Bookcase Writer's Festival

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Sat 18 Jul 2015 - Sun 19 Jul 2015

As the keynote speaker, investigative journalist Mark Willacy opened the Bookcase event with an exhilarating ride through his time covering Iraq's war, Japan's tsunami and nuclear meltdowns at Fukushima. Did we have the courage to walk in his shoes? Did some suddenly feel the need for a change of career direction? Clearly there was a great deal more one could learn from this man. Also winner of two Walkley Awards, Willacy provided food for thought.

Featuring a generous number of free workshops the festival also offered, for a reasonable fee, masterclasses in travel writing, creative writing and fantasy writing.
Free workshops included: publishing, editing, writing basics and blogging. Add to that discussion panels, including 'Meet the Press' with Mark Willacy, Simon Holt and David Iliffe.

The workshop 'How to Give a Good Blog' was presented by Bronwyn Marquardt. In her blogging, Bronwyn reveals her heart regarding her journey with family, career and crisis. She explained why this catharsis is suitable for the public domain, alongside teaching on practical approaches to blogging. Bronwyn began as a 'mummy blogger' and later succeeded in earning from blogging, among other achievements. Bronwyn explained the importance of building an online following using Instagram, Twitter, Pinit and others. She explained why the reason for writing is important and this topic was also touched on by Gloria Hamilten.

Gloria's workshop 'e-Books: to eBook or not to eBook' was chock-full of information and inspiration. Her teaching included how to set up a blogging site, who to approach and fees that could be involved.

Young adult fiction author Adele Jones held a book signing and also chaired the panel 'A Question of Character' which kept us laughing while we learned about character development. Adele's novel ' Integrate ' was on sale among others in the stalls. Her sequel 'Replicate' will be on the shelves soon.

Other enticing stalls included The Write Flourish Freelance Writing and Editing Services , Toowoomba Wordsmiths and Above the Fold: eBook and Hardcopy.

Holly Hill presented Sunday's keynote speech which was received with as much enthusiasm as Mark Willacy's. Among her many achievements, Holly is the best-selling author of the true-life trilogy, 'Sugarbabe', 'Toyboy' and 'The Velvet Pouch'.

The presenters of Bookcase , the USQ Alumni Network intend to hold the event again in July 2016. By taking into account the feedback received, it's sure to be at least as exciting and informative as this year's.

For details closer to the time, contact the Alumni Relations Office on telephone 07 4631 5391.

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!date 18/07/2015 -- 19/07/2015
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