Amber Wilson, Tasmanian Writers’ Centre Communications Officer
Claire Jansen
Seven young writers aged under 30 will soon take to Hobart’s streets, using the nooks and crannies of their city to spark inspiration for what are sure to be some fabulous literary accomplishments.
The inaugural Young Writers in the City program, run in partnership between the Tasmanian Writers’ Centre and the City of Hobart, will see these seven young people exploring a range of spaces, setting up their chairs, laptops and notepads in the midst of shoppers and surrounds. Between now and August 15, these talented aspiring writers will look at their familiar surrounds in a new way to compose an essay between 1500 to 5000 words. Their pieces will be written in an observational or experimental style inspired by the space they choose.
The Tasmanian Writers’ Centre chose the successful applicants from a very strong field of young writers working in vastly different styles. TWC Director Chris Gallagher said she was pleased to see such a strong and passionate pool of talent among young Hobart writers.
“It was fantastic to see such interesting approaches – from our Aquatic Centre resident who described the fascinating world of underwater hockey, to another writer who was fascinated by the many and varied sounds that make up Hobart’s market and cultural spaces ,” she said.
“Based on the applications, we’re certainly in for a treat with the essays these writers will produce.”
Quotes from the writers’ work will be displayed on the “Soapbox” billboards in Mathers Place during and after the Tasmanian Writers and Readers Festival in September.
The essays will also be available online and through social media, and each of the writers will be asked to read their work during September’s festival.
Follow these young writers on their journeys through the Tasmanian Writers’ Centre new website or via the Hobart Young Writers in the City Facebook page:
Young Writers in the City 2015
Hannah Grey: Hadley’s Orient Hotel
Michael Blake: Aquatic Centre
Claire Jansen: Mathers House
Cassandra Wunsch: Elizabeth Street Mall
Ben Armstrong: Elizabeth Street Mall
Hannah Warwarek: Hadley’s Orient Hotel
Britta Jorgensen: Venue TBC
www.tasmanianwriters.org
