2024 Event Program

WORKSHOPS & MASTERCLASSES

21st - 23rd June, 2024

CREATE A PICTURE BOOK

WITH SAMANTHA WHEELER

In this immersive workshop, you'll learn the processes for creating a picture book story idea and even get started writing one. You'll work in a group to collaborate on an idea with provided prompts.

*For groups who would like to continue to collaborate on their project, we will help you get in touch and suggest strategies for managing the project.

SAMANTHA WHEELER

Samantha Wheeler is an established author of middle grade novels with real heart and is well-known for her adorable picture book, 'Once I Munched a Mango'. She is a knowledgable and gentle teacher and will help you get started in your picture book journey. To find out more about Samantha, visit: https://www.samanthawheeler.com.au

RHYME-A-PALOOZA: Explore the rhyme-verse

WITH YVONNE MES

If you've ever had a picture book in your head that needs to be told in rhyme, or you'd like to tackle verse fiction, or even write poetry, this is the workshop for you. Perfect for beginners, Yvonne will take you through the basics of rhyme, understanding the structure, metre and more.

YVONNE MES

Yvonne is a children's author and illustrator.She has a Bachelor of Children’s Services, qualifications in Professional Children’s Writing, Visual Arts and Crafts and Training and Assessment. You can find out more about Yvonne at:
https://yvonnemes.com

DIVERSITY IN CHARACTERS

WITH ALEX DUPRIEZ

Authors can be nervous about navigating diversity in their characters while staying sensitive to people's own voices. Alex will show you how to best create diverse characters, whether they be neurodiverse or part of the LGBTQIA+ community.

WRITE A GREAT SWORD FIGHTING SCENE

Alex is delivering two workshops for RWR24. Learn the fine art of sword fighting to make your adventure pages shine! Perfect for writing pirates, barbarians, knights or fantasy RPG stories.

ALEX DUPRIEZ

Alex Dupriez is a writer, illustrator, and swordfighting librarian based in Brisbane. He was a Youth Ambassador for the 2022 Brisbane Writers Festival and committee member for the Australian Library and Information Association. His illustrative work has been used in overseas charities, book covers, and dramatic reveals in his D&D games. As a queer and disabled writer, Alex
advocates for diverse writing, and has been working on multiple YA fantasy novels over the last 8 years.

WRITING JUNIOR FICTION THAT SELLS

WITH REBECCA TIMMIS

What is junior fiction, and where does it sit compared to picture books and books for older readers? Rebecca will answer these questions and more, as she guides you through the world of writing chapter books. Find out how to make your manuscript sparkle and what publishers are looking for.

This is an interactive masterclass and you will leave with pages of story ideas.

REBECCA TIMMIS

Rebecca is a children's author and illustrator and the creator of the popular 'MerTales' series. You can find out more about Rebecca at https://rjtimmis.net

HOW TO RUN CHILDREN'S WRITING WORKSHOPS

WITH CHARMAINE CLANCY

Part of being a successful writer for children and young adults is the ability to provide fun and education presentations and workshops. Wether you appear at school visits, or you're a featured presenter at libraries, you'll want an array of activities and strategies to get you through. You'll plan your own workshops in this masterclass and be shown a few 'out of the box' ideas.

CHARMAINE CLANCY

Charmaine Clancy is the founder and host of the Rainforest Writing Retreat. She writes fiction for young teens and mystery short stories for the grown-ups. Charmaine publishes through Hot Doggy Press. She has a Masters in Creative Writing and enjoys teaching storytelling to both children and adults.

MORE ACtivities TO BE ANNOUNCED

COMING SOON

Past retreats have included practice pitches, Retreaters presenting mini-workshops, real-life quests and even a cowboy visit. We'll brew up something fun for 2024!

WATCH THIS SPACE

We'll announce the new activity soon!

'Fantastic effort, organisers and presenters.Very well done, indeed.'

Frank Prem (poet & Retreater)

'The presentations by Charmaine and Anthony were packed with useful information, and the interaction of those involved made me feel so lucky to be part of this talented group of writers. Huge thanks to the amazing Christine and Charmaine for organising this!'

Robin Thomas (Author & Retreater)

'As a newbie to RWR it was such an enjoyable experience. I learnt so much and everyone was so welcoming. It was very well put together and I look foward to the next one!! Big thanks to Charmaine and Christine!'

Sarah Tegerdine (Author & Retreater)

Reserve your spot today!

Just $695

Get your ticket now to reserve your place.

Accommodation can be booked through Cedar Creek Lodges.