Queensland Writers Centre offers masterclasses intended for writers who write regularly, and have some publishing experience. They are not suitable for beginner writers because each session works through advanced writing techniques.
Participants will have a sample of their work read by the tutor prior to the masterclass. To ensure the tutor is given ample time with the samples, each masterclass has an enrolment cut-off date.
If you are unsure whether your current writing practice is at a masterclass level, please phone to speak to a Queensland Writers Centre staff member before booking.
Venue: Queensland Writers Centre, Level 2, State Library Queensland, Cultural Centre, Stanley Place, South Bank
Time: 10.30am - 4.30pm (unless stated otherwise)
Cost: QWC members $160
Concession members $150
Non-members $210 (unless stated otherwise)
Bookings: Phone QWC on 07 3842 9922 or book online
Other information: QWC provides morning / afternoon tea, however lunch is not provided. Participants are encouraged to bring their lunch from home and are welcome to store it in the kitchen during the day.
Writing Between the Sheets: Crafting Sex in Fiction led by Krissy Kneen
There is an annual award for the worst sex scene in a novel – this is not an award that you want to win! Crafting sex scenes in fiction is a delicate affair. You have to find your own rhythm and see beyond the sex to the core of the story. Elements such as mood, tone and choreography (that is believable and possible!) help drive the passion of a sex scene. Acclaimed erotic author Krissy Kneen (Swallow the Sound and Affection) will guide you through the dos and don’ts of writing between the sheets so your prose engenders sighs of passion, not groans of laughter and embarrassment from your readers.
When: Saturday 5 June
Booking Deadline: Friday 21 May
Time: 10.00am - 4.00pm
Bookings: Phone QWC on 07 3842 9922 or book online
Writing Scenes that Work with Kim Wilkins
Scenes are the building blocks of story. They don't just move the plot forward, but help you reveal character and moderate pace and tension. But how do you plan scenes? How do you write effective entries and exits for scenes? How do you pull off reversals and layer the subtext in your scenes? This masterclass will provide a laser focus on scene writing to help lay the right foundations for your story.
When: Sunday 27 June.
Booking Deadline: Friday 11 June
Time: 10.00am - 4.00pm
Bookings: Phone QWC on 07 3842 9922 or book online
The Perfect Pitch with Sally Collings - SOLD OUT
So you've written and re-written and re-written your novel and you're ready to pitch it to an agent or a publisher. How do you get them to read your cover or query letter, let alone your manuscript?
Sally Collings will help you write and structure a great submission and give you the opportunity to finetune your pitch before sending it to a publisher and literary agent.
When: Saturday 21 August
Booking Deadline: Friday 6 August
Bookings: SOLD OUT
Editing Romance without the Heartbreak with Valerie Parv
Explore the changing face of modern publishing and why your work needs to be publishing-ready when submitted. Valerie Parv (The Art of Romance Writing) will demonstrate her theory of matter versus manner and demystify the elements of editing romance writing such as line and copy editing, and looks at when not to make editorial changes.
Learn to bullet-proof your manuscript before you take aim at your chosen market.
When: Sunday 19 September
Booking Deadline: Friday 3 September
Bookings: Phone QWC on 07 3842 9922 or book online
Children's Fiction with Hazel Edwards
Want to write a children's book that will be loved as much as you or your kids loved There's A Hippopotamus On My Roof Eating Cake?
Spend a day with Hazel Edwards, one of Australia's leading children's writers as she takes you through the intricacies of writing an engaging and entertaining book for children.
When: Sunday 3 October
Booking Deadline: Friday 17 September
Bookings: Phone QWC on 07 3842 9922 or book online
YA Fiction with Simon Higgins
YA fiction is one of the hottest genres in publishing. Yet writing for this demanding adolescent audience requires empathy and skill. After all, YA books aren't necessarily "kids' stories" but they have unique elements that distinguish them from novels for adult readers.
With acclaimed YA author Simon Higgins, you can develop the skills and techniques to keep teenage readers hooked to the very last page.
When: Saturday 30 October
Booking Deadline: Friday 15 October
Bookings: Phone QWC on 07 3842 9922 or book online
if:book Australia - Author Platforms 2.0 Masterclass with Kate Eltham
So, you're a writer and you've got a website. You might even have a blog and a bunch of Twitter followers. But how do you really drive your online platform from there? Kate Eltham will show you how to do a performance-check on your website and then walk you through the concepts that will unlock your digital success.
This masterclass is for writers who already have a basic web presence but want to learn how to take their digital platform to the next level.
When: Saturday 20 November
Venue: Lab 1, The Edge, SLQ
Cost: $95; or $50 for 25s and under
Bookings: Phone QWC on 07 3842 9922 or book online