In May 2017 Central West writer and editor Kim Kelly conducted very successful writing workshops at the Bathurst Writers’ and Readers’ Festival.

In October, Local Stages at Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre and Books Plus combine to continue the process. Kim will present two one-day workshops on October 14-21.

Kim Kelly is the author of six novels, including the acclaimed Wild Chicory. Her writing shines a light on forgotten corners of the past, exploring Australian social and political history with incisiveness, warmth and lyrical charm. The Sydney Morning Herald described her style as ‘colourful, evocative and energetic’.

The Daily Telegraph noted her “impressive research” and the Melbourne Age said: “Why can’t more people write like this?”

Her work is published in print, electronically and in audiobook, braille and large-print formats. Two of her novels – Jewel Sea and The Blue Mile – have been published in serial form in the UK.

When not writing, Kim is a widely respected book editor with over 20 years’ experience in the Australian book publishing industry.

Having begun her career at Random House Australia she then worked as a freelancer for many of Australia’s leading publishing houses. She is a literary consultant for Varuna, the National Writers’ House, in the Blue Mountains, where she regularly mentors emerging authors within their various writing fellowship programs. 

Kim holds a degree in literature, history and classics in translation from the University of New England and the University Sydney.

A passionate advocate for regional storytelling and its broader cultural benefits, Kim’s writing workshops and public literary discussions at festivals and libraries throughout NSW are well-known for their inclusivity and emphasis on expression through narrative being integral to personal and community wellbeing.

The first workshop on Saturday, October 14 is Getting into Character.

Kim says that: “Characters, like real-life people, can lead us up the garden path or seem impossibly enigmatic if we don’t take the time to understand them.”

In this workshop Kim will ask participants to take one character they’re working with (or thinking about), and intensively look at understanding that character’s journey through their story, exploring personality traits, motives, and the intersection of plot and personality, and examining how voice, point-of-view and tenses affect a character’s position and power within a narrative.

At the end of the workshop participants should come away with a deeper understanding of their character’s purpose and what they can do with that character to bring out their best story potential.

Kim’s second workshop on Saturday, October 28 is called Structuring Your Story.

This workshop will look at the many different approaches to structure, from straightforward linear storytelling, to multiple time frames and points of view and how each of them can limit and expand narrative possibilities.

Participants will look at chapter organisation and purpose, thematic and character arcs, and how each of these elements builds a compelling storyline.

Each workshop will run from 10am to 3pm and will cost $90/$70.

To secure your place in the workshop or find out more pop into Books Plus on Howick Street, or call them on 6331 5994.