Read, Write, Publish… Writing Life: A Day of Conversations, Masterclasses and Workshops

9:45 am – 4:00 pm, Monday 19 October 2026

Rivers Edge Building, UTAS Inveresk Campus

Teaching staff at the University of Tasmania are joined by writers, publishers, and editors, offering a series of workshops, masterclasses, and in-conversations about the art and craft of writing a life - including your own. This event forms part of the Tamar Valley Writers Festival and is proudly partnered with Island magazine.

Please note: This page allows you to register for the free In-conversation events.

The workshops and masterclasses are ticketed events and must be purchased separately. Please use the following link to purchase tickets for individual workshops and masterclasses: https://www.utas.edu.au/events/2026/october/read,-write,-publish...-writing-life

++ Please note a program change has occurred: because Nadia Mahjouri is unable to take part in the festival, we are now offering a workshop and in-conversation with Maggie MacKellar, author of Graft ++

Program

Welcome: 9:45–10:00 am (Rivers Edge Atrium) - FREE

Dr Lucy Christopher, Dr Fergus Edwards, and Prof Natalie Brown

Session 1 - 10:00–10:45 am (Rivers Edge Atrium) - FREE

In conversation with Adam Sharp and Jonathan Butler. Chair: Fergus Edwards

Session 2 - 11:00 am –12:30 pm (concurrent sessions; registrants choose 1): https://www.utas.edu.au/events/2026/october/read,-write,-publish...-writing-life

Session 2a – Masterclass: Adam Sharp: “Writing the People in Your Life (Including You)” (Room 305)

Session 2b – Workshop: Jonathan Butler: “Writing Hidden History” (Room 309)

Lunch 12:30–12:45 pm: Lunch

Session 3 – 12:45–1:30 pm (Rivers Edge Atrium) - FREE

In conversation with Maggie MacKellar and Rebecca Armitage. Chair: Lucy Christopher

Session 4––1:30–3:00 pm (concurrent sessions; registrants choose 1): https://www.utas.edu.au/events/2026/october/read,-write,-publish...-writing-life

Session 4a – Workshop: Maggie MacKellar (Room 309)

Session 4B – Workshop: Rebecca Armitage: “How to Stop Overthinking it and Get Your Draft Done” (Room 305)

Session 5 – 3:00–3:45 pm (Rivers Edge Atrium) - FREE

In conversation with Jane Rawson and Ruby Ashby-Orr: “How Does Publishing Work?”

Wrap-Up 3:45–4:00 pm (Rivers Edge Atrium)

Dr Lucy Christopher and Dr Fergus Edwards

Contact the host of Read, Write, Publish... Writing Life 2026