The Emerging Writers’ Festival work, learn and play largely on the land of the Kulin nation, and pay our respects to their Elders, past and present.

EWF celebrates the history and creativity of the world’s oldest living culture.

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Alcoves & Workshop

Forever 16: YA Workshop

Over half of YA readers are adults, so what makes certain stories transcend age? Explore iconic coming of age books beloved across generations, from Little Women and Looking for Alibrandi to The Summer I Turned Pretty. Why do we keep returning to them?

Through discussion and guided writing exercises led by forthcoming debut author Meg McDermott, examine what these stories have in common – voice, specificity, emotional stakes, the intensity of adolescence – and learn how to apply these in your own YA writing for maximum impact. 

Accessibility

Auslan Interpretation may be available on request, Wheelchair Accessible, Accessible Toilet.

Friday 11 September, 5.30-7.00PM

Pay-What-You-Wish/Free

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narrm ngarrgu Library and Family Services, Meeting Room 1
141 Therry St, Melbourne VIC 3000

Featuring...

Meg McDermott

Meg McDermott is an emerging YA author with a deep love for stories in all their wondrous forms. Still a teenager at heart, she is drawn to the tender, transformative moments of coming of age, which often lie at the centre of her writing. Her debut novel The Big Things will be released in 2027 with MidnightSun Publishing. In 2017, she published a poetry collection Roses, Wine & 2 Minute Noodles. She holds a Bachelor of Communication/Laws. Meg lives on the NSW Central Coast with her three kids, a Spoodle and the surfer dude she met when she was seventeen.

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