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Word Play is the Brisbane Writers Festival program especially for young readers, writers and illustrators. The 2008 action packed program reached students from across Queensland in Grades 6 - 12. 10,000 students, both up front at the festival site and online, had an exciting and memorable experience engaging with their favourite authors, illustrators, scriptwriters and songwriters.

DOWNLOAD A COPY OF THE 2008 WORD PLAY PROGRAM

Comments from Word Play 

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

2007

In the various festivals I've attended throughout the world, I've never seen such a coordinated and professional effort to include schools in a festival.

- Michael Collins (Man Booker Prize shortlisted author - Ireland/ United States)

One of the most outstanding elements for me was the Schools Program, which was perfectly organised and exceptionally worthwhile for a children's writer.

- Associate Professor Dr Gary Crew: University of the Sunshine Coast award winning author

When one of our Year 7 students tells you it was the "greatest day of their lives," you realize the magnitude of the occasion. It was a terrific day with many of the writers providing inspirational insight into what it takes to write passionately. I am sure it will be a day to be remembered by all who attended.

- Brett Wilson Year 5/6 Classroom Teacher New Farm State School

Thank you so much for the workshop by Shaun Tan it was wonderful! I learnt so many new drawing skills and learnt a whole lot about him. We then went to a talk by Nicki Greenberg, which was fantastic and learnt many helpful tips on reading and drawing graphic novels. We then ended our day with David Gibbons. It was just great hearing him tell those stories of his great adventures in the shipwrecks. Over all it was just a fantastic day thank you so much - the Schools Program was just amazing.

- Octavia (Year 9)