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

Start to Write – Sydney

with Lauren Aimee Curtis

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 program in Sydney, you’ll get the hands-on teaching you need to start writing fiction from Lauren Aimee Curtis, one of Granta’s Best Young British Novelists of 2023.

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

  • Discover the tools you need to start writing
  • Overcome common problems shared by emerging writers
  • Understand some of the key fundamentals of writing fiction
  • Meet other aspiring writers starting out in a welcoming, supportive classroom.

This course is designed to help you foster ideas, play with structure and techniques, and get your words going – while delivering practical advice on ‘where to next’. Interactivity is encouraged throughout, and there will be space for questions and answers during each session.

Your course includes:

  • A complimentary copy of a recent A&U publication.
  • Tea and coffee and light refreshments.
  • On completion of the course, alumni discount of 15% on future Faber Writing Academy courses, including Writing a Novel.

Writers you'll be working with:

Lauren Aimee Curtis

Lauren Aimee Curtis

Lauren Aimee Curtis was born in Sydney. She is the author of Strangers at the Port (2023), which was longlisted for the Miles Franklin Award, and Dolores (2019), which was shortlisted for the Glenda Adams Award as well as the Readings Prize. Her novels have been chosen as Books of the Year in Granta, Sydney Morning Herald, The Telegraph, and the New Statesman….

More about this tutor

Course outline

Morning Session: 10am – 12.30pm

Reading, Beginning, Basic Principles of Fiction

  • In this workshop, participants will be encouraged to draw on their love of reading to start writing. You will be asked to bring an example of a short story or novel you admire. We will discuss ways of reading analytically (i.e. what the author is doing and how they are doing it) and how this might be applied to your own writing.
  • Looking at examples, we will discuss what makes a strong opening – imagery, language, plot – along with other ways of drawing in your reader.
  • Writing exercises based on voice, character, description, and detail

 Afternoon Session: 1:30pm – 4pm

Revision, Experimentation, Practicalities

  • Revision and experimentation can be helpful when the work is stuck. We will look at experimental approaches to writing as well as ways to revise and edit your work.
  • Writing exercises based on experimentation and revising your work
  • Practical advice. The workshop will end with a discussion on ways to continue your writing practice and how to submit your work for publication when it’s ready.

Praise for this course

“Great introductory workshop – tailored at the right level and highly engaging. Loved how Lauren did not dish out ‘stock standard’ teaching, and it was very much  influenced by her own experiences and opinions.” – past course participant

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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