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.
A masterclass all about memoir. From reading it to writing it, what are the ethical considerations of writing, marketing, and consuming memoir? What happens when the lines between fact and fiction get blurred through creative writing? Over the course of the day, hear from experts in the form as they cover everything from research to re-construction.
10AM – KEYNOTE: NAKED ON THE PAGE / NAKED ON THE STAGE
In this keynote, author of Fat Girl Dancing, Kris Kneen, explores the disconnect between writing memoir and physically embodying the work after publication. Join Kris as they share thoughts on the body within memoir, and the powerful catharsis that comes from transforming shame into a conduit for connection and empathy.
With Kris Kneen
11AM – BREAK
11:15AM – ETHICS OF WRITING PEOPLE / REAL LIFE
A perennial topic for contemplation: how do writers of memoir navigate writing about the people in their lives? Hear these writers discuss their own customs, etiquettes, boundaries and challenges when writing people they are close to, acquainted with, estranged from, or who are no longer with us.
With André Dao, Eda Gunaydin, Natasha Sholl and Jenny Valentish
12:15PM – LUNCH BREAK
12:45PM – YOUR OWN FORM
It’s a misconception that Memoir should be a recount of one, linear story from A to Z. So, what is possible within memoir? How do you develop a form that can encapsulate your unique voice and story? Be guided by Jess Ho as they walk you through modes of experimentation within the field of engaging, impactful Memoir writing.
With Jess Ho
2:45PM – BREAK
3PM – MEMOIR FOR CHANGE
Memoir has the unique capacity to evoke deeper understandings of social issues, and humanity more broadly. Time and again, we turn to Memoir to learn about the political through the personal. Janine Mikosza’s memoir Homesicknesses is an exemplar on the topic—an enlightening exploration of complex trauma and grief. Step into the company of Mikosza as she illuminates the potential within memoir to raise awareness of the misunderstood and misrepresented.
With Janine Mikosza
Closed Captions, keyboard navigable, zoom text, break time
Friday 16 June, 10am
Zoom
Online, Via Zoom
André Dao is a Melbourne-based writer, editor and artist.
Eda Gunaydin is a Turkish-Australian essayist whose writing explores class, race, diaspora and Western Sydney.
Kris Kneen is an award-winning author of fiction, poetry and non-fiction.
Jess Ho is a freelance writer, journalist and critic.
Janine Mikosza is a writer with a background in visual art and a PhD in sociology.
Natasha Sholl is a writer and lapsed lawyer based in Melbourne, Australia.
Jenny Valentish is a Castlemaine-based author, journalist and teacher, specialising in memoir and creative non-fiction.
Allow Sharlene Allsopp to guide you through some early morning writing prompts and techniques to breathe new life into nostalgia- soaked memories, either inherited or lived.
The National Writers’ Conference is the place for emerging writers to develop their skills, hear from leaders in the field, and forge connections within the industry.
Join Caitlin McGregor as they highlight habits and tricks for diary fossicking.
Be endowed with all the materials and skills to make a zine, either to take home, or to use throughout the festival!
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