The Cairns Tropical Writers Festival (CTWF) heralds lovers of the written word to come along and enjoy the pleasures offered by the 2014 program, 12-14 September. 

The Festival begins Friday afternoon, with an opportunity to buy local from local writers at the Festival Bookshop. Have your copy personalised with an autograph at any of the three book launches scheduled, one of which focuses on the renowned happy guru Andrew Matthews.

Amidst the balmy delights of the Cairns Esplanade Saturday morning, festival sessions begin with ABC dynamo Kier Shorey as MC, offering a sampling of what is available across the weekend’s vibrant program.

Designed with writers and readers equally in mind, the weekend provides opportunity to write with the best. Learn successful techniques in masterclasses lead by acclaimed novelist Veny Armanno and Screen Queensland’s scriptwriter, Jo Dillon.

Wade into the world of words in specialist workshops: The Essence of Story Telling with Helene Young; Digital Story Telling with ABC Open trainer Gemma Deavin, and The Art and Science of Picture Book Writing with Jacque Duffy.

One of Australia’s finest broadcasters, who has turned her talent to the written word, is coming to Cairns to talk about her new book - over dinner. ABC icon

Geraldine Doogue will share stories of her life and work with guests at the biennial event’s signature Literary Dinner, Saturday 13 September.

As a part of Sunday’s program Geraldine discusses her most recent work, The Climb: Conversations with Australian Women in Power, in which she explores just how women are represented at the top power levels of our country.

“The combination of a vibrant talented mind, a brilliant waterfront setting and delicious food makes an unforgettable experience for our visiting authors and guests.” Chairperson of the CTWF Oonagh Prettejohn says.

Sunday’s program is harbinger to literary enlightenment, as a specialist panel of locals and guest presenters discuss a selection of classic novels, opening up an informal discussion with participants.

And there is plenty of opportunity for those who prefer the short and direct,with workshops focused on craftingsome of the newest forms of creativewriting – Zines and Flash Fiction.

The Zine work shop, held on Sunday at 12:20pm, is designed for experienced and novice writers alike. Faciltated by skilled Zine producers and writers extraodinaire Jaryd Luke and Ariella Van Luyn, Zines are small, self-published magazines that contain the writers preferred genre - poetry, non-fiction, short stories, recipes, interviews, anecdotes, artwork or comics, and are quick and easy to make from an A4 sheet of paper.

“Materials for the crafting of Zines will be provided. Adults and children over 10 years of age are invited,” Oonagh says.

Flash fiction is the writing of a short story in around about 1,000 words.

James Cook University’s revered master, Professor Stephen Torre, and Dr Bhama Daly, conduct Saturday’s - A Writer’s Guide to Flashing -lending their consolidated talents, tips and clues, on how to pack action, story line, protaganists and a whopper of an ending into the shortest of short stories.

“ Today, nearly every bit of writing we do is shortened to the briefest and most necessary and these are workshop for those who aspire to short, sharp and to the point.”

Other workshops held during the weekend include The Thrill of the Chase, discussions and demonstrations for writing a thrilling chase scene into a work of fiction, and Finding Your Authentic Voice, a workshop on establishing a narrative voice for your writing.

“This year’s festival is a celebration of writing and reading right here in our region,” Oonagh says.