Very close now to the “Crime Can Pay!” Crime Writing Workshop, led by author Janice Simpson, coming up 10th October, 2019. Got together with her, just to give a bit of an insight into the content of the afternoon. Sounds fantastic, thank you Janice for your time, see you all there! Avoca Arts Gallery 127 are taking bookings now until 8th October, details below.
- We know you are looking forward to this workshop and have some very interesting and exciting material for attendees to play with. Are you able to give a quick round up of the main points of crime genre writing covered?
In any work of the imagination the creator usually works on constructing a setup that pits the protagonist at odds with others, whether they be other characters, the protagonist’s own demons or the environment in which the protagonist is operating in, for example. I shall outline a quick way for writers to see where basic conflict lies, and how this can be fleshed out to make a seamless and realistic story that is easy to write. And we’ll also talk about character development, setting, time and dialogue.
- To our knowledge, this is the first workshop in the genre ever held in our corner of the Victorian Goldfields! There is so much history and story in the area, do you plan to delve into local historic material with attendees, and offer ways of how to use it?
History is a writer’s dream backdrop as there is much to research. The Goldfields are very rich with many perspectives from the newly arrived gold-seeker to the old-timer, to the present day fossickers with their high-tech equipment; townspeople, traders, bankers, robbers, swindlers, women, children, animals – all played a role, as did entrepreneurs, reporters, artists, doctors, farmers and so on and so forth. The list is endless, making this a fabulous way to set a story. I’m sure attendees will be well aware of the possibilities that this area presents.
- Will you be providing any tips on how to overcome writer’s block and creating a writing routine?
I don’t actually believe in writer’s block. It’s procrastination that is the bugbear. And there are many ways to get moving, get your writing kicking along. Routines are important for everyone. Writing is no different. If you wish to call yourself a writer then that is what you must do, write. I shall outline methods that have worked for me in getting words on paper and describe how a couple of my writing colleagues do it too.
- Is the workshop suited to beginners, also, who have never written in the crime genre?
Most definitely. Everyone will find this workshop beneficial: established writers, those new to writing, or for people who just want to explore their creative side for a few hours. From my experience, one can never attend too many workshops as a writer or a creative person. There’s always something someone says that sparks an idea, a new technique to acquire, a new friend or writing buddy in the room, some fun to be had.
- What would you say, from your own wisdom and experience, to budding crime writers developing manuscripts in the region, who would love to be published in this very popular genre?
Good writing will always get published. As many will know, Australian publishing is flat as the industry responds to changing readerships and different platforms for reading. However, the number of crime novels that are published in Australia is growing. It’s also important to point out that publishing is more than a printed book. Think about podcasts, blogs, articles and short stories; audiences including young adults and children as well as works aimed at adult readerships. And remember, there is a market for both fiction and nonfiction when it comes to crime.
Date: Thurs 10th October 2019 Venue: Avoca Arts Gallery 127 13-15 York Avenue, Avoca Victoria Enquiries: Hugh 0439 462 344 Time: 11.45 am arrival/registration – 4pm finish, with meal breaks Cost: $50 p.p. (includes afternoon tea)
Event link for full details of content and what to bring:
copyright rests with original creators, 2019
Words in Winter Central Goldfields Victoria - Maryborough Dunolly Carisbrook Talbot 