An online program committed to exploring all facets of the art of writing prose
led by some of Australia’s most exciting writers.
“Don’t all writers have a hidden nerve, call it a secret chamber, something irreducibly theirs, which stirs their prose and makes it tick and turn this way or that, and identifies them, like a signature, though it lurks far deeper than their style, or their voice or other tell-tale antics?”
— André Aciman
MARION is thrilled to present HIDDEN NERVE 2025
Learn from some of the most exciting Australian writers working today on the art of writing prose.
HIDDEN NERVE is designed to be of most benefit to writers who are actively working on a prose project and are committed to developing their practice.
HIDDEN NERVE is shapeshifting in 2025
In previous years, Hidden Nerve followed the structure of Francine Prose’s Reading Like a Writer, running monthly throughout the year. The program explored the granular aspects of storytelling—from words, sentences, and paragraphs to dialogue, gesture, and detail.
What’s New?
\In 2025, Hidden Nerve returns in a more compact and intensive form, structured as a trio of thematic series or ‘seasons’.
Participants will meet across three consecutive Saturday mornings, immersing themselves in three-hour workshops. Each workshop is inspired by the series theme and led by a different writer.
The first season (Autumn) is themed History + Memory, featuring Lisa Fuller, Andra Putnis, and Mirandi Riwoe. Scroll down to find author bios. The second season (Winter) will focus on Sharpening (structural editing, plot development, and character development), and the third season (Spring) will explore YA: Imaginative Work & Unlimited Worlds. Presenters to be announced.
About Season 1: Autumn
The first season of Hidden Nerve is themed around history and memory. Come along as we explore the following questions and more:
How can history inspire fiction?
How do you weave research into storytelling?
How do you place your story in collective memory?
What stories reside in place?
DETAILS
Workshop Dates:
March 29, April 5, April 12 (Saturdays)
Time:
10am–1pm (3 hours)
Location:
Zoom
The sessions will be recorded and made available for 1 week after the workshop.
2025 Season 1 Presenters
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Andra Putnis
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Lisa Fuller
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Mirandi Riwoe
COST OF PROGRAM
MEMBER SEASON 1 PASS: $150
for members of MARION, the First Nations Australian Writers Network (FNAWN), or the Canberra Society of Editors (CSE)GENERAL SEASON 1 PASS: $200
for those who are not members of MARION, the First Nations Australian Writers Network (FNAWN), or Canberra Society of Editors (CSE)MARION offers 2 semi-subsidised places in all programs which provides a 50% discount of program price. No personal details need to be disclosed, just email Zhi Cham via creative@marion.ink these are available on a first come first served basis.
Schedule
SESSION
DATE
TOPIC
FACILITATOR
#1
10am Saturday 29 March
Our Kaleidoscopic Memories
Andra Putnis
#2
10am Saturday 5 April
History in Place
Lisa Fuller
#3
10am Saturday 12 April
Research to the Page
Mirandi Riwoe
Register Now
IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW
All sessions will be held at 10am AEDT /AEST sharp.
The online platform will be Zoom.
The sessions will be recorded and be made available for 1 week after the session.
The presenters will not be providing feedback on participants’ in-progress projects but rather, focusing on tasks and content within the workshop.
A private (and hidden) Facebook group is available for access to series pass holders. The link to join will be distributed ahead of the commencement of the series.
Any questions can be directed to Zhi at creative@marion.ink.
This year we are delighted to announce that MARION is partnering with FNAWN who have generously supported the HIDDEN NERVE program.
The First Nations Australia Writers Network is the peak body for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander writers, poets and storytellers, advocating and lobbying on their behalf, supporting ongoing development opportunities, in order to sustain and enhance First Nations Australia writing and storytelling. FNAWN believes in the sovereignty of First Nations writers and their communities, and works to foster writing from around the continent.