WORKSHOP SCHEDULE

Workshop 1: Life Writing
date: Sunday 6 September
This is an all day workshop that looks at the art of memoir. The workshop explores techniques for writing your own story. It gets you writing, offering informed feedback and guidance. Whether you are writing a story about place, collective memory or the story of your own life and times for your grandchildren, this workshop will set you on your journey. A practical workshop for anyone serious about writing their life and for those looking for a way to begin.

Workshop 2: The Business of Publishing
date: Sunday 20 September
A full day seminar covering the business and practicalities of being a writer. This seminar will cover the intricacies of the publishing process, following the path of a manuscript through a publishing house, the role of the agent, the work of the manuscript assessor and the editor, the bookseller and the librarian. Learn how to apply for funding for your writing project, how to pitch your story to the market place, how to find resources, and gain feedback about the commercial potential of your work.

Annette Hughes unpacks her toolkit of insider knowledge for emerging writers and those who are just plain curious.

Workshop 3: Reading for Creative Writing
date: Sunday 11 October
An all day workshop for creative writers. Reading quality writing by the best in the business is one of the most effective ways to develop your craft. This workshop will focus on the written word, and what can be gleaned from the work of some of Australia's best writers. Learn how to unpick a text, analyse it and harvest it for style, technique and how to apply both macro and micro critical reading to your own work, looking at structure, tense, plot, narrative voice, pace, character and dialogue.

Workshop 4: The Nuts and Bolts of Creative Writing
date: Sunday 8 November
This workshop is designed to build skills in polishing and preparation of your writing. Bring a sample of your own work (or work on a piece of supplied draft writing) and be guided through the process of applying an editorial scalpel to it. Discover what editors look for, what to cut, how to mould your writing into the most economical and pleasing form to keep your reader hooked, and to tell your story in the most elegant way possible. Lots of hands on exercises and experimentation.

COMMUNITY ACCESS SESSIONS

Got a problem with your story? Need help with your writing? Need advice about how to get your work out there? As part of the Writer-in-Residence programme, the writer is available for consultation about any questions will be in residence at the Butter Factory Arts Centre at the following times:

2pm - 5pm on Monday afternoons from 2 Nov - 30 Nov (inclusive)

or

9am - 11am on Saturday mornings on 19 Sept, 31 Oct, and 7, 21 & 28 Nov.

The sessions are free and access is open to both amateur and professional writers as well as participants in the Community Blogging Project, but bookings are essential.

To book an appointment during the above times, contact the butter factory.

Regional Writes to assist local authors

Local writers can get professional help to fine-tune and publish their own work as part of an exciting new literary program being launched in the lead up to the much-anticipated Cooroy Library opening.

Local author and director of the recent Reality Bites Festival, Annette Hughes, will be the Regional Writes writer-in-residence at the Cooroy Butter Factory Arts Centre. Would-be writers can choose from a variety of workshops and mentoring sessions from September to December 2009.

Divisional Councillor Lew Brennan said the program was a rare chance for local writers to get professional tips on how to get published.

"This program is another exciting example of council assisting with the development of creative and artistic talent in the region," he said.

"We have been successful in obtaining financial assistance from the Queensland Government to enable us to help our community develop their writing skills."

Participants can expect to be motivated and inspired, according to the program's writer-in-residence, Annette Hughes.

"Writing, like any art, is a craft that can be learned -- success comes with practice and dedication," she said.

"This program of workshops is for both amateurs and emerging writers, whether you have ambitions to see your work in print or just want to get your thoughts down on paper."

The workshops will provide valuable insights into the business of publishing, life writing, reading for creative writing and self-editing.

There is also a mentorship on offer for the most promising manuscript by a Sunshine Coast author -- a fantastic opportunity to work with a professional assessor.

"If you have a manuscript in your bottom drawer, dig it out and dust it off for submission," Annette said.

Regional Writes will also introduce the concept of Community Blogging, an initiative to capture the thoughts and efforts of the local community.

During the course of the residency, community members are invited to contribute their own stories to the Community Blogging Project, which will be launched to coincide with the opening of the library expected in March 2010. Individuals and local community groups can learn how to set up their own blogs and link to each other, creating a virtual and physical community with the new Learning Centre at its hub.

The Regional Writes Project is funded by an Arts Queensland Development and Presentation Grant, RADF and Sunshine Coast Regional Council Learning Communities.

Fees vary for each session. For details about the program and cost, phone 5472 0107 or visit regionalwrites@sunshinecoast.gld.gov.au or go to the website: www.regionalwrites.blogspot.com.

More about the author

Annette Hughes is an industry expert with many years experience in publishing from every possible angle - bookseller, publisher, agent and author. Her recent book, Art Life Chooks: Learning to leave the city and love the country (Harper Collins Fourth Estate) is about her tree change from the big smoke of Sydney to the Noosa Hinterland and her attempt to live ethically and sustainably.