Speaker - Adrienne Ferriera Central Coast Writes Expo

This week we were treated to an inspirational hour of reimagining our beautiful local area through the multiple eyes of fellow coasties as we learnt about the wonderful Central Coast Writes Community Storytelling Project.

Adrienne Ferreira, an award winning author in her own right, told us about a project she created to support local people to tell their own story of a favourite or special place on the Central Coast. 

Adrienne described the deep conversations and connections she made with project participants and how Central Coast Writes empowered them to record their own, personal memoir or narrative.

Central Coast Writes is a community storytelling project that develops true stories from local residents and connects them with emerging artists to illustrate. the program began with an introductory life writing workshop in local library branches to help people reflect on their experiences and learn how to write stories that crackle with truth and life. Participants enjoyed the company of other beginners as they learned creative techniques and built writing confidence in a supportive atmosphere.

In the months following:

• Writers were invited to join a guided writing group;
• Developed a short story for publication;
• Showcased their stories in a live exhibition; and
• Had the chance to connect with an emerging artists who will illustrated their work.

Following the writing workshops, people were invited to learn the art of illustration with industry professionals Jane Gillings and Joanna Francis. These practical workshops took students through the steps involved in creating an artwork to illustrate the local stories produced.

Adrienne is a powerful personal mentor and teacher to many aspiring and established writers.

Adrienne can provide one-on-one support through her coaching and editing service or through writing courses undertaken online and/or in person when possible. On 3-8 September, the Parkhouse Gallery in Gosford will also host a live reading event and exhibition. Open to the public, this exhibition will celebrate the creative collaboration between the writers and artists, and showcase a multitude of powerful true stories from people of the Central Coast.

For more information contact Adrienne through her website at https://www.bravewords.com.au/