Anniversary Program
THREE DECADES OF WRITING, REIMAGINED FOR TODAY
In-person Workshops & Events
Over Spring and Summer 2025/26, MARION celebrates 30 years of delivering writing programs, publishing opportunities, and professional development — nurturing creativity and championing writers across the ACT and beyond.
This special anniversary program brings back much-loved formats we haven’t offered in years, alongside bold new explorations. From masterclasses and intensives to reflective conversations and one-off experiments, the program honours our history while looking to the future.
Scroll down to explore what’s coming up and secure your place in these anniversary events. More sessions will be added as details are confirmed.
OCTOBER:
Writing Short Stories: Inspiration, Desperation and Pure Elation
Saturday, 11 October, 10:30am-4:30pm
COST: MARION, FNAWN Members: $90, Non-members: $110
TYPE: In-person Workshop
LEVEL: Beginners through to Advanced
About Inspiration, Desperation and Pure Elation: Writing Short Stories:
Join multi-award winning story teller Kaaron Warren as she leads you through the ups and downs of creating short fiction. Starting with the spark of inspiration, we’ll find the right voice for your story and build characters who come to life on the page. Through interactive creative exercises, dedicated writing time and focussed editing techniques, we’ll finish with stories that will impress your readers and satisfy you as a writer.
About Kaaron Warren
Shirley Jackson award-winner Kaaron Warren published her first short story in 1993 and has had fiction in print every year since, selling more than 150 stories in that time. She has published six multi-award winning novels: Slights, Walking the Tree, Mistification, The Grief Hole, Tide of Stone and The Underhistory and seven short story collections, her most recent being Spirit Level, an artbook with Monica Carroll. Her stories have won many Australian awards been shortlisted for the World Fantasy Award and the Stoker, and appeared in both Ellen Datlow’s and Paula Guran’s Year’s Best anthologies. Her latest novel The Underhistory, from Viper Books, was described in the Guardian as ‘a beautifully constructed, suspenseful gothic tale’.
NOVEMBER:
Interdisciplinary Arts Party: with Emma Batchelor
Friday, 7 November, 5:30-8pm
COST: Entry is Free but Donations welcome
TYPE: In-person Workshop
LEVEL: Beginners through to Advanced
About the workshop
This craft focused workshop will give participants an insight into writing in conversation with other artistic disciplines. Through discussion, observation and practical exercises, participants will explore the possibilities working across form can have on the content, tone, rhythm and energy of their writing whether it be poetry, prose or for live performance.
“I grew up within a contemporary dance company at QL2 Dance. The more I develop my writing practice, the more I realise how much it has been shaped by dance and embodied ways of thinking. In this workshop, I am excited to share this perspective, as well as tools from my own practice that participants can apply to their own writing in conversation with any other artform.” — Emma
About Emma
Emma Batchelor (she/her) is a queer, autistic writer, multidisciplinary artist and arts advocate from Kamberri (Canberra). Her debut novel Now That I See You won the Australian/Vogel Literary Award (2021). Her second novel Doing Good Work was developed with project funding from artsACT. Emma’s artistic practice focuses on the meeting point between writing and movement, exploring the self as both subject and object.
Emma has performed with QL2 Dance and choreographer James Batchelor, toured regionally and internationally, and in 2024 was a resident artist at The Street Theatre. She continues to develop interdisciplinary performance work supported by national mentorship and residency programs. Beyond her own creative practice, Emma is Chair of MARION, board member of Stellar Company, a mentor and ambassador for arts and literacy initiatives, and part of the ACT Minister’s Creative Council.
Spirited Words: A Write-in with Gin with Craig Cormick
Friday, 14 November, 5:30-7:30pm
COST: $25, includes cocktail/mocktail
TYPE: Members Only, In-person Workshop
LEVEL: Beginners through to Established
About Spirited Words: A Write-in with Gin:
Join us for Spirited Words, a special 30th anniversary write-in at Big River Distilling. This relaxed, light-hearted gathering is for MARION members of all levels, whether you’re a seasoned storyteller or just dipping your pen for the first time. Guests will be served a signature Big River cocktail (with a mocktail option available). That drink becomes the spark for your words, guiding you into playful, free-flowing writing. And at the centre of it all? The one and only Craig Cormick — author, raconteur, and mischievous master of ceremonies. Craig will be your ringleader for the evening, nudging, cheering, and coaxing you through bursts of writing. He might even tempt a few brave souls to share their creations at the end. Expect laughter, encouragement, and a night where creativity flows as freely as the gin.
About Craig Cormick
Dr Craig Cormick OAM is a multi-award-winning author and science communicator with more than 30 books to his name. A founding member of MARION 30 years ago, and later Chair of the organisation, he has long championed writers and the power of storytelling. He has also co-hosted the literary podcast Secrets from the Green Room, edited magazines and anthologies, and is particularly drawn to stories of people whose voices have been hidden from history. In 2025, his book Warra Warra Wai (with Darren Rix) was shortlisted for the Prime Minister’s Literary Awards in Australian History.