Louise Cusack
 Louise Cusack has been creating stories for 15 years. She began her career trying to write romance novels and through that genre found publishing success with short stories. In 2001 she switched to fantasy and her first novella won the International PRISM short story award. In 2003 her Shadow Through Time fantasy trilogy with Simon & Schuster Australia was selected by the Doubleday "Quest" Book Club as their Editor's Choice.
Louise has been the Writer in Residence at the Queensland Writers Centre, Logan City Libraries & Redland City Libraries. In 2006 Louise travelled to the US to present the Queensland Government's Qld Writing Showcase to New York publishers and agents. She is currently working on a new young adult fantasy series entitled Foldworld for her Masters thesis with QUT and will be taking part in the 2009 creative think tank Crossover sponsored by the South Australian Film Corporation. Louise has also been a key regional tutor for the Queensland Writers Centre for the past three years.
An experienced manuscript assessor, mentor, public speaker, workshop facilitator, panelist and tutor, Louise is passionate about writing and keen to inspire others to follow their own dreams and explore their creativity and imagination through fiction.
WORKSHOPS
Louise's workshops are fun. There is a small lecture component, but the majority of the learning comes from the writers participating in individual and group activities to learn the skills 'hands on' and explore their creativity in a non-judgemental atmosphere. Some topics are listed below, but as an experienced tutor, there isn't much Louise can't teach when it comes to fiction.
- "World-building - Fantasy Worlds from the inside out."
- "How to create emotional punch."
- "Characterisation."
- "Anatomy of a fiction plot." (participants need to watch Romeo & Juliet first)
- "What is conflict and why do I need it in my story?"
- "Suspense - creating a page-turning novel in any genre."
- "Self editing – how to take a draft story and improve it."
- "Getting Published - tips from a professional writer."
PANEL OR SPEECH TOPICS
- "Writing fantasy, romance or horror."
- "Why you should follow your dream" (inspirational)
- "Manuscript assessment & mentoring."
- "What publishers are really looking for."
- "What happens once you're published."
- "How to keep your motivation up while you're working towards being published."
- "Setting up writers support groups."
PUBLICATIONS
- "Goddess and the Geek" a novella in the Harper Collins anthology "Mystery, Magic, Voodoo and the Holy Grail"
- "Destiny of The Light" book #1 of the Shadow Through Time trilogy with Simon and Schuster Australia
- "Daughter of The Dark" book # 2
- "Glimmer in the Maelstrom" book #3
TESTIMONIAL
I am in Grade 9 this year, and I just wanted you to know that I thought you spoke very well. I came home and went straight onto your website and printed out your writing tips. I hope to get down to the library soon to borrow Destiny of the Light. So thanks very much for coming to speak to us today. I know you had a big impact on some of my friends.
Good luck for the future,
Laura.
Voices on the Range (Toowoomba)
|
