Murbah masterclass series for young writers

THE Byron Writers Festival (BWF) StoryBoard Program is presenting a five-week masterclass workshop series at Murwillumbah Library from March 6.

The free workshop program offers young people in grades 7-12 a chance to explore creatively, get a writing edge, and connect with other word and story lovers.

Author and teacher Melaina Faranda will deliver a series of masterclasses where students will learn and experiment with various creative writing and screenwriting techniques.

Faranda has written over 50 books with 10 major publishers for children and young adults, and many of her books are used in schools across Australia.

StoryBoard is a travelling creative writing program fostering the next generation of readers and writers in the Northern Rivers. It aims to inspire every child in the Northern Rivers to imagine, write and tell their story.

An initiative of BWF, the program presents both in and out-of-school writing workshops led by authors and illustrators who excite and engage school-aged children (5-18 years) through the art of storytelling.

The student workshops are designed to improve communication and creativity, build self-confidence and improve learning and literacy outcomes.

Storyboard also has a teacher development program for teachers looking to enhance their creative writing education practices.

The initiative reaches schools across the region, particularly those with socio-economic disadvantage, and extends beyond the school system by collaborating with libraries, youth centres, festivals and community partners.

The one-and-a-half-hour Murwillumbah workshops will run each Thursday at 4 pm from March 6 to April 3.

Numbers are limited, and registration is required.

For information and to book a place, visit byronwritersfestival.com/storyboard/programs-workshops/byron-senior-masterclass