Writing Workshops: The Craft of Short Story; and Writing Romance

As part of the 2026 Western Port Writes Literary Festival, we are hosting two Writing Workshops on Saturday 19 September. Purchase a Day Pass and attend both sessions!

Session 1. 11am to 12.30pm
The Craft of Short Stories: Discover the elements of an engaging story. In this hands-on workshop award-winning writer Melissa Manning will focus on building a convincing narrative, a persuasive story arc, and creating characters with depth – all in short form. The workshop includes writing exercises to help refine your technique and captivate readers. Melissa Manning’s debut interlinked story collection, Smokehouse, won the 2022 Victorian Premier’s Literary Award for Fiction, and her award-winning short stories have been published widely. Her first novel, Frogsong, was released in 2026.

Session 2. 1pm to 2pm
Writing Romance: Have you dreamed of writing romance? Join Ali Berg and Michelle Kalus, co-authors of four romance novels, and hear their tips on how to craft authentic characters and build chemistry; the impact of a compelling narrative; romance genres and tropes; and the road to publication. The workshop will include writing exercises and Q&A.
Ali Berg and Michelle Kalus, best friends since primary school, are the co-founders of Australian social initiative Books on the Rail, where they leave books on public transport for people to read. They are co-authors of four
novels, including The Book Ninja (2018) and While You Were Reading (2019). Their third novel, Fancy Meeting You Here, was released in 2021, and their latest novel, Love Overdue, was published in 2025.