I’m feeling blessed this week as I immerse myself in all things ‘writers’ for the annual Bendigo Writers Festival.
Through my part-time Bachelor of Arts studies at La Trobe University, Bendigo I have landed an internship in media and digital content creation, covering the Bendigo Writers Festival (BWF) and other newsworthy La Trobe events, including its Open Day later this month.
I know…what a great gig!
In the role I have interviewed interesting La Trobe Uni folk involved at the festival, sharing their stories via the Vox Bendigo blog writing portal and today I roamed in and around View Street for the annual Text Marks the Spot Schools Day, tweeting from various events.
I must say I don’t need too many excuses to attend a writers’ festival of any description, but to be involved at this level is a real treat.
This year’s festival program certainly has something for everyone and, as you’ll read in the blogs I have written (see links below), any session you choose will provide expansion for the mind and enlargement of the soul.
For me this is what writers’ festivals do: broaden your mind, teach you something new, disrupt pre-conceived ideas and most importantly, inspire. Sadly some believe they are just for the literary elite, those with published work, or people who routinely read a book in one week.
I have always believed writers’ festivals are for anyone and everyone and you don’t have to be a writer, or even an avid reader, to enjoy all they have to offer.
Writers’ festivals are, above all else, about ‘stories’ and today’s school sessions were no exception, with discussions around why you should, and how to, share your unique story.
Storytelling through music and song writing was also on the agenda, as was the stunning art of ‘wordless’ puppet theatre, which touched on the themes of immigration, separation from family and friendship in new lands.
Publisher turned author, Rose Michael hit the nail on the head in her session this afternoon, How to Get it Right when she declared: “writers’ festivals are about the readers.”
And we all read, in some way shape or form. Graphic novelist, Bruce Mutard confirmed this when he declared this morning that comics are no longer just for children. He also made comment that only 10 years ago there would never have been a session at a writers’ festival about ‘comics’!
Just like comics, writers’ festivals have evolved and are no longer a highbrow affair for the literary elite… they are an opportunity for anyone to engage in a cultural conversation and hear stories from all corners of the world, and from all walks of life.
If you haven’t yet been to a one, do yourself a favour and get along to the Bendigo Writers Festival this weekend… I’ll see you there.
Christy
#spreadingthegoodstuff #writersfestivals #stories
Vox Bendigo blogs for Bendigo Writers Festival:
https://voxbendigo.com/2017/08/08/a-tale-of-two-sessions/?blogsub=confirming#subscribe-blog
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