SATURDAY 29 JULY | 10.00am - 1.00pm
WRITING COMMERCIAL FICTION - with Anita Heiss
ABOUT THE WORKSHOP
Anita Heiss started writing commercial fiction because she wanted to reach the widest possible audiences that she could as an author. Anita wanted to speak to the largely female audiences who buy fiction, enjoy their book clubs and who want to read stories about relationships, but who are also seeking something deeper in their reading. Commercial fiction allows Anita to do all of that. And it’s fun, especially writing chick lit or rom com.
In this workshop, the group will discuss commercial fiction as an accessible way of writing to reach the average reader. You’ll think about finding your own niche in the marketplace (everyone has a story but why does anyone have to read yours?). The group will create fabulous characters, settings and storylines that speak to a commercial market.
Just for fun and inspiration, come dressed as your favourite fictional character. Anita will be dressed as Annabelle, from her soon to be released novel Rodeo Dreaming.
ABOUT THE TUTOR
Dr Anita Heiss is an award-winning author across genres. Her commercial novels include Not Meeting Mr Right, Avoiding Mr Right, Manhattan Dreaming, Paris Dreaming, Tiddas, and Barbed Wire and Cherry Blossoms. She is a proud member of the Wiradyuri Nation of central New South Wales, an Ambassador for the Indigenous Literacy Foundation and the GO Foundation. Anita is a board member of the National Justice Project, Aboriginal Art Co, and Circa Contemporary Circus. As an artist in residence at La Boite Theatre, she adapted her novel Tiddas for the stage.
Her historical novel Bila Yarrudhanggalangdhuray about the Great Flood of Gundagai, won the 2022 NSW Premier’s Indigenous Writer’s Prize and was shortlisted for the Stella Prize among others. Anita likes to run and eat chocolate.
