TUESDAYS AT MATTIE’S
&
ZOOM WRITING
Come along every Tuesday fortnight for a fun writing session, either in-person at Mattie’s House* in Swanbourne or online via Zoom.
We write in response to a prompt, and there’s the opportunity to read your work aloud afterwards.
The aim is to provide a positive and encouraging environment in which to practise your writing skills.
*Please note: COVID restrictions are in place and participants must show vaccination certificates, wear masks (preferably non-cloth) and physical distancing rules apply.
Time: 6:30pm (WST) every Tuesday fortnight (see dates below)
Place: aternating between Mattie Furphy House, 88 Kirkland Street, Swanbourne, and online via Zoom
Cost: $25 (Mattie’s)/$20 Zoom
2022 DATES FOR MATTIE’S:
15 March
12th April
10 May
7 June
5 July
2 August
30 August
27 September
25 October
22 November
2022 DATES FOR ZOOM:
1 March
29 March
26 April
24 May
21 June
19 July
16 August
13 September
11 October
8 November
6 December
Tickets and Dates for Zoom here
HOW DOES IT RUN?
You turn up with pen and paper and we write to a prompt together. This somehow kickstarts our creative brains better than when we’re at home staring at a blank page or computer screen.
You can write as fast or slowly as you want, and as little or as much as you want. Sometimes the words start slowly but pick up once a scene comes to mind.
WHO IS IT SUITABLE FOR?
Write Nights are suitable for any writer from beginner through to published author. For some, it’s the only time they get to write each week, while others are working on a longterm project. It can also help if you’re stuck—nothing like a prompt to help you through writers’ block!
It doesn’t matter which genre you write in—fiction, non-fiction, memoir—these sessions cater for all.
HOW LONG DOES IT GO FOR?
Usually about two hours, give or take.
TIMETABLE (approximately):
6:15: Arrive
6:30: Start
6:35: Short Warm-up Exercise
6:45: Prompt and Start Writing
7:15: Finish Writing and Tea/Coffee Break
7:30: Readings and Discussion
8:30 (approximately): Finish
WHAT IF I MISS A WEEK?
These classes aren’t designed as a course, so it doesn’t matter if you miss one or even a few.
WHAT IF I DON’T LIKE THE PROMPT?
I usually provide a couple of prompts in the hope that at least one will appeal, but there’s no obligation to use the prompt or stick to it once you start writing. I encourage people to write whatever comes up and follow wherever the writing goes.
The prompts are different each fortnight as I try to target different writing muscles.
DO I HAVE TO READ OUT TO THE GROUP?
There’s no obligation to share your writing at all—it’s completely optional, and no one will be forced to read aloud. Bear in mind that you’re usually your own harshest critic, and it’s often a pleasant surprise how good your writing sounds when read out.
WHAT DO I BRING?
A pen and some paper to write on, or your laptop if you prefer—make sure it’s charged. For the online sessions, you just need a decent internet connection.
The aim of these sessions is to have fun, be creative, experiment and stretch yourself, and that can only be done in an encouraging space. I’m mindful that these are first drafts and completely unedited, so only positive comments and feedback are allowed.
You’ll be surprised how quickly your writing can progress with a weekly workout in an encouraging environment!
If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to ask via the Contact page.
AUTHOR TALKS AND WORKSHOPS
If you’d like to book an event with me, please let me know via the CONTACT page.
I generally charge the fee recommended by the Australian Society of Authors for these events unless it is for a charitable cause.