Mark Greenwood Workshops & School Visits:

Mark enjoys working with students of all ages and backgrounds, inspiring them to develop their natural curiosity about books, writing and rhythm.

“I discuss the origins and inspirations for books, the development of a storyline through the stages involved in preparing for publication. I show students how their imagination is the catalyst for stories and aim at getting them to begin working from rough drafts through to a piece of creative writing."

Mark's workshops have been enjoyed by schools and libraries in Australia, the USA and the Caribbean. He was a torchbearer for the Sydney Olympic Games in recognition of his work in remote Indigenous schools.

The Legend of Lasseter's Reef

“To bring the Legend of Lasseter’s Reef to life I lived and breathed the story of a lost treasure of gold for many years. I read every book I could find, located maps and letters from archives and then travelled to the heart of Australia to retrace Lasseter’s journey. I visited the cave where, suffering from thirst and starvation, he wrote his last farewell in a crumbled diary. For me, going to place where the events occurred, experiencing the setting, and putting myself into the story by being there is one of the most crucial stages in bringing a legend to life”.

The Legend of Lasseter's Reef is a universal, yet uniquely Australian story of a quest to find a lost treasure of gold. With a wealth of background material and sound effects participants create their own version of the legend. This workshop comes with clues to one of the world's greatest lost treasures.

The Legend of Moondyne Joe

“On a trip to the old Fremantle Jail I came upon an unusual prison cell. Reputedly constructed to be ‘escape proof’, its walls were lined with thick timber pegged in with iron spikes, an extra steel plate placed over the barred window. Immediately I was drawn to the story of a convict who became a bushranger. Moondyne Joe appealed to me because he was a rascal who won the fame and the affection of the early settlers for outwitting the establishment with remarkable escapes from custody on his never-ending quest for freedom”.

Discover the true story of a legendary bushranger who became the greatest escape artist of Australia's convict era. With a CD soundtrack and a wealth of research material participants explore the life of Moondyne Joe and create their own unique version of the legend.

Sound FX - Creative Writing Workshop

Working from a cool CD soundtrack, Mark’s Sound FX workshop combines learning and entertainment to stimulate the imagination and create a mood for original, creative writing.

Simpson and His Donkey

A workshop that will enrich young readers understanding of the tradition of ANZAC. Designed to foster a deeper appreciation of identity and the ideals of courage, sacrifice and mateship that distinguish and unite.

Fortuyn’s Ghost

“Old seafarers believe an ancient vessel, veiled in spray, still plies the storm-tossed waters. Once every year, on a three-quarter moon, a bell tolls, marking the minutes to midnight. And a rotted timber backbone slowly rises from a watery grave…”

This ghostly workshop follows the journey of an ill-fated Dutch East India ship and aims to inform and inspire further study of Australia’s shipwreck history.

The Beat of Different Drum

Write a song? Write a book? Find your rhythm and step to your own beat. Two hours that sets the imagination free with an author /percussionist who has recorded and performed with some of the world’s foremost artists and producers.

Writing for Children

From simple rhyming text through to the extensive research involved in creating historical fiction, this workshop will provide ideas and strategies to enhance creative writing efforts. Become involved in the process of writing from the origins and inspirations of an idea and the development of a story line, through to the stages involved in preparing for publication.

Other Workshops:

Meet the Author & The story behind the books
Outback Adventure - Outback workshop theme
Magic Boomerang - Australiana workshop theme
Our Big Island - Ocean workshop theme
Caribbean Alphabet - ABC workshop for pre-primary /Year 1