This will be an informal retreat like the 2023 one, but we will book a large room to retreat into for quiet writing and will also offer a free 30 min session with one of three writers to offer you support where you need it, be it manuscript feedback or industry advice: Nette Hilton, Dave Lowe and Yvonne Mes. 20-21 April 2024. Bookings are limited and will close 8 April at noon. Book your own accommodation if required.

Join us for an Up Late event of the Book Links Story Art Exhibition, showcasing four of our local artists who create amazing books for children as well as other art. Ingrid Bartkowiak, Sona Babajanyan, Debbie Taylor Worley and Sue Wright will have illustrations and models on display and for sale. There will also be some additional ANZAC Day reference materials on display. Books for sale. Free admission. Wednesday 24 April, from 5:00pm @Richard Randall Art Studio, Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens. The exhibition will be open from Monday 22 April in the afternoon (after setting up) until Thursday 25 April when we pack up around 4pm.

Write Links meeting will be held at State Library of Qld, Meeting Room 1B on Saturday 6 April. This will be a hybrid meeting ● 1:00 pm Write Links networking ● 2:00 pm Topic: Creative Activation and Collective Wisdom with Yvonne Mes ● 3.00-5.00 Critiquing

The 2024 retreat will offer a day of exploring different mediums and techniques lead by Yvonne Mes and a half-day where you choose to either work with Sean Leahy using Procreate or with Lucia Masciullo using traditional mediums. All skill levels are welcome, and you'll find something valuable no matter where you stand in your artistic journey. Yes, even stick figure artists will benefit from this weekend! Saturday and Sunday lunch and Sunday breakfast are included along with working space across two rooms, all day tea and coffee. Book your own accommodation if you wish to stay. Alternatively join as a day attendee. Rooms can be booked from Friday night for early arrivals. Don't miss this opportunity for artistic growth and connection! 18-19 May 2024. Bookings close 9 May at noon.

What makes a powerful story? Every reader is unique. What they bring to a story influences how they interpret and respond to it. So how do we begin to determine what makes a story powerful? Drawing from her experience as a disinterested young reader, a primary teacher, a parent and a successful children’s author, Katrina Nannestad will look at the things we might consider when telling, reading and writing stories for children. Members of Book Links $28, non-members $35 Food and drink provided. Wednesday 22 May, 2024, St Aidan's Anglican Girls' School, Corinda, 6:00pm for refreshments, 7:00 lecture starts. This lecture is aimed at teachers, teacher-librarians, librarians, parents and any adults with an interest in Children's Literature.

This mentorship is open only to Book Links members. Applicants are invited to submit a synopsis and the first two chapters or first 6000 words, of a work of fiction for either junior or YA readers, or 2 picture book manuscripts. The mentorship will provide the winner with the opportunity to develop their early draft manuscript to a publishable standard with professional mentor Robyn Sheahan-Bright. Deadline for submission is 26 July 2024

Join, or renew your membership for, Book Links - the Centre for Children's Literature to support our work, receive discounts at local book shops, discounts on event tickets, receive the latest news on what's happening in Qld Children's Literature and find out more about our resources and programs. Join Book Links (QLD) Inc.now! This is an annual membership that runs from January to December.