This workshop in creative nonfiction is suitable for almost any theme – including growing up or living in a local area, local history, family history, relationship with the land, travel and experiences of other cultures. The workshop supports memoir writing, a travel diary, articles for a newspaper or magazine, narrative poetry or essay.

The approach I take in this highly participatory workshop is that participants learn from and with each other – not just from me. For this reason, both more and less experienced writers find the workshop satisfying. It’s also a democratic workshop, aiming to cater to individual needs. Participants get to make choices.

I started presenting the workshop in August 2013. Most of these workshops have been hosted by public libraries, some by local or regional writer's or arts centres or groups.

The workshop is usually either three or five hours, though I am flexible. It works best with up to 20 participants.

Hugely enjoyable and quite inspiring, I learn something every time. It’s a pleasure to spend a few hours with people interested in practical ways to improve their writing. It’s also fun to hear later what people are getting up to, particularly when people have decided to continue meeting as a self-supporting group.

After introductions and an outline of the workshop I have people writing quickly. It's a writing workshop, and while I try to meet participant's interests the workshop covers the following:

• Start by starting/ strategies for overcoming any blocks
• Openings – finding a narrative hook
• Considers voice – active or passive
• Contrasts narrative (facts) with plot (story)
• Uses sensory language
• Considers use of dialogue
• Practices descriptive detail – more verbs, less adjectives
• Show, don't [just] tell

Writing exercises build on each other. Participants are invited to share their writing – learning from and with each other – but there is no compulsion. I provide guidance on giving, and receiving, feedback. I'm beginner friendly, but seem to entertain more experienced writers.

Show, don’t (just) tell

This is presenting an image and inviting a reader to feel the story, rather than (just) presenting the facts telling the reader what to think. This uses descriptive and specific detail, sensory language and dialogue.

Writing in scenes

Facts and details resonate stronger with a reader when presented in scenes. These zoom-in on detail, relationships and significance. Context and background information, by contrast, is presented in wide-angle, as summary.

WORKSHOP TESTIMONIALS

The workshop Graeme ran was a great success with all those who attended. Everyone in our group was there because he or she wanted to write - that much we all had in common - but how and what we wanted to write was tremendously diversified. What struck us all was how much you were able to help us in ways that suited our individual needs. And in such a short space of time!

Cree Marshall, White Cliffs NSW

I enjoyed your writing activities and your response to what we wrote was really honest. I was pleased how you told us basic hints at improving our writing techniques. The hook bit was good and the free writing exercises etc. All up, I was really pleased with the workshop and would highly recommend it to anyone. It has motivated me into getting going with my life story. Thanks for a good afternoon!

Lynda Williams, Coonamble NSW

Thank you, from all accounts everyone was very pleased with the workshop. All comments and scoring on the workshop were positive... A sample of comments …

•  'Thank you. Just what I needed. A very inspiring man. The participant discussions were enlightening and inspiring.'
• 'Presented a lot in the short time frame.'
• 'Class involvement most valuable.'
• 'Really interesting and fun. I learnt a lot in a short time, thank you.

Kristi Leamey, Mount Gambier Library, SA

So you think you can’t write? Think again! In the capable hands of Graeme Gibson, you’ll be describing, theorising, and eulogising in no time! Whether you’re a poet who doesn’t know it or a closet J.K. Rowling, Graeme’s workshops will have you putting pen on paper with confidence. Graeme’s recent visit to Cootamundra has inspired a new wave of confidence among the secret writers of our town, and the formation of a writer’s group to support our enthusiastic essayists. Thanks to Graeme, we’re now writing - outright!

Rochelle Nicholls, Cootamundra Library NSW

We received only positive feedback from the 14 people at Graeme’s workshop in Roma. He had great ideas and his delivery was very easy to understand. Our group meets weekly and learned that just small changes can make a huge difference to your story and make it so much more interesting. The only negative was that we were enjoying the workshop so much we could have done that much time again. And it was fun.

 Carol Curran, Roma Writers Group Qld

Graeme Gibson’s workshops on Writing from Life: Memoir, Biography, Personal Essay were fabulous. Participants loved the inspiring sessions and came away with a raft of new techniques and skills.  Graeme’s style and approach appealed to beginners and the more experienced writer alike giving practical exercises and positive feedback. He was ‘top class,’ wrote one of the group. All agreed!

Leonie Henschke, Program Director, Coffs Harbour Grassroots Writers’ Weekend.

OTHER WORKSHOPS

Writing about Place

Whether part of a story or the main focus of a story, evoking a sense of place helps set the subject. More than physical descriptions writing about place is both selective and specific, takes a point of view and uses sensory language to set the mood of a place.

Little Literature

This is an opportunity for poets, writers and anyone who likes playing with words to contribute to the life of a community, bringing events, art or places to life. Using simple and concise writing techniques people develop short stories, either poetry or free writing, based on a place, people or an event.

See updates on the Blog.