WORKSHOP
WORKSHOP: Writing complicated people with Natasha Rai
The most interesting characters are a little bit complicated.
Facilitated by Natasha Rai
Key Information
Event Details
When: Saturday 25 July 2026, 1 pm – 5 pm
Hybrid delivery:
In person
Limited online registrations available
Venue: Belmont Library, ngarrabangba
19 Ernest St, Belmont, NSW, 2280
Online: via Teams. Link will be emailed one week prior to workshop.
Cost:
Full Price: $155
Member: $110
Member concession / young person*: $88
Online: $88† (SOLD OUT)
* Hunter Writers’ Centre defines a young person as someone aged 25 years or under.
† Online registrations are limited. A dedicated assistant will support virtual participants throughout the workshop.
Workshop Overview
People are complicated. In this practical and experiential workshop, push your characters to their limits to discover their depth and complexity.
Part 1: BUILD THE CHARACTER
In the first half of the workshop, we use basic building blocks to get a fast, and furious sketch of your character down on the page: personality, backstory, goals, wants and needs. You’ll map their character arc against the plot. Who is this person? What journey are they on?
Part 2: INTERROGATE THE CHARACTER
The second half of the workshops is the testing ground. You’ll put your character into situation they can’t escape easily, have conversations they don’t want to have, and experience moments of love and fear that forces them to reveal parts of themselves they would rather keep hidden. You’ll write a scene where everything is at stake, write the dialogue where they have to say the unsayable. We will push your characters until they surprise you,
Come expecting to write, share, and to discover new depths to your character and your story.
Accessibility
Belmont Library, ngarrabangba has ramp access and disability amenities.
If you would like to talk about any access requirements you might have, please contact Katherine on 0435 858 145.
Getting There
Bus Services: Several bus routes service the Belmont area, and it is a 3 min walk to Belmont Library from the closest bus stop. For specific routes and timetables, refer to Transport NSW’s Trip Planner
By Car: There is parking on street and in library carpark.
About Natasha Rai
Natasha Rai is a writer, somatic counsellor, writing mentor and workshop facilitator. She is also the co-host of the Book Deal podcast, exploring writers’ publication journeys. Her debut novel, AN ONSLAUGHT OF LIGHT, published by Pantera Press, was longlisted for the 2017 Richell Prize, 2018 KYD Unpublished Manuscript award, and highly commended for the 2022 Ultimo Press/Westwords Prize. Her second novel will be published in 2027. Natasha’s short nonfiction and fiction appear in various journals and publications, including Mascara Literary Review and Overland.
Visit Natasha Rai’s website