Welcome to Word Play 2009
Word Play is Brisbane Writers Festival's program for young readers, writers and illustrators for grades 4 - 12.
From Wednesday 9 to Friday 11 September, the books we know and love will come to life in venues across slq and GoMA. Authors, illustrators, scriptwriters and filmmakers will come together to create a stimulating engaging environment for lovers of writing, reading and illustrating.
Over 10,000 places are up for grabs for the young and young at heart. Online or up front at the festival site, sessions have been designed to ensure all students have a challenging yet, invigorating experience.
Just to name a few of the many talented presenters participating in Word Play 2009 we welcome from across the Tasman, Brian Falkner; live from LA, actress and author Tempany Deckert; rock star of the literary world, Andy Griffiths; the ACT Young Australian of the year, Jack Heath, and we can't possibly forget to mention Australia's much loved author, Jackie French.
A BIG thank you to parents, teachers, librarians and most importantly children, who have contributed to ensure Word Play is dynamic, enthralling, engaging.
Places tend to fill quickly, so to avoid disappointment download the booking form and please book early.
See you at the Festival.
Molly Palmer
Youth Literature Program Manager
Back to download Word Play forms
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Welcome to Word Play 2009, the Brisbane Writers Festival youth literature program that has everyone talking about writers, readers, illustrators and all things bookish. 2009 is a big year for Queensland, we're celebrating our150th birthday, and that includes 150 years of writing, reading and appreciating words at work and play. To celebrate Q150, Word Play also includes a half-day program WRITE BOLDLY: LIVE FAITHFULLY that spotlights Queensland's talented authors and illustrators who create works for children and young adults. Those who have the gift of reading have the gift of a lifetime. As Walt Disney put it: 'There is more treasure in books than in all the pirate's loot on Treasure Island.' Books are the key to the door of the imagination. Readers are able to travel to any destination in the world without leaving home; embark on amazing, sometimes scary adventures, while remaining safely tucked up in bed; and enjoy a lifelong love of words, ideas and story that will expand horizons way beyond the everyday. This year's Word Play is shaping up to be the most exciting ever. With a line-up that includes favourites James Moloney and Jackie French, as well as some new and emerging writers, there really is something to suit all tastes and ages. Young writers and would-be writers are provided with plenty of opportunities to shape their story ideas with advice from the experts and activities where you'll discover that word and play really do go together like (Now there's a challenge for our young writers finish my sentence without resorting to clichés!) Word Play also offers an online component to regional students, providing an exciting array of opportunities to interact with international, national and local authors. As part of the new and improved features of the 2009 Festival, Word Play is reaching out to regional students with school visits, and, as well as engaging students from grades 6 to 12, expanding to include grades 4 and 5. Just like a book that really grabs you, you won't want this year's Word Play to ever end. |
With an engaging and academically rigorous program, Word Play is a truly dynamic tool within the reach of every teacher passionate about encouraging in their students a love of books and writing. We look forward to welcoming these energetic students who we hope will return in just a few short years, as independent adults, to build on the positive experiences they have had at the Brisbane Writers Festival. The Festival is put together each year by a team of dedicated readers and writers passionate about supporting an event that enriches the lives of all of us. Acknowledgement for the programming and delivery of Word Play is due in particular to Youth Literature Program Manager, Molly Palmer whom I'm sure you will agree has done a terrific job in producing a program which students can grab onto, wrestle with and most importantly enjoy! Brisbane Writers Festival simply wouldn't exist without the generosity of our many partners listed below. In particular, we gratefully acknowledge the support of the Queensland Government, Arts Queensland. I am fortunate also to be working the A Team of staff, General Manager Mark Collier Vickers, Development Manager Yvonne Jensen, Special Projects and Administration team Charis Holt and Eden Baras, Volunteers Coordinator Jennifer Eggleton and Production Manager Bernd Neumann. For more information regarding the main program please visit the website and look out for the program in the Weekend Australian 1 2 August 2009. Thank you again for supporting Word Play, we very much look forward to seeing you there! Jane O'Hara |
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Each September there's a magical buzz that takes over State Library when the BWF hits town. Word Play is your festival, your chance to be part of the magic enjoy! |
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| ANNA BLIGH MP PREMIER AND MINISTER FOR ARTS |
Welcome to Word Play, the Brisbane Writers Festival program for young readers, writers and illustrators. The Festival continues to treasure and promote Word Play as one of the most important initiatives we undertake. Driven by the phenomenal success of Word Play in previous years, the program in 2009 has expanded to include students from Year 4 right through to Year 12.Back to download Word Play forms
Comments from Word Play 2008
2008
Words can't explain what an experience this was -Tess
I really can't wait to come back next year- Chelsea
I would like to thank Brisbane Writers Festival for organising such an event that is cruical to young authors to be- Lucette (Year 7)
It was super, mega, ultra, incredibly, awesome - Ian (Year 6)
I had a marvellous time as a guest in the schools program at the 2008 Brisbane Writers Festival. Thanks to the well-organised schedule and the inspired choice of speakers, every student who attended came away with a greater love of books and reading
Jack Heath- Author
I WAS A VORACIOUS TEEN-AGED READER, but that was a while ago. Who writes for teens these days? As a BWF 08 volunteer at WordPlay, I got to hear several who do, and was bowled over by the variety of approaches and how they all engaged the audience: manic, stand-up comedy; thoughtful anger at government policies on children in detention; how books can explore the dark side; things to watch when creating a fantasy world; finding and claiming your poetry. What really stood out was the sense that these writers respect their audiences. They spoke well and answered questions honestly and thoughtfully. There was no sense of a shonky brush-off. Every encounter felt important, and that feeling continued throughout the festival. It was so invigorating to feel surrounded by significant conversations.
Saren Starbridge- Word Play Volunteer 2008
Back to download Word Play forms
The Brisbane Writers Festival acknowledges the assistance of the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland, the Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation, the Gambling Community Benefit Fund and the Australian Government through the Australia Council for the Arts, its arts funding and advisory body.