The new locations for workshops will be released soon. However, the services we offer will not change. Nor will the email address. If you want to contact us, email elaine@gondorwriterscentre.com, ron@gondorwriterscentre.com or phone us on 0417 351 717.

We will still be available for workshops and school and library visits on the Sunshine Coast, in Brisbane and anywhere in between when required. And still be involved in all things literary up there and down here. See you soon. ​

WRITING FOR CHILDREN - CHAPTER BOOKS - ​DATE CHANGE - April 20th, 10am to 3pm - Instructor: Elaine Ouston
Writing for children requires as much, if not more, skill and perception than writing for adults. Many people believe it is easier than writing for adults. This is not so. The workshop includes feedback on the first 10 pages of your story.

INTRODUCTION TO ​SHORT STORY ​- April 27th - 8.30am to 1.30pm - ​Instructor: Elaine Ouston ​
How do you tell your story in a limited number of words and make it as interesting, exciting, and memorable as a novel?
The course will introduce writers to the craft of short fiction. We will be examining the structure that makes a short story powerful. And learning what to leave in and what to take out without spoiling the story.​ The workshop includes feedback on your story.

WRITING FOR CHILDREN - PICTURE BOOKS - ​May 4th, 10am to 3pm - Instructor: Elaine Ouston
​Many people think writing picture books is easy. After all, they only have a small number of words. But writing an exciting story that will grip the young reader and make them want them to hear more is not as easy as it looks. Like all writing, technical skills are needed. The workshop includes feedback on the first 10 pages of your story.

MEMOIR - June 1st 10am to 3pm - ​Instructor Ron Day
We all have a wealth of stories to tell and one of the great joys is to be able to write those stories for others. The challenge is to express those stories with excitement and panache so that our readers can’t put the story down. We also need to know how to research the period to get the facts right. The workshop includes feedback on the first 10 pages of your story.

DEVELOPING OUTSTANDING AND MEMORABLE CHARACTERS - June 15th and 16th, 10am to 3pm - Instructor: Elaine Ouston
This workshop examines the great characters in books and explores what makes them that way. We will also examine the many personality types we meet and show you how to portray them effectively. For crime and mystery writers, the character workshop includes an examination of criminal types and what drives them to commit crimes.​ The workshop includes feedback on the first 10 pages of your story.

WRITERS' BOOTCAMP - DEVELOPING YOUR STORY INTO A BLOCKBUSTER - June 23rd, 8.30am to 4.30pm -  Instructor: Elaine Ouston

We will be examining the construction of a few best sellers and learning what it was that made them that way. In this intensive workshop, you will learn how to develop the 7 things that make a bestseller. You will receive an evaluation on your writing and a full day of workshops and exercises to help you develop your story.

Go to the workshop page for more details and to book.         http://www.gondorwriterscentre.com/workshops.html

At the request of a group of writers, we are offering the following Monday progressive workshops. Details below or go to the website page.  http://www.gondorwriterscentre.com/developing-your-story.html

But if you want to do it  all in one day you can choose the Saturday, The Writers' Bootcamp. Details below or go to the website page. 
http://www.gondorwriterscentre.com/writers-bootcamp.html

DEVELOPING YOUR STORY - PROGRESSIVE WORKSHOPS

MARCH 11th & 25th & April 8th and 22nd 1.30 to 4pm

This is a hands-on course for all writers. In these intensive workshops, we will examine the technical aspects of your manuscript to make sure they are doing their job and equip you with tools and techniques to support your story and turn it into an exciting narrative. You will do exercises on all topics in the workshops.

Evaluation: If you have a work-in-progress, please send the first 10 pages of your manuscript 5 days before the workshop date for a progress appraisal.

We will cover the following subjects:

​Workshop 1 – March 11th: Examining and developing your character until he/she jumps off the page. Developing strong, believable characters that your reader either loves or hates ... depending on your intention is vital. Many writers make the mistake of having characters who are too similar to each other and not well enough developed.

​Workshop 2 – March 25th: Plotting your scenes to make sure the story progresses in a way that creates the tension needed to keep your reader hooked. 
Examining Point of View and Tense to make sure you have chosen the best one for your story.
 
Workshop 3 – April 8th: Choosing the best setting for the story, describing it using all senses, and using it as a tool to add tension or peaceful interludes.

Workshop 4 – April 22nd: Adding hooks to keep the reader intrigued. Ways to strengthen your writing. The use of word pictures, metaphors and similes, show not tell, and the ability to create rising tension are all important tools. How to use these tools to create your masterpiece is covered in this workshop.
​
Format: Course for beginners, intermediate and advanced writers
Where: Gondor Writers’ Centre, 19 Caloundra St, Landsborough.
Cost: $60. per workshop. Pensioners $45 per workshop.

Two payment options: Discount available for payment for all workshops at once or pay before each workshop. 

To book go to the website page. http://www.gondorwriterscentre.com/developing-your-story.html

DO IT ALL IN ONE DAY:

WRITERS' BOOTCAMP - ​March 16th
Instructor: Elaine Ouston

​Polish your manuscript until it shines with this intensive workshop, appraisal, and personal interview. They will get you writing and help you shape your work-in-progress into an exciting narrative. 

This day of workshops and interviews will take you through all the things a publisher’s editor will be looking for and help you polish your story until it shines.

In this intensive workshop we will examine the technical aspects of your manuscript to make sure they are doing their job and equip you with tools and techniques to support your story and turn it into an exciting narrative.

Evaluation: If you have a work-in-progress, please send the first 10 pages of your manuscript for an appraisal so I can let you know what you need to focus on during the workshop. Manuscripts must be in by February 28th.

We will cover advanced workshops in:

​* Ways to strengthen your writing

​* Examining and developing your character until he/she jumps off the page
 
​* Plotting your scenes  to make sure the story progresses in a way that creates the tension needed to keep your reader hooked

​* Examining Point of View and Tense
 
​* Choosing the best setting for the story, describing it using all senses, and using it as a tool to add tension or peaceful interludes 

​* Adding hooks to keep the reader intrigued, ​and everything else you need to make your story exceptional. 

See the program below for more details. 
​
This is a hands-on course for all writers. You will  go away with ways to make your writing sing. To book, go to the website page.

http://www.gondorwriterscentre.com/writers-bootcamp.html

When I put out my survey last year, the thing I was most asked for was a workshop that would help stimulate imagination to expand on a story idea, and help with story structure.

​Next weekend's workshop will take you through all the things you need to turn that idea into a great story.  

I was also asked to include evaluations, interviews, examples and exercises. All workshops will now have all four. 

I hope to see you there. Check out the details below or book now on the workshop's page http://www.gondorwriterscentre.com/turning-your-idea-into-a-story.html


WAKING YOUR IMAGINATION AND EXPLORING STORY STRUCTURE

​Saturday February 23rd,  8.30am to 1.30pm. Instructor: Elaine Ouston

The workshop is suitable for writing for adults and children in all forms; from short stories, memoirs, and novels to picture books.

It will help you turn that idea into a story everyone will want to read by showing you how to add excitement, depth and intrigue.

​We will also explore the building blocks that make a compelling story that no one can put down.

Feedback: Send the first 10 pages of your writing by February 18th for feedback on the day.

The course includes:

From boring to exciting: Turning a story idea into an exciting story only takes a bit of imagination. We will explore how to stimulate your imagination to make this happen. 

Point of view: New writers are often baffled when trying to choose a point of view for their stories and novels. In this workshop we will look at the pitfalls and benefits of them all and help you discover the right one for your story.  

Plotting:  ​Plotting your story is vital. Trying to write a story without a plot is like going on a journey without a map. Most writers who experience writer's block do so because they get lost on the way and have no clear direction. 

Setting: Well described and interesting setting description will transport your reader to the world of your story. We will also examine the way we can use setting to add mood to the story. 

​Realistic and Engaging Characters: Characters make the story. Many characters in stories are flat. They don't have to be that way. We will look at ways to make them believable and memorable. 

Rising tension: How to add excitement, depth and intrigue, and much more. What will make your reader stayed glued to the story until the end? Tension. We examine the six key things that will help you achieve that. ​

This is a practical, hands-on course where writers will be experimenting with different ways to use each element.
 
Go to the web page for more details and to book.
 http://www.gondorwriterscentre.com/turning-your-idea-into-a-story.html

Date: Saturday February 23rd 2018

Time: 8.30am to 1.30pm

Where: Gondor Writers’ Centre, 19 Caloundra St, Landsborough.

Cost: $60


All it takes to be great at anything is to decide that is what you want. Once you have made that decision, you will get serious about how to make it happen and search for the best ways.

Writing a great story of any kind requires much technical skill, but these skills can be learned.

Like all professions, to be the best at what you do, you have to work at it. Many people can tell a story, but if it doesn't excite and intrigue the reader on the first page they won't read on.
 
These skills are needed whatever you are writing: short story, picture book, chapter books for children, poems, memoirs, novels, etc. Every professional had to put in the hard yards to learn their vocation. A writer is no different.
 
It is time to invest in your dream and take the courses you need. The cost is very reasonable. We keep our prices down because we know how important these workshops are to writers.

Our workshop plan to April is out now. All workshops include feedback, examples, and exercises. 

More details are available on the website's workshop page.                                                     http://www.gondorwriterscentre.com/workshops.html

Many more are in the planning stages for later in the year. 

An exciting and different school holiday program at the Gondor Writers' Centre for the September holidays.

A CHOICE OF TWO WORKSHOPS FOR SEPTEMBER BY ELAINE OUSTON

ART: DRAWING AND CLAY SCULPTURE: Wednesday September 26th and October 2nd, 8.30 to 4pm.

For children who love art, spend a fun day drawing your character then sculpting them with clay. Kids love to get messy and what better way to do it than sculpting with clay.

CREATIVE WRITING: Friday September 28th and October 4th, 8.30 to 4pm.

Students will receive fun writing tasks based around story structure, developing a character and story development. Both writing and drawing tasks will be included.

Make sure the holidays are not wasted. At Gondor, the kids can learn valuable skills that will help them at school while they have fun. No more bored kids!! A creative child is never bored.

Check out our program and get more information on our website. Places are limited and will fill fast.

With a diploma in Graphic Art and a Masters Degree in Creative Writing, Elaine Ouston will guide the students in writing and art. She is a published author of several books for children including middle grade novels, chapter and picture books.
 
The program is designed to keep them engaged, having fun, and learning.

Book now on the holiday workshop page or phone 54 399 038 or by going to Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/school-hoilday-workshops-in-art-and-writing-tickets-49203094781

More details at http://www.gondorwriterscentre.com/school-hoilday-programs.html

CREATIVE WRITING: Greenleaf Press Sunny Kids Camps: Full day writing camp with Aleesah  Darlison.

September 24th, 8.30 to 4pm:

Enjoy a full day writing camp with one of Australia's most popular children's authors, Aleesah Darlison, working in a tutorial/class environment with one-on-one time throughout the day plus instructions and advice in writing.
 
For children aged 7 – 15 years.
 
ALL NEW WORKSHOP TOPICS!
Book now on the holiday workshop page or phone 54 399 038 or at https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/sunny-kids-writing-camps-september-2018-school-holidays-tickets-48306555207

More details at http://www.gondorwriterscentre.com/school-hoilday-programs.html

The next WRITERS' BOOTCAMP will be held ​July 27th, 28th and 29th

Polish your writing until it shines with an appraisal, intensive workshops, and personal interviews.

Turn that work-in-progress into a masterpiece. This 2 + days of workshops and interviews take you through all the things a publisher’s editor will be looking for and helps you polish the story until it shines.

In this intensive workshop, we will examine the technical aspects of your manuscript to make sure they are doing their job and equip you with tools and techniques to support your story and turn it into an exciting narrative.

Prerequisite: Please send the first 10 pages of your manuscript for an appraisal so I can let you know what you need to focus on during the weekend. Manuscripts must be in by June 30th. Go to the workshop's page for more details.

IT'S YOUR CHOICE!

​We are putting together the workshops for the second half of the year and would love your feedback on what you would like to attend.

Either copy and paste the questionnaire below, fill it in and send it back, or go to the website page: http://www.gondorwriterscentre.com/questionnaire.html Fill in the form and submit.

Name: 

Email Address: 

You choose!

​Questionnaire:

What is the style or genre of your writing?

What writing workshops do you want?

Who would you like to present it / them?

What would you like to be included?
            Appraisal: Yes / No
            Exercises: Yes / No
            Examples of subject: Yes / No
            Other: 

Do you want to do workshops on illustration?

Who do you want to do the workshop?

Do you prefer one day workshops or two?

What is the best time for a workshop for you?
            Week days: Yes / No
            Weekends: Yes / No
            Saturday: Yes / No  
            Sunday: Yes / No
            Evening: Yes / No

MAY WORKSHOPS:

DATE CHANGE: NOW SATURDAY MAY 26TH

THE IMPORTANCE OF SETTING - Tutor Elaine Ouston
When we read a novel with a graphic description of the setting, we are transported to that place.

If the description is too brief, then we have no idea what physical situation our characters are in and we lose interest. If it is too long we bore the reader.

​The use of our 5 senses is also very important to create a sense of place.

In this workshop, you will be given examples of how to find that perfect balance and exercises on creating a setting that transports us to the place.
Date: Saturday May 26th 

Time: 10 am to 3 pm

Where: Gondor Writers’ Centre, 19 Caloundra St, Landsborough.

Cost: $60
http://www.gondorwriterscentre.com/the-importance-of-setting.html

PAGE LAYOUT DESIGN FOR PAPER OR SCREEN ​- with Dr Ron Day
​
Extensive research has shown us the best ways to use text, graphics and other visual elements to aid clear comprehension of information.

Those rules will be explored as they relate to visual media including website design, print for books, newsletters, brochures and advertisements.

Date: Saturday May 19th 
​
Time: 10am to 3pm

Where: Gondor Writers’ Centre, 19 Caloundra St, Landsborough.

Cost: $60
http://www.gondorwriterscentre.com/layout-design.html

We are excited to welcome romance writer, Sarah Williams to Gondor.

​Sarah is running a series of exciting and different writing workshops at Gondor over the next few months. Check them out on her page by selecting the image above.