What’s Happening?
Queensland’s King’s Birthday long weekend will bring authors, reef experts and aspiring writers together across Townsville and Yunbenun/Magnetic Island.
The program begins on Saturday, 3 October, with Writers on the Reef at the North Australian Festival of Arts. Authors and reef experts will discuss conservation, creativity, climate, place and environmental storytelling.
The program then moves to scenic Yunbenun/Magnetic Island for the intensive Tidal Writing Retreat. It runs from Sunday, 4 October, until Wednesday, 7 October.
Why It Matters?
The connected events will consider how stories can contribute to environmental awareness. They will also help writers develop their work through practical instruction and personal guidance.
Associate Professor Victoria Kuttainen heads James Cook University’s Roderick Centre for Australian Literature and Creative Writing. She said all participating authors had previously received JCU’s competitive residency.
“The writers are all past winners of JCU’s competitive Writers on the Reef residency. We have Manisha Anjali, Lucy Christopher, Paul Hardisty and Mia-Francesca Jones talking with reef experts about creativity, climate, place and the role of storytelling in environmental awareness,” A/Prof Kuttainen said.
Local Impact
Townsville will host the public festival discussion before the program continues on nearby Yunbenun/Magnetic Island.
This pairing gives local writers access to a public discussion and several days of guided writing. Participants can learn from established authors while developing work influenced by nature and place.
The retreat is open to people from all backgrounds, including beginners and experienced writers seeking more focused support.
By The Numbers
- Participants can develop a piece of writing containing up to 2,000 words during the retreat.
- Each participant will receive a 25-minute, one-on-one coaching session with a faculty member.
- Five faculty members will provide private coaching alongside the retreat’s daily nature writing workshops.
Zoom In
The retreat will feature daily workshops led by writers and creative writing instructors from across Australia. The sessions will support participants at every level while helping them produce a substantial piece of work.
“Acclaimed writers and creative writing instructors from across Australia will offer daily workshops on nature writing and help participants of all writing levels and backgrounds, from beginner to expert, develop a piece of writing of up to 2000 words,” A/Prof Kuttainen said.
Participants will also receive private coaching from Paul Hardisty, Rose Michael, Rachael Hennessy, Lucy Christopher or Manisha Anjali.
A/Prof Kuttainen said previous writing experience was not required, with the retreat open to anyone interested in creative writing.
“It’s open to any member of the public with an interest in creative writing, with any level of experience, whether you are just beginning your writing journey or looking to deepen and refine your craft,” A/Prof Kuttainen said.
Zoom Out
The festival discussion and island retreat form two connected parts of the October program.
The first brings writers and reef experts into a public conversation about conservation and storytelling. The retreat then gives participants time to apply those ideas through guided writing and individual coaching.
Together, the events connect literature, environmental awareness and North Queensland’s coastal setting.
What To Look For Next?
The Writers on the Reef discussion will begin the program in Townsville on Saturday, 3 October. The Tidal Writing Retreat will follow on Yunbenun/Magnetic Island from Sunday, 4 October.
Interested writers can review the full retreat details and apply through Eventbrite.
