By ALESHA CAPONE
SHERRYL Clark entertains children with books about pirates and ballerinas, but she is also a prolific poet.
The Altona North author, who has had more than 40 books published in Australia and overseas, will teach a poetry workshop as part of the Brimbank Writers and Readers Festival.
The event will be on Thursday 27 June at the Keilor Village Library.
“What I enjoy most is just telling stories and playing with words,” Ms Clark said.
“With teaching, I like just helping people to find their voice and finish their first piece, which is often the hardest.”
In addition to her accomplishments as an author, Ms Clark teaches Professional Writing and Editing at Victoria University in St Albans.
“I also do school visits and we always have a question and answer time. That is always fun because you never know what the kids are going to ask,” Ms Clark said.
‘Once a child asked me, ‘Will your cat have kittens and if so, can I have one?’ ”
Ms Clark’s most recent novel, ‘Runaways’, has been written in verse and is aimed at 10 to 14-year-olds.
The book follows the adventures of a brother and sister who travel across Australia.
Ms Clark said anyone interested in writing or poetry could attend her workshop.
She will have some ideas and exercises ready for participants, and advised any nervous aspiring authors to do some research first.
“I would probably say to go and read some poetry, often if people haven’t been reading poetry,” Ms Clark said.
“I would say to go on the internet or to a library and do some exploring, don’t just read stuff you already know.”
Ms Clark’s poetry workshop will be on from 6.30 to 7.30pm at the Keilor Village Library, Kennedy St, Keilor. Bookings 9249 4670 or visit www.brimbank.vic.gov.au/writersfestival for more information.
