By Liz Cyarto
Melbourne’s West, with its Yarra and Maribyrnong Rivers flowing to the Bay, is home to 60,000 years of First Peoples’ storytelling. This landscape of embedded stories continues to nurture storytellers today, with more than 110 writers calling the West home, including beloved children’s author Andy Griffiths and literary legend Kate Grenville.
Writers Out West is celebrating this legacy with their inaugural Writers’ Success Summit on Saturday, September 6, which coincides with Read a Book Day. Made possible through funding from a Hobsons Bay Make it Happen Grant, the Summit offers a full day of professional development for writers looking to elevate their craft, welcoming everyone from teenagers to centenarians, established authors to emerging writers.
Jillian West, owner of Nomuckerlener, an Indigenous Consulting and Mentoring practice, is a proud Palawa/Bunurong woman who feels called to publish her first book. “I’m excited about this Summit. It will give people practical tools to get their words out into the world with support from caring peers and professionals.”
Summit director, author Alison Stuart adds, “This fun and informative event celebrates creatives of all backgrounds and genres – fiction, poetry, memoir, non-fiction, children’s and young adult literature. From speakers like Ebony McKenna on independent publishing and Sasha Cottman on marketing and promotion, to expert panels and round tables, attendees will learn how to build their author profile, navigate the intricacies of publishing, branding, marketing and selling with integrity.”
The Writers’ Success Summit is the brainchild of Newport author Louise Karch, who believes “isolation is the dream killer.” She explains, “When creatives find their community, they can thrive. This Summit is more than a moment; it’s a movement.”
Planned to run every two years, the Summit has found strong community support. Karch expressed gratitude to Hobsons Bay City Council for the grant and use of the Civic Centre, and to the Lions Club of Altona for supporting the dreams of local writers.
There are 60 free spots available.
Register now to avoid disappointment.
https://bit.ly/WritersSuccess
