22-23 AUGUST 2025
WRITERS
WORKSHOP BLENDING FACT WITH FICTION WITH MELISSA WRAY
Friday 10:00am-1:00pm (with a break)
Colac Library, 173 Queens St
In this workshop you will explore different ways of integrating fact into fiction. You will learn strategies for finding and using research in your writing, including what to use and what to omit. There will be a focus on how to integrate facts while keeping the story driven by the all-important narrative. This workshop will experiment with point of view and why this is important to engage the reader. Participants are encouraged to bring a pen and notebook for writing exercises.
Up to 15 participants aged 18+. For beginner or hobby writers.
PRESENTATION WITH Q&A WRITING MILITARY HISTORY WITH STEVE BROWN
Friday 10:30am–11:30am
Queenscliff Library, 55 Hesse St
THE BRITISH ARMY OF THE NAPOLEONIC ERA
The army of today is very different from Napoleon’s army. Understanding how it operated is essential to knowing how to write historically accurate and believable works on this topic. This presentation will focus upon elements such as the structure of the army, ranks and promotion, enlistment and training, and a selection of the best reference books to find.
Up to 30 participants aged 18+. For history buffs, military buffs and family historians.
POETRY WORKSHOP
EXPLORE THE ART OF ENVELOPE POEMS WITH CAROL CLOSE
Friday 2:00pm-4:00pm
Drysdale Library, 2-8 Wyndham St
Join us for a hands-on workshop that introduces the fascinating world of envelope poems, inspired by the life and work of Emily Dickinson. You’ll learn about this unique poetic form and its historical context, then create your own work using text, collage, inks, and stamps. All materials provided.
As you experiment with language and mixed media, you’ll explore the dynamic relationship between words, form, and physical construction, just as Dickinson did in her original envelope poems.
Up to 12 participants aged 18+. No particular skill level required.
WRITERS WORKSHOP
WRITING FOR WELLNESS – A JOURNAL-BASED PRACTICE WITH LINNET HUNTER
Saturday 9:30am-12:30pm (with a break)
Apollo Bay Library, 6 Pengilley Ave
A reflective and restorative invitation into the practice of writing for wellness. Designed for both new and experienced writers, this workshop will explore the therapeutic potential of expressive journal writing—a gentle, private space where words can release, reveal and heal.
The session is designed to be spacious, supportive and self-directed, with optional discussion around process—not content. It is ideal for people navigating change, managing stress or seeking more creative balance in their lives.
Up to 10 participants aged 18+. No previous writing experience is needed, just a willingness to explore and reflect.
POETRY WORKSHOP
INTERPRETING VISUAL ART THROUGH POETRY WITH LYN CHATHAM
Saturday 10:30am–1:30pm (with a break)
Level 2, Geelong Library & Heritage Centre, 51 Little Malop St
This workshop will investigate the practice of ekphrastic writing, including exploring examples from renowned poets as well as from the facilitator. Incorporating a visit to the Geelong Gallery next door to see the exhibition “Views of Geelong and Beyond—Treasures from the Collection”, the group will then return to Geelong Library to create an ekphrastic response as poetry to art works of the Geelong area.
Up to 12 participants aged 18+. for those who would like to practice a now popular aspect of poetic expression.
WRITERS
WORKSHOP WRITING YOUR TRAUMA WITH BEV BLASKETT
Saturday 10:30am-12:00pm
Bannockburn Library, 25-27 High St
Many of us have experienced trauma of some sort and everyone’s history of trauma is unique to them. This workshop will demonstrate how to use your survival of traumatic experiences to create a positive life story that holds meaning for you. You will be guided through some short writing exercises to support you in developing a brief but powerful narrative that demonstrates your learning and accomplishment.
You will not be asked to talk about your experience or share your written reflections with others – instead, you will be encouraged to put your thoughts on paper, testing out different approaches and styles to tell your own story.
Up to 8 participants aged 18+. For anyone who has an interest in writing their life story.
WRITERS WORKSHOP
FINDING YOUR VOICE WITH SUE LAWSON
Saturday 11:00am-2:30pm [with a lunch break]
Newcomb Library, Bellarine Hwy (cnr Wilsons Rd)
Writers are always encouraged to ‘find their own voice’, but like all aspects of writing, this is easier said than done. Finding your voice requires the courage to try new techniques and experiment.
Geelong author, Sue Lawson, will guide you through exercises and techniques that build your confidence and help you tap into your creative flow.
Whether your goal is to begin a journal, spruce up your newsletter, start a blog or publish a book, this workshop will strengthen your ‘writing’ muscle, build confidence and allow you to write from your heart.
Up to 25 participants aged 16+. Suitable for writers of all skill levels.
POETRY WORKSHOP PRACTICAL POETRY WORKSHOP – TIPS AND TECHNIQUES
WITH TOM ADAIR
Saturday 1:30pm-3:00pm
Torquay Library, Surf City Plaza, Beach Rd
What is poetry? How do you ‘write’ poetry? And what in the world does Indigenous and/or Folk Music have to do with poetry? In a relaxed environment this practical and informative workshop will present a non-academic view of poetry. Most of the session will be spent looking at and exploring practical tips and strategies. Each strategy will be supported by the presenter’s own personal poems, ranging from the serious and silly to the sublime. Participants will receive a simple booklet containing the tips plus all the poems used as examples for future reference and reflection. Up to 20 participants aged 18+. For those who aspire to write, through to those who write regularly or professionally.
EVENING EVENT SPINNING AROUND – THE KYLIE PLAYLIST
Friday 22 August, 5:30-7:30pm
Wurdi Youang, Geelong Library & Heritage Centre, 51 Little Malop St, Geelong
Tickets – $75* per person, $55* Concession
Showcasing the Anthology, Spinning Around – The Kylie Playlist (Fremantle Press 2024), this special evening event will celebrate the quintessentially Aussie tunes of one of our favourite musical performers, Kylie Minogue. Enjoy renditions of Kylie’s music provided by Andy Pobjoy from The Piano Bar, with accompanying performances by Geelong’s very own much-loved entertainer and Kylie impersonator Angie Hilton
MC’d by author Angela Savage, co-editor of this sparkling anthology, and featuring readings from contributing and local authors, this event will be a nostalgic look at the impact of Kylie’s music on us all. Come along and be ready to add your voice and your moves (if you wish!) to this fun and festive singing celebration.
Ages 18+, Canapes and drinks will be provided. Get in quick, this event sold out fast last year!
This event is proudly sponsored by The Book House.
POP-UP EXHIBITION WONDER AND ADVENTURE IN AUSTRALIAN CHILDREN’S BOOKS
Monday 18 to Friday 22 August, open daily 8:00am-9:00pm Deakin Waterfront Campus Library, 1 Gheringhap St, Geelong Entry is free, bookings not required, suitable for all ages Drawn from Deakin University Library’s special collections, this delightful showcase of Historical Children’s Literature from the 19th and 20th centuries presents a journey though Australian Children’s literature, exploring themes such as science and children’s print culture. Alongside the pop-up exhibition will be craft activities for children, along with a blackout poetry competition running all week.
Floor Talk – On Friday 22 August from 11:00am–11.30am hear from Deakin researchers Kristine Moruzi, Associate Professor in Children’s Literature and Literary Studies, and Sue Chen, Associate Professor in Writing and Literature, as they discuss their research on Children’s literature in the 19th and 20th centuries. In partnership with Deakin University Library.
PANEL DISCUSSION
MY NEW BOOK – WITH DEBUT AND EMERGING
LOCAL AUTHORS
Saturday 23 August, 1:00pm-2:30pm
Wurdi Youang, Geelong Library & Heritage Centre, 51 Little Malop St, Geelong Tickets – $20*/$10* Concession
Three new authors, being published this year by mainstream publishers, discuss their work practice, their publishing journeys, and their big breaks. Featuring debut Ocean Grove based authors Luke Johnson ( King Tide Affirm Press: July 25) and Kate Halfpenny ( Boogie Wonderland Affirm Press: June 25), as well as Torquay-based emerging YA author Miranda Luby ( The Edge of Everything Text: May 25), in conversation with Abigayle Carmody
Featuring a Welcome to Country and introduction from local storyteller, poet and songwriter, Traditional Owner Barry Gilson.
PANEL DISCUSSION
CREATING WORLDS: ON IMAGINATION, MEMOIR, LANGUAGE AND STORYTELLING
Saturday 23 August, 3:00pm-4:30pm
Wurdi Youang, Geelong Library & Heritage Centre, 51 Little Malop St, Geelong Tickets – $20*/$10* Concession
Featuring authors Gregory Day (Southsightedness Transit Lounge Publishing: April 25), Shokoofeh Azar (The Gowkaran Tree in the Middle of Our Kitchen Europa: May 25), Rhett Davis (Arborescence Hachette: July 25) and Jayne Tuttle (The Sea in the Metro Hardie Grant Books: August 25), this session will explore the latest books from these award-winning authors and the impactful worlds their respective works have created. Panel moderated by John Bartlett.
PANEL DISCUSSION
THE LIFECYLE OF AN AUTHOR; THE EUPHORIA, THE STRUGGLE AND ALL THE NORMAL BITS IN-BETWEEN
Saturday 23 August, 5:00pm-7:00pm (including light refreshments)
Wurdi Youang, Geelong Library & Heritage Centre, 51 Little Malop St, Geelong Tickets – $30*/$20* Concession
Featuring Fiona Lowe (The Accident HarperCollins: 2024), Alli Sinclair (A Woman’s Voice Penguin: July 2025), Belinda Lyons-Lee (The Haunting of Mr and Mrs Stevenson Transit Lounge: July 2025) and Tania Farrelly (War of Hearts Penguin: 2023). All local fiction authors at varying stages of their careers, their panel will discuss how everyone’s author journey is unique. This group will moderate their own discussion in what promises to be a fun and lively chat about the challenges of writing and publishing your book.
Complimentary drinks and light refreshments served at the conclusion of this event.
