The Writers Grove
Description
We are The Writers Grove, QUT’s very own student-grown writers festival.
Based in Kelvin Grove, on the land of the Turrbal and Yugara people, we’re cultivating the growth of local artists and human talent that makes Brisbane blossom.
The Writers Grove is a one-day festival happening on Friday the 23rd of October. We will bring together panels, workshops, Q&As with working authors, and honest conversations about how the publishing industry works. This event is for anyone who writes, reads, and beyond.
This is the first-ever Writers Grove. What we build this year will become the foundation for QUT cohorts to grow in the future.
To keep up to date, check out our social channels: Socials
***Panels and Special Events have overlapping schedules with Workshops. Please review the event timings to ensure you don't miss a booking!***
Lineup
Australian Landscapes Panel
In this panel, we talk with Mirandi Riwoe (A Short History of Longans), Greg Bourke (Under Silkwood), and Rohan Wilson (The Daughter of Bad Times) about setting stories in an Australian landscape. Beyond the physical descriptions and setting itself, we ask the question if Australia and Australian culture influences their stories and how they go about deciding how much to let their cultural identities direct their writing. Would they identify themselves as Australian writers, and how inclined they are to write stories set in Australia. In fiction or non-fiction, how are settings shaped by the Australian environment, or are they inclined to separate from the Australian landscapes?
Australian Landscapes Workshop
Explore what makes a landscape feel Australian. Enjoy sensory writing exercises and discussion, and discover how familiar places, cultural imagery and experiences can shape the way we write about Australia.
Fact or Fiction – Writing Memoir
Everybody has a story to tell. Writing your story demands a delicate balance between telling the truth and telling a good story. When considering memoir, what responsibility do authors have towards the people in their stories? What are we as readers willing to suspend in the search for a good story? We discuss these ethical quandaries and more with memoir authors, Kári Gíslason (Running with Pirates), Melissa Sharman (The Beauty of Broken Things), and Sara El Sayed (Muddy People).
Ekphrastic Poetry Workshop
Join QUT Creative Writing academic Dr Jarad Bruinstroop for an Ekphrasis writing workshop analysing art works by student-led art collective, Post Datum. Utilising art as our prompt and the collection as resource, we’ll explore the generative art of Ekphrastic writing as a creative means to diversify writing on our collection.
Magic and Mischief: Fantasy Writing
Authors Gabrielle Davis (Road to Freedom), Caroline Jones (The Billywood Chronicles: The Panacea), and Angela Slatter (A Forest Darkly) delve into a compelling discussion of fantasy! Focusing on their writing process and how fantasy functions within their novels, enjoy a sneak peek into how these authors integrate fantasy into their work.
Pathways to Publishing
Interested in publishing? Jason Smith from Brisbane-based publisher Clark & Mackay will share his wealth of experience working in the industry. He’ll discuss the publishing journey, from submitting your manuscript to getting published, and what publishers look for in a manuscript that make it stand out from the slush pile. Smith will also touch on pathways into the publishing industry, and the roles and environments to expect when applying to work in publishing house.
Cut It Out & Get Writing Workshop
The greatest enemy of good writing isn’t cliche, purple prose, or bad dialogue… it’s not writing at all. That’s why this workshop aims to take the preciousness out of the process. Through a series of interactive exercises, we’ll explore the power of getting something down on paper, and the pleasure of hacking it away. Whether you’re a beginner, or a master of the craft, you’ll be coming out the door with a new piece of writing, and a new way to approach your practice. Join QUT’s own Charley Anderson and Mitchell Gant for an hour of free writing, ruthless editing, and lively discussion.
QUT Talent Showcase
The QUT Talent Showcase is a free event hosted by 2025's Thomas Shapcott Poetry Prize winner Dr Mindy Gill, who will open the afternoon with a reading from her award winning collection Confessions. You can expect to hear from some of Brisbane's most exciting emerging talents, including students of the Allen & Unwin Prize shortlist. This collection of rising Brisbane stars will not be one to miss!
Zine Making Workshop: Tell Your Story
Discover the creative world of zines with writer and zine maker Rae White. In this hands-on workshop, participants will explore zine culture, learn about the history and possibilities of self-publishing, and create their own mini zine on a topic of their choice. This inclusive and welcoming workshop will encourage self-expression through writing, drawing, collage, poetry, storytelling, and more. Whether you're interested in sharing your experiences, ideas, or art, handmade zines offer a low-cost, DIY way to connect with others and tell your story. No previous experience is required.
Elle Would's Drag Bingo
What, like it's hard? Join Elle Would - Far North Queensland girl turned Meanjin's reigning drag darling - for this numbers night with pizzazz. Known for her musical theatre flair, popstar energy, and cheeky humour, Elle brings her larger-than-life personality to host a game night unlike any other. Whether you're in it for the prizes, or just along for the ride, this is bingo the way that Elle believes every story should be told: with a little spark.
Gallery
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