Learn how to write landscapes and places in a way that elevates your writing, adds depth and complexity, and immerses your reader.

You’ve heard it said, either in a book club or book review, ‘the landscape was like another character’. How does a writer create this sense of depth and complexity when it comes to writing place?

In this practical workshop, you’ll explore ways to write about landscapes, suburbia, homes and buildings that invite readers to step into place, like that wardrobe door into Narnia. You’ll consider how the careful and strategic layering of the medium creates a unique rendering of time and place. You’ll learn to play with texture, composition, style, themes, scale, context, depth, tones, light and shade to enhance your writing.

This workshop provides the opportunity to begin (or continue) a piece of writing about a significant place. There will be a mix of readings, exercises and discussion, as well as peer feedback.

Learning outcomes

As part of this workshop, you will:

Understand the layers of place writing.
Look at options for researching place.
Create descriptions of place that effectively carry themes, symbolism and motifs.
Practice immersive observation of place.

Format

This is an online workshop with a focus on craft; it will be hosted via Zoom. This workshop is suitable for fiction and non-fiction writers of all levels and writing backgrounds.

About Claire

Claire is an awarded writer, journalist and bestselling author whose work explores universal themes of family mystery, trauma, healing and hope. Based in Tasmania, the environment features strongly in her lyrical writing. Claire’s titles include The Secrets of the Huon Wren (2023), Where the Birds Call Her Name (2025) and All Our Wild Beginnings (coming in 2027).

For more information about Queensland Writers Centre’s Program of Events and answers to FAQs, please visit: www.queenslandwriters.org.au/program-info

Contact the host of Take Me Away: Place Writing with Claire van Ryn