In this workshop you will look at creating all things magical: worlds, creatures, characters and more.  Learn how to weave a story where the only limitation is your imagination.

It will be a hands-on workshop for all ages and abilities where your pen is as powerful as a wand.  Writers of every genre will find this very useful and informative.

Facilitator:              Roby Aiken

When:                     Wednesday 6th September

Time:                       1.30pm to 3.30pm

Where:                    Cavanbah Centre, Harbour Drive, Coffs Harbour

Cost:                        $7.50 for members and $15 for non-members

Ninette van Zyl was recently acknowledged for her role as President from 2003 to 2012 during a wonderful get together morning tea with the members of Coffs Harbour Writers Group.  We wish her farewell and all the best for the future.

Keep in touch Ninette!

In this workshop you will learn and practice the tools of effective characterisation, how to draw characters from a range of sources, make them real people, and work them into your writing realistically and successfully.

Workshop Facilitator:  Dr Lisa Milner

When:                          Tuesday evening 11th July, 2017

Time:                           Registration 5.30 for 6 to 8pm interactive workshop

Where:                        Coffs Harbour Library

Cost:                            $7.50 for members and $15.00 for non members

Includes light refreshments

One of our member’s Bruce Meder will be launching his first book ‘Opportunities Emerging: Social Change in a Complex World

Wednesday 17th May 5 to 7pm

Dark Arts Cafe’, Cox Lane, Coffs Harbour

Details: brucemeder@gmail.com

Another exciting workshop is planned for May 3rd.  Participants will learn how to turn your pasture into lawn.

The workshop will cover identifying and culling weeds like; words to avoid (and discuss why), repetition, redundancies, time stream, cliche’s, passive and active voice, showing versus telling, and much more.  We will not worry about spelling and simple grammar.  Hopefully, those prickles have already been dealt with.  If you can present your work to an editor (or discerning reader) as an inviting, painless ‘walk’ you story is more likely to be considered.

Facilitator:         Rosalie Skinner

When:                Wednesday 3rd May

Time:                 1.30pm – 3.30pm

Where:               Cavanbah Centre, Harbour Drive, Coffs Harbour

Cost:                   $7.50 for members and $15 for non-members

Publish!

Industry or Indie?

It’s never too early or late for aspiring writers to consider how to get their work out there.

This workshop will explore the promise and perils of different publishing pathways; traditional publishing, vanity press and self-publishing or “indie publishing”.

We’ll answer such questions as:

• Who are the major publishers and are they interested in me?
• What is an Agent and do I need one?
• How do I present my manuscript?
• I’ve got my advance, I’m going on a cruise. Right?
• Is “vanity press” always the villain?
• Self-publishing an e-book: how hard can it be?
• Self-publishing a paperback: how costly will it be?
• I’m published: can I quit the day job?

The presenter, Margaret Penhall-Jones is a local writer and editor.

Our first meeting for 2017 is on 1st February at 10am to 12.30pm, followed by lunch at the Chill Out Cafe’.

For more information about our events go to the ‘Events’ section of this website.

Members of the Coffs Harbour Writers’ Group have reason to celebrate. A book of short stories and poems by 22 of its members has just been published. And it has a fabulous picture of the Coffs Harbour marina on the cover taken by avid photographer and member, Roger Harris.

The Anthology of stories, entitled Writing Outside the Flags, is commemorating thirty years of continuous operation of the Writers’ Group, perhaps the oldest in NSW. Most of the pieces include the word ‘beach’ to mark the location but they range from stories of first dips in the sea, sand-castles and mysterious cottages in the woods to concepts of ‘freedom’ and saving the world. There’s also a glimpse of World War II coming to our town and a mysterious dragon-filled dream. ‘Why I Hate Bananas’ is probably the catchiest title but there is something in the collection for everyone.

The Writers’ Group will be launching the book on Friday 18 November from 3 pm to 5 pm at the Harry Bailey Memorial Library in Coffs Harbour and light refreshments will be served. Everyone is welcome. Come along and hear the stories and find out what the Coffs Harbour Writers’ Group has to offer. More information on 041 266 8315.

Calling all travel junkies! Coffs Harbour Writers’ Group is putting on a Travel Writing workshop which is sure to get your taste buds twittering, your feet itching and your fingers poised on the keyboard…and the credit card out to book that next ticket!

When:     Wednesday 2 November 1.30 pm – 3.30 pm

Where:    Cavanbah Centre, Harbour Drive, Coffs Harbour

Bookings essential: 0412668315

Cost: Coffs Harbour Writers’ Group members $7.50; Non-Members $15

Presenter: Leonie Henschke.

Everybody likes to travel – to get away from day to day routines – whether it is to exotic locations or to a B&B up in the hills. In every one of those settings there is a story. It is up to the writer to capture the sights, smells, sounds, and, most particularly, personal stories to make that special place come alive for the reader. In this relaxed session, journalist and writer (and adventure traveller), Leonie Henschke, facilitates group conversation to share, inspire, amuse and challenge other travel junkie writers! Bring along your memories! Leonie will ensure a practical, hands-on workshop with take home messages and inspiration for new scribblers and experienced writers alike!

Tribute poem to our member’s by Sally Ross

My chair is still there but where am I

It’s been four months since I said goodbye

I’ve missed the meetings and morning teas

The poems, the stories the camaraderie

Gentle James, artistic Suzanne.

Enquiring Janice’s, Estelle with a plan

Roger’s stories of his sisters the witches, on seat of his pants,

car races in ditches.

Ron with his interesting editorial quotes,

Danielle with her snip-its and off the wall jokes

Les with his school days a teacher to boot

Yvonne with a laugh, our meetings a hoot.

Rhonda had stories about a small fish

Lorraine is the President she always look swish

Leonie writes newsletters our editor in chief

Rosalie writes her books, which feature Caleath

There are more in our group it grows everyday

And where am I?

I’m home but away!