Internationally bestselling and award-winning author Kate Forsyth flew over 10,500 miles to deliver an enchanting seminar to English and Creative Writing students at De Montfort University Leicester (DMU).
Award-winning Kate Forsyth speaking passionately to DMU students
Famous for her distinctive fairy-tale infused historical fiction such as Bitter Greens and The Wild Girl, the Australian author has published almost 40 books worldwide, including novels for adults and children, picture books, a collection of essays, and poetry.
With a doctorate in fairy-tale studies and an accreditation in performance storytelling, Forsyth was well-placed to offer DMU students useful tips and advice on evolving their writing skills.
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Staying an hour and a half later than scheduled, she graciously answered the seemingly endless stream of enthusiastic students’ questions, ranging from the general writing process to character development techniques.
DMU students Patrick Ward, Kyonnah Price and Sy Barnet
Forsyth started the seminar with passionate words reinforcing her thirst for writing, saying: “From the first moment I could hold a pencil I was writing poems and novels.
“I have never not been writing one and I start my next as soon as I have finished - I am addicted to the joy of novels and the excitement that it gives me.”
Sy Barnett, a third year English Literature student who is in the process of writing two novels, said: “It’s very helpful to speak to published authors. Our course allows us not to be too limited and I find it very inspiring to get ideas from other writers.
“Kate Forsyth has the ability to take fairy-tales and bring them into the modern age which I find really interesting. This was a brilliant opportunity for students studying the Adaptations module because what Kate does with her intertextual writing fits perfectly within this.”
Another third year English Literature student, Patrick Ward, said: “I was really excited to see how Kate Forsyth justifies how she adapts a fairy-tale. I have read a few of her novels and I enjoy the darker and more gothic side of the stories.”
Patrick proudly shared a picture of his personalised autograph from Kate Forsyth on social media
Gemma Oldman, a first year English Literature student, said: “Events like this are a great opportunity for students to engage with academics outside of our day to day studies. Not only is it exciting to be a part of, it is inspiring to see what others have achieved and what is possible to achieve for yourself.
“This event, as well as others such as the Andrew Davies and dance adaptation conferences this year, have really sparked and motivated my interest in adaptation studies. I look forward to what is on offer next year!”
Hila Shachar, one of DMU’s English Literature lecturers who helped organise the event along with senior lecturer Takako Kato, said: “We were truly honoured that Kate Forsyth joined us and were overwhelmed to learn that our invitation was her only UK appearance.
“She was incredibly generous with her time and very supportive of our students, complementing the theory they’ve been learning with solid, practical advice.”
Posted on Tuesday 28 June 2016