The Messy Middle

'The Messy Middle' - Author Masterclass and Q&A

with Emma Mactaggart

Authors | Teachers | Illustrators - Emma Mactaggart shares 20+ years of her experience guiding children through the process of creating children’s books – from wrangling the first idea through all the writing and editing phases, to supporting the planning, design, and finalisation of illustrations, through to the book launch and beyond.

Date: Friday 9 May 2025

Location: The Write Gallery (126 Margaret Street)

Time: 6.00 - 8.00pm

Cost: $35

As an award-winning self-published author, a traditional author, AND a publisher, her insights into the world of books promise to be insightful, thoughtful, and very useful!

If you have any burning questions we highly suggest you pre-submit via email - hello@thelighthousetoowoomba.org.

This is part of exhibition:

Child Writes Retrospective | 20 Years 'Show Don't Tell' 

23 April - 13 May 2025

• Exhibition

• Student Sessions

• Adult Masterclass

Over the past two decades the Child Writes Program has provided a unique platform for self-expression.  Through a hands-on, mentored process, children have had the opportunity to write and illustrate their own stories. Taking their ideas from conception to published works, this educational initiative empowers children to develop their communication skills and increase their self-efficacy through the creation of children’s picture books. 

Showcasing 11 collaborative books and celebrating the incredible journey of young authors and illustrators this exhibition honours the Child Writes Program recognising the individual titles created by hundreds of primary school-aged children from schools across the breadth of the eastern seaboard of Australia. 

Informed by the 2005 NAPCAN Report ‘Towards a Better Future’, which advocates for a community that listens to and protects its children, the Child Writes Program amplifies young voices, giving them the megaphone they deserve. Each child’s voice is heard and celebrated as they navigate the process of creating a book—from writing and illustrating, editing and design, to the book launch and beyond - these books are held in prestigious collections such as the National Library of Australia and the National Centre for Australian Children’s Literature. 

The exhibition highlights the program’s adaptability, offering individuals or successful group collaborators a role, ensuring every child can make a valued contribution. This retrospective invites you to experience the creativity, imagination, and determination of young minds, showcasing the powerful impact of storytelling in its most authentic form.