The best Australian novels share a rich evocation of landscape, from parched country towns to the rugged coastlines. The settings in these novels are as vital as the plot; they work to drive the narrative, set the tone, add layers to characters, create tension, and ultimately engage readers. Landscape is also a dynamic character in itself, often taking on prominent meaning and helping define national identity in Australian fiction.

Across adult fiction, YA fiction, and the short- and long-form, Mark Smith embeds his writing in the wild, coastal landscapes he loves. In this one-hour workshop he will share how you, too, can draw from and make the most of Australia’s striking landscapes in your fiction. Mark will explore: