Library

Author visit - Scot Gardner

Year 10

The Year 10 Creative Writing class was lucky enough to have attended a workshop with author Scot Gardner on Monday 13th May. Scot was entertaining – students agreed unanimously that he was excellent, interesting, and very funny. It wasn’t just these attributes that had them hooked though. His writing tips, and ideas to build creativity and lead a creative life were lessons in living well. All students were inspired greatly by Scot, and immediately asked for more author visits (especially another from Scot if he was willing!). What a fantastic way to learn to write and live – from a published author. Thanks to Scot and the CBCA for allowing us the opportunity to hear Scot speak.  

Year 7 and 8

Scot Gardner entertained Years 7 and 8 students with his description of his writing process that involves hikes through the bush, stopping on a log to write, speaking to Steve the spider, hiking some more and then writing again. The forest is his office space.

Scot introduced students to the staff in his ‘office’ – all named Steve. Steve in security was a kookaburra, keeping an eye on events overhead and laughing at Scot’s jokes and storytelling. To complete a first draft of a novel, Scot spends many hours thinking, hiking and writing. He is supported by his wife, also called Steve, in this forest setting. Scot only returns to the indoors to record his voice to text on his computer, edit and proofread before publication. 

After sharing scenes from his own narratives, Scot encouraged students to create characters and events for their own stories. Time was then dedicated to writing and learning strategies to explore characters in all their complexities. Lots of great ideas, discussion and laughter was shared showing amazing imaginations among our next generation of young writers. 

A great writers’ workshop enjoyed by all!