A City of Swan and Stories

A program of events, if you will

In case you missed it, I’ve been selected as one of six writers to undertake a studio residency with the City of Swan. This means, over March and April, I’ll be spending a couple of days a week in the studio (near Midland Library and the Old Midland Courthouse), working on some projects and conducting a few workshops.

This post is to give the low down on what’s going on in March and April.

One of the things that attracts me most to this residency is the sense of community surrounding it. So while I’m looking forward to having time and space to work on personal projects, I’m also looking forward to forming connections and providing a creative space for others, too.

The writing

I’ve spoken about this in previous posts, but over the next two months I’m focusing on a few different things. The main projects I want to work on are Boy of the Forest (rewriting) and the first draft of The Bridge (working title), which is the serial I’m looking to post on Manifest this year, and a couple of short stories for competitions. I’m saving the Everwolf Chronicles for my two weeks at KSP Writers’ Centre in April.

Also, as part of this opportunity, a piece of work is being commissioned from me in response to my time in Midland. I don’t want to publicly commit to anything yet, but I’m thinking it’s a good opportunity to try out my Perth-based superhero idea.

Before you wonder (probably not for the first time) how I’m working on several things at once, it’s because a couple are in first draft mode, which means I’m just getting a rough plot down without worrying about voice or character too deeply yet. Once I go to editing, the projects will dwindle. For now, I’m still trying to see which novel is really calling to me.

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The workshops

I’m giving three workshops during the residency, one for kids and two for adults:

16 March, 10 - 11am: How to Catch a Plot Bunny

Finding great story ideas is one thing, but how do you turn those ideas into fully-fledged stories? Join in for an exciting workshop where there’s no such thing as a bad idea and anyone can plot a story.

2 April, 10 - 11am: Writing with Magic

Building imaginative worlds with words is not a quest for the faint-hearted. But where do you start? How do you bring readers into the worlds in your head? And what about the characters who inhabit them? Fantasy writer Bianca Breen will be your guide through the magical maze of fantasy writing.

11 April, 10 - 11am: YA 101

Ever wanted to write for young adults? Curious about unlocking the secrets of YA, and how to make it work for you? Learn about the basics of young adult literature in this workshop.

And on March 22 at 6:30pm, join me in the studio for a casual FriYAy Write In - we’ll have some snacks and get a bit of writing done in a cozy space.

Bookings are now open on the City of Swan’s Eventbrite!

After giving my first ever in-person workshop recently at the Perth Festival Writers Weekend (all about fanfiction!) I’ve realised that workshops are (first of all, a lot of fun) a skill that also needs practice, so I’m excited to keep going on this journey and hopefully help and inspire other writers along the way.

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How you can get involved!

I’ll be in the studio 1-2 days a week, plus one or both weekend days. For some of this time, I’m open for visitors. If you’re in the area, feel free to pop in and say hi - and bring your laptop if you want! - during the following days:

Wednesdays in March: 13th, 20th, and 27th

Wednesdays in April: 3rd, 10th, and 17th

I hope you’ll consider coming along to the workshops, the drop ins, and the write night. I can’t wait to see you and hear about your own projects!

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Make sure to follow the City of Swan on Facebook and Instagram to check out the other writers’ workshops and residencies throughout the year. I’m so grateful for this opportunity and can’t wait to make the most of it.