Famous Australian author Isobelle Carmody has guided Mid-North Coast school students as they begin their own writing careers for this year's LitFest2444 in Port Maquarie.
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Over 600 schools students from across the Mid-North Coast were put through their movie making, writing and animating paces.
The young adult literature writer, was among over 31 professionals to host creative workshops on June 6 at Newman Senior Technical College.
She is best known for her fantasy novel, The Gathering, which has sold over 70,000 copies in Australia and New Zealand.
"I've been talking to them about writing stories about real life events they've experienced, to make sense of the world," she said.
"Writing can be used somehow to process the world and understand things.
"In sessions I'm showing them how to draw and add detail, showing that it's the same as writing because you have to ground stories in detail and in a recognisable world.
"I gave this example, if you go to your grandma's funeral and you loved her dearly, you are still going to notice the lady sitting in front has dandruff on her shoulder, it's that detail that grounds the story.
"The place to look for a story is not out in the world but inside yourself.
"They have to ask themselves what are my questions about myself and what do I care about that I want to write about because that's the only way to originality."
Carmody has previously collected a host of writing accolades including Children's Book Council of Australia Awards in 2011, 1994, 1991, 1988 and Aurealis Awards for 1996, 1997, 1998, 2002, 2006, 2007, 2008 among others.
"All the stuff they are teaching the kids here at Litfest, I would love to do these sessions," she said.
"I'd like to learn to animate, even if I couldn't use animation in my work."
Presenters at the event this year included Underdog editor Tobias Madden, manga artist Kenny Chan, poet Emilie Zoey Baker, audio producer Nicole Curby and headliner.
As well as annual returning presenter for film making and Young Australian Citizen of the Year 2012, Michael Wilkie.
St Josephs Primary School student Jack Kirk, 12 said Litfest was quite exciting this year and he couldn't wait to start writing.
"I've really enjoying Litfest so far," said Jack.
"I think I find it so exciting because I like writing.
"The best so far is fan-fiction but we still have many classes ahead such as storytelling and meeting different authors."
Fellow classmate Matthew Nicola, 11 said the sessions were very creative.
"The fact is that there's something for everyone, it's really great," he said.
"I'm enjoying the fan-fiction class because I've read a lot of it and want to write it in the future."
LitFest is supported by MacKillop College, St Joseph's Regional College, Newman College, ClickView, Australian Film Television and Radio School, Snap Print designs, Catholic Schools Office Lismore and St Agnes' Parish.
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