Writing has the power to create empathy and take the reader to other worlds and experiences. There is a long and varied history of writing about social justice, with works ranging from writing about personal injustices, to exposing injustices committed against others. These writings include fiction and non-fiction— novels, short stories, poetry, reportage, investigative journalism, opinion pieces, online blogs, songwriting and newspaper features. These genres share the common aim of engaging their audiences through the written word and the art of story. They seek to speak to the unconverted, and to alert an unwary public.

Drawing on over thirty years of experience in the craft of story, and of writing across genres on many aspects of social justice — drawing also on renowned examples across a range of genres — Arnold Zable’s seminar will include  Q and A, an exercise and discussions on the art of story and advocacy. It will also introduce some of the seminal works across the genres, both Australian and international, that have broken silences, exposed injustice, and contributed to significant social change.