Gondor Writers' Centre
  • HOME
  • WORKSHOPS
  • GONDOR WRITING GUIDES
  • Creative Writing Guides eBooks
  • VIDEO WORKSHOPS
  • EDITING SERVICES
  • BREAKING NEWS
  • THE BOOK FACTORY
  • CONTACT
  • BOOK SHOP
  • STUDENT'S TESTIMONIALS
  • OUR TEAM - EDITING, DESIGN AND SET-UP
  • ABOUT US
  • SCHOOLS, LIBRARIES AND WRITING GROUPS

EXCITING NEW WORKSHOPS INCLUDING DIGITAL ILLUSTRATIONS AND SCRIPTWRITING

1/18/2018

0 Comments

 
What's new? Exciting new workshops by guest presenters.

​Workshops in Scriptwriting with TV scriptwriter Ben Marshall, digital illustration with Muza Ulasowski and Picture Books with Aleesah Darlison.

More information below.

​Kick start your 2018 writing journey with a Writers' Bootcamp in February. These 2 plus days of intensive workshops will help you get on track for an exciting year of writing success. 

Check it out below and follow the link to find more details. 

Another change is Wednesday Workshops - we are now running 2 hour workshops on a Wednesday, day and night sessions, to make it easier for some of our attendees who are busy weekends. The Saturday workshops will continue and you will find new subjects in those.

Go to the Workshop page and follow the link under each one to find more details. 
Picture
Picture
Picture

FEATURED WORKSHOPS

Picture
WRITERS' BOOTCAMP - ​February 23rd - 24th and 25th ​
With Elaine Ouston

​​Start your writing year off the right way with these intensive workshops and personal interviews. They will get you writing and help you shape your work-in-progress into an exciting narrative. The workshops cover what publishers will be looking for and what will stop them reading. 

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. 
​
​Select the link below to go to the workshop's page to see more details.​

Writers' Bootcamp

**********************************************************************

SCRIPTWRITING ​​with TV scriptwriter Ben Marshall - March 17th and 18th

One not to be missed by any writer aspiring to get their stories onto the big or small screen.
Ben will cover how to turn your story into a script and how to pitch it to TV and movie producers.
​
Select the link below to go to the workshop's page to see more details.​
Scriptwriting

​*********************************************************************************************

DIGITAL ILLUSTRATION with illustrator Muza Ulasowski - April 28th

Want to know the secret of how Muza does her amazing illustrations using a digital art program?

​In this workshop she will take us step-by-step through the process and show us how to use the digital program she uses.
 
Select the  link below to go to the workshop's page to see more details.

Digital Illustration

​*********************************************************************************************

DEVELOPING BELIEVABLE CHARACTERS - with Elaine Ouston - April 7th and 8th

Developing strong, believable characters that your reader either loves or hates ... depending on your intention, is vital. Flat characters lose readers. 

Humans are not the same; we are multi-dimensional beings. This workshop examines the  many personality types we meet and shows you how to portray them effectively.

Select the link below to go to the workshop's page for more details.
​
Character

********************************************************************************************

Greenleaf Press & Aleesah Darlison Presents: The Inside Word on Picture Books - May 12th

Discover the right way to create a picture book story and skip all the newbie blunders! Learn the various picture book structures and the skills to create a story that truly sings.

Select the link below to go to the workshop's page for more details.

​Picture Books
0 Comments

EXCITING NEW THEME FOR JANUARY SCHOOL HOLIDAY WORKSHOPS: FAN FICTION

11/7/2017

0 Comments

 
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
I hope you had a wonderful Christmas and are looking forward to a great new year. It's always exciting to see a new year spread out before us. I hope it brings you and your family everything you wish for.

By popular request and to celebrate and encourage reading and writing, I have changed my program for the January school holiday workshops. 

NEW THEME: Come dressed as your favourite book character, write a scene from the story and turn it into a book. Bring your favourite book with you.

Friday 12th January and Thursday18th January.  8.30am to 3.30pm.

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. Check out our program below or on our website. Places are limited and filling fast.

If those days don't suit, check out the other workshops on the website.

Book now on the holiday workshop page or phone 54 399 038.  

http://www.gondorwriterscentre.com/school-hoilday-programs.html
Picture
0 Comments

SAVE MONEY - Learn to do your own editing

10/13/2017

0 Comments

 
In this workshop you can learn what will stop the agents and publishers reading and accepting your work.

This 2-day editing workshop was postponed to November 18th and 19th. 

​Thinking that you can produce a piece of writing that is perfect first time is folly. Not even the most experienced author can do this.

If you have finished writing your story and want to polish it and make it the best it can be, or you're half way through and want to know if you are on track, this is the next step. In most cases, what needs to happen now is an edit and total rewrite, or several rewrites. In this workshop, we will cover the things that will make the agent or publisher's editor stop reading and learn how to fix them.

If you want a polished, professional, end-product that is all it can possibly be, editing and rewriting is of crucial importance. I like to split production of a finished manuscript into five stages, editing, revision, deletion, addition, and change.

Thinking that you can just skim over your draft, tweak it a little, and all will be well is delusional. Commit yourself to careful, critical rewrite. It’s where you make shabby first thoughts into a work of art. It’s where you transform ordinary characters into complex, engaging human beings. It’s where you tighten your story – shedding flat and flowery sections, and creating a taut exciting narrative that the reader will want to keep reading. It’s where you make your prose sing.

Editing and rewriting is different from writing your first draft. For a start, you have something to work with; you’re not creating from scratch. It’s a different mindset. You need to be creative, of course, but you need to be critical. You also need to know when to leave well enough alone.

If you have a body of work to edit, bring it with you and we will edit the first few pages, if not, come and learn what to look for in future stories or manuscripts. 

November 18th and 19th, Editing your masterpiece.  10am to 3 pm

Book now on the workshop page or phone 54 399 038 to book. http://www.gondorwriterscentre.com/workshops.html 

0 Comments

Who needs this workshop? Every writer.

9/29/2017

0 Comments

 
Our next workshop is a 2-day editing workshop. 

Thinking that you can produce a piece of writing that is perfect first time, is folly. Not even the most experienced author can do this.

If you have finished writing your story and want to polish it and make it the best it can be, or you're half way through and want to know if you are on track, this is the next step. In most cases, what needs to happen now is an edit and total rewrite, or several rewrites. In this workshop, we will cover the things that will make the agent or publisher's editor stop reading and learn how to fix them.

If you want a polished, professional, end-product that is all it can possibly be, editing and rewriting is of crucial importance. I like to split production of a finished manuscript into five stages, editing, revision, deletion, addition, and change.

Thinking that you can just skim over your draft, tweak it a little, and all will be well is delusional. Commit yourself to careful, critical rewrite. It’s where you make shabby first thoughts into a work of art. It’s where you transform ordinary characters into complex, engaging human beings. It’s where you tighten your story – shedding flat and flowery sections, and creating a taut exciting narrative that the reader will want to keep reading. It’s where you make your prose sing.

Editing and rewriting is different from writing your first draft. For a start, you have something to work with; you’re not creating from scratch. It’s a different mindset. You need to be creative, of course, but you need to be critical. You also need to know when to leave well enough alone.

If you have a body of work to edit, bring it with you and we will edit the first few pages, if not, come and learn what to look for in future stories or manuscripts. 

October 7th and 8th, Editing your masterpiece.  10am to 3 pm

Book now on the workshop page or phone 54 399 038 to book. http://www.gondorwriterscentre.com/workshops.html​  
0 Comments

They will have fun while they learn new skills

9/11/2017

0 Comments

 
Picture
School holidays are fast approaching. There will be  lots of holiday fun and learning at Gondor in September.

​Still places in these fun workshops.

​These holidays, the children have a choice of writing workshops, illustrating workshops, or both in the one workshop in the picture book workshop.  

These workshops fill fast so if you want your kids to stop saying, 'I'm bored.' And want to send them somewhere they can have fun while they improve their writing and art skills, check the website now and make your booking.

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


For the adults: The September workshop is a very interesting and important workshop for the writer set on improving their writing.  
​
One of the biggest problems I see when I'm editing is flat writing.

Good writing will pull your reader into the story, make them feel like they are in the place and keep them engaged. The following are some of the things that make your writing engaging:
​
  • When a reader is reading your scene descriptions they should be able to see what you are describing. You need to create word pictures that are as vivid as a painting. 

  • The correct and effective use of metaphor and simile also strengthens your writing. 
 
  • Some writers have a habit of 'telling' the reader what is happening instead of 'showing' them. 
 
  • Many unnecessary words are used and this slows the story down.  
 
  • What do you put in and what do you leave out?
 
  • How do you make every word count?
That information and how to create word pictures and effective and interesting metaphors and similes, plus, the use of show don't 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.
​
Sept 23rd: Advanced class: Strengthening your writing: 10am to 3 pm

Book now on the workshop page or phone 54 399 038 to book. http://www.gondorwriterscentre.com/workshops.html​ ​
0 Comments

Learn how to create writing that engages the reader

9/2/2017

0 Comments

 
Picture
To celebrate Spring our Sacred Oak tree is blooming. By the time the next workshop rolls around on September 23rd it should be covered in flowers. 

The September workshop is a very interesting and important workshop for the writer set on improving their writing.  
​
One of the biggest problems I see when I'm editing is flat writing.


Good writing will pull your reader into the story, make them feel like they are in the place and keep them engaged. The following are some of the things that make your writing engaging:
​
  • When a reader is reading your scene descriptions they should be able to see what you are describing. You need to create word pictures that are as vivid as a painting. 

  • The correct and effective use of metaphor and simile also strengthens your writing. 

  • Some writers have a habit of 'telling' the reader what is happening instead of 'showing' them. 

  • Many unnecessary words are used and this slows the story down.  


    • What do you put in and what do you leave out? How do you make every word count? That information and how to create word pictures and effective and interesting metaphors and similes, plus, the use of show don't 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.
​
Sept 23rd: Advanced class: Strengthening your writing: 10am to 3 pm

Book now on the workshop page or phone 54 399 038 to book. http://www.gondorwriterscentre.com/workshops.html​
0 Comments

How to keep your reader hooked

8/16/2017

0 Comments

 
Whatever you write – fiction, nonfiction, novels, short stories, picture books or blog posts, you have a singular goal: to make the reader want to keep on reading. There are all kinds of techniques to keep your reader hooked from the beginning to the end. In this workshop we examine the six key things you can do achieve this.

August 19th: Keeping them Hooked: 10 am to 3 pm.

Book now on the workshop page or phone 54 399 038 to book. http://www.gondorwriterscentre.com/workshops.html​


Sept 23rd: Advanced class: Strengthening your writing: 10am to 3 pm

These words of wisdom come from Strunk & White’s Elements of Style, ‘Vigorous writing is concise. A sentence should contain no unnecessary words, a paragraph no unnecessary sentences, for the same reason that a drawing should have no unnecessary lines and a machine no unnecessary parts. This requires not that the writer make all sentences short, or void all detail and treat subjects only in outline, but that every word tells.’
​
What do you put in and what do you leave out? How do you make every word count? That information and how to create word pictures and effective and interesting metaphors and similes, plus, the use of show don't 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.

Book now on the workshop page or phone 54 399 038 to book. http://www.gondorwriterscentre.com/workshops.html​


If you want a free critique on your writing, join the Gondor Writers' Critique Group.

Why come to a writers group? We all need someone to encourage, motivate and assist us to continue with our writing and grow as a writer.

That is what Gondor Writers Critique Group will do. Writing groups help you meet other local writers, make friends with similar interests and informally share experiences in the real world. In this day of cyberspace, it is nice to get away from the computer and actually exchange ideas with some real people.

If you haven't joined yet and want access to a free critique on your writing, email me at [email protected] and I will send you the details.
0 Comments

Over 60 events or workshops for the price of one!!

8/9/2017

0 Comments

 
Picture
Just finished the program for the weekend's Sunshine Coast International Readers and Writers Festival. WOW! What a line-up! I'm having trouble choosing which sessions I want to go to. Check it out.

Lots of free events for children and adults. Plus you can buy a ticket to individual workshops and events for just $20 or buy a whole weekend pass for $140 or one day pass for $80. Plus there are concession tickets for seniors, students etc.

You will not get the choice to workshop with these amazing presenters for this price anywhere else.

The program will be on the website to download later today or you can just download it from our page on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/gondorwriterscentre/

Join all these amazing authors, Meredith Costain, Dee White, Alison Reynolds, Pamela Rusbhy, Karen Tyrrell, Chris Collin, Dimity Powell, Michelle Worthington, Shannon Horsfall, Gayle Torrens, plus dozens more for a fun weekend.

Make sure you grab your tickets today.

http://www.sunshinecoastreadersandwritersfestival.com/festival-tickets.html


Gondor's next workshops:

August 19th: Keeping them Hooked:
What will make your reader stay glued to the pages until their eyes can't stay open anymore? We examine the six key things that will help you achieve that.

Book now on the workshop page or phone 54 399 038 to book. http://www.gondorwriterscentre.com/workshops.html​

Sept 23rd: Advanced class: Strengthening 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.

Book now on the workshop page or phone 54 399 038 to book. http://www.gondorwriterscentre.com/workshops.html​

If you want a free critique on your writing, join the Gondor Writers Critique Group.

Why come to a writers group? We all need someone to encourage, motivate and assist us to continue with our writing and grow as a writer.

That is what Gondor Writers Critique Group will do. Writing groups help you meet other local writers, make friends with similar interests and informally share experiences in the real world. In this day of cyberspace, it is nice to get away from the computer and actually exchange ideas with some real people.

If you haven't joined yet and want access to a free critique on your writing, email me at [email protected] and I will send you the details.
0 Comments

SELF PUBLISHING PICTURE BOOKS - IS IT FOR YOU?

7/24/2017

0 Comments

 
Picture
Award-winning children’s author/publisher Chris Collin will share his journey into self-publishing. 

Chris will take us step by step through his journey, from leaving a well-paying job and jumping into self-publishing picture books, to how he sold 30,000 of books in just a few years. 


Chris says, 'It is over five years since I first took my giant (almost blindfolded) leap of faith into the magical world of children’s literature. Coming from a career of civil construction management (yes you heard it right), it has been the most amazing journey for me and my wife Nadia; experiencing all of the highs and lows you’d expect from starting a small business in a new industry of which we knew very little about. I certainly do not claim to have a magical answer or strategy to succeed in this crazy life of author, businessman, presenter, puppeteer etc!

'I have created this workshop to share my experiences and to assist others who burn with the same passion to contribute to the amazing world of children’s books and play a part in instilling in our children (and the children of the world!), a love of reading and the beauty of language. Where do you start? This is by far the most common question I am asked by writers who want to publish children’s literature. I will go through the steps of how I got started and share with you what I learnt on the way about the publishing process, best marketing strategies and how to set the story to music and produce the CD that I sell with the books.'

If you are a writer who is contemplating self-publishing, this workshop is not to be missed.

August 5th:10am to 3pm: Self-publishing including music: with Chris Collin

Book now on the workshop page or phone 54 399 038 to book. http://www.gondorwriterscentre.com/workshops.html


0 Comments

Dialogue in writing is not a recording of actual speech...

6/27/2017

0 Comments

 
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Let's ask an author of 13 books and editor-in-chief of Stein and Day Publishers for 27 years, Sol Stein, his thoughts on dialogue.

 "Talk is repetitive, full of rambling, incomplete, or run-on sentences, and usually contains a lot of unnecessary words. Most answers contain echoes of the question. Our speech is full of such echoes. Dialogue, contrary to popular view, is not a recording of actual speech; it is a semblance of speech, an invented language of exchanges that build in tempo or content toward climaxes. Some people mistakenly believe that all a writer has to do is turn on a tape recorder to capture dialogue. What he'd be capturing is the same boring speech patterns the poor court reporter has to record verbatim. Learning the new language of dialogue is as complex as learning any new language." (Sol Stein, Stein on Writing. St. Martin's Griffin, 1995)

When we talk about dialogue we don't just mean spoken words, inner dialogue (thought) is also vital to help the reader understand and know your character.

​Making the dialogue suit your character, add depth to the scene, and show emotion is an important part of making your character believable. It doesn't matter how well a novel is plotted or how exciting the action is, if the dialogue is flat or forced you lose your reader.
 
Learning to write dialogue is a major challenge. Nothing can kill a character faster than the words they speak. Dialogue is one of the main ways a reader gets to know a character.
 
Come and learn how to make sure you get it right.
​
​Saturday July 22nd. 10am to 3pm
​
​Writing believable dialogue: with Elaine Ouston 

 
Book now on the workshop page or phone 54 399 038 to book. http://www.gondorwriterscentre.com/workshops.html​

THINKING OF SELF-PUBLISHING? Self-publlshed but not sure about marketing?

August 5th:10am to 3pm Self-publishing with a musical edge: with Chris Collin

Chris will take us step by step through his journey, from leaving a well-paying job and jumping into self-publishing picture books, to how he sold 30,000 of books in just a few years. 

He will also include how and why he set his books to music. If you are a writer who is contemplating self-publishing, this workshop is not to be missed.

Book now on the workshop page or phone 54 399 038 to book. http://www.gondorwriterscentre.com/workshops.html

​

​
0 Comments
<<Previous
Forward>>

      Subscribe to our newsletter for writing tips and information.

    Subscribe to Newsletter

    Author

    The team at Gondor loves to share their news.

    Archives

    January 2021
    August 2020
    June 2020
    January 2020
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    September 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    November 2016
    September 2016
    June 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    July 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013

    Categories

    All

Proudly powered by Weebly