Practice tried-and-true techniques for coming up with ideas, getting words on the page fast, and (re)discovering your writing voice in this hands-on workshop with Stella Prize-nominated author Emily Maguire.
Learn to find story ideas hiding in plain sight, discover ways to supercharge your imagination (even if you think you don’t have one) and practice overcoming fear and self-consciousness when it comes to getting your words on the page. Come along with paper and a pen (or a laptop), and leave with the knowledge that you are an inspired writer with a style all your own.
A light lunch of warming vegetable soup* and sourdough bread will be offered to all participants. If you would prefer to bring your own lunch please feel very welcome to use our fridge and microwave.
*vegan and gluten free
This workshop is an 18+ event.
ABOUT EMILY MAGUIRE
Emily Maguire is the author of seven novels and three non-fiction books. Her novel An Isolated Incident was shortlisted for the Stella Prize and the Miles Franklin Literary Award, and her 2022 book Love Objects was shortlisted for the ABIA Literary Fiction Book of the Year.
Her latest novel Rapture won the 2025 Queensland Literary Award for Fiction and the ARA Historical Novel Prize Reader’s Choice Award, and was longlisted for the Stella Prize and the Indie Book Award for Fiction and shortlisted for the Prime Minister’s Literary Award for Fiction and the ABIA Literary Fiction Book of the Year.
Emily was the 2018/2019 Writer-in-Residence at the Charles Perkins Centre at the University of Sydney and the 2023 HC Coombs Creative Arts Fellow at the Australian National University. She works as a teacher and mentor to emerging writers.
VENUE, PARKING and ACCESS
This is a seated event.
Parking onsite is limited to individuals with access needs. Please email varuna@varuna.com.auto request a suitable parking spot.
Drivers can drop-off their passengers onsite and then move to the recommended parking area.
Recommended parking is curb-side on Cascade St (not Sherman Avenue) and walking to Varuna's main entry.
Varuna's driveway, car park and gardens are uneven and care is recommended when accessing the property at all times.
If you require T-loop, closed captions, Auslan interpreters or accessible parking, please contact Varuna directly on varuna@varuna.com.au or call 02 02 4782 5674 to speak to Erin English.