The Town Hall program at the Emerging Writers’ Festival is the one weekend I block out long in advance to enjoy. All fledgling writers AND bloggers would benefit attending, in my opinion, if you’re serious about learning about craft, or at the very least discovering more about the writing scene.
I’ve selected below a cross-section of sessions and topics to show what I mean – taken from here and here.
Saturday Panel:
Writing & Health, 1.45pm
We’ve all wondered but is it really true – is writing bad for your health? Our panellists speak intimately about how writing affects their physical, mental and emotional health. With Carmel Bird, Carly-Jay Metcalfe, Sam Twyford-Moore and Jeff Waters. Hosted by Kirsten Law.
Saturday In Conversation:
Blogging, 3pm
Can a blog land you a book deal? How does it all work anyway? Jessica Au and Philip Thiel chat about how and why they blog, and answer any questions you can throw at them.
Sunday Panel:
A Different Voice, 12.30pm
You’re a 50 year old woman, your character is a 12 year old boy… How to handle voice? Character? Is it research or does it come naturally? Do people assume you are your characters? How to get realistic dialogue? With Alan Bissett, Maxine Clarke, Simmone Howell and Tony Moore. Hosted by Ruby J Murray.
Future Writing, 3pm
We have seen the digital revolution but what does it mean for writers and publishers? Our panellists hash out how they are making new technologies work for them. With Dale Campisi, Rebecca Fitzgibbon, Patrick O’Duffy and Jacinda Woodhead. Hosted by David Brewster.
Sunday In Conversation:
Children’s books, 10am (Mine!)
Children are fun, curious and creative, so they make great readers! Karen Andrews and Andrew McDonald discuss writing for young people.
Podcasting, 12.30pm
Podcasts and literary programming is all the rage, and these guys do it so well. Find out how literary podcasting works with Myke Bartlett and Estelle Tang.
Beyond Academia, 1.45pm
So. You have a thesis. Now what? Amy Espeseth and Damon Young talk about navigating their writing careers within and beyond academia.
Sunday Embassy
Poetry with Keri Glastonbury, 11am
Literary Fiction & Memoir with Carmel Bird, 3pm
I will also add there is a Masterclass being run on Friday 27th May, ‘Business of Being a Writer‘ which is limited to 30 participants but be quick because tickets are nearly all sold. I would go, except I’ve already got my name down to attend the Reading Matters conference. An extra day away for me!
Busy, exciting times!
