UPCOMING EVENTS & TEACHING

Randwick’s Reading Takeover celebrates books through a variety of events, all taking place at Randwick Town Hall. Hear authors from across genres discuss their favourite books, then luxuriate in dedicated reading time, with snacks provided! Plus, for emerging writers, we’ve got workshops and writing space.

Come along for the second weekend of events on 28-29 Nov, which features another 'celebration of books' author panel and subsidised writing workshop:

• Saturday 28 Nov, 10am, panel featuring Kate Forsyth, debut author Josh Hortinela, and Penguin Literary Prize winner Mary Colussi, hosted by James McKenzie Watson and Ashley Kalagian Blunt. 
• Sunday 29 Nov, 10am-12pm – Balancing Plot and Theme workshop with Ashley Kalagian Blunt. Ashley has done a full three-act structure breakdown of Anne Tyler’s Three Days in June, which she'll be sharing with attendees. This is a chance to reflect on your macro structural choices and how you’re integrating your plot and theme. ($15) 

Randwick Town Hall is then open through both weekends until 4pm for readers and writers, with quiet space and snacks and drinks.  

Join master crime writer Chris Hammer in conversation with James McKenzie Watson to celebrate his first standalone thriller, Full Circle. 

‘If there is enough money involved, truth becomes a tradeable commodity. Like gold, it is malleable; it can be melted down and recast without losing its value.’ 

Travis Somerland is a man accustomed to danger, but nothing can prepare him for the peril, intrigue, and ruthlessness that confront him at Montechino, the secluded estate of a wealthy dynasty who live by the creed that business is arithmetic, not morality.

With echoes of Succession and The Big Short, and a dusting of The Great Gatsby, Full Circle is a thrilling, epic and unforgettable story of intrigue and revenge, love and redemption.

Books will be available for purchase and signing on the night. Non-alcoholic refreshments and nibbles on arrival.

When: Thu, 29 Oct, 6:30pm - 7:30pm AEDT

Where: Manly Library, 1 Market Ln, Manly NSW

Cost: $5 (booking required)

In June 2027, Writers at the Woolshed is again hosting the Winter Writing Retreat, a five day writing getaway in the NSW Southern Highlands featuring masterclasses taught by Dr Laurel Cohn, James McKenzie Watson, Dr Hayley Scrivenor, Ashley Kalagian Blunt and Dr Lee Kofman. James McKenzie Watson is teaching a masterclass entitled Finding Your Voice: Authentic Writing in an Artificial Age. 

About this masterclass: As AI redefines the writing landscape, authenticity and voice will become more important than ever. Unique perspectives not only stand out in an increasingly crowded market but are vital for the craft of writing itself to remain human, urgent and relevant.

In this masterclass, you'll explore how your experiences, interests and way of seeing the world can give your writing a strong and distinctive voice. Combining theory, discussion and hands-on learning, you'll examine what drives you as a writer, discover the many ways of bringing lived experience to the page, and learn how the fundamentals of descriptive writing can underpin powerful work. Drawing on contemporary examples and practical exercises, this masterclass explores the power of leaning into the authentic at every level of your writing.  

For more details about the retreat and to register your interest, visit the Writers at the Woolshed website.