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Faber Writing Academy > Courses > Online > Start to Write – Online

Start to Write – Online

with Ilka Tampke

Have you always wanted to write fiction? Everyone needs to start somewhere and Start to Write is the course designed to get you across the basics, as you begin to generate ideas and get the very first words of your concept down on the page.

In this one-day online program, Start to Write, acclaimed novelist Ilka Tampke will help you figure out what inspires you as a writer, and start shaping your ideas into fiction.

Working with Ilka, alongside your fellow classmates, you will:

  • Connect more deeply to your ideas and interests
  • Discover the tools you need to start writing fiction
  • Explore different techniques in hands-on writing exercises
  • Overcome common problems shared by emerging writers
  • Learn the key fundamentals of story
  • Meet other aspiring writers in a welcoming, supportive online classroom.

This course is designed to help you foster ideas, play with structure and techniques, and get your words going – plus give you tips on what to do next to start your writing life. Interactivity is encouraged throughout, and there will be space for questions and answers during each session.

You will be asked to bring an example of a short story or novel you admire.

Writers you'll be working with:

Ilka Tampke

Ilka Tampke

Ilka Tampke is an award-winning author of three novels.  Her first novel, Skin, was published in eight countries and nominated for the Voss Literary Prize and the Aurealis Awards in 2015. Songwoman was published in five countries and won the Small Press Network Book of the Year Award in 2019. She teaches creative writing at RMIT…

More about this tutor

Course outline

Morning Session 10am-12 midday
Ideas and Inspiration

  • Ideas: where do they come from and how are they generated?
  • Overcoming fear and fostering enchantment
  • Surprising yourself and finding your question
  • How to start when you don’t have a clear idea
  • Getting out of your way; writing a rough first draft
  • Writing exercises focused on getting started 

Midday Session 12.30pm-2.30pm
Your writer’s toolbox

  • Creating characters that breathe
  • Vivid and immersive settings
  • Who’s telling the story—voice and point of view
  • Show Don’t Tell—letting your reader do some of the work
  • All about story: some archetypal story structures to help you plan your writing
  • Writing exercises focused on different fiction techniques

Afternoon Session 3pm-4pm
Establishing a writing practice

  • Finding the time and place to write
  • Momentum: how to maintain enthusiasm for a writing project
  • Revision and editing: what to look for in the redrafting phase
  • Common mistakes early writers make and how to learn from them
  • Pathways and opportunities for early writers
  • Writing exercises focused on revision

Praise for this course

This is the first year Ilka Tampe is teaching Start to Write for Faber Writing Academy.

How to Book

If purchased before 24 December, you will be eligible for an early bird discount of $20. 

If you choose to pay by instalments, you may do so via Zip Money on a schedule that suits you. Use your Zip account or sign up at checkout. 

Please see our terms and conditions for more information. 



Includes 10% tax

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