Writers workshops to inspire the next great story

LOCAL writers will have the chance to sharpen their craft and connect with readers when the Local Word Writers Festival returns to Geelong next month.

Presented by Geelong Regional Libraries, the month-long festival features eight workshops across the region before culminating in the popular Local Authors Fair at the Geelong Library & Heritage Centre.

Workshops will be held at libraries in Geelong, Corio, Armstrong Creek, Queenscliff, Torquay, Colac and Bannockburn, covering topics including publishing, children’s writing, crime fiction, poetry, screenwriting and speculative fiction.

Acting chief executive David Semmens said the festival celebrated the region’s thriving literary community while providing practical opportunities for aspiring writers.

“The Local Word Writers Festival is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate storytelling, creativity and connection across our region,” he said.

“This year’s program gives readers and writers the opportunity to learn from experienced authors and industry professionals, while also shining a spotlight on the incredible literary talent we have in our own community through the Local Authors Fair.”

Among this year’s presenters are award-winning author Stef Gemmill on the path to publication, former Bluey publishing program head Emily Baulch on children’s books, screenwriter Rachael Blackwood on adapting fiction for film and television, and award-winning author Rhett Davis on speculative fiction.

Other sessions explore writing realistic medical scenes, crime fiction, poetry and finding creative inspiration in the natural world.

The festival wraps up with the free Local Authors Fair from noon to 3pm on Saturday 29 August, where more than 20 local writers and illustrators will showcase their work across genres including crime, science fiction, memoir, poetry, children’s books, comics and non-fiction.

Books will be available for purchase, with readers encouraged to meet local authors and discover new stories from across the region.

To view the full program, head to events.grlc.vic.gov.au