This year, you can explore the world of writing from the comfort of your own couch. Visit www.expressmedia.wpengine.com each night at 6pm (AEST) and tune in to see fantastic young writers, editors and artists from all around Australia share their expertise and experience with you. Join the conversation and ask your burning questions by using #NYWM15 on Twitter.
Discover the world of short stories, creative nonfiction and freelance writing; improve your skills to pitch and edit your work, and ask yourself the questions ‘how do I start?’ and ‘what comes next?’
Download the full program and mark these important dates in your diaries now.
Monday, June 1 – But Where Do I Begin? Q & A with Eliza Henry-Jones
Is signing on the dotted line of publishing deal your dream? It was for twenty-five year old debut novelist Eliza Henry-Jones too. Eliza speaks with Lily Mei about how she started writing her forthcoming novel In the Quiet (Fourth Estate), her path from young writer to published author, and what she’s learnt along the way.
Tuesday, June 2 – Start Your Story
Have you been staring at a blank page for too long? Join Scum Magazine‘s Editor-in-Chief Sian Campbell who’ll guide you through the best ways to start plotting, planning and writing your story.
Presented by Scum Magazine
Wednesday, June 3 – Polish Those Pitches
You can’t wait for those commissions to start rolling in; you have to put yourself out there and start pitching! In this session, you’ll learn how to turn your ideas into a pitch that will make editors jump out of their chairs. Ben Riley will teach you how to get published on our favourite day to pitch, #pitchbitch Wednesday.
Presented by The Under Age
Thursday, June 4 – Across State Lines
Do you know what’s going on in your own backyard? What about the other side of the country? Join seven young writers from around Australia to get the lowdown on writing activity in their area. Find out about organisations, publications and opportunities you haven’t heard of before, and the challenges of being a young writer each of them face in their state. Featuring Alex Griffin (WA), Sophie Overett (QLD), Emily Meller (NSW), Lucy Nelson (ACT), Katerina Bryant (SA) and Caitlin Richardson (TAS), hosted by Kaitlyn Plyley (QLD).
Tuesday June 9 – Short Story Salon
Rafael S.W and James Butler take you to the world of short, sharp and seriously good stories. Learn what makes an effective short story, how to take advantage of a smaller word count, and explore your creativity with their motivational writing challenges.
Wednesday June 10 – Working with Words: Q & A with Zoë Norton Lodge
Not sure where a career in writing could take you? Tune in to see comedia, writer and performer Zoë Norton Lodge speak to Emily Meller about her debut book Almost Sincerely and energetic career working with words in their many guises.
Monday, June 15 – Words and Pictures
How are Australian cartoonists exploring politics and documenting everyday life? Join Paul Dalla Rosa as he speaks to Katie Parrish and Chris Gooch about non-fiction and illustrating the real world.
Tuesday, June 16 – Oh hey there, Heywire!
Want to know how to win a trip to Canberra and get your work produced by the ABC? Then join Broede Carmody and say hello to Heywire, the ABC’s program from young people in regional Australia. Tune in to find out how you can get involved, and learn how Thandiwe Chindove and Michaela Hague produced winning stories with Jonathan Atkins and impacted their communities for the better.
Presented by Heywire
Wednesday, June 17 – The Scribe Nonfiction Prize
Celebrate the launch of the 2015 Scribe Nonfiction Prize with previous winners Robbie Arnott, Briohny Doyle, and Oliver Mol. They’ll discuss their winning work and where it is today, explore the diversity of creative nonfiction, and show you how to prepare your winning entry.
Thursday, June 18 – Pillow Talk or Public Talk?
People always say “write what you know”, but where do you draw the line before it’s too much information? Emma Jones, Sam George-Allen and Hannah Story discuss how to approach writing about everyday experiences, such as sex, relationships and the body.
Monday, June 22 – Uh…Track Changes? The Art of Editing
You’ve finished writing and been accepted for publication. The hard work is over…right? Lucy Adams explains the editorial process, including the best approaches to being critical of your own work, what to expect from an editor, and the dos and don’ts of working with those mythical creatures that wield the red pen.
Presented by Voiceworks
Tuesday, June 23 – Freelance 101: Check Yourself (Before You Wreck Yourself)
Think the freelance lifestyle is about working in your pyjamas? Think again. Neha Kale guides you through the business of freelance writing, teaching you the nitty-gritty of ABNs, invoices, and managing your time.
Wednesday, June 24 – Stet! Editing for the Editors
Know your stets from your carets? Then join Voiceworks’ Editor Elizabeth Flux in this punctuation-packed workshop for editors. You’ll learn the best approaches for working with young writers, strategies for effective editing and get answers to your burning editorial questions.
Presented by Voiceworks
Thursday, June 25 – How to Festival as a Young Writer
Festivals are key events in every writer’s calendar; they’re the best place to meet new people, improve your craft and discover whole new areas of writing. So how do you go from Young Writer to Festival Artist and step behind the microphone? Alexandra Neil of the National Young Writers’ Festival explain why you should put yourself forward and guide you through the fast-moving world of festivals.
Presented by National Young Writers’ Festival