By Jonty Ralphsmith
The Emerging Writers’ Festival (15-25 June) is returning to Greater Dandenong Libraries.
One of Australia’s most established and well-respected literary festivals, it will explore storytelling and give emerging writers the opportunity to develop professionally.
At Springvale Library on Thursday 16 June, 8pm-9pm. Join Liminal founder and editor Leah Jing McIntosh in conversation with fellow Liminal writers and editors to discuss how to create spaces for marginalised voices, the importance of working within your community, inter-community collaborations and advice for emerging writers.
Leah said an appreciation for the worldliness of storytelling is a key to success.
“As a young writer I was under the impression that writing only really happened on the page. But there is so much that happens off the page—especially as an essayist. So much writing comes from how one moves through the world, from accidental perceptions, interesting gestures—an essay often becoming a constellation of these small moments,” she said.
Adolfo Aranjuez is an essayist, critic and commentator interested in mental health and identity and gave an insight into his writing process.
“I like to collate as much research (factual) and inspiration (imaginative) as I can before even putting pencil (my implement of choice) to paper,” he said.
“Once I’m neck-deep in material, I shape everything into an outline, then turn dot points into prose; from there, I edit big-picture, then refine rhythm, accuracy and flow.”
The writers could not answer further questions but people can find out more by attending the events.
This live streamed workshop can be accessed in person at Dandenong Library, or online via Zoom, on Thursday 23 June, 7pm-8.30pm. Local author Christopher Raja (Into the Suburbs) will teach you how to write on the topics of memoir and the suburbs. His work explores topical issues of race, class and migration.
Visit greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/emerging-writers-festival to find out more or to book your place at one of these inspiring workshops.
For more information on the Emerging Writers’ Festival state-wide program visit emergingwritersfestival.org.au
