relations reporter and editor of the Employment and Livewire sections. She has also written for The Age from South America. Clare has a BA in Journalism and Masters Degree in Sociology.

Ratings » 1 = Introductory, 2 = Intermediate, 3 = Advanced, A = All levels of experience

The Victorian Writers' Centre / Program 2011

SHORT AND SHARP SEPTEMBER

Course Part 1: Eating the Elephant

Planning Your Career with Fran Cusworth & Paul Collins

Instead of wishing you had time to write a novel, learn to use the time you’ve got. Make small writing islands in busy days and write in quick and frequent bursts.

Wednesdays 6.30–8.30pm 7, 14, 21 & 28 September

Fran Cusworth is the author of two novels, The Love Child and Hopetoun Wives, and is an experienced journalist.

course

Cost: $215, Members: $170/$160 Rating: 1+2 Early Birds receive 10% discount Booking Deadline: 29 August

OCTOBER

Expand your Editing Knowhow with Penny Johnson Wednesdays 6.30–8.30pm 5, 12, 19 & 26 October course

Cost: $215, Members: $170/$160 Rating: 1+2 Early Birds receive 10% discount Booking Deadline: 26 September

NOVEMBER

Essay Writing with Rebecca Starford Wednesdays 6.30–8.30pm 9, 16, 23 & 30 November course

Cost: $215, Members: $170/$160 Rating: 1+2 Early Birds receive 10% discount Booking Deadline: 31 October

Course Part 2: What Comes Next? Be guided through processes from marketing to publicity, public speaking and more. Paul Collins has written over 130 books and 140 short stories. His latest book is The Glasshouse. He is the publisher at Ford Street Publishing.

In this course for writers and aspiring editors, discover the differences between copyediting and proofreading, as well as the tips and techniques the professionals use. Through activities and exercises you’ll refresh your grammar and punctuation, sharpen up your writing, gain insight into house style and learn proofreading mark-up. Penny Johnson is a writer, an IPEd-accredited editor and an award-winning educator who teaches in RMIT’s Professional Writing and Editing program. She has worked on literary and academic journals such as Meanjin and Cultural Studies Review.

This course examines how the modern essay has changed shape over the years and reveals what Australian editors, in print and online, seek for publication. Investigate the mechanics of quality essay writing, learn research methods, practise writing exercises and discuss structure and tone – with the goal to produce publishable essays. Rebecca Starford is associate publisher at Affirm Press and editor of Kill Your Darlings. She is a former deputy editor of Australian Book Review and has been a judge of the Calibre Prize for an Outstanding Essay. Her book reviews have been widely published in The Age and The Weekend Australian.

The Victorian Writers' Centre / Program 2011

STAGE AND SCREEN THE PITCH AND PROCESS

SESSION SERIES: Book for all four sessions and a discount applies: $50, Members $40/$32

APRIL

Writing for TV with Jutta Goetze & Mac Gudgeon Wednesday 6 April 6.30–8pm seSSION

Cost: $15, Members: $12/$10 Group bookings (8+): $10 Rating: A

Discuss the role of the screenwriter in today’s TV industry and, from process to production, the challenges of getting a TV series up and running. Working in television since Skyways, Jutta also writes children’s and YA books. Mac is a freelance writer of film, television and theatre.

Writing for Film with Chris Anastassiades & Laurent Boulanger Wednesday 13 April 6.30–8pm

In the Theatre with Elise Hearst & John Romeril Wednesday 20 April 6.30–8pm seSSION

Cost: $15, Members: $12/$10 Group bookings (8+): $10 Rating: A

Join these guest playwrights as they discuss the journey of the writer in developing a career in theatre, the importance of collaboration within a production and the processes for good theatre. Elise Hearst is author of numerous plays and was resident playwright with Griffin Theatre in 2010. John Romeril has written close to 80 works and won the 2008 Patrick White Award.

Adaptation with Toni Jordan & Jan Sardi Wednesday 27 April 6.30–8pm seSSION

seSSION

Cost: $15, Members: $12/$10 Group bookings (8+): $10 Rating: A

Screenwriters Chris Anastassiades and Laurent Boulanger discuss the process of “the pitch” and what it takes to be a success in the industry.

Hear two perspectives on adaptation of book to film. Toni Jordan’s first novel, Addition, has been picked up for adaptation to film. Jan Sardi’s screenplay Mao’s Last Dancer won several international film awards.

Chris has many credits to his name for television, theatre and feature film as writer and script editor. Laurent teaches in the postgraduate writing programs at Swinburne University.

Toni Jordan was longlisted for the Miles Franklin Literary Award and is a columnist with The Age. Jan Sardi has won numerous awards for his work and in 1997 was nominated for an Academy Award.

Ratings » 1 = Introductory, 2 = Intermediate, 3 = Advanced, A = All levels of experience

The Victorian Writers' Centre / Program 2011

MASSAGING THE MANUSCRIPT SESSION SERIES: Book for all four sessions and a discount applies: $50, Members $40/$32

MAY

The Assessor & the Editor with Antoinette Eklund & Belinda Byrne Wednesday 4 May 6.30–8pm seSSION

Cost: $15, Members: $12/$10 Group bookings (8+): $10 Rating: A

To get a manuscript to publishable standard, it is essential to seek advice from expert eyes. But whose? Learn the benefits of getting the job done with an assessor and editor. Antoinette Eklund is an author, teacher, mentor and assessor. Belinda Byrne is a commissioning editor at Penguin Australia.

The Mentor with Clare Allan-Kamil & Lee Kofman Wednesday 11 May 6.30–8pm

Targeting a Publisher with Zoe Dattner & Laurie Steed Wednesday 18 May 6.30–8pm seSSION

Cost: $15, Members: $12/$10 Group bookings (8+): $10 Rating: A

Learn about the basics of submission, a good proposal, the benefits of small presses, what online opportunities are out there, and how to get beyond the slush pile. Zoe has worked in publishing for 10 years and is co-founder of small press Sleepers. Laurie is a writer and freelance editor, and communications manager for the Small Press Network (SPUNC).

The Contract with Anne Beilby Wednesday 25 May 6.30–8pm seSSION

seSSION

Cost: $15, Members: $12/$10 Group bookings (8+): $10 Rating: A

As you stare at your mountain of words do you question whether your writing is good or if anyone will want to read it? Experienced mentors Clare Allan-Kamill and Lee Kofman will guide you through the mentoring process.

Your manuscript has been accepted and soon you will be signing on the dotted line. But do you know what you’re in for? Anne Beilby will provide new writers with an overview of terms of agreement, author and publisher responsibilities, book distribution, publicity and royalties.

Clare has worked with writers, performers and artists as a mentor and facilitator. Lee is author of three books and holds an MA in Creative Writing.

Anne has been at Text Publishing since 2004. As rights manager she is in charge of all head and foreign contracts. She works with authors, agents and publishers.

The Victorian Writers' Centre / Program 2011

PUBLISHING PERSPECTIVES SESSION SERIES: Book for all four sessions and a discount applies: $50, Members $40/$32

MARCH

JULY

Thursday 31 March 6.30–8pm

Thursday 28 July 6.30–8pm

A Novel Relationship with Jo Butler, Jenny Darling & Sonia Orchard

seSSION

Facts about Non-fiction Publishing with Black Inc, Hardie Grant & Penguin

seSSION

Cost: $15, Members: $12/$10 Group bookings (8+): $10 Rating: A

Join Jo Butler, Jenny Darling and writer Sonia Orchard as they discuss manuscript publication and author, agent and publisher relationships.

These guest publishers are specialists in all areas of non-fiction: cook books, history, travel, essay, biography, memoir and more.

Jo Butler is a HarperCollins publisher. Jenny Darling & Associates represents many successful Australian authors. Sonia Orchard is a freelance writer and the author of two books.

Denise O’Dea is senior editor at Black Inc. Sharon Mullins is a commissioning editor at Hardie Grant. Kirsten Abbott is an associate publisher at Penguin.

JUNE

OCTOBER

Thursday 30 June 6.30–8pm

Thursday 27 October 6.30–8pm

Facts about Fiction Publishing with Allen & Unwin, Black Dog Books & Kill Your Darlings

seSSION

A Novel Relationship Too with Daniel Ducrou, Penny Hueston & Cora Kipling

seSSION

Cost: $15, Members: $12/$10 Group bookings (8+): $10 Rating: A

Learn current market trends and how to approach publishers. A "must" for short fiction, essay, children’s and adult fiction writers.

The author, publisher and publicist relationship. When Daniel Ducrou launched his debut novel, his journey as a writer had just begun.

Eva Mills is a publisher at Allen & Unwin. Maryann Ballantyne is publishing director at Black Dog Books. Rebecca Starford is editor of Kill Your Darlings.

Daniel Ducrou's first novel was shortlisted for the Australian/Vogel and Victorian Premier’s awards. Penny Hueston is associate publisher and Cora Kipling is a senior publicist at Text Publishing.

Ratings » 1 = Introductory, 2 = Intermediate, 3 = Advanced, A = All levels of experience

The Victorian Writers' Centre / Program 2011

Victorian Writers’ Centre Inc ABN 18 268 487 576

Level 3, The Wheeler Centre 176 Little Lonsdale Street Melbourne Vic 3000 T> 03 9094 7855 F> 03 9650 8010 E> info@vwc.org.au W> vwc.org.au Office Hours> 10am – 5pm weekdays Director Roderick Poole Administration and Finance Manager Jacquelin Low Program Manager Mary Napier Publications Manager/Editor Anna Kelsey-Sugg Administration Officer Elise Hearst Publications Assistant Rebecca Kamm Competitions Sue Penhall Librarian Marilyn Newby Committee of Management Chris Thompson (Chair) Isolde Lueckenhausen (Deputy Chair) Eddie Creaney (Treasurer) Annie O’Hanlon (Secretary) Bronwyn Blaiklock Joel Deane Kim Hellard Patron Noel Turnbull Honorary Life Members Barbara Giles (dec.) Bev Roberts Joan Sellar Joyce Lee (dec.) Judith Rodriguez Christine McKenzie Kevin Broph Chris Wallace-Crabbe Iola Mathews Kris Hemensley Sue Penhall Program Proofreader Kathryn Ross Printing House Madman Printing (03)9244 0100 Photographer of Staff John Lamb www.kidsofmelbourne.com.au Graphic Design Mutton Stock www.muttonstock.com.au

JOIN THE

VICTORIAN WRITER'S CENTRE Benefits include

VWC Writers’ Residences

• Discounts to our masterclasses, courses, seminars and workshops

Glenfern Writers’ Studios are non-residential spaces within the historic Glenfern estate in East St Kilda. In partnership with the National Trust, VWC offers nine studios at very reasonable rates for periods of one to six months. Rates start at $155 per month.

• Discounted manuscript assessments and mentorships • Access to our writers’ studios • Subscription to our magazine, The Victorian Writer • Weekly e-bulletin • Discounts at various retail outlets and associated organisations

Rosebank is a secluded, self-contained rural retreat on a farm in the Macedon Ranges. Stays at Rosebank are in one week blocks and available from March 2011. Rates begin at $590 per week.

VWC also provides advice, information and referrals via our dedicated staff.

Mentorship Program

• Use of our lending library

Membership Rates ONE YEAR Full

$65

Concession

$68

Regional

$42

Organisation

$185

Organisation (not-for-profit)

$120

Household

$88

Household (Concession

$65

Household (Regional)

$60

Overseas

$85

TWO YEAR

Full Organisation Organisation (not-for-profit)

$108 $345 $120

VWC is expanding its mentorship program for writers working in a wide range of genres. Successful applicants will be matched to an experienced mentor and receive six hours of face to face sessions over a six month period. Mentorships are open to VWC members only.

Writers’ Fellowships One of the most precious gifts that a writer can receive is the time and place to write. VWC manages two residences dedicated to writers and writing. A limited number of fellowships will be on offer in 2011 to provide space in our writers’ residences. Glenfern Fellowships will provide three months studio time at Glenfern and Writing @ Rosebank Fellowships will cover three weeks accommodation at Rosebank as well as a small stipend. VWC Writers’ Fellowships are open to members only.

Manuscript Assessment Service VWC already provides professional written appraisals of: • Fiction • Non-fiction • Poetry • Children’s books • Film/TV/theatre scripts We also provide face-to-face consultations for selected writers.

Keep an eye on our website for updates and further details of all our services and programs: vwc.org.au