Developing writers will have the opportunity to refine their skills as part of a Shepparton Festival workshop with 2021 Furphy literary award winner Thomas Alan.
A Toowoomba-based writer, Mr Alan will be hosting four free ‘Words and Wood’ workshops.
Harnessing the festival’s theme of ‘Thrive’, the Furphy Award winner will offer his expertise in crafting stories, finding ideas, creativity and expression, all in a relaxed, supportive setting.
“I’m looking forward to meeting some new people and delving into the art of storytelling, crafting works and writing techniques, and talking about the effects of mental health that come with writing,” he said.
With two sessions per week running across the fortnight, the events are broken into writing and wood-painting workshops.
The latter will allow participants to draw from their ideas and stories and reflect them by painting on an individual timber piece.
Once complete, the singular piece will contribute to a large timber mural showcasing the works and representing the attendees’ short stories for years to come.
While Mr Alan has been writing for as long as he can remember, he previously made a living as a carpenter when applying for the Furphy Short Story Award.
Embodying the Furphy ideal that everybody has it in them to write at least one good story, he collected the award and with the ample opportunities that followed, found a passion for teaching.
“It’s been a whirlwind, it has given me confidence to do things I never thought I could do,” he said.
For the workshops, Mr Alan said his priority was to make the sessions informal, to use the space as a safe place to invoke ideas and to provide feedback.
The workshops will take place on Tuesday, March 22, and Wednesday, March 23, and the following week on March 29 and 30.
Tickets for the sessions are available via https://sheppartonfestival.org.au/event/words-wood/
The Furphy Literary Award for the 2022 Open Competition is currently open and accepting entries until April 30, more information via https://www.furphystory.com.au/furphy-literary-award/
The Junior and Youth Competition is open to young writers up to 17, living in the Goulburn Valley, with prizes awarded for poetry and short stories. The closing date is May 31, visit https://www.furphystory.com.au/junioryouth/ for more information.