Twenty-four budding writers from Years 6 and 7 attended the workshop conducted by local author, Pamela Rushby. She began with a presentation about her most recent book, Circles of Stone and even brought along a replica bog body.

A discussion centred on ideas for writing. Students produced some interesting snippets from magazines and newspapers etc.

“This month we have a blue moon. This will not occur again till 2017.” (Kate)

“A child laughs 400 times a day while an adult only laughs 15 times a day.” (Alex)

“A woman had a wedding dress made of plastic bags as a protest against waste in society.” (Ashleigh)

By asking ‘What if?’, a writer can take an idea and devise a storyline.

Pam talked about the importance of the opening sentences to make readers want more. Students came up with wonderful examples. Click here to see work from Monique S., Sukhdip, Monique c., Amy, Jeannie and Lisa.

Sometimes writers have to eavesdrop on conversations to make sure that their dialogue sounds right. Click here for examples of dialogue written by Caitlin, Courtney and Rebecca.

Students looked for their best sentences, those that engaged the reader and moved the story along. Here are examples from Sunbul, Hyun-Min, Alex and Junaid.

Pam talked about the need for background research to make sure that details are correct. Here is an example.

Apartheit began as a cult in South Africa separating the whites from the blacks. The whites gave the blacks a hard time, chasing them with dogs, whipping them and not allowing them to get a good education. It was a living hell. A courageous man named Nelson Mandela rose up and spoke out loud to the troubled people of South Africa. He convinced the people to believe in themselves and to tell themselves that freedom was coming round the corner. (Dayaan)

To finish, Pamela read a chapter from her current manuscript and answered questions from students.