By KAREN COOMBS
Never mind the literary accolades and impressive resume: Cate Kennedy still knows what it’s like to get writer’s block, just like any other scribe.
With her experience, however, comes knowledge, and what Kennedy knows is not to think harder but to keep writing.
The popular Australian author says writers must learn to work without their ‘inner censor’, to ignore the pressure to write something incredible — in other words, just do it.
“You can’t do it at an abstract level,” she says. “You can’t do it by thinking, but writing. In that way you find your inner voice and get a feel for your own style.”
Kennedy will share her knowledge with other lovers of reading and writing as a special guest at the first Dandenong Ranges Writers Festival next month.
It’s an ideal time to put into practice another of her tips for combating writer’s block, and that’s to meet with other writers — something Kennedy, the winner of the People’s Choice award in the 2010 NSW Premier’s Literary Awards, is passionate about. “I love meeting readers and talking to other writers.”
“It’s a good sign when I come away from a workshop energised rather than drained. I love talking about the things that people find problematic. It’s a way to see that you’re not the only person having writing difficulties. Everybody’s [writing] problems are universal.”
Kennedy will present two full-day workshops covering various writing techniques and tips for finding your story’s heart.
She particularly likes the way the festival is organised so that participants can learn more about their own writing rather than just sit in on talks.
“Rather than just listen, you learn more about them [authors] and their writing.
“It’s a great dimension. It’s a great way to integrate that love of literature and enjoy it as a new writer. It’s a different way to listen. You want to know how they got the story together.”
Apart from discussing the craft of writing, Kennedy will be inspiring emerging writers to find their own voice and reconnect with why they enjoy writing in the first place.
“I like to focus on why you are writing this now, why this story. People don’t know what they’ve got, the undercurrent of the story they are carrying around them. It’s a chance to step back [and allow] others in the class to see it.”
The Dandenongs will be the stunning setting for the month-long festival, with some of the workshops and events to be held in the brilliant coloured rhododendron and pirianda gardens.
Events range from a treasure hunt with children’s author Andy Griffiths to sharing canapes with top chef Shannon Bennett.
Multi-award winning poet and slam champion Emilie Zoey Baker will also be appearing, demonstrating her style of poetry. Literary enthusiasts can enjoy a retro tea party.
“It will be an eclectic offering,” says festival organiser Melissa Chipp.
“There’s something for everyone. The Dandenongs have a unique culture and history [in the arts] and this is an effort to celebrate that tradition and bring people to the Ranges.”
The Dandenong Ranges Writers Festival runs until May 29. For more details, visit autumnauthors.com.
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