April 2023 School Holiday Program
The South Coast Writers Centre is proud to share what the participants of the 'Just Write', have created this school holidays. The program was packed with writing workshops, hands-on creative activities and events targeted at 12-18-year-olds. Our young creatives had the opportunity to work with and be inspired by award-winning authors, talented writers, and other creatives at Ulladulla, Nowra and Sanctuary Point Libraries, Shoalhaven Regional Gallery, and Wollongong Library.
See the ‘Just Write’ Zine created as part of this program here.
Workshops!
◍ Making Zines & Mini Comix with Louie Joyce ◍
Our creatives took a deep dive into zine-making and zine culture. They learned about the history and significance of zines and were 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 ◍
Students jump headfirst into the craft of writing short stories with Rhys Lorenc. Rhys taught our participants how to structure their short stories and shared his tips for developing a strong central character.
◍ Zine Launch Parties ◍
Participants got to see the Just Write zine projected, hear short readings from contributors, and pick up a copy. The zine was launched by SCWC Director Sarah Nicholson & Young Writers Program and Teacher Rhys Lorenc.
Live young readers included Mila Martijen, Billie Finnegan, Scarlett Pawson, Stella Cournane, Leif Donnelly and Jessalyn Smith.
Students saw the zines from the South Coast Writers Centre Young Writers Program projected, heard short readings from contributors, & got to pick up their own. Zines were launched by Young Writers Program Director Helena Fox & Young Writers Program Teacher Rhys Lorenc.
◍ Turning Stories into Illustrations with Julie Sydenham ◍
Our creatives joined artist and children's book illustrator Julie Sydenham for an introductory workshop and learned how to plan, storyboard and create illustrations. Students could bring a short story they had already written, or even an idea for a story, Julie then took participants through her own process and offered advice on how to achieve the best outcome for different story types. She also gave advice on what materials to use, and how to explore different style choices. Students had the chance to illustrate one spread as part of this workshop.
◍ Make Your Own Zine with Buse Tirpanci ◍
Zines are an excellent way to express your thoughts and ideas. They are small-circulation, handmade works and approachable for all, regardless of skill level. In this workshop, participants explored the many possibilities of zine-making and learnt about zine culture in Australia.
◍ Sense of Place Poetry Workshop with Nicole Smede ◍
Student’s joined poet Nicole Smede and explored 'place' and our connections to environments. At this workshop, participants were led through reflective poetic exercises and word painting techniques to help them celebrate their stories.
ABOUT THE FACILITATORS
Louie Joyce is an award-winning comics creator and illustrator based in Wollongong. His comics include Haphaven (Winner of a 2020 Silver Ledger Award, shortlisted for the 2019 Aurealis Awards, Best Graphic Novel, published by Lion Forge), Past the Last Mountain (Winner of a 2017 Silver Ledger Award), Astral, A Life in The City and self-published books MISHMASH & HODGEPODGE. Louie's illustration work has been exhibited internationally and he works with a wide range of clients creating illustrations for storyboards, animation, publishing and concept development. He also teaches creative art and storytelling classes.
Rhys Lorenc is a local writer, teacher, graduate of the University of Wollongong (with a double major in Creative Writing and English Literature) and art nerd, with a particular interest in speculative fiction. A long-time member of the Young Writers Program, Rhys co-founded the Young Writers Collective with Helena Fox in 2020 and has been leading workshops for both the Collective and the YWP for over two years. His writing can be seen in the Young Writers Collective anthology ‘Uncommon Words’, and in Altercation Magazine.
Julie Sydenham is an Australian artist based in Milton, NSW. After working as an art teacher, Julie has spent the last decade of her career concentrating on illustration and has collaborated with many writers to publish her beautiful children's books.
Buse Tirpanci is an artist working on Wallumettagal land. She has published over a hundred zine titles in the last three years, drawing on her experiences of everyday life and sharing these stories with readers. The zines are created in a mix of traditional and digital styles, incorporating collage, experimental mark-making and drawing. She has previously run zine workshops by herself and with a collective, supported by organisations such as the Sydney Olympic Park Authority, the Waiting Room Project, and Rainbow Families. Buse has a BFA (Textiles) and is particularly drawn to alternative print processes like a cyanotype.
Nicole Smede is a multi-disciplinary artist of Worimi and European descent, living and creating in Wodi Wodi Country. Proud of her heritage, Nicole’s work explores a reclamation and reconnection of ancestry and Country, through language, poetry and song.
