The new Lake Macquarie writers' festival being held next month has already managed to draw some impressive talent to the area with the news that New York Times bestselling crime author Candice Fox and award-winning novelist Wendy James will headline the event.
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Write Here! will feature a day of workshops and author talks, where some of the best in the business will shed light on how ideas become words, and how those words become stories.
Lake Macquarie City Council acting Arts, Culture and Tourism Manager Jo Smith said the calibre of authors secured for the event reflected the quality of advice, insight and guidance on offer.
"This event is a wonderful opportunity to hear first-hand from some of Australia's most accomplished writers about how they create their work, and how they get published," Ms Smith said.
Sydney-based Fox won the 2014 Ned Kelly Award for Best First Novel for her debut thriller Hades.
She has since been published in 15 languages and collaborated with renowned US author James Patterson on the bestselling Harriet Blue detective series.
Fox will introduce the third book in that series at Write Here!, and will feature alongside local author Barry Maitland in a session delving into how a best-seller is written, and where authors find their inspiration and ideas.
James, meanwhile, will unveil her new novel, The Accusation, during a conversation with local author and journalist Scott Bevan.
The Hunter-based author said it was always exciting to see her work in print.
"It's a pleasure that never gets old," James said.
"Knowing your story is out there, being read and enjoyed - and sometimes not - by people you may never meet is an incredible buzz."
Ms Smith said the Saturday, May 25 festival at Toronto Library would also feature two exclusive 'Ask An Author' sessions.
The festival kicks off early with a 7.30am 'Writing Gym' session hosted by Hunter Writers' Centre Director Karen Crofts to help boost participants' confidence, creativity and writing style.
Other sessions include:
- Zine-writing with Bastian Fox Phelan
- Publishing pathways with authors Renee Price, Kaz Delaney, Monique McDonell and Janette Paul
- Writing for children with authors Jess Black and Paul Russell
- Importance of research in novel writing with authors Wendy James and Amanda Hampson
Entry to most Write Here! sessions are by gold coin donation, or $8 for the whole day.
The two-hour morning Writing Gym costs $35 and includes breakfast, while the Zine Workshop costs $25 and includes materials.
Visit library.lakemac.com.au/write-here!-festival for more details and the full event timetable.
Bookings for the Writing Gym and Zine-writing sessions are essential and can be made via the same link.
Bookings for the Ask an Author sessions are available in person at the festival on a first-come, first-served basis.
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