Welcome to Grassroots 2019

We would like to invite you to the 2019 Grassroots Writers’ Weekend hosted by Coffs Harbour Writers’ Group at the Coffs Harbour Community Village from the 17 to 19 May 2019. It is a fabulous weekend of hands-on, practical workshops held each year in our region. Starting on Friday afternoon and finishing on Sunday afternoon, the ‘doing’ sessions and conversations are available to everyone from school students to seniors, everyone who loves storytelling. Places are limited so please make your bookings early.

The aim of this weekend is to provide affordable, practical workshops for the beginning, the aspiring, and the published writer. It’s only $25 for the whole weekend with a barbecue and dinner optional paid extras.

Participants will also have the opportunity to have manuscripts and story pitches assessed for an additional fee by well-known editor and manuscript development consultant, Laurel Cohn.

There are sessions on memoir and life writing; writing for children and young adults; murder mystery and historical fiction; flash fiction, short stories, blogs and competitions; writing craft such as perfecting your dialogue, structure and setting; using humour and imagery; making your characters and their relationships real; and techniques for effectively starting and finishing your manuscript (plans of actions and review). And there are sessions on editing and the final polish and how to get published, marketing and social media.

What: Coffs Harbour Grassroots Writers’ Weekend

When: Friday 17 May 2019 (3.00 pm) to Sunday 19 May 2019 (4.00 pm)

Where: Coffs Harbour Community Village, Earl Street, Coffs Harbour (off Harbour Drive near skate park)

Cost

Weekend of Workshops: $25

Optional extras:

Friday night Barbecue: $25 Chill Out Café, Coffs Harbour Community Village (Partners welcome)

Saturday night Dinner: $35 Park Beach Surf Club (Partners welcome)

Manuscript appraisals: Dr Laurel Cohn $80. Payments on day to Laurel. Manuscript sample (synopsis and first 4000 words) submitted by 8 May 2019 and 30 minute consultations with Laurel on Sunday 19 May 2019. Please see requirements.

How to book your ticket: Contact Julianna Garaty on 0404236762 or jgaraty1946@gmail.com

Paying for the weekend of workshops and optional barbecue and dinner: Indicate your preferred method of payment in your email or phone contact with Julianna.

Direct credit can be made to our bank account:

Coffs Harbour Writers’ Group Inc

BSB: 533000

Account no: 46423

Note: Make sure your name is in the required field

Registrations required by 8 May 2019

Workshops for the Grassroots Weekend are filling up fast. 'Not Just Poetry' is already fully booked. Please give second and third preferences when booking. 

Registrations close 8 May. 

And don't forget to register now for the fabulous Grassroots Writers' Dinner on Saturday night 18 May at the Park Beach Surf Club. A great opportunity to mix with other writers, enjoy some general trivia and have a delicious meal. All for just $35 a ticket. Partners/friends welcome. Book here.

More information on the sessions: 0412668315 or 0437221619

Choosing your workshops: There is a full selection of workshops for the beginning and experienced writer. Please choose your workshops by consulting the  program and noting to Julianna with your payment so that we can accommodate your first choices.

Accommodation: There is a range of accommodation on the Coffs coast to suit all budgets and special needs. See www.coffscoast.com.au

and www.coffscoast.com.au/accessible

The Grassroots Writers’ Weekend hosted by Coffs Harbour Writers’ Group at the Coffs Harbour Community Village 17-19 May 2019 has something for everyone and is affordable and practical.

Please note: The program is subject to changes beyond our control.

2019 Grasssroots Writers’ Weekend Program Coffs Harbour 

Manuscript appraisals Dr Laurel Cohn $80

Grassroots Editorial consultations info

Feel free to join the Grassroots Writers Weekend Facebook Group, go to: Grassoots Writers’ Weekend on Facebook

Meet Your Workshop Facilitators

Leonie Henschke

Leonie Henschke

Leonie Henschke is a freelance journalist and writer with a background in book publishing, newspapers and magazines.

She was Managing Editor of Angus & Robertson Publishers based in Sydney and London and worked closely with well-known Australian writers including Peter Carey, Frank Moorhouse and Michael Leunig.  Leonie also managed the extensive Australiana backlist that included works by Henry Lawson, Banjo Paterson, Miles Franklin, Thea Astley, C.J. Dennis, and Xavier Herbert.

She began her career as a feature writer, sub-editor and editor with Sir Frank Packer’s Australian Consolidated Press after a degree in English and politics from the University of Sydney. She was on the staff of a number of the company’s newspapers and magazines.

Following her time with Angus & Robertson Publishing, Leonie was Managing Director of UNE (University of New England) Partnerships, using her communication skills in the management of corporate education and training, both within Australia and overseas.

 Now living on the beautiful north coast she continues to write and undertake workshops for writers, manuscript assessments and guidance on publishing options. She is also active in the creative industries networking with local, state and federal governments for arts funding and support.

Writing like a Journalist

Facilitator: Leonie Henschke

Learn how to think like a journalist in your approach to blogs, publicity, short articles for newsletters and magazines and even your family Christmas letters and emails!

Number one tip: always put the most important information in the first line.