Our Stories

Our Stories is a writers’ program for genocide survivors and/or refugees. 

Do you have a story to tell? Have you considered writing your memoir?

Across 5 sessions held this July and August, writers in this program will be guided by expert editors through the crafting of short extracts of their story. Successful submission of completed extracts will result in publication.

These short memoir pieces will be edited towards “submission ready” for an anthology publication by WestWords. This is a free program. 

Limited spots are available. Please enrol by emailing ally@westwords.com.au and expressing interest in joining the Our Stories writing program. 

Dates & Times

This program consists of 5 sessions before Anthology Submission. To sign up to the program is to commit to all 6 sessions. 


July 10th, Wed – Group Session at Mt Druitt Library, 6pm-8pm.

July 24th, Wed – Group Session at Mt Druitt Library, 6pm-8pm. 

July 28th, Sun – At WestWords in Parramatta. 10am-1pm. 3-hour masterclass. These sessions will allow for writing time, and one-on-one editorial.

August 4th, Sun – At WestWords in Parramatta. 10am-1pm. 3-hour masterclass. These sessions will allow for writing time, and one-on-one editorial.

August 11th, Sun – At WestWords in Parramatta. 10am-1pm. 3-hour masterclass. These sessions will allow for writing time, and one-on-one editorial.

 

 

Location

The first two sessions are hosted at the Mt Druitt Library. 

Our Library @ The Mount Druitt Hub
9 Ayres Grove, Mount Druitt NSW 2770

The last three session are hosted at WestWords Centre for Writing. 

41 Hunter Street, Parramatta

Your Editors/Tutors

Sofija Nemet is an experienced University Lecturer and Academic Teacher, Student Experience Coordinator, Learning and Teaching Coordinator, Language Instructor, Project Facilitator, and Translator, with a demonstrated history of working in the higher education industry. She is skilled in curriculum design, academic reviewing, research, content delivery and presentation, academic writing and publication, copywriting, data management, and editing. 

With over 35 years of experience, Michael Campbell has worked as CEO, Artistic Director, an arts consultant and strategist, artistic co-ordinator, producer, events manager, librettist, editor, writer, events manager, director, choreographer and dancer. He was the Festival Director for the Brisbane Writers Festival (2006-2009), and the literary events program at Gleebooks in Sydney for 4 years (2002-2005). He is currently the Executive Director and Publishing Director at WestWords.
Term 1: Sienna Brown has been a producer, director, editor and writer of documentaries and educational films expanding her skills by exploring story through images and sound. Her debut novel Master of My Fate, published in 2019 by Penguin Random House, won the MUD Literary Prize at Adelaide Writers Week for the best debut novel by an Australian writer and was shortlisted for the ARA Historical Novel Prize, in 2020.