Bitto – a coup for local writers’ workshop

Local writers of all levels have an opportunity to learn from one of Australia’s best at Writers Victoria’s Showing and Telling workshop this Saturday July 14 in Anglesea.

Award-winning author Emily Bitto, whose debut novel The Strays won the 2015 Stella Prize, has designed the one-day workshop to provide participants with practical tools to empower them to write prose that makes a visceral and lasting impression on readers.

“Many writers often struggle with the common imperative ‘show, don’t tell’. The workshop, which is open to fiction and non-fiction writers alike, will use a combination of tuition and hands-on writing exercises to help them understand and apply this imperative in their writing,” Ms Bitto said.

“Participants should come away with a clearer understanding of how showing rather than telling can improve and enrich their writing, along with a range of simple techniques to make their prose come alive in the reader’s mind. This will enable them to continue to improve their writing beyond the workshop.”

Gail Chrisfield from Writers Victoria’s said the workshop was part of the Words from the Surf Coast Arts Trail program, with particular emphasis on responding to artworks.

“We ran the program for the first time last year and had such a great response from local writers, artists and the Surf Coast community that we’re running it again this year,” she said.

“While the workshop is open to all writers, it will certainly help those planning to participate this year to prepare for the Arts Trail weekend on August 11 and 12, and our second Words from the Surf Coast Arts Trail open mic night on Thursday August 30.

“We are delighted to have Emily presenting this workshop on the Surf Coast. In addition to being a successful author, she is a gifted teacher (having worked as a sessional lecturer, tutor and supervisor in literary studies and creative writing since 2007) and holds a Masters in Literary Studies and a PhD in Creative Writing from the University of Melbourne.”

Details about the workshop and how to book can be found at writersvictoria.org.au.

Writers Victoria acknowledges the support of Surf Coast Shire Council’s Small Grants program and the Grace Marion Wilson Trust in making this project possible.