Join a FREE creative writing workshop hosted by an award-winning author

Award-winning author James Roy is heading to Castle Hill later this month to provide writing advice and?give?story-telling tips?to budding writers.

James, who has written 35 books and won several awards for his work, is hosting three FREE Creative Writing Workshops at Castle Hill Library as part of the creative writing competition, The Living Stories Western Sydney Writing Prize.??

The writing competition, which is presented by WestWords and WestLit Libraries, and supported by The Hills Shire Council, is open to people across Western Sydney, including Hills Shire residents. It provides the chance for people to share their stories and receive recognition for their work. Plus, they could win BIG, with a total prize pool of $10,000 up for grabs.

The writing prize is now accepting submissions until April 30 on the theme: the other city.?

The Mayor of The Hills Shire, Dr Peter Gangemi is encouraging budding writers to take one of James’ Creative Writing Workshops. These workshops will be organised into age groups, including 10-12 years, 13-15 years, and 16 years+.?

“This is a fantastic opportunity for residents to gain an insight into how a professional writer crafts their work,” Mayor Gangemi said.?

“I am proud that our libraries are providing an outlet to help inspire our creative locals to be the best they can be,” he added.?

James, who also has a Master of Creative Writing from the University of Sydney, said the workshops will give people the skills to tell their stories in the best way possible.?

He also encouraged Hills residents to enter their written work, including poems, stories, and personal essays, into The Living Stories Western Sydney Writing Prize.?

“I mean, there’s the prize money to think of and the fame, but even without that, it offers a taste of writing something, knowing that someone you’ve never met is going to read it, even if that person is only one of the judges. It’s thrilling to do, and I think anyone who loves writing needs to feel that,” James added.?

Creative Writing Workshops will take place on Thursday, April 20.?

Bookings are essential and can be done online via The Hills Shire Library Service website,?www.thehills.nsw.gov.au/library, and by searching ‘James Roy’.?

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