Former Ralph magazine editor, novelist and columnist, Mark Dapin, will be delivering a two day masterclass in early April on how to write anything!
Dapin will be detailing how to write like a professional, work to deadlines, get past blocks, and think your way through narrative problems – in both fiction and non-fiction.
Dapin lied his way into journalism after working as a typesetter (so he knew the right words to say) and has been working in journalism ever since, despite his original degree in sociology. He has written several novels and books, including Sex & Money (2004) about working on men’s magazines, and Fridge Magnets are Bastards (2007) about bastard fridge magnets. In 2012, his novel, Spirit House, was long-listed for the Miles Franklin award.
He’s also pretty interesting, or at least the people he has met are. This is what he says about writing on organised crime in King of the Cross: “I’ve met and interviewed a few gangsters. I’ve also met crooked cops and I knew a couple of Hells Angels. My old boxing trainer was an armed robber or something. As a contributing editor to Penthouse, I wrote about sex and crime for a couple of years.”
Over two days, Dapin will share his trade secrets in how to get a piece from idea to completion. Participants will be guided through the writing process and end the weekend with a completed piece of work. Participants will be taught the skills needed to create compelling stories in a short time frame and what it takes to be a working writer.
Sarah Tooth, Director of the SA Writers Centre who are hosting the masterclass admits, “Meeting Mark Dapin for the first time was quite intimidating for me, even as someone not easily scared off by writers. But it turned out my steely resolve was unnecessary and I was immediately struck by his warmth, generosity and humour. I am so excited that the Writers Centre is working with him to deliver an intensive weekend that will be packed full of industry knowledge. Don’t miss it if you’re serious about making a living as a writer.”
Selected works from participants will be published on the SA Writers Centre blog.
Mark Dapin Writing Masterclass:
Where: SA Writers Centre, 2/187 Rundle St, Adelaide
When: 5 & 6 April 2014
Time: 10am -4pm daily
Tickets: $240 – $360
Bookings: Book via the SA Writers Centre website
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