In the Making - Writing

In the Making is a new Arts Merri-bek program designed for artists to share works in progress with peers and mentors in a supportive environment. 

We are offering a stream for local writers at any career stage to share their work and receive constructive feedback from writing peers. The program will include two feedback workshops and an optional opportunity to present your work at the final performing night. Individuals can attend one feedback workshop.

Being able to give and receive feedback on your own and others’ written creative work is hard, but an invaluable skill writers can use to reflect on their own practice and to help further develop their own work. 

Led by writers and Writing Days facilitators Suzanne Hermanoczki and Lou Smith, in this program you will be guided on how to talk about your own writing or work, consider how to respectfully communicate feedback to peers, and discuss how to receive others’ feedback about your creative work, with tips on how to help manage personal expectations (and keep writing!). 

• What is the program structure?

  Participants can attend only one feedback workshop. 

  All participants who attend a feedback workshop have the option of reading their work at the 'An Evening of One Page Wonders' event or attending as an audience member.

  • Workshop 1: Saturday 2nd May, 10:30am-12:30pm at Coburg Library.

  • Workshop 2: Saturday 9th May, 10:30am-12:30pm at Coburg Library.
  • An Evening of One Page Wonders: Saturday 30th May, 6pm - 8pm at Balam Balam Place.
• Who can apply?

  This program is open to writers working in any genre and at any career stage. To be eligible applicants need to live, work or study in Merri-bek. 

  The program is ideal for writers who want to:

  • Learn how to give effective, constructive, and respectful feedback to writing peers 
  • Learn how to receive feedback and manage personal expectations/emotions 
  • Learn how to talk about your written work or ongoing creative project 
  • Meet other writers and make connections to build your writing group/community 
• What can I expect from the program?

  The program includes two feedback workshops and one optional performance opportunity. Each participant can attend one feedback workshop. The maximum capacity of each workshop is 15 participants. 

  The first half of the workshop will be focusing on developing skills in offering and receiving feedback. Participants will be asked to reflect on specific aspects of their work they would like to feedback on through a series of guided questions. In the second half, participants will present one page of their writing in small groups to receive feedback. Each participant will have approximately ten minutes for discussion.

• How do I apply?

  • Click on the apply button below and fill out the Expression of Interest form.

  • In the form, attach the piece of writing you'd like to develop in the workshop.

  • The piece of writing must follow the format outlined in the EOI.

  • Apply via the link below.

Applications close at 11.59pm on 19th April 2026.

Apply here

If you are no longer able to participate in this workshop, please email arts@merri-bek.vic.gov.au

An Evening of One Page Wonders 

An Evening of One Page Wonders is an opportunity for Merri-bek based emerging writers of all ages and early-career writers to share one page of a new work in progress. Writers will be invited to sign up and read a single page from their new work or work in progress. Each reading should be between 3 and 5 minutes (max). Test out your new work aloud to a live audience and invite your friends and family.

• Who can apply?

  Participants need to live, work or study in Merri-bek.

  Priority will be given to participants who are part of the In the Making - Writing program.

• How do I apply?

  To apply please email Writing Days at writingdaysmelbourne@gmail.com and attach the work you would like to read.

Everyone is welcome to attend as an audience member. Come along to listen to new works and prepare to be inspired by wonderful new writers and talent from Merri-bek. 

Venue: Balam Balam Place, 15 Phoenix St, Brunswick
Date and time: Saturday 16th May 2026, 6pm-8pm 
Cost: Free.

Bookings essential.  

Book now

About Writing Days
Suzanne Hermanoczki and Lou Smith are the facilitators of Writing Days, a creative writing society based in Merri-bek. They run writing workshops and reading events (mostly for adults) and also provide professional writing and research services. Suzanne and Lou are published writers, teachers, and enthusiasts of creative writing, and both have PhDs in Creative Writing from The University of Melbourne. 

Writing Days: www.writingdays.com.au | @dayswriting 

Contact

Merri-bek City Council
Arts Development Officer
Phone: 03 9240 2486
Email: arts@merri-bek.vic.gov.au