Creative Writing Clinics

Looking for inspiration?

Whether you long to tell your life story, create a classic picture book or record the history of your favourite pub, I have a creative writing clinic for you.

I primarily run these creative writing clinics in Victoria several times a year, but can offer these interstate (Co-Vid restrictions permitting). If you would like to know when I am next offering these clinics in your area, enquire below.

Pitching to publishers

Where do you send that brilliant novel (or short story or feature article) you’ve written? Just searching for ‘publishers’ isn’t going to get you very far. You need to know how publishers think...

Nonfiction facts

Knowing what you’re writing and who your audience might be is the basis of this full-day creative writing clinic. Learn how to structure your work, find your ‘voice’ as a nonfiction writer and where ...

Writing your life

In this full-day clinic, we explore how ‘the facts’ and ‘truth’ are not necessarily the same thing, learn how to create a narrative that gives others a window into your life experiences and discover ways to en...

Dissecting the frog*

In this workshop we look at how the best writers draw you in to their work, how they use language and how to apply these techniques to your own writing. *No frogs are harmed in the making of this course.

After the first draft

One the writing is done, how do you critically evaluate your own work? How do you know if it is going to cut it? In this full-day workshop, we discuss how to review and edit your own work, the value of gaining differe...

"Great course. Marie is fantastic and I loved her passion for all things grammar!"

— D.T . Workshop participant , VIC

"Marie has been a regular guest to our College, and for good reason. As an expert, she leads our students in writer’s workshops, sharing her experience and wisdom in how to write creatively for a specific audience. Marie tailors her workshop to our needs and brings a wealth of knowledge that is presented in a fun and engaging way. Within minutes she builds a great rapport with students and it’s always a great session. Thanks, Marie!”

— O.A. English teacher, VIC

"The Grammar & Punctuation course was a brilliant refresher. The facilitator managed the groups exceedingly well, and was approachable, pleasant and engaging."

— A.B. Workshop participant , VIC

"I loved the motivation that Marie gave. I found her instruction easy to follow and enjoyed the tasks she gave us."

— L.G. Workshop participant, VIC

"I liked the lunchtime writing and observing task and the class involvement."

— P.P. Workshop participant, VIC

"Brilliant pitch techniques."

— R.A. Workshop participant, VIC

"Marie was very knowledgeable and engaging."

— G.W. Workshop participant, VIC

"Marie was knowledgeable and provided good examples. The material was delivered clearly and systematically"

— T.B. Workshop participant, VIC

"Marie was friendly and flexible in (her) approach to teaching, welcoming questions and supplementing discussion."

— G.K. Workshop participant, VIC

"Marie was an excellent facilitator. Made difficult concepts interesting and easy to understand. Also handled difficult students well."

— P.P. Workshop participant, VIC

"Engaging presenter who knows her topic well! Bravo!"

— R.L. Workshop participant, VIC

"The instructor, Marie, did not dwell on the technical definitions and explained with examples. She continuously asked logical questions making it easier to remember what a verb, pronoun etc are."

— M.L. Workshop participant, VIC

"The content was well delivered and easy to follow."

— T.R. Workshop participant, VIC

"The content of the course was very useful and dealt with common issues."

— M.F. Workshop participant, VIC

"The pace was good and the tone of the room very non-judgemental."

— V.F. Workshop participant, VIC

"I worked with Marie in 2020 to set up and run the Grammar and Punctuation online Short Course at RMIT University. She was very professional, easy to work with, and a great communicator. I had to dedicate a lot of time to train other teachers to use the collaborate ultra and canvas technology but Marie was already proficient with it and even taught me new tricks. I understand why the students loved the Grammar and Punctuation course so much; she is a very passionate expert in her field, patient and generous with her time."

— Frances Devlin, Course Coordinator, RMIT University, VIC

As a teacher Marie Alafaci excels. She taught with us for three years across a broad range of subjects, including fiction, nonfiction, industry overview and writing for children. She connects with her students on a personal level and cares deeply about what she does. Marie is always friendly, reliable, professional and trustworthy, and I would recommend her to anyone looking to develop or improve their writing skills.

— Tracey Rolfe, Course Coordinator, Professional Writing and Editing, Victoria University Polytechnic, VIC

Marie evaluated a draft of my novel. She gave detailed feedback on the plot, structure and language. Her analysis provided insights that I would never have gained on my own and she made many excellent suggestions to improve the manuscript. Her comments struck a perfect balance between affirming what was good in the work and opening up ways for me to improve. The benefits to me have been incalculable.

— D.K. Fantasy writer, VIC.