The introduction of best-selling Australian author Kate Forsyth as Flinders University’s inaugural Writer in Residence during October will provide its creative writing students with an intimate connection to a contemporary publishing powerhouse.

The Sydney-based writer’s week-long commitment with Flinders’ College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences will also connect its Creative Writing program with the public through two special inclusive events.

From October 18-23, Dr Forsyth’s residency will present a series of workshops, include a public lecture, offer story-writing consultations for Flinders students, and also engage in a “kaffeeklatsch” (conversation over coffee) which is open to the public.

“Creative Writing at Flinders University is booming with more student writers enrolled than ever before,” explains Dr Lisa Bennett, Senior lecturer in English and Creative Writing at the College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences.

“It’s because our Creative Writing program is not just about writing: it’s about publishing, building a career and connecting our students with professionals in this industry.”

Dr Kate Forsyth is an award-winning, internationally bestselling author of more than 40 books for adults and children. Her most recent novel is The Crimson Thread, a reimagining of ‘The Minotaur in the Labyrinth’ myth, which is set in Crete during the Nazi invasion and occupation of the island during World War II.

“Having Dr Kate Forsyth come from Sydney to be the inaugural Writer in Residence is a boon, because of her long history of publishing books for readers of all ages in popular genres including fantasy, fairy tale retelling, biography and historical fiction, which complements Flinders’ teaching and research strengths in these areas,” says Dr Bennett.

“This is an exciting initiative that aims to bring high profile writers to Flinders once a year to share their knowledge, wisdom and practical experience with our new and emerging writers.”

• Tickets to Kate Forsyth’s public lecture, being held at Flinders Victoria Square on Thursday, 20 October from 6–7.30pm, are available via this link:

https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/spies-secret-codes-and-labyrinths-tickets-419331500807

• Dr Forsyth will be conducting writing workshops that are open to Flinders Creative Writing students, plus post-graduates and Flinders University staff, with bookings available via this link:

https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/writing-workshop-with-kate-forsyth-tickets-419334178817

• Kate Forsyth’s intimate “kaffeeklatsch” event at Peter Rabbit café in Hindley St, Adelaide, between 11am and noon on Sunday 23 October, is open to the public, but access is extremely limited, with only 10 places offered for this exclusive event:

https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/kaffeeklatsch-with-kate-forsyth-tickets-419342283057