First one for the year…
I’m running the hugely fun and very popular Abbotsford Convent writing workshop weekend in March. It’s been a while since I’ve run one, and I’m super keen to get back there. If you’ve been wanting to dip your toe into the creative space, or are a bit rusty and could do with a refresher, this is the perfect course for you! And it’s at the very atmospheric, slightly spooky, Abbotsford Convent.
There are only a few spots left, so best hurry!
Creative Writing 1
Australian Writers Centre
Abbotsford Convent
March 16-17 inclusive
Bookings here:
https://www.writerscentre.com.au/store/courses/creative-writing-weekend-workshop-melbourne/
WHAT’S OLD IS NEW AGAIN!
As the year comes to a close, I’m making plans for next year, and it occurred to me that the one thing I miss from pre-COVID is all the one-on-one work I used to do with other writers. Which is why I’m getting back on the horse, so to speak.
If you’ve only recently come across my work, you might not realise that I used to regularly deliver mentoring and editorial services between university semesters and between publishing deadlines. But that stopped when I started my PhD in March 2020. (Which, for those playing along at home, is almost exactly when COVID struck. Coincidence? I think not.)
The good news is the PhD is nearing completion, and I’m making plans for what’s next. So, from December this year, and into 2024, I will be open to a range of manuscript services, including manuscript assessments, structural edits, mentoring and other feedback packages, based on what you – the writers! – want or need. And how I best think I can help you.
I’ll still be teaching at Deakin University, and running workshops with the AWC, in schools, libraries, and other organisations – if you wish to book me, contact Booked Out – plus there’ll be other group writing experiences (some surprises in there too!). But, I will be dedicating a good percentage of my time to providing editorial services. That means one-on-one feedback and mentoring with aspiring, emerging, and experienced writers who are keen for another pair of eyes (ears? hands?) to help them navigate the complicated writing and publishing process.
How do you get in touch? Easy. Email me at nicolehayesbooks at gmaildotcom, or message me via my various social media accounts below, and we can work out together if and how I can help.
Twitter
Instagram
Linktree
Facebook
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WRITING WORKSHOPS FOR THE SCHOOL HOLIDAYS!
It’s been a busy start to the year, but I’m super excited to run these workshops during the Victorian School Holidays.
On September 19, I’ll be at Malvern Library. See below for booking information.
MALVERN LIBRARY BOOKINGS
And on September 21, I’ll be running a workshop at Ashburton Library.
ASHBURTON LIBRARY BOOKINGS
If you have a young person who likes to write stories, I would love to see you there!
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WRITING AT THE CONVENT
Fabulous weekend in sunny November talking writing, books, and storytelling with a smart, super engaged and highly entertaining bunch of aspiring writers, all at the lovely Abbotsford Convent (Melbourne) for the Australian Writers’ Centre.
The course is a full weekend of looking at the fundamentals of creative writing, from character development, writing scenes, including dialogue and narrative, structure, genre, and a full session of workshopping. Throw in some fun writing exercises with a supportive and encouraging group of aspiring writers.
If you’re keen to come along to the next one, currently scheduled for March 2023, contact Australian Writers Centre here: Melbourne workshops.
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NaNoWriMo 2022
It’s November now which means it’s NaNoWriMo time! Also known as the National Novel Writing Month. It’s the one month of the year (if you exclude the mini NaNo in July!) where writers around the universally agree to try to write 50,000 words in one month.
While that’s not technically novel length, unless you’re writing for children, it’s still a pretty impressive feat if you can manage it.
Let me restate the key issue here… If you can manage it. Many can’t. Many see it as a failure if they fall short, or abandon it midway, or simply underperform according to their own expectations.
This is not helpful, IMHO. And not how I approach this month or this campaign. I make my own overarching goal, try to be realistic in setting daily targets, and forgive myself – or my family! – if I fall short, or bail midway. Because the truth is, the fact that I started almost always means I’ve written more than I would have if I hadn’t.
So, instead of seeing this as a thing I will likely fail to complete, I see it as a bonus opportunity to write more, or edit more than I would have without.
My goal this year is to write the final scenes of my YA novel. This novel is also part of my PhD. With the leftover weeks, I’ll focus on the critical part of my thesis, setting goals each week.
Whatever happens, however much work I accomplish, the fact is, I’ll have done more because of my determination to play along with what is meant to be a community-minded, inspirational, and encouraging environment of creativity.
So that’s my NaNoWriMo. What will yours look like?
