Creative Writing 101: Character and Story with Marilyn

  • 7th Sep, 2026
  • 6:15pm - 7:30pm (AEST)
  • Laneway Learning
    Level 3 Rooms 14, 15/37 Swanston St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
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$22 AUD + BF
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Do you write about things that have happened to you, or imagine scenes and characters that never seem to become full stories?

Ever heard about fictional characters having wants, needs and wounds, but not sure how this relates to a story structure, or your project?

Start with this workshop. We’ll hit pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard) during three different timed exercises with prompts. We’ll explore character and story, the role of conflict, and how to structure work so it builds toward a transformational ending.

The goal of this class is for you to leave with words on the page and a clear sense of what to write next.

During this interactive class you’ll have opportunities to ask questions and discuss ideas with your fellow writers, if you want to.

What will we cover?

We’ll talk about what you’d like to get from the class, then sit and write together using prompts as inspiration, for three 10-minute timed writing exercises. After each exercise we’ll reflect on what we’ve written, ask questions and discuss what we’ve discovered. Then we’ll refocus and go again. Simply sitting together and getting the words down is a great way to flex our creative muscles, surprise ourselves, and outrun resistance. So is practice. And that’s what this class is all about.

These classes attract a supportive, calm group of people to write with and opportunities to write whatever you want. For advanced writers or people just starting out, this fun and safe class will provide as much help as you’d like.

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair Accessible Venue

  • Gender Neutral Bathrooms

  • Free Ticket for First Nation Attendees

  • Cheaper Early Bird Tix

Who will be teaching?

Marilyn Miller is a literary science-fiction author and the founder of Leviathan Publishing. A graduate of RMIT’s Associate Degree of Professional Writing and Editing, she appeared on the ‘Culture and Trends’ panel at the Emerging Writers Festival in September 2025. She is currently at work on her debut novel, Machine City 2050. Her short fiction includes Protection (Visible Ink) and The Fall of Evelon (Clover Press).

Marilyn also founded StudioPracticeForWriters.com, a hub exploring the creative process and the art of sustaining long-form work. You can find her latest writing and creative practice essays on Substack at marilynmiller.substack.com.

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More about accessibility 

Have a question or accessibility request? Just shoot an email us at melbourne@lanewaylearning.com.

Image by LisaChe from Pixabay