A masterclass in filth, guided by Orlando Silver

Swoon Bookstore is thrilled to be conspiring with our pal, Orlando Silver (he/they), to bring you a writers masterclass in exploring intimacy, filth and provocative narratives.

With spots limited to 10, this class will be a small and personal forum, designed to help you refine your craft, push your creative limitations and your writing boundaries with plenty of direct feedback from your peers and Orlando themself - as well as a rare opportunity to connect deeply with fellow writers in the warm and loving embrace of The Press Coffee and Book House (which we will have completely to ourselves for the masterclass), a Newcastle institution.

Orlando Silver (@orlando_silver_ on instagram), is a trans, queer writer living, working and playing on Darug and Gundungurra lands. He is many things - a playwright, fiction writer, and a poet - but most of all he is an evocative story-and truth-teller. A threading commonality across his works is the focus of the intersection of desire, transgender identities and embodiment - and that they can often be heart wrenching and hot in equal portions. Some of his work includes “Soft Daddy” (2024), “Escape Velocity” (2003), “I write the Body” (Kith Books) - but his new anthology “Take it Outside” is due for publication through his new imprint, Incision Press (very loud, very small, very queer and trans press).

Swoon Bookstore is a queer-owned and run bookstore that operates with intent; our intent is to provide community and to hold space in a way that exceeds a mainstream bookstore. We delight in working with smaller, indie authors and providing unexpected experiences along the way. We are audacious dreamers with a belief in uplifting and supporting others.

What to expect:

A warm, private venue at the disposal of the class
Adaptable and flexible writing exercises based on the tone of the participants (you!)
Adaptable and flexible schedule based on the feelings of the participants (you!)
Community-bonding - the intimate setting is ideal to forge bonds with other writers
A safe space to share your words and work on the day with your peers and Orlando BUT
there is zero pressure to share.
Real-Time feedback - receive constructive, encouraging one-on-one critique on your work in a supportive, open environment. Whether you're a novelist, short story writer, or poet, you will walk away with so much that you can feed back into your works!

Ticket inclusions:

Private venue at the disposal of the class only
Personalized and intimate guidance from Orlando Silver
Snacks!
Skip the queue! First priority for the Speak Dirty open mic night (limited to 20 on the night)
Take home personalized writing journal and pen

Date: 01 February 2025
Time: 1:30PM - 5:30PM (with breaks)
Location: The Press Coffee and Book House

Price:

Option one: Sponsored ticket - Sliding scale between $20 - $30

Option two: Full ticket - Sliding scale between $85 - $110

With thanks to our generous sponsor partners so far:

Rainbow Connections (@rainbowconnectionssds)

Onwards Gallery (@onwards.gallery)

Betty Loves Books (@bettylovesbooks_bookshop)

Venus Chateau (@venus_chateau)

Darque Path (@darque.path)

Nocte (@nocte.kink)

KinkCon (@kinkconau)

Quinky (@quinkycbr)