Category

Inspiration

Inspiration, Letter writing, School Holidays

How Picture Books Can Inspire Kids to Write Letters

Looking for a fun and meaningful activity for the school holidays or weekends? Letter writing is a lovely way for kids to practise their writing, stay connected with family and friends, and get a little creative too. You can encourage your kids to write letters, postcards, or even notes in a Conversation Journal you share together. To help spark ideas, try reading some wonderful picture books told through letters — children often love seeing how characters connect through words on a page. These stories show how fun it can be to write to someone, whether it’s a thank you note,…

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Inspiration, Melbourne

The Art of Review Writing

Join us on Wednesday, March 19 for an engaging workshop on The Art of Review Writing at Bargoonga Nganjin, North Fitzroy Library. Whether you’re a budding writer, critic, or culture enthusiast, this hands-on session will provide you with the practical skills to write compelling reviews and critically engage with culture. Event Details: Date & Time: Wednesday, March 19, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM AEDT Location: Bargoonga Nganjin, North Fitzroy Library, 182 St Georges Road, North Fitzroy, VIC 3068 Bookings: www.eventbrite.com.au About the Workshop:Led by Giselle Au-Nhien Nguyen, a talented freelance writer, journalist, and critic, this workshop will teach you the art…

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Inspiration, Story to Story, Thank You letters

How to write a love letter – the Valentine’s Day Masterclass

It’s Valentine’s Day on Friday 14th February. In anticipation of the day, and in the hope of rekindling a fondness for the handwritten love letter, Royal Mail is dedicating a number of its letter boxes to some of Britain’s greatest romantics. Quotations from John Keats, Robert Burns, and Thomas Hardy, among others, will adorn postboxes around the land. I can’t pretend to be a dab hand at love-letter writing myself, and if you aren’t either but would like to be, read on. Help is not just at hand – it’s here, now, in this very blog you’re reading. Hand-written love…

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Inspiration, What to do

10 Creative Hobbies to Help You Disconnect and Recharge

In our always-on, hyper-connected world, finding ways to unplug and recharge is essential for maintaining balance and mental well-being. Creative hobbies offer the perfect antidote to digital overload, providing opportunities to slow down, express yourself, and rediscover joy. Here are ten creative hobbies that can help you disconnect and recharge: 1. Painting or Drawing Whether you’re sketching with pencils or experimenting with watercolors, creating art is a therapeutic way to express your emotions and focus on the present moment. 2. Knitting or Crocheting The repetitive motion of knitting or crocheting can be incredibly calming. Plus, you get the added satisfaction…

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Inspiration, Parenting

Reviving the Lost Art of Connection: Why Letters Still Matter in a Digital World

Reviving the Lost Art of Connection: Why Letters Still Matter in a Digital World In an age dominated by text messages, emojis, and social media posts, the idea of writing a letter might seem as quaint as using a rotary phone. Why spend time crafting sentences when a quick “lol” or “wyd?” will suffice? Yet, as parents, teachers, and families navigating the complexities of modern life, we know that the most meaningful connections are rarely the fastest or easiest ones. This is where the magic of letter writing comes in. But let’s back up for a moment. Imagine this: You’re…

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Inspiration, Parenting

The Rebirth of Letter Writing in the Digital Age: 10 Reasons Why Handwritten Letters Are Making a Comeback

In a world dominated by emails, text messages, and social media updates, the art of letter writing might seem like a thing of the past. However, an unexpected revival of this timeless tradition has emerged in recent years. As people seek deeper connections amidst the digital noise, handwritten letters are being rediscovered for their unique qualities. Here are 10 reasons why letter writing is experiencing a renaissance in the digital age. 1. A Storied Tradition: The History of Letter Writing Letter writing has deep historical roots, dating back to ancient civilizations like the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans. Through the centuries,…

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In the Media, Inspiration

Shark Beach at Nielsen Park: A Restoration Journey of Resilience

Sydney’s beloved Shark Beach at Nielsen Park is set to welcome visitors again this December after a prolonged closure for essential renovations. Nestled in the picturesque eastern suburbs, the beach is renowned for its calm waters, heritage significance, and family-friendly ambiance. Its reopening marks the end of a challenging restoration process that highlights the importance of preserving cherished community spaces. Anticipated Reopening in December 2024 Shark Beach has been closed since March 2022, following damage to its seawall caused by a series of storms. Initially expected to reopen by late 2022, the project faced setbacks due to unforeseen complications. Among…

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Inspiration

How to Write a New Year Letter to Yourself

Writing a New Year letter to yourself is a beautiful way to reflect on the past year and set intentions for the year ahead. Think of it as a personal time capsule filled with your hopes, dreams, and insights. If you’ve ever felt unsure about where to start, don’t worry! Here’s a simple and flexible guide to help you create a letter that inspires and motivates you all year long. 1. Write in the Second Person Start by addressing yourself directly, as if you’re writing to a close friend. Using the second person (“you” and “your”) creates emotional distance and…

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Inspiration

HOW TO WRITE AN AMAZING CHRISTMAS LETTER

Capture the Spirit of the Season with a Thoughtful Christmas Letter There’s something magical about writing and receiving Christmas letters. The art of condensing an entire year into one creatively informative message is a tradition I absolutely love. It’s a chance to reflect, share, and connect, wrapping up the highs and even the challenges of the year into a meaningful story. Each year, I find joy in crafting our family’s letter, and I cherish the ones we receive from loved ones just as much. Of course, writing a great Christmas letter isn’t without its challenges. How do you strike the…

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Inspiration

Sydney Writers’ Festival Primary School Days 2025 – Inspiring Young Readers and Storytellers

Join us for an exciting and educational experience that brings the magic of literature to life! The Sydney Writers’ Festival Primary School Days program is designed to inspire students in Years 3 to 6 to become the next generation of readers, writers, and creative storytellers. This hugely popular event invites primary school children to meet renowned children’s authors and illustrators for a day of fun, interactive sessions. Students will hear from some of Australia and the world’s most celebrated literary talents, gaining valuable insights into the creative process, storytelling techniques, and the importance of reading and writing. Throughout the day,…

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