Critically acclaimed authors and illustrators will visit the State Library of Queensland from May to July to share their knowledge and expertise with budding young writers.

Future writers and artists will be able to get up close and personal with professionals in a number of fun and interactive, age-specific workshops.

Award-winning author and illustrator Rachel Tonkin will take five to nine-year-olds on a journey of discovery through rare botanical illustrations from the Library's Heritage Collections before taking part in an outdoor botanical drawing workshop and authentic bush tucker morning tea.

Amateur sleuths aged 10 to 14 will be given all the clues they need to become experts in the art of crime writing by celebrated children's author Simon Higgins.

Simon's previous careers as a policeman and private detective will guarantee they get all the evidence they need, and there may even be a case to solve!

Secondary students will witness the evolution of language in personal writing over time, travelling back more than 200 years through the State Library's extensive collection of diaries, letters and books.

Young people 13 to 17 will receive instruction in the art of translating personal texts into the language of today, and will create their own blogs with expert assistance from author and blogger Darren Groth.

For more information about the Writers in Residence program and other exciting activities, visit State Library of Queensland - Children and families.

Writers in Residence workshops are also open to school groups as part of the State Library's new schools program.

What and When:
Botanical Illustration with Rachel Tonkin
Sun 25 May, 10am-12.30pm
School sessions (Prep – Year 3) 20-23 May

Crime writing with Simon Higgins
23 Jun-12 Jul, 10am-12.30pm
School sessions (Year 5-9) 23-27 Jun

Write! with Darren Groth
Sun 15 Jun, 10am-12.30pm
School sessions (Year 9-12) 16-19 Jun

Where:
State Library of Queensland
Cultural Centre, Stanley Place, South Bank

Cost:
$8 (all materials provided), bookings Qtix 136 246
School bookings 3840 7903

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We welcome feedback and contributions to Arts Update. Please contact the editor, Colleen Turner on (07) 3225 8841 or email artsupdate@arts.qld.gov.au