Author in Residence: Sarah Armstrong | Coomera Anglican College

Author in Residence: Sarah Armstrong

At Coomera Anglican College, we are committed to providing our students with an education that extends beyond traditional boundaries, enabling them to explore their passions and unleash their creative potential. 

Our College recently had the privilege of having acclaimed Australian author Sarah Armstrong visit our Secondary Campus as part of our ongoing commitment to fostering creativity and nurturing literary talents among our students.

Sarah took on the role of Author in Residence, engaging with our Year 11 and 12 English, Literature, and “English as an Additional Language” students in two lecture-style workshops. With a combined audience of 160 enthusiastic students, the sessions focused on the art of imaginative writing, exploring key elements such as character development, building tension in the plot, and evoking mood.

The workshops, each spanning 90 minutes, provided an immersive experience for our students, delving into the intricacies of crafting compelling narratives. Sarah shared invaluable insights and practical techniques to enhance their writing skills, leaving an indelible mark on the young minds present. The workshops centered around a set of key takeaways, ensuring that students walked away with a newfound understanding of the craft:

The Importance of Freewriting: Sarah emphasized the significance of embracing the freedom to write without constraints, allowing ideas to flow and creativity to flourish.

What is Your Story Really About? Understanding the core essence of a story and its underlying themes enables writers to imbue their work with depth and resonance.

What Does My Character Want? Exploring the desires, motivations, and conflicts of characters adds richness and authenticity to the narrative, captivating readers.

Where Should You Begin Your Story? Sarah guided the students in making impactful choices regarding the starting point of their stories, setting the stage for compelling journeys.

The Value of Dialogue: Mastering the art of dialogue creates engaging interactions between characters, propelling the narrative forward and enriching the reader's experience.

Framing Your Story: Sarah underscored the significance of crafting a strong narrative framework, providing a solid structure for writers to weave their tales effectively.

Sarah's presentation was invaluable! Her insights and techniques have transformed the way I approach my writing. I can already see a significant improvement in my work.

Year 12 Student

Such initiatives are instrumental in fostering a love for literature, nurturing talent, and empowering our students to become the writers of tomorrow.

We will continue to bring in inspirational figures like Sarah Armstrong to support and guide our students on their journey of self-expression and literary discovery.