Throughout the April 2023 holidays, the South Coast Writers Centre presents a free program of hands-on creative activities for young people in Nowra, Ulladulla, Sanctuary Point and Wollongong, including zine making, comics, poetry and short story workshops. Plus don’t miss our zine launch parties!

All the events are free, but registrations are required.

BYO: pen & paper, lunch, snacks and drinks to all workshops.

◍ Making Zines & Mini Comix with Louie Joyce ◍

12 April 11am-2pm at Shoalhaven Gallery
13 April 11am-2pm at Ulladulla Library

A deep dive into zine making and zine culture, the perfect place to explore your creativity and passions! Participants will learn about the history and significance of zines and be guided through visual storytelling, drawing, collage, folding and binding exercises to get them started on their own zine making journeys!

◍ How to Write a Short Story with Rhys Lorenc ◍

14 April 1pm-4pm at Nowra Library

Dive headlong into the craft of writing short stories with Rhys Lorenc. Rhys will teach you how to structure your short story and share his tips for developing a strong central character. 

◍ Zine Launch Parties ◍

15 April 10.30am-11.30am at Shoalhaven Library

See the Just Write zine projected, hear short readings from contributors, and pick up a copy. The zine will be launched by SCWC Director Sarah Nicholson & Young Writers Program Teacher Rhys Lorenc. Stay for a zine swap plus a workshop with zine colouring/making activities. The Just Write zine will also be available to be borrowed from the library via BorrowBox.

18 April 4pm-6pm at Wollongong Library

See the zines from the South Coast Writers Centre Young Writers Program projected, hear short readings from contributors, & pick up a copy. Stay for a zine swap, zine colouring & making activities! Zines will be launched by Young Writers Program Director Helena Fox & Young Writers Program Teacher Rhys Lorenc.

◍ Turning Stories into Illustrations with Julie Sydenham ◍

18 April 11am-2pm at Shoalhaven Gallery

Join artist and children's book illustrator Julie Sydenham for this introductory workshop and learn how to plan, storyboard and create illustrations. You can bring a short story you have already written, or even an idea for a story, to use as your inspiration. Julie will take you through her own process and offer advice on how to achieve the best outcome for different story types, what materials to use, and explore different style choices. You will illustrate one spread as part of the workshop.

◍ Make Your Own Zine with Buse Tirpanci ◍

19 April 11am-2pm at Shoalhaven Gallery
20 April 11am-2pm at Sanctuary Point Library

Zines are an excellent way express your thoughts and ideas. They are small-circulation, handmade works and approachable for all, regardless of skill level. In this workshop, you'll explore the many possibilities of zinemaking and learn about zine culture in Australia. You'll be provided with all materials and instructions to create your own zines, as well as information on how to continue exploring the world of zines beyond the workshop.

◍ Sense of Place Poetry Workshop with Nicole Smede ◍

21 April 11am-2pm at Shoalhaven Gallery

Join poet Nicole Smede to explore 'place' and our connections to environments. At this workshop you will be led through reflective poetic exercises and word painting techniques to celebrate our stories.

Don't miss your opportunity to be inspired by these talented writers and creatives at Ulladulla, Nowra and Sanctuary Point Libraries, Shoalhaven Regional Gallery and Wollongong Library. 

All the events are free, but registrations are required.