In this bootcamp we’ll focus on getting the basics right, and expanding your technique and approach to make your writing even better. In lessons, exercises and group discussions, we’ll focus on the processes of drafting and revising, and crafting the key elements of good historical fiction. How do we incorporate our precious research without overwhelming the story? How do we create characters that ring true for both the setting and the modern reader? And how do we get our stories to glow?
Class Outline
9.00am – 11.00am: Create your world: Creating a credible world for your characters and story: setting, society, and story style.
11.00am – 11.30am: Break
11.30am – 1.30pm: Populate your world: Whatever the genre or setting, it’s the people that matter. Create characters that readers care about, and give them voices that work.
1.30pm – 2.30pm: Lunch break
2.30pm – 3.30pm: Writing and research processes: Our writing rituals and processes, from drafting to revision to editing. Tools and tips to help you manage research materials, story ideas, and plots.
3.30pm – 4.00pm: Q&A. Time for participants to ask further questions.
About Kelly Gardiner
Kelly Gardiner writes historical fiction for all ages. Her latest series is The Firewatcher Chronicles. Her other books include Goddess, based on the life of Mademoiselle de Maupin; 1917: Australia’s Great War, shortlisted for the NSW Premier’s Young People’s History Prize and Asher Award; the Swashbuckler pirate trilogy; and a picture book, Billabong Bill’s Bushfire Christmas. Her young adult novels Act of Faith and The Sultan’s Eyes, were both shortlisted for the NSW Premier’s Literary Awards, while Act of Faith was shortlisted for the ASA’s Barbara Jefferis Award. A former journalist, Kelly teaches creative writing at La Trobe University. For further information:
