In 11 Ruby Road, author Charlotte Barkla wrote a fictional story set Brisbane in 1900, and she’s inviting you to travel back in time with her! Journey back in time to the turn of the 20th century. Explore life in Australia in 1900, from the different foods, schools and transport, to the changes happening in wider society, such as the suffragist movement. Learn how authors use real stories from history to inspire their work, and delicately balance fact and fiction. Charlotte will leave students with plenty of techniques for writing their own stories, as well as the inspiration to use their voices to mould the future. Topics covered: -Life in Australia in 1900, including housing, schooling, food and transport. -Life in Australia in 1900 in wider society, including the suffragist movement, where women worked to achieve the vote. -Researching and writing historical fiction. -Why learn about history? The power of learning from the past to better understand the present, and build a better future.

Story and science experiments don’t have anything in common... do they? In some ways, writing a story is just like conducting an experiment. You start with characters, with lots of different traits, problems and goals. When you mix them together, a unique plot develops. Sometimes, the plot bubbles along nicely... and sometimes, you get an explosion! As well as demonstrating simple science experiments you can try at home, Charlotte will give insight into the writing of her STEM-themed series, Edie’s Experiments. She’ll leave the audience with a thirst for science and lots of great tips for writing their very own STEM-themed story. Topics include: - Creating believable characters and exciting plots - Using structure to develop a story that increases in tension - Simple science experiments using household ingredients

What do you love about your body? Our bodies are all so different, and that’s what makes them wonderful! Not only are they incredible, it’s also incredibly important we protect and care for our bodies. One of the ways we look after our bodies is through consent: deciding when to say ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to a hug, holding hands or chasey games. A session where we celebrate our wonderful bodies and learn how to protect them, Charlotte will also give insight into the writing of her best-selling picture books, All Bodies are Good Bodies and From My Head to My Toes, I Say What Goes. Topics include: - Body positivity: celebrating our bodies! - Writing and publishing a picture book - Using inspiration from your own life to create stories