It’s why he wants to see regional students receive the same opportunities as those in the cities.
He says that it’s usually metropolitan schools that have the budget and accessibility to attract established authors.
“The stories that the kids in the regions have are just as important if not more important,” he said.
Mr McGeachin was one of four authors that took part in the Young Regional Writers Workshop with local primary school students at Riverlinks Shepparton on Wednesday, September 2.
He was joined by former children’s laureate Gabrielle Wang, First Nations author Kirli Saunders and teacher and children’s author Ella Mulvey at the event, which was hosted by the State Library of Victoria
More than 150 students from 10 different schools attended, with a focus on smaller schools within the region.
In the lead-up to the workshop, the authors worked with students in a series of online workshops.
Mr McGeachin worked with students from Mooroopna North Primary School, helping them develop characters, plots and settings.
He wanted students to express their creativity and not be afraid to make mistakes.
“It’s not like going to class, there’s no mistakes in these sessions, it’s just about trying things,” he said.
Jonathon Winn, 12, is in Year 6 and attended the workshop.
He enjoyed the opportunity to finally meet Mr McGeauchin after attending the online workshop.
“He just inspires you to be creative,” he said.
Principal Rebecca Brown said as a smaller school, attending events such as this was particularly beneficial for her students.
“It’s a great opportunity for our students to mingle with other schools,” she said.
“It brought to life the work they have done up until this point. It really consolidated their learning,” she said.
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