WORKSHOPS:

Story starters. (Primary)

In this fun, interactive session Pip will guide students through a series of different writing prompts from all the senses – smell, taste, touch, hear and see, and talk about how she uses prompts in her work.

Free verse fun! (Primary/YA)

Students will look at different types of verse and poetry in middle grade novels in Australia and around the world. What is free verse, what stories does this style work best for? Students will try their hand at verse poetry to create their own stories.

Creating Spooky stories. (Primary/YA)

Pip is the author of the popular series book, 101 Cool Hair-Raising Horrors. Gather around the campfire, bring your marshmallows and she will guide young writers in creating and sharing a spooky tale and explain how urban myths and ghost stories have developed in different cultures and throughout history. 

YA WORKSHOPS:

Tough topics in YA

Why do YA writers often tackle tough life issues through fiction? How does writing about difficult topics help both the writer and reader process it? This interactive writing workshop will guide young writers through sharing challenging issues in their own writing. 

Creating real characters

This interactive workshop will guide writers to create characters that are fleshed out, believable and unforgettable.

Ripped from the headlines.

Many themes and storylines from Pip’s books have sprung from real life events happening in Australia. How do writers use current issues to create a fictional story? Students will use current news to create a short story. 

YEAR LEVEL TALK:

Because of You & Australia’s homeless crisis. Pip shares the backstory to her acclaimed CBCA shortlisted novel, Because of You, which is set in Australia’s homeless community – examining how we treat our homeless community and what other countries are doing to alleviate the housing crisis. She also shares her career highlights – from interviewing Hollywood’s biggest stars, to travelling the world.