Writing Comedy with Stephen B Platt

Join Premier’s Book Awards shortlisted author Stephen B. Platt as he delves into the world of comedy writing in fiction! Whether you’re writing a comedy or trying to inject humour into another genre, this workshop is for you.

In this workshop, you will:

Explore different forms of comedy in fiction
Discuss key topics such as ‘punch up’ and ‘pay off’
Learn how to balance humour and heartbreak
Develop a toolkit to apply across your creative works

Event Details:

Date: Saturday, 7 November 2026

Time: 1:00pm – 3:00pm

Tickets: Free for KSP Members, $10 for non-members

What to Bring: Notebook and pen, or however you like to make notes.

Light refreshments will be provided.

Spaces are limited. Book now and start making your readers laugh out loud.

Thank you to Writing WA for partnering with KSP Writers’ Centre for this year’s Love to Read Local Program. This project is supported by the Copyright Agency’s Cultural Fund.

About the Facilitator:

Dr. Stephen B. Platt is a Perth-based author, playwright, academic, and improvisor, with a PhD in Science Fiction in Theatre and Live Performance. He currently teaches at Murdoch University in Western Australia lecturing in English, Theatre and Drama, and University Preparation Pathways. Stephen is also an experienced and multi award-winning improv comedy artist, performing around Australia with groups including ‘The Big HOO-HAA!’, ‘TOD Talks’, and ‘Improv RPG’ (winner of the FRINGEWORLD 2023 Comedy Award.) Stephen has written and directed several plays, including his debut work Thaw, the science-fiction radio-play series @lantis, and has co-writing credits for the award-winning Bogan Shakespeare series (winner of the FRINGEWORLD 2022 Comedy Award). His debut novel Inner Demons was shortlisted in the ‘Best Emerging Writer’ category for the 2026 Western Australian Premier’s Book Awards.

This workshop is proudly hosted by the Katharine Susannah Prichard Writers’ Centre and supported by the Shire of Mundaring. KSP is a partner with Act, Belong, Commit for the promotion of mental health and wellbeing.

Contact the host of Writing Comedy with Stephen B. Platt