Caroline Reid Writes

I thought about getting a writing mentor for a long time. Then I came across two things (well, three) that decided it for me. The first was the Australian Writers Mentoring Program founded by Kathryn Heyman to offer high-level mentoring to new and emerging writers. I read everything on the website and researched the mentors, including Toni Jordan. Then I read an essay over at Writers Digest, How I Stopped Sabotaging My Writing Goals: Confessions of a Late Bloomer by Andrea Jarrell. In that essay she writes: "working with a more experienced writer has been an essential part of my path." For me, that was the clincher. And I knew after reading three of Toni's novels that she seemed a good fit. I just had to find the money. Got a book in you? A mentor can help get it out. I talked to my partner. He agreed that it was worthwhile making the investment in me and my writing. It would mean giving up that annual holiday to the Bahamas (haha .. we don't have an annual hol...

My Introduction to Short Story Writing (short) course is on again. Oh yay ! I hear you shout. Here then, shouters, are the details: The course is focussed on the fundamentals of writing such as character, setting, dialogue, point of view and metaphor. In each session you will read, discuss and write (and probably laugh, or at least groan, at my bad jokes). You will learn to reflect and analyse your own writing methods and style. Learning how to effectively critique the work of others without breaking hearts or egos is also an important element of the course. You will complete extended writing exercises at home between fortnightly sessions.  Or not. Like most courses, you'll get out of it as much as you're willing to put in. At the end of it all you will have completed a short story (or flash fiction) of about 1000 words long. You will also have (hopefully) gained a deeper understanding and appreciation of the elements of writing fiction. Reading will never be the sam...

I've been away from Australia and neglecting this blog but I'm back in the saddle this month, writing from the comfort of the South Australian Writers Centre in the city of Adelaide, where I'm writer in residence until September. Thanks to some funding from Arts South Australia , I'll be more comfortable bcs I'll be less anxious about money for the duration of the residency. I'm also continuing to teach at Mockingbird Lounge , the casual monthly class (first Tuesday of the month from 7-9pm) and, beginning in September, I'm offering the short course in short story writing again, an excellent intensive for anyone who wants a crash course in how to write a story. The small group and supportive environment is well-suited for beginners or those dabbling in writing and want to gain some confidence or simply need a deadline so they can finish at least one story ! Here are the details: Specialising in Story: Short Story writing course Over six sessions writers ...