An inaugural young writers festival at Newstead this month will inspire the next generation of storytellers and illustrators.
The brainchild of primary teacher Dean McLaren, the festival will harness the magic and whimsy of Enid Blyton by creating a Magic Faraway Tree with mushrooms, dioramas, secret surprises and sand writing for the smaller children.
“There has been 60,000 years of storytelling on Country here and we’d like to get the next generation of storytellers inspired to continue that,” Dean told the Express.
Dean, who struggled at school and was often told he was stupid, was diagnosed with dyslexia when he started his teacher training.
“I don’t want other kids to go through what I went through. That’s what’s driven me to make this happen,” he said.
“I’ve been teaching for almost 20 years now, and in that time I’ve seen a lot of students who struggle with reading and writing and I’d like to be able to inspire them to become better and grow their confidence.”
The festival will feature more than 25 award-winning authors, artists, zine makers and cartoonists, many of whom have lived in Newstead including; John Marsden, Penny Tangey, Lachlan Walter, Cate Kennedy and Leni Shilton.
“We have a lot of quality authors and illustrators living in the region and they’re all really excited to have an event like this in central Victoria,” Dean said.
“There’s nothing else like this in the state – a place for children to come and experience, and have one-on-one sessions, with these authors and illustrators, where they can learn from, and be inspired by them.”
Eleven-year-old Newstead resident and writer, Claudia, told the Express she was looking forward to the festival.
“I’m doing zine-making and another workshop, and my seven-year-old brother has tickets too,” she said.
“I like getting really stuck into the character and the settings and really describing them. I like that you can zone out, writing fast, getting the ideas down.”
The Newstead Writers Festival will be held from 10am to 4pm on October 20 at the Newstead Arts Hub. The festival will include a jam-packed program of workshops, author talks, mentoring, art demos, books, food trucks and roving entertainers.
Squishy Minnie Bookstore will have a stall on site and In Magazine will be helping children learn how to get their stories and images published, there really is something for everyone!
Most of the workshops for younger participants have wait lists, but there are still spaces available in the teen workshops and plenty to do on the day, even if you don’t have a ticket, and it’s all free!
Check out the full program at www.newsteadyoungwritersfestival.com/program or jump on their Facebook page.
