WHY DO WRITERS NEED WORKSHOPS?

As an editor, I read hundreds of manuscripts every year. Many have a great story to tell, but are not written well enough to meet the exacting standards set by popular authors and expected by publishers, or to satisfy the average reader. Thinking that you can write a best seller without studying the craft is like saying you can do brain surgery without studying medicine. ​
 
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 readers 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. 

Organise a workshop with your group or library soon, purchase one of our video workshops or our writers' guides, or talk to us about what you need.

Check out testimonials from previous students by selecting the link below. 

STUDENT'S TESTIMONIALS - Gondor Writers' Centre

NEW PRODUCT - 3 NEW WRITING GUIDES

Start your writing journey the right way:
Go to their page to learn more.

Can't make it to a workshop? 
Two video workshops are now on line. 
Go to the Video Workshops page to get the details.

​More video workshops will be added soon. 

SCHOOLS, LIBRARIES, AND WRITERS' GROUPS ... WE'LL  COME TO YOU.

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Ron Day and Elaine Ouston travel to schools, writers' groups, and  libraries to give workshops or talks on writing.
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​A LIST OF SOME OF OUR WORKSHOPS IS BELOW BUT WE CAN TAILOR A WORKSHOP TO SUIT YOUR NEEDS. 

FULL LIST OF WORKSHOPS BY GONDOR PRINCIPALS

ELAINE'S WORKSHOPS

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Eaine Ouston holds a Master of Letters (MLitt) from Central Queensland University, and is a published author of a number of books for children. She edits and sets up books for self-publishing at Gondor Writers' Centre and organises literary festivals through Australian Literary Festivals and Book Fairs. Visit the website for more information: www.austlitfest.com.

She is an experienced writing tutor, editor and designer, and has had many recommendations from students for her workshops.
Learn more about Elaine here.

You can read the testimonials here.
FROM CONCEPT TO COMPLETION
Elaine's workshops are designed as a continuing course. The knowledge gained from attending all workshops can be applied to all writing projects, from short stories to a 100,000 word novel and everything in between.

However, you may choose to take only the workshops you feel you need. 

Turning your idea into a story:
Exploring the building blocks that make a compelling story that no one can put down. The course includes, establishing the best point of view for your story, the importance of setting, and much more.

Waking your imagination:
This workshop will help you turn that idea into a story everyone will want to read by showing you how to add excitement, depth and intrigue.

Advance class: Creating a wondrous setting
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. The use of our 5 senses is very important to create a sense of place. In this workshop, you will be given examples of how that is done and exercises on creating a setting that transports us to the place.​

Advance class: Creating memorable characters:
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.

Humans are not the same; we are multidimensional beings. This workshop examines the  many personality types we meet and shows 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.​
​2 DAY WORKSHOP

Plotting your story:
This workshop will cover the importance of structure. It doesn’t matter if you are a ‘plotter’ or a ‘pantser’ this workshop will help make sure your story flows and doesn’t go off track.

Writing believable dialogue:
Making the dialogue suit your character, add depth to the scene, and show emotion is an important part of making your character believable. We will examine ways to do that. 

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

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.

Advanced class: Editing your masterpiece:
This 2 day workshop takes you through all the things a publisher’s editor will be looking for and helps you polish the story till it shines. 
2 DAY WORKSHOP
 
Publishing:
We examine all your publishing options and help you create a killer synopsis, perfect pitch and submission letter. 

Marketing:
We cover the importance of having a public profile before you publish and how to achieve that, along with ways to sell your book once it is published.

    WORKSHOP ENQUIRY CONTACT FORM

RON'S WORKSHOPS

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Ron Day holds a PhD from
Central Queensland University, and is a published author of a series of computing text books for use in primary, secondary, and tertiary schools and colleges.  He has had more than 30 years experience in teaching and writing.
Learn more about Ron here.
Memoir:
Whether you are writing biography or family history, the most daunting task is knowing how to structure and present your research and resources in a logical way to create a compelling read. Experienced researcher and non-fiction writer Dr Ron Day will help you navigate the pathway of your story and teach you how to harness your research to create a non-fiction narrative. 

Create dramatic writing through the use of conflict and resolution:
Conflict and resolution are tools to provide the emotional highs and lows that will keep the audience on the edge of their chairs as the story develops.

Using Similes and Metaphors:
Memorable writing often makes use of figures of speech such as similes and metaphors. If fresh and original, they can lift description, add interest to any writing, and make it sparkle. This workshop will show you how it's done.

Business writing:
* Newsletters - Reports 
* Work rules – processes and procedures  
* Job descriptions  
* Job applications  
* CVs
Those working in a business and those who would like to secure a position, need to be able to write in a positive manner that others, employers or customers, will understand and relate to. This workshop will help you develop the skills to become a polished communicator.

Technical writing:
Technical writing encompasses creating user manuals and sets of instructions, business processes and procedures, specifications and reports. This workshop will help you develop the skills to become a competent writer of technical documentation.
 
Business writing Health and Safety evaluations & incident reports:
As an experienced technical writer and design safety expert your presenter will help you develop the skills to make valid OHS observations and compose appropriate reports.

Copywriting for marketing: 
The intention of copy writing for marketing is to persuade someone to buy a product. Good copy writers are aware of the rules of layout, and the use of compelling language that appeals to the intended market group. Good copy has visual and linguistic appeal, and addresses the needs of the market segment. You need to build a quick relationship with readers through the interest and emotive pull of the language you use in your copy.

Writing for the educational market:

Writing for the educational market is challenging because of the need to understand the topic thoroughly, the need to be able to relate to students, and the need to be able to write the material in a way that will interest and excite the readers.  As an ex-teacher, published educational writer and experienced technical writer Dr Ron Day will introduce you to the joys of this type of writing and help you avoid some of the pitfalls.