Two Portland Central School students joined hundreds of others from across New South Wales at the Sydney Writers’ Festival’s annual Secondary Students Day, held at Sydney Town Hall on Friday, 23 May.
Emily Potts (Year 10) and Olivia Evans (Year 9) represented their school at the event, which is designed to engage young readers and writers in meaningful discussions around storytelling, creativity, and the writing process. The day featured four author presentations, each offering insights into literature, life, and the power of words.
The program included well-known Australian authors Mike Lucas, Hayley Lawrence, Demet Divaroren, and Jandy Nelson. Internationally acclaimed author Neal Shusterman, visiting from the United States, also addressed the audience.
Each session focused on the craft of writing and the themes that inspire authors to create. Students were encouraged to think critically about the stories they read and to reflect on their own potential as storytellers. The authors spoke candidly about their creative journeys, their challenges, and the personal experiences that have shaped their work.
Emily Potts said the experience gave her a deeper appreciation for how authors approach their work. “Hearing how each writer develops their stories in different ways made me realise there’s no single path to being creative,” she said.
Olivia Evans agreed, adding that the day helped her see the value of storytelling in a new light. “It was inspiring to hear how authors use their voices to explore complex issues,” she said. “It made me want to write more and think more deeply about the stories I want to tell.”
The Secondary Students Day is a longstanding feature of the Sydney Writers’ Festival, which aims to foster a love of reading and writing among young people. Through thought-provoking talks and interactive Q&A sessions, the event connects students with authors who challenge and inspire.
The Sydney Writers’ Festival continues throughout the week with a full schedule of events featuring local and international authors.
Pictured: Olivia Evans & Emily Potts
