Salamanca Arts Centre is partnering with the Tasmanian Independent Author Group to present the Young Writers High School Program as a part of Hobart LitFest. Celebrating Hobart as a UNESCO City of Literature, Hobart LitFest will run from 3rd – 12th April, the Young Writers High School Program taking place on Monday 7th April & Wednesday 9th April 2025.

This program offers high school students the opportunity to engage in three one-hour sessions led by independent authors from the Tasmanian Independent Author Group. During each session, students will participate in tailored writing workshops designed to inspire creativity, sharpen their writing skills, and explore new styles of expression. This interactive experience fosters a deeper connection to the writing process while encouraging self-expression and personal growth in a supportive, hands-on environment.

SESSION CONTENT

Session 1. Getting Started - The Journey Begins

Session 2. Writing Characters, Dialogue and Action

Session 3. World Building - Using Description to Enhance Your Story

WORKSHOP SCHEDULE

Students will be split into three groups. Each session will run simultaneously for 50 - 60 minutes, after which students will have a break and rotate to the next session. Please note - there will be a locked room for students to leave their bags and packed lunches for the day.

It is also expected that students are accompanied by the appropriate amount of teachers and/or teacher’s assistants.

Please note:
The year 10, 11 & 12 program is on Monday 7th April 2025
The year 7, 8 & 9 program is on Wednesday 9th April 2025.

10:00AM - Session 1

11:00AM – Break

11:15AM – Session 2

12:15PM – Lunch

1:00PM – Session 3

2:00PM – Finish

BOOKINGS

Due to the capacity of our venue, and for the quality of experience we would like to deliver to students, we invite schools to nominate students who have a particular interest in storytelling and creative writing to participate in this tailored program. Bookings are essential.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

There will be a number of writers from the Tasmanian Independent Author Group presenting within this program, each author having written and published several full-length novels and having a readership that spans the globe.

Please find below some of the key authors involved:

Georgina Makalani

Georgina Makalani believes writing is as essential as breathing. She loves losing herself in the worlds that flow like magic onto the page, and hopes you, dear reader, will find an escape just as enchanting within her stories.

Specializing in fantasy and science fiction, most of Georgina's tales fall into the realm of sword and sorcery with a touch of romance, brimming with action and adventure. Her work often explores themes of finding place and family, delving into relationships—both good and bad, platonic and intimate.

As a discovery writer, Georgina uncovers the story as it unfolds, much like a reader experiencing it for the first time. She can’t explain how it works—it simply does. It’s this sense of discovery, the unexpected twists, and learning how even the smallest details can hold deep significance that she loves most about writing.

Mark Mannock

Amazon bestselling author Mark Mannock writes the successful Nicholas Sharp Thrillers sold in over 50 countries worldwide. Sharp is a complex character who turned his back on his life as a US Marine sniper to seek solace in his beloved piano. Despite his best efforts, Sharp’s insatiable curiosity combined with his inability to turn his back on those in trouble leads him into situations fraught with danger.

Mark’s new series, The Lachlan Byrn Thrillers, explore the fine line between an assassin, a vigilante, and a serial killer. Byrn’s escapades take the reader on an interesting journey into one man’s dark psychological make up.

DK Girl

Danielle K Girl is an Aussie living in stunning Tasmania, with her three cats, Luffy, Sweetie (@sweetiebyname), and Ren. She has an obsession with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Why? Because they are the perfect reminder that no storyline is too crazy to consider.