Ever wanted to write your own whodunnit? Midwinter Words could be the first step on your path.
The 10th edition of Midwinter Words comes to the Bellarine this August 3 and 4, featuring two leading crime novelists from the region.
The event, held in Portarlington since its inception, will be held at two venues in Drysdale this year due to a partnership with Geelong Regional Libraries.
Local author, educator and former editor of Geelong Writers Victoria Spicer will present a full-day workshop at the new Boronggook Drysdale Library exploring all aspects of crime writing, including crime research, plotting, characters, suspense and red herrings.
Day two will see Portarlington author Rick Wilkinson host a session discussing the craft of writing crime and also include the launch of crime novel Argyle: One Island, Four Voice, written by Jacqui Connor and Midwinter Words founders Jenny Macaulay and Pearl Wilson.
Mr Wilkinson’s session will – aptly for a crime-themed event – be held at Drysdale’s Courthouse Museum.
Ms Wilson said the event brought something quite different to the region than other writers festivals did.
“Most writers’ festivals are for people to come and listen to panels, listen to other journalists and writers,” she said.
“But ours is about learning to write. It gives people a real insight into actually writing; instead of listening to someone talk about it, they’re actually getting and doing it with guidance.”
Ms Wilson emphasised Midwinter Words was for anyone who wanted to try their hand at writing.
“Sometimes people can feel a bit intimidated about joining in on a writing workshop,” she said.
“You don’t have to be a professional writer. We try to be very welcoming and inclusive so people can just have a go at it.”
Visit trybooking.com/CRJUW for tickets or more information.
