Secondary Sessions

Kate Emery

HOW TO WRITE A MURDER

Not everyone wants to read or write about murder. But writing a murder mystery is just like writing any story that makes people want to keep reading. In this interactive workshop, Kate will introduce students to the history of fictional murder mysteries, from Sherlock Holmes to A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, before taking them through the ingredients they need to build their own. That includes a convincing detective, red herrings that leave the reader guessing and a satisfying conclusion that makes the reader want to read it all again to see how the trick was pulled off.

Mark Greenwood

PUT IT IN WRITING

Creating an engaging text starts with a plan and extensive research. Learn how to breathe life into characters and events, find your unique voice and develop original ideas. From the spark of a story, through the stages to publication, award winning author Mark Greenwood will share tips and secrets to imaginative storytelling. Hone your creative skills and gain the confidence to put your story into writing. 

Ash Harrier

OUTSIDE "NORMAL"

In this session with paranormal and mystery novelist Ash Harrier, students' creativity will be sparked by a deep dive into paranormal powers and the lesser-known cryptids. She will show students how she developed the paranormal elements of her 'Circle of Seven' series and explain the bizarre true story of its origins. Students will come away with insights into how to write about magic and the supernatural, where to find ideas, and perhaps even how to plan their own paranormal creative projects.

Joel McKerrow

YOUR LIFE, YOUR STORY

Join author and slam poet Joel McKerrow as he reveals the secret to creating indelible stories. That is, stories that are Sticky! Sticky like chewing gum on your shoe. Stories that you just can’t shake off. In this session students will explore Joel's own fiction and poetic writing, how they came to be what they are, and the secrets that he has learnt along the way. Get ready to dive deep into story, unleash your imagination and start your own storytelling journey.

Meg McKinlay

FROM SPARK TO STORY

Stories can grow from the tiniest seeds and those seeds are all around us all the time. Much of Meg McKinlay's work has its roots in childhood experiences and, in this presentation, she will give the inside scoop on the ‘stories behind the stories’, with a focus on her novels for older readers - Surface Tension, Catch a Falling Star and the Prime Minister's Literary Award-winning novel, A Single Stone. Meg will also share tips for getting from that first spark of inspiration to a well-rounded story and inspire students to open themselves up to the creative possibilities in the everyday.

Shivaun Plozza

CURIOUS CREATIONS

For every book Shivaun writes, she draws on two key things: curiosity and real life events. This session explores the curious questions and real life experiences that inspired her latest book for young adults, The Worst Perfect Moment. From nightmare stays in delipidated two-star motels to all the curly questions about what happens in the afterlife, Shivaun will discuss how a story can be built around our own experiences and the burning questions that tickle our brains.

Justin Somper

THE ULTIMATE MASH-UP?

Many people reckon that 'Vampirates' is the ultimate mash-up of two genres, but just how did Justin get the idea? Let Justin take you on the journey from that original flash of inspiration, making key decisions about setting and world-building, through to - his favourite part - developing characters, especially villains. There will be plenty of time for questions and, fair warning, Justin may have some questions for you!

Alexander Thorpe

THE LAWS OF CRIME WRITING AND HOW TO BREAK THEM

Writing a whodunnit can seem almost impossible. The reader needs enough information to solve the crime but the ending should also be a surprise; it has to be snappy enough to keep the reader’s attention but more than just a puzzle. Luckily there are some simple ways to start small and end up with a twisty tale that will have readers gasping in shock, and Alex will show you how it is done. You can use these tricks to write short stories, novels, scripts and more and, most importantly, you’ll have fun!