So she has designed a “kit bag” of drawing warm-ups, tips and advice to help potential illustrators and writers achieve their goal of drawing and writing for children.

Sandy will share her kit bag, as well as her experience as a children’s illustrator, at a workshop organised by the New England Writers’ Centre. 

“I would love the participants in this workshop to have their dreams of becoming an illustrator made more possible,” Sandy says.

“It would be awesome for people to come away feeling more confident in their ability to create and to learn to relax into illustration work.”

"WHAT is tomorrow’s fish-and-chip wrappings could also be a best-selling novel." 

So says Ariella Van Luyn, a lecturer in writing at The University of New England. Dr Van Luyn will deliver an online workshop for the New England Writers’ Centre on November 13, where she will discuss researching and writing historical fiction.

She says Australian newspapers and magazines found in the National Library of Australia's “Trove” digital catalogue are a rich source of inspiration. That’s also the case with tomes of old newspapers found in local libraries.

“Usually, [the local history collection] is tucked away in a corner of the library and contains all kinds of fascinating books and pamphlets,” Dr Van Luyn says. 

Aches and pains after long periods of focused creativity can often be prevented by making small changes over time.

​That’s the message from massage therapist and breathing educator Eva Knörles, who will be conducting a workshop, Your Creative Body, for the New England Writers’ Centre on Saturday, October 9.

“It’s common for creative people to experience aches and pains associated with repetitive tasks, particularly sitting at a desk and using a keyboard for long hours, or standing at an easel,” Eva says.

“At the workshop, I will take a ‘whole body’ approach to each individual to help address the issues unique to them and the way they like to work."