Wishing all our members a Merry Christmas
and a Happy New Year.
Looking forward to another fantastic and productive writing year.
See you all in 2011.
See you all in 2011.
About Us
- Fairfield Writers Group-Queensland
- Fairfield, Queensland, Australia
- Fairfield Writers Group is a mix of beginner and experienced writers who meet the second and fourth Saturdays of the month at the Brisbane City Council Library in Fairfield Gardens Shopping Centre, Fairfield road, Fairfield, Queensland. Our passion is writing and we work hard at our craft. Our aim is to encourage, support and help each other to reach new heights in our writing. New members are always made welcome and usually whisked off to the local coffee shop at the end of meetings for sustenance and socialisation with the rest of the crew.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
NEXT FWG MEETING
Next Meetings:
11 December – Youth Group/Anthology Group/Writing Workshop/Christmas Party
11 December – Youth Group/Anthology Group/Writing Workshop/Christmas Party
25 December – Christmas Day
8 January 2011 – BYO Writing
8 January 2011 – BYO Writing
Christmas Party
When: 11th of December 2010Time: 12.30pm.
Where: Coffee Shop in the Fairfield Gardens Shopping Centre
opposite the Bank of Queensland.
Sandwiches and Coffee provided.
All to bring a sweet plate to celebrate the festivities
WRITING WORKSHOP
We are having a fun writing workshop for our last meeting this year which is on the 11th of December.
Bring your paper and pen and let your imagination run wild with the playful
exercises we have planned for you.
Then later, join us for our Christmas party.
YOUTH GROUP
The Fairfield Writers Group have decided to form the Fairfield Young Writers Group (FYWG).
The first meeting is to be held on the 11th of December 2010 at Fairfield Library at 9am.
FYWG is a Writers Group for young people aged 18 to 25. Members offer mutual support to encourage young writers to develop their skills and seek publication.
Fairfield Young Writers Group (FYWG) meets in the Fairfield Library on the 2nd Saturday of each month, commencing at 10am.
Meeting format is determined by the members, but generally members critique each other's work and may agree to work on assignments to develop specific writing techniques.
FYWG was established specifically in response to demand from younger members of the community, and is mentored and assisted by members of the well established Fairfield Writers Group.
Beginners are welcome.
The first meeting is to be held on the 11th of December 2010 at Fairfield Library at 9am.
FYWG is a Writers Group for young people aged 18 to 25. Members offer mutual support to encourage young writers to develop their skills and seek publication.
Fairfield Young Writers Group (FYWG) meets in the Fairfield Library on the 2nd Saturday of each month, commencing at 10am.
Meeting format is determined by the members, but generally members critique each other's work and may agree to work on assignments to develop specific writing techniques.
FYWG was established specifically in response to demand from younger members of the community, and is mentored and assisted by members of the well established Fairfield Writers Group.
Beginners are welcome.
ANTHOLOGY 2011
Members of The Fairfield Writers Group are writing another anthology to be available September 2011.
Below are the October minutes,the updated project plan and guidelines of how to write an outline for the anthology
Apologies: Findlay.
Chairing this meeting: Anna
The Fairfield Writers Group decided in September to proceed with another Anthology. The members that wish to participate are: Helga, Lorraine, Jennifer, Findlay and Anna.
Lorraine has kindly set up a plan in order to make sure we are on schedule for the release of our anthology around September/October 2011.This plan was emailed out in September.
Ideas for the theme of our anthology are as follows:
1. Swings and roundabouts.
2. Life’s a rollercoaster.
3. Memories
4. Out of the window
5. Sliding doors
Theme for Anthology 2011 as voted by the members: LIFE’S A ROLLERCOASTER.
It was decided that a $100 deposit will be required at our next Anthology meeting which is on the 11th of December 2010. This deposit will secure your contribution to the book.
The stories submitted by the members will be arranged in alphabetical order.
Number of words required is approx 10,000 words. This could be in the form of one story or two stories each having 5,000 words each.
As the theme is depicting life as full of ups and downs you can write one happy and one sad story.
An outline of the story is to be submitted on the 11th of December.
Lorraine will send out a sample and guidelines of how to present your outline.
Lorraine will also update the plan and include a checklist for every meeting.
It was agreed that media coverage and arranging sponsorship was important in successfully marketing the book. Further discussion required at future meetings.
Anna
Next Anthology Meeting: 11 December 2010
Below are the October minutes,the updated project plan and guidelines of how to write an outline for the anthology
FWG 2nd ANTHOLOGY
FAIRFIELD WRITERS’ GROUP MEETING
9TH OF OCTOBER 2010
Present: Carol, Lorraine, Helga, Jennifer, Martin, Cecilia, Renae and Anna.Apologies: Findlay.
Chairing this meeting: Anna
The Fairfield Writers Group decided in September to proceed with another Anthology. The members that wish to participate are: Helga, Lorraine, Jennifer, Findlay and Anna.
Lorraine has kindly set up a plan in order to make sure we are on schedule for the release of our anthology around September/October 2011.This plan was emailed out in September.
Ideas for the theme of our anthology are as follows:
1. Swings and roundabouts.
2. Life’s a rollercoaster.
3. Memories
4. Out of the window
5. Sliding doors
Theme for Anthology 2011 as voted by the members: LIFE’S A ROLLERCOASTER.
It was decided that a $100 deposit will be required at our next Anthology meeting which is on the 11th of December 2010. This deposit will secure your contribution to the book.
The stories submitted by the members will be arranged in alphabetical order.
Number of words required is approx 10,000 words. This could be in the form of one story or two stories each having 5,000 words each.
As the theme is depicting life as full of ups and downs you can write one happy and one sad story.
An outline of the story is to be submitted on the 11th of December.
Lorraine will send out a sample and guidelines of how to present your outline.
Lorraine will also update the plan and include a checklist for every meeting.
It was agreed that media coverage and arranging sponsorship was important in successfully marketing the book. Further discussion required at future meetings.
Anna
Next Anthology Meeting: 11 December 2010
FWG 2011 ANTHOLOGY: PROJECT PLAN
Find out how to write your outline for the anthology
STORY OF THE MONTH
Novembers exercise focused on using the principle of 'show don't tell'.
Helga's story was chosen to showcase this exercise.
Well done Helga!!!
With shoulders sagging forward Mrs Weedon sat at her desk near the open window. With her elbow leaning on the desk she cradled her chin in her left hand. The other hand held a pen that was gleaming with moisture from her nibbling it while agonising about a name for her yet unborn first child. The test had shown that a daughter was due to arrive within the week.
She had stared for some time into a booklet called ‘Names for Your Baby’, when she heard a little bird call out ‘wen–dee, wen-dee!’ before flitting off to the next tree. Mrs Weedon couldn’t believe her eyes, as she now looked down to the bottom of the page. There it was, black on white, ‘Wendy’.
She straightened up, threw her arms in the air and cried, ‘Okay, that’s it!’
Her best friend Tina came for a visit, armed with her own ideas for a name to bestow on her intended god-child. She towered over her friend, with arms akimbo, pinched mouth and blazing eyes.
‘Surely, Sharon, you wouldn’t do that to anybody, let alone your own baby!’
‘What’s wrong with Wendy? I like it, even the bird sang it.
‘Wendy is a lovely name, I agree. If your surname would be Ahern or Butler, I’d have no hesitation to have her christened Wendy. A name like Wendy Weedon is just asking for ridicule. Why not Amanda or Bettina or anything else? Please, Sharon, not one that surely will become a Wee-word. You know, how kids love anything that has connotations with the nether region, don’t you?’
Sharon looked down on her swollen belly. Folding both arms protectively over it, her face set firmly, she told her friend to look for some other god-child if Wendy wasn’t good enough for her.
‘In that case, Tina snapped back, I’m out of here.’ She slammed the gift, she had brought, on the desk and stormed out of the room, muttering,
‘Wee, Wee Weed on. Really!’
For more than five years Wendy lived in blissful ignorance of the row the choice of her name had brought about. Now, enrolled in pre-school, the world seemed to be crushing down on her.
All of Wendy’s books had her name clearly printed on them in capital letters.
The little imp, sitting next to Wendy, had already learned from his older siblings how to read a few letters. He leaned over to Wendy and put his finger on the printed names.
‘WE... WEED.. he read out loud, and finding his own joke hilarious he laughed, showing all the gaps that his first teeth had left when they had fallen out a few weeks earlier. Before Wendy could stop him, he had grabbed one of her exercise books and held it up for the class to admire his cleverness, dancing on the spot he shouted,
‘Wee-wee weed, wee-wee weed!’
Teary eyed, lips curled to the inside of her mouth and curls thrown back, little Wendy was on top of her taunter’s seat and whacked Johnny’s crown with her other book before he could finish her name. In that instance, Ms Baker entered through the open doorway. Johnny started crying the moment he spotted the teacher. Wendy took a bit longer, before hopping from her perch. Ms Baker shook her head and scolded her.
‘Wendy, that’s unacceptable behaviour, I hope never to see you do it again. Do you understand?’ Wendy only bent her head toward her chest and letting her tears flow freely. Ms Baker then addressed the blubbering Johnny. With her right index finger she gently touched him under his chin, forcing him to look up to her.
‘Why those big tears, John?’
‘Wendy hit me!’ He blurted out and using the back of his hand, he wiped his eyes and nose almost simultaneously.
‘Ah, and did you also hurt Wendy before she hit you?’
‘No, I didn’t.’
‘But you called her names, didn’t you?’
‘I only read what’s written on her books. It does say WE ,WEE , I know. My brother is in grade two and he told me.’ By now John stood straight, just as he had seen his brothers do when they were taken to task by their parents. With feet apart, arms folded behind his back he stared straight into Ms Baker’s face.
‘Wendy’s feelings were hurt by your silliness. Now promise me never to be so cruel again.’
With crossed fingers behind his back Johnny vowed that he would never do it again. The instant the children behind him saw it, Wendy Weedon’s fate was sealed.
All her primary school years she was called wee, wee Wendy and later everybody knew her as Wee. In a perverse kind of way the nickname helped her to become a kind of celebrity. She was asked to most parties and often for advice. She was voted in as captain for the hockey team and she represented her year at debating.
Between all those hangers-on Wendy had found just one single true friend, Ursula Smith. One day, when Ursula hurried toward their meeting place, she found her friend slouched on a park bench.
Wendy was flicking bits of her lunch towards the quacking ducks, yet her face didn’t betray any enjoyment she might have derived from the activity. Ursula plonked herself next to her, making the bench quiver. She grabbed Wendy’s arm and exclaimed,
‘Listen Wee, I know how you can start Uni with a new image.’
‘Oh yea? Tell me.’
‘You do have a middle name, don’t you?’
‘Apparently, Mother never thought of one.’ Biting her inner lip, she bunched up her lunch wrappers, pressing them hard to make a ball; then tossed it into the nearby rubbish bin.
‘Never mind,’ said Ursula and wrapped her arm around Wendy’s shoulder. ‘We invent one for you. Since you’re nearly eighteen, you can apply straight away to make it legal. How would A. R. Weedon grab you? Doesn’t it sound impressive and really grown-up?’ Wendy’s eyes had lit up when she asked,
‘What would you have the A and R stand for?’
Ursula jumped up from her seat. Her words tumbled out of her mouth as she explained her idea.
‘You told me once that you liked the name Abigail, remember? And since your father’s name is Robert I choose Robyn as a middle name. So, if you agree, then I will, with the power not invested in me, declare you to be Abigail R. Weedon, till death does us part!’
A big grin invaded Wendy’s earnest face as she embraced her friend.
Giggling, as only happy teenagers can, the two of them sauntered hand in hand towards the offices of the Public Curator.
Helga's story was chosen to showcase this exercise.
Well done Helga!!!
What’s in a Name? 
Helga Parl
With shoulders sagging forward Mrs Weedon sat at her desk near the open window. With her elbow leaning on the desk she cradled her chin in her left hand. The other hand held a pen that was gleaming with moisture from her nibbling it while agonising about a name for her yet unborn first child. The test had shown that a daughter was due to arrive within the week.
She had stared for some time into a booklet called ‘Names for Your Baby’, when she heard a little bird call out ‘wen–dee, wen-dee!’ before flitting off to the next tree. Mrs Weedon couldn’t believe her eyes, as she now looked down to the bottom of the page. There it was, black on white, ‘Wendy’.
She straightened up, threw her arms in the air and cried, ‘Okay, that’s it!’
Her best friend Tina came for a visit, armed with her own ideas for a name to bestow on her intended god-child. She towered over her friend, with arms akimbo, pinched mouth and blazing eyes.
‘Surely, Sharon, you wouldn’t do that to anybody, let alone your own baby!’
‘What’s wrong with Wendy? I like it, even the bird sang it.
‘Wendy is a lovely name, I agree. If your surname would be Ahern or Butler, I’d have no hesitation to have her christened Wendy. A name like Wendy Weedon is just asking for ridicule. Why not Amanda or Bettina or anything else? Please, Sharon, not one that surely will become a Wee-word. You know, how kids love anything that has connotations with the nether region, don’t you?’
Sharon looked down on her swollen belly. Folding both arms protectively over it, her face set firmly, she told her friend to look for some other god-child if Wendy wasn’t good enough for her.
‘In that case, Tina snapped back, I’m out of here.’ She slammed the gift, she had brought, on the desk and stormed out of the room, muttering,
‘Wee, Wee Weed on. Really!’
For more than five years Wendy lived in blissful ignorance of the row the choice of her name had brought about. Now, enrolled in pre-school, the world seemed to be crushing down on her.
All of Wendy’s books had her name clearly printed on them in capital letters.
The little imp, sitting next to Wendy, had already learned from his older siblings how to read a few letters. He leaned over to Wendy and put his finger on the printed names.
‘WE... WEED.. he read out loud, and finding his own joke hilarious he laughed, showing all the gaps that his first teeth had left when they had fallen out a few weeks earlier. Before Wendy could stop him, he had grabbed one of her exercise books and held it up for the class to admire his cleverness, dancing on the spot he shouted,
‘Wee-wee weed, wee-wee weed!’
Teary eyed, lips curled to the inside of her mouth and curls thrown back, little Wendy was on top of her taunter’s seat and whacked Johnny’s crown with her other book before he could finish her name. In that instance, Ms Baker entered through the open doorway. Johnny started crying the moment he spotted the teacher. Wendy took a bit longer, before hopping from her perch. Ms Baker shook her head and scolded her.
‘Wendy, that’s unacceptable behaviour, I hope never to see you do it again. Do you understand?’ Wendy only bent her head toward her chest and letting her tears flow freely. Ms Baker then addressed the blubbering Johnny. With her right index finger she gently touched him under his chin, forcing him to look up to her.
‘Why those big tears, John?’
‘Wendy hit me!’ He blurted out and using the back of his hand, he wiped his eyes and nose almost simultaneously.
‘Ah, and did you also hurt Wendy before she hit you?’
‘No, I didn’t.’
‘But you called her names, didn’t you?’
‘I only read what’s written on her books. It does say WE ,WEE , I know. My brother is in grade two and he told me.’ By now John stood straight, just as he had seen his brothers do when they were taken to task by their parents. With feet apart, arms folded behind his back he stared straight into Ms Baker’s face.
‘Wendy’s feelings were hurt by your silliness. Now promise me never to be so cruel again.’
With crossed fingers behind his back Johnny vowed that he would never do it again. The instant the children behind him saw it, Wendy Weedon’s fate was sealed.
All her primary school years she was called wee, wee Wendy and later everybody knew her as Wee. In a perverse kind of way the nickname helped her to become a kind of celebrity. She was asked to most parties and often for advice. She was voted in as captain for the hockey team and she represented her year at debating.
Between all those hangers-on Wendy had found just one single true friend, Ursula Smith. One day, when Ursula hurried toward their meeting place, she found her friend slouched on a park bench.
Wendy was flicking bits of her lunch towards the quacking ducks, yet her face didn’t betray any enjoyment she might have derived from the activity. Ursula plonked herself next to her, making the bench quiver. She grabbed Wendy’s arm and exclaimed,
‘Listen Wee, I know how you can start Uni with a new image.’
‘Oh yea? Tell me.’
‘You do have a middle name, don’t you?’
‘Apparently, Mother never thought of one.’ Biting her inner lip, she bunched up her lunch wrappers, pressing them hard to make a ball; then tossed it into the nearby rubbish bin.
‘Never mind,’ said Ursula and wrapped her arm around Wendy’s shoulder. ‘We invent one for you. Since you’re nearly eighteen, you can apply straight away to make it legal. How would A. R. Weedon grab you? Doesn’t it sound impressive and really grown-up?’ Wendy’s eyes had lit up when she asked,
‘What would you have the A and R stand for?’
Ursula jumped up from her seat. Her words tumbled out of her mouth as she explained her idea.
‘You told me once that you liked the name Abigail, remember? And since your father’s name is Robert I choose Robyn as a middle name. So, if you agree, then I will, with the power not invested in me, declare you to be Abigail R. Weedon, till death does us part!’
A big grin invaded Wendy’s earnest face as she embraced her friend.
Giggling, as only happy teenagers can, the two of them sauntered hand in hand towards the offices of the Public Curator.
Monday, December 6, 2010
Newsletter-November 2010
Newsletter – November 2010
Fairfield Writers Group
In this issue:
Meetings 13 & 27 November 2010
Christmas Booklets
Youth Group
Writing Workshop
January Exercise
A State of Writing
Christmas Party
Anthology Meeting
Meeting Dates
November 2010
Volume 1, Number 10
Minutes of meeting Fairfield Writers Group – 13th November 2010-Exercise Group.
Present: Cecilia, Helga, Lorraine, Pam, Martin, Maarten, Jennifer, Carol & new member Robert
Apologies: Anna, Findlay
• Helga handed out the Christmas booklets she printed and made for us that contain our own pieces of writing. A big, big thank you, Helga. You do a wonderful job! I’m sure people don’t realise the work and time involved in producing these booklets. They make lovely keepsakes to remember our days at FWG and a great Christmas gift for someone.
• Lorraine and Martin have been busy organising the formation of our Youth Group together with help from Anna. Posters have been made and letters sent out, to Universities, TAFE Colleges and schools for expressions of interest.
• Lorraine was the chairperson for the ‘Critiquing’ part of our meeting.
• Today our writing exercise was to write up to 1000 words using the principle of ‘show don’t tell’. There was some excellent work submitted with Jennifer and Maarten reading their pieces ‘out loud’ for our enjoyment.
• There has been no exercise set for December, as instead we will hold a writing workshop.
• There has been no exercise set for January next year also. However, members are asked to bring along a piece of their writing for critiquing.
• Helga’s is submitting her piece of writing from today for inclusion on FWG’s blog.
• I have registered our writing group on a ‘State of Writing’ the community of Queensland writers and readers. Anna and I thought it a good idea to put our group ‘out there’. Please check it out. We can promote our group’s events etc on the site by way of blog posts and there is a link to our own blog.
• Our Christmas party will be held after the writing workshop on 11 December at the coffee shop. More details to come about the party.
Carol
Minutes of meeting Fairfield Writers Group– 13th November 2010-Novel Group
Present: Carol, Lorraine, Helga, Martin, Maarten and Anna.
Apologies: Cecilia, Robert and Findlay.
Chairing this meeting: Anna
• 11th of December is the last Fairfield Writers meeting for this year and we’ll resume on the
8th of January 2011
• At this meeting we will have a fun writing workshop to end the year.
• Our Christmas party will be held after the workshop at 12.30pm at the Coffee Shop in the Fairfield Shopping centre.
• Sandwiches and Coffee will be provided, but please bring a dessert plate to celebrate the festivities.
• The first Youth Group meeting will be held on the 11th of December 2010 at 9am.This will be run by Lorraine, Martin and Anna.
• Anthology 2011 meeting to be held at 10am after the Youth Group Meeting. The deposit of $100 will be collected from members who are participating.
• The Outline/precise for their story will be collected for approval.
• Martin’s exciting novel provides a great insight into the differences in the levels of society.
• Carol has started writing her novel, which is based on one of her stories she wrote a while ago. Great start!
• Helga read out her wonderful story- a story all women can identify with!
• Lorraine’s novel is as always heart wrenching! It’s coming along nicely.
Anna
Next Meetings:
11 December – Youth Group/Anthology Group/Writing Workshop/Christmas Party
25 December – Christmas Day
8 January 2011 – BYO Writing
8 January 2011 – BYO Writing
Thursday, November 4, 2010
QUOTE OF THE MONTH
There is no such thing as a moral or an immoral book. Books are well written or badly written.
Oscar Wilde, The Picture of Dorian Gray, 1891,
preface Irish dramatist, novelist, & poet (1854 - 1900
Next FWG Meeting
Next Meetings:
Exercises Group: 13 November 2010
Novel/Short Stories Group: 27 November 2010
ANTHOLOGY 2010 BOOKSIGNING EVENT
Fairfield Writers Group held a book signing on Sunday 31st of October 2010 at Indooroopilly library. 
Members of the anthology read out extracts of their stories and signed several books.
A good day was held by all!
Writing Exercise for November
FAIRFIELD WRITER GROUP
HOMEWORK EXERCISE FOR EXERCISES GROUP
MEETING 13TH NOVEMBER 2010
‘Show don’t tell’
(example 1) ‘SHOW DON’T TELL’
In real life you don't walk outside in the morning and say "Cloud cover is thick. Temperature is 32 degrees. Humidity is 42 percent. Traffic is heavy. It's late September. The postman is irritable today."
What you DO do is walk outside and see with your eyes that it's gray and dim and you look up and see thick dark clouds; you feel the temperature, and either feel warm or shiver. If you breathe deeply and the air is thick, you might decide it's humid. You hear the roar of the traffic and think "Hmm. The highway is busy today." You see the postman coming up the drive and if his mouth is turned down and his eyes squint and he glares silently at you, you conclude he must be grumpy.
Good fiction writers create action scenes and experiences to convey information, so that the reader learns through experience rather than through being 'lectured'. Readers want to FEEL the message, rather than simply being told. Readers are smart. They like to draw their own conclusions, so the writer's job is to present evidence that allows them to make their own judgments, rather than to tell them how to think.
Tell:
He was very tall.
Show:
Even though he ducked as he entered the doorway, he still cracked his head on the top.
OR As he walked into the room, suddenly the eight foot ceiling looked like someone had lowered it a foot.
Tell:
It was Jim at the door. His face was twisted with anger. I was concerned and invited him in and the two of us started to talk.
Show:
"Jim... what's wrong? Please come in."
As he lowered himself onto my couch, I noticed his red-rimmed eyes, creased forehead, tight lips, and clenched fists.
"Tell me what's happened."
Tell:
Joe was an impatient, driven man, who constantly whined about being frantically busy.
Show:
Joe walked jerkily into the office. He swooped onto the empty chair, drummed his fingers on the desktop, crossed and uncrossed his legs, glared at Sally, and snapped "I'm here. I don't have all day. Get to the point. I'm a busy man."
Tell:
Sally was so angry that she attacked him.
Show:
Sally began to shake. The words tumbled out of her mouth, the vicious language shocking her. She didn't even recognise her own voice. Her hands formed claws as she struck out at him.
(Example 2)
http://www.guidetoliteraryagents.com/blog/What+Show+Dont+Tell+Really+Means+By+Agent+Mary+Kole.aspx
Newsletter-October 2010
Newsletter – October 2010
Fairfield Writers Group
In this issue:
Minutes of meeting – Exercises Group -Change of critiquing guidelines
November Exercise
Christmas Party
Minutes of meeting–Novel/Short Stories -
Formation of Youth Group
Works in Progress
Meeting Dates
October 2010
Volume 1, Number 9
Minutes of meeting – Exercises Group
Present: Carol, Lorraine, Helga, Jennifer, Martin, Cecilia, Renae and Anna.
Apologies: Findlay.
Chairing this meeting: AnnaGreat turnout! We welcomed the return of Martin and a new member to our group Renae.
Due to the large group we divided into two groups to critique our October exercise.
This proved to be very useful as we acknowledge that it was hard to concentrate when one group was providing feedback and the other group was reading. Also all members didn’t want to miss out reading each other’s work.
Due to this, members voted that feedback only be given by each member if a new point is to be made about the piece of work being critiqued. Many times in previous meetings, feedback was provided by one member and was usually repeated by others.
This month’s exercise was characterisation, which was quite an eye opener and very enjoyable.
Our new member, Renae, read out her poetry, which was quite delightful. We are all looking forward to reading more.
Martin has come back after successfully selling his book. Well Done!
November Exercise: “Show Don’t Tell” to be submitted by Carol.
11th December is the last Fairfield Writers Meeting for 2010. This session will be a writing workshop. We all had lots of fun last time and great ideas came out of it.
Our Christmas party will be at the coffee shop on the 11th December after our writing workshop.
Anna
Minutes of meeting – Novel Group -
Minutes of meeting – Novel Group -
Apologies: Findlay
Chairing this meeting: Anna
Martin came up with a brilliant idea of setting up a Youth Group for 18-25 year olds.
Fairfield Library to be approached by Anna to see if they are happy for us to organise the group.
Lorraine to organize flyer and Anna to arrange for the ad to appear in what’s on.
Students and schools to be contacted. Martin and Lorraine to see if there is any interest.
Anna provided her first copy of her new novel.
An outline of Martin’s new novel was read out. It sounds very exciting!
Karen read out her Children’s book. A wonderful adventure story.
The 8th story in Carol’s series of stories about her beloved dogs is a wonderful read.
Helga continues her interesting novel.
Lorraine’s novel is coming along nicely.
Anna
Next meetings:
13 November – Set Exercise
27 November – Novel/Short Stories
Focus Of The Month-NOVELS
This month we continue looking at how to write a novel. It is a long and sometimes an overwhelming processes so any help is always encouraged. Lorraine has found some information to help you with your novel.
1. The Plot Focus.
The purpose of this scene is to __________________________
eg. reveal the protagonist's childhood absuses in order to show motivation for current behaviour.
2. The Character Focus.
When the reader finishes reading this scene, he should feel ___________________________
eg. sympathy for the protagonist, yet be sceptical of her reliability as a narrator.
3. The Theme Focus.
When the reader finishes this scene, he should think __________________________
eg. that the protagonist has been using these abuses as an excuse for many oter self-destructive actions.
4. The Suspense Focus.
When the reader finishes this scene, he should wonder _______________________
e.g. whether the protagonist will be able to overcome the horror of her childhood in order to reunite with her estranged mother.
"A Novelist's Essential Guide to Crafting Scenes" by Raymond Obstfeld.
Novel Types
Click on the link below to work out what type of Novel you are writing.
The information was extracted from the software "New Novelist" by Write Brothers.
Novel Types
Guide to Structuring a Novel
Very informative!
The information was extracted from the software "New Novelist" by Write Brothers.
Formula
Guide to Structuring a Novel
Very informative!
The information was extracted from the software "New Novelist" by Write Brothers.
Formula
Assessing whether a piece of writing is effective.
Here are a few question you might need to ask yourself in order to test every scene in a novel, every short story, poem, etc.
1. The Plot Focus.
The purpose of this scene is to __________________________
eg. reveal the protagonist's childhood absuses in order to show motivation for current behaviour.
2. The Character Focus.
When the reader finishes reading this scene, he should feel ___________________________
eg. sympathy for the protagonist, yet be sceptical of her reliability as a narrator.
3. The Theme Focus.
When the reader finishes this scene, he should think __________________________
eg. that the protagonist has been using these abuses as an excuse for many oter self-destructive actions.
4. The Suspense Focus.
When the reader finishes this scene, he should wonder _______________________
e.g. whether the protagonist will be able to overcome the horror of her childhood in order to reunite with her estranged mother.
"A Novelist's Essential Guide to Crafting Scenes" by Raymond Obstfeld.
Monday, October 18, 2010
**BOOKSIGNING EVENT**
FAIRFIELD WRITERS GROUP
BOOKSIGNING EVENT
Fairfield Writers Group launched its first anthology of short stories, Beginnings: Queensland stories,
on September 26, 2009.
Due to popular demand we are having a booksigning event.
Come meet the writers of this wonderful collection of stories.
Come one and all!
WHERE: INDOOROOPILLY LIBRARY
Level 4, Indooroopilly Shoppingtown
322 Moggill Road
Indooroopilly Qld 4068
WHEN: SUNDAY 31ST OCTOBER, 2010
TIME: 10.30AM
Next FWG Meeting
Next Meetings:
Exercises Group: 13 November 2010
Novel/Short Stories Group: 27 November 2010
Newsletter-September 2010
Newsletter – September 2010
Fairfield Writers Group
In this issue:
Minutes of meeting – Exercises Group
Christmas Booklet
Anthology
October Exercise
Contributor to blog for September
Minutes of meeting – Novel-Short Stories Group
September 2010
Volume 1, Number 8
Minutes of meeting Fairfield Writers Group
– 11 September 2010
Present were: Carol, Helga, Jennifer, Lorraine, Maarteen, Pam and new member Bill.
Apologies from Anna, Cecelia and Rosemary.
First point: Carol told of Rosemary’s sickness. We are all very sorry and wish her a speedy recovery.
Second point: Helga presented first draft of Christmas booklet. Several members were urged to finalise their drafts.
Third point: Discussion on our new Anthology. We decided to publish our new anthology in September/October 2011.
Lorraine suggested that a stricter method must be applied than in our previous endeavour. She promised to E-mail a structure with deadlines for several steps.
First step: Outline and Précis to be submitted at December meeting.
Second step: First draft to be ready by February meeting.
Four further drafts and the sign-off drafts to be determined after that.
A theme for the book has to be decided. Members are asked to submit likely themes by next meeting, on the 9th of October.
Several examples were floated: Fire, Friendship, Childhood, Flying Free, On the Wings of Time.
A democratic vote will determine the choice of theme and title for our new book.
The length of Essays will depend on the number of contributions.
The colours of the cover will again be magenta and black.
Fourth point: The October assignment will be 'Generating Story Ideas starting from Character' submitted by Lorraine
Fifth point: Carol suggested November assignment to be a ‘Show and Tell’ piece.
Sixth point: Jennifer chaired discussions on September assignments. Lorraine’s, Carol’s, Helga’s and Jennifer’s works were critiqued, Carol read hers aloud and Jennifer will submit hers (A lovely little story about a bird and his ladies) for inclusion on our Blog.
Helga
Minutes of meeting Fairfield Writers Group
– 25 September 2010
Present: Carol, Helga, Lorraine, Pam and Anna
Apologies: Cecilia, Bill and Maarten
Chairing this meeting - Anna
Lorraine provided the next chapter of her novel. It is blossoming to quite an interesting and exciting read. Looking forward to next chapter.
Pam submitted her Christmas story that will be used for the Christmas booklet later this year.
The final draft of Anna’ s children’s s book was submitted.
Anna
Next Meetings:
9 October – Set Exercise
23 October – Novel/Short Stories
Writing Exercise for November
FAIRFIELD WRITER GROUP
HOMEWORK EXERCISE FOR EXERCISES GROUP MEETING 13TH NOVEMBER 2010
‘Show don’t tell’
Write a piece up to 1000 words in length using the principle of ‘show don’t tell’.
(example 1) ‘SHOW DON’T TELL’
In real life you don't walk outside in the morning and say "Cloud cover is thick. Temperature is 32 degrees. Humidity is 42 percent. Traffic is heavy. It's late September. The postman is irritable today."
What you DO do is walk outside and see with your eyes that it's gray and dim and you look up and see thick dark clouds; you feel the temperature, and either feel warm or shiver. If you breathe deeply and the air is thick, you might decide it's humid. You hear the roar of the traffic and think "Hmm. The highway is busy today." You see the postman coming up the drive and if his mouth is turned down and his eyes squint and he glares silently at you, you conclude he must be grumpy.
Good fiction writers create action scenes and experiences to convey information, so that the reader learns through experience rather than through being 'lectured'. Readers want to FEEL the message, rather than simply being told. Readers are smart. They like to draw their own conclusions, so the writer's job is to present evidence that allows them to make their own judgments, rather than to tell them how to think.
Tell:
He was very tall.
Show:
Even though he ducked as he entered the doorway, he still cracked his head on the top.
OR As he walked into the room, suddenly the eight foot ceiling looked like someone had lowered it a foot.
Tell:
It was Jim at the door. His face was twisted with anger. I was concerned and invited him in and the two of us started to talk.
Show:
"Jim... what's wrong? Please come in."
As he lowered himself onto my couch, I noticed his red-rimmed eyes, creased forehead, tight lips, and clenched fists.
"Tell me what's happened."
Tell:
Joe was an impatient, driven man, who constantly whined about being frantically busy.
Show:
Joe walked jerkily into the office. He swooped onto the empty chair, drummed his fingers on the desktop, crossed and uncrossed his legs, glared at Sally, and snapped "I'm here. I don't have all day. Get to the point. I'm a busy man."
Tell:
Sally was so angry that she attacked him.
Show:
Sally began to shake. The words tumbled out of her mouth, the vicious language shocking her. She didn't even recognise her own voice. Her hands formed claws as she struck out at him.
(Example 2)
http://www.guidetoliteraryagents.com/blog/What+Show+Dont+Tell+Really+Means+By+Agent+Mary+Kole.aspx
Focus Of The Month- NOVELS
This month we will focus on Novel Writing. Many thanks to Lorraine for providing very useful information
in regards to writing a novel.
1. Revise, revise, revise! I don’t want to read your first draft, ever. (Tip: Your novel isn’t ready to send to me until you can describe it in one sentence.)
2. Start with conflict and tension to raise questions, arouse curiosity and (like musical dissonance) create the need for resolution.
3. Start with the story you’re telling, not with the backstory. Throw the reader directly into a conflict and let her get to know your characters through their actions. (Yes, this is another way of saying, “Show, don’t tell.”)
4. Give the reader something to wonder about and a sense of where the story is going—of what’s at stake.
5. Avoid explaining too much too soon. And, don’t be obvious. Trust your readers. Trust your characters. Trust your writing. If you find that chunks of your story need to include long explanations, go back in and write those chunks better, until the story explains itself.
6. Make sure your story has both a plot arc and an emotional arc. Cross internal conflict with external conflict. Give your characters moral dilemmas, and force them to deal with the consequences of their choices.
7. Read your dialogue out loud. When revising, ask yourself, “What is the point of this dialogue?” (Just as you should be asking, “What is the point of this sentence? What is the point of this scene?”)
8. Use adjectives, adverbs and dialogue tags only sparingly. (See “trust your readers,” above.)
9. Make sure your details matter.
in regards to writing a novel.
9 Must-follow Manuscript Rules
(from Writer's Digest - by Anica Mrose Rissi)
1. Revise, revise, revise! I don’t want to read your first draft, ever. (Tip: Your novel isn’t ready to send to me until you can describe it in one sentence.)
2. Start with conflict and tension to raise questions, arouse curiosity and (like musical dissonance) create the need for resolution.
3. Start with the story you’re telling, not with the backstory. Throw the reader directly into a conflict and let her get to know your characters through their actions. (Yes, this is another way of saying, “Show, don’t tell.”)
4. Give the reader something to wonder about and a sense of where the story is going—of what’s at stake.
5. Avoid explaining too much too soon. And, don’t be obvious. Trust your readers. Trust your characters. Trust your writing. If you find that chunks of your story need to include long explanations, go back in and write those chunks better, until the story explains itself.
6. Make sure your story has both a plot arc and an emotional arc. Cross internal conflict with external conflict. Give your characters moral dilemmas, and force them to deal with the consequences of their choices.
7. Read your dialogue out loud. When revising, ask yourself, “What is the point of this dialogue?” (Just as you should be asking, “What is the point of this sentence? What is the point of this scene?”)
8. Use adjectives, adverbs and dialogue tags only sparingly. (See “trust your readers,” above.)
9. Make sure your details matter.
Write a Better Novel
Hi Everyone,
Have a look at this article it shares some great advice.
Anna
Revising as You Go is Procrastination
Have a look at this article it shares some great advice.
Anna
Revising as You Go is Procrastination
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Quote of The Week
Anonymous
Next Fairfield Writers Meeting
Next Meetings:
Exercises Group: 9 October 2010
Novel/Short Stories Group: 23 October 2010
*** BOOKSIGNING EVENT***
FAIRFIELD WRITERS GROUP
BOOKSIGNING EVENT
Fairfield Writers Group launched its first anthology of short stories, Beginnings: Queensland stories,
on September 26, 2009.
Due to popular demand we are having a booksigning event.
Come meet the writers of this wonderful collection of stories.
Come one and all!
WHERE: INDOOROOPILLY LIBRARY
Level 4, Indooroopilly Shoppingtown
322 Moggill Road
Indooroopilly Qld 4068
WHEN: SUNDAY 31ST OCTOBER, 2010
TIME: 10.30AM
QWC
Resource Sheet
Want to connect with other writers and find a writers' group? Check out QWC's Resource Sheet on the topic. Also, don't forget to sign up for A State of Writing (http://astateofwriting.org.au/), an open network which welcomes members who are passionate about supporting creative engagement with writing, reading, and storytelling throughout Queensland.
Position Vacant - Operations and Business Development Manager
The Operations and Business Development Manager is a new position responsible for supporting the vision and strategic direction of Queensland Writers Centre by managing its operational and administrative requirements, to ensure the effective and efficient day-to-day operation of the organisation. This is a senior leadership role within QWC and includes overseeing financial, logistical, and commercial activities in accordance with the directives of the Chief Executive Officer, providing support to the Management Committee, reporting to funding bodies and key stakeholders, and managing specific commercial projects in partnership with government departments and other staff members. For further information click here. Applications must be emailed by 5pm on Monday 11 October 2010 to: Beth Flatley, General Manager, at bflatley@qwc.asn.au.
Romance Writing
with Barbara Hannay
When: 10am-4.30pm, Saturday 23 October
Where: CityLibraries Thuringowa Central, 86 Thuringowa Drive, Thuringowa Central, Townsville
Cost: QWC members $85
concession members $75
non-members $115
For more information, or to book, click here.
if:book Australia: In Conversation with Mark Coker
When: 2pm-4pm, Sunday 10 October
Where: Lab 2, The Edge, slq
Cost: Free
American publisher, author, investor, and Smashwords founder Mark Coker believes that, rather than causing the death of the book, the e-book is set to save it. Join Mark as he discusses his ideas about the future of publishing. Mark is in Australia as part of if:book Australia's Next Text seminar series.
PIR News
If you didn't make it to Emily XYZ's legacy launch, you missed out on a great night of disco ball-spinning entertainment. Check out the video clip of Emily's poem A Little Revolution on youtube. Part 1 lives here and part two lives here. Recorded and remixed by Darek Mudge at The Shed. Filmed by Pascalle Burton with Ian Powne.
Only one week to go before Queensland Writers Week starts on Monday 11 October. There is still time to register an event. Visit the Queensland Writers Week website and view the current program or send in your own event!
Tropical Writers Festival 15-17 October
Being held during Queensland Writers Week, the Tropical Writers Festival will be setting imaginations no fire in 2010, with an irresistible array of workshops with James Phelan, Sylvia Kelso, Barbara Hannay, and Angela Murphy.
Free events include industry seminars and conversations with festival guests as well as performances and readings. Book early for the festival's Literary Dinner, tickets will sell fast for this amazing event which will include a key note by special guest Gretel Killeen!
Resident Partners
CBCA presents Write Around Moreton Bay: Readers and Writers Festival
When: 15-22 October 2010
With free author talks, discussion panels, workshops, and a publishing forum. Pick up a program at your local Moreton Bay Region Library or visit www.moretonbay.qld.gov.au/libraries.
NEW PRIZE: kuril dhagun Indigenous Writing Fellowship
The State Library of Queensland is seeking manuscript entries for the inaugural kuril dhagun Indigenous Writing Fellowship. Two Fellowships worth $10,000 each will be awarded in 2011. Entries are open to published and unpublished writers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent. Manuscripts are invited in the genres of Adult Fiction (min. 60 000 words), Poetry (min. 30 poems), Children's Books and Young Adult Fiction (min. 45 000 words). The Fellowship includes manuscript development under the kuril dhagun Indigenous Editing Mentorship program based at the Queensland Writers Centre in the State Library. Every entrant will receive feedback from the judging panel. Go online for guidelines and an entry form. Deadline is 5pm, 31 January 2011. For more information, email indigenous.writing@slq.qld.gov.au or phone 07 3842 9484.
Community
Community Concert
Award winning author/illustrator Narelle Oliver joins with Toowoomba Concert Orchestra for a free community concert.
When: 2.30pm, Saturday 9 October
Where: Concert Hall, University of Southern Queensland
Followed by a book signing and raffle draw of an original art work and collection of Narelle's books.
Raffle tickets will be on sale at the event. Enjoy a wonderful afternoon where Narelle's books will come alive through music and storytelling!
Emailists
Sometimes writing about your writing helps you to work through your ideas, but often it works better if you're writing to someone. If you're interested in connecting via email with others who wish to work through their character, structure, prose, poetry and what-is-that-damned-word-I-can't-think-of problems with others, go to http://au.groups.yahoo.com/group/emailists/ and click on the excessively exclamatory and over-capitalised 'Join This Group!' button, or just send an email to Neil at neil.huybregts@hotmail.com.
Book Launch
Join Angela Sunde for a fun-packed family afternoon as she celebrates the launch of her debut children's book, Pond Magic. Launching Pond Magic will be award-winning children's author and illustrator Narelle Oliver. MC for the afternoon will be international award-winning children's songwriter and entertainer, Nadia Sunde, who will also perform on the day.
When: 2pm, Sunday 17 October
Where: Marks and Gardner Gallery, 69 Main Western Road, North Tambourine
Cost: The event is free. All welcome. RSVP to art@marksandgardner.com or angelasunde@live.com.au.
There will be activities, games and songs for all ages. And be sure to wear your favourite fairytale costume or come dressed in something French - and not just the kids! There will be prizes for best costume (adults too), a free raffle and don't forget to practice your best burp for the burping competition!
Public Lecture by Shaun Tan
QUT Creative Writing and Literary Studies is delighted to bring you a free public lecture by Shaun Tan.
During the lecture, Shaun will be talking in the first half about the making of The Arrival; in the second hour he will be focusing on the creative processes around adapting The Lost Thing to film (this will be released as a 15 min short in November).
When: 6.30pm-8.30pm, Wednesday 13 October
Where: Room F509 at the Kelvin Grove QUT Campus, Brisbane
To book, email ci.publiclectures@qut.edu.au and use the term 'RSVP Shaun Tan' as the subject line for your email. This lecture is being run by Creative Writing and Literary Studies, Creative Industries Faculty, Queensland University of Technology (www.creativeindustries.qut.edu.au).
Black Ink Press Open Day
Come and celebrate 10 years of publishing with Black Ink Press' Indigenous writers and illustrators. There will be: entertainment; food and drink; art exhibition; history display; giveaways; storytelling; and 20% off books.
When: 11am-4pm, Friday 8 October
Where: Black Ink Press, Yalga-binbi Training Centre, 190 Herveys Range Road, (behind Shalom College), Townsville
To RSVP, email Desley Barba at projects@blackinkpress.com.au or phone 07 4773 5077.
Opportunity
2010 Express Media Awards Extravaganza
Express Media wants you to make your own nominations in the following categories.
Best new project by a young person or young people in each state (please indicate city this project takes place in)
Outstanding achievement by a young writer working across art forms in 2010
Outstanding achievement by a young writer in 2010
If you know of anyone or any groups who you think should be nominated, please don't hesitate to let Express Media know via email. More information about the awards can be found here.
Cordite
Cordite has opened submissions for their 34th issue, Children of Malley II, to be guest-edited by Liam Ferney, celebrating the 5th anniversary of their original exploration of the progeny of Ern Malley by doing it all over again! Send us five poems on the Malley theme (including a nom and bio de malley) before 15 October 2010. All the details here.
Australian Poetry Centre
Australian Poetry Ltd is a new organisation about to be launched in 2011 as a merger between the Australian Poetry Centre based in Melbourne and Poets Union based in NSW. It will be the peak industry body for poetry in this country, based at the Wheeler Centre in Melbourne, with a charter to promote and support Australian poets and poetry locally, regionally, nationally and internationally. Australian Poetry is seeking a Publications Manager to oversee the publications arm of the organisation, including the publication, marketing and distribution of our flagship poetry journal. This is a full time paid position and will commence January 2011. Deadline for applications is 5pm Friday 22 October. To find out more information or apply, please email paul@australianpoetrycentre.org.au for a position description and the selection criteria.
M2 Entertainment Seeking Scripts
M2E is a private film finance and production company committed to supporting talented film-makers bring their vision to the screen. Through a multi-million dollar fund that the company manages, they look forward to committing their finance to supporting talented writers, directors and producers over the coming years.
If you have a screenplay that you would like to submit for financing, please visit the website at:
http://www.m2e.net/.
Classified Advertising
Publishing Boot Camp 2010 - Everything you need to know about the business of books
Publishing is a business. Big business. Unless you're prepared to sit around waiting for your lucky break the smartest thing you can do is get educated. That's why Red Hill Publishing created Publishing Boot Camp 2010. Using a typical publishing workflow they explain every process that makes a commercially viable book. Editorial, design, marketing, print, ebooks, distribution and more.
Publishing Boot Camp is about the business of books. The forum and workshop program is designed for: aspiring & established authors; independent publishers; current & future publishing professionals.
This might just be the smartest investment you make in your publishing career this year.
Publishing Boot Camp 2010. PLEASE NOTE NEW DATE: Saturday 27 November. Brisbane, Australia.
For more information visit redhillpublishing.com. Publishing Boot Camp 2010 is proudly presented by Red Hill Publishing.
Win! Win! Win!
Chloe Moretz (Hit Girl from Kick-Ass) stars as Abby, a mysterious 12-year old girl, who moves next door to Owen (Kodi Smit-McPhee, The Road). Owen is a social outcast who is viciously bullied at school and in his loneliness, forms a profound bond with his new neighbour. Owen can't help noticing that Abby is like no one he has ever met before. As a string of grisly murders occupy the town, Owen has to confront the reality that this seemingly innocent girl is really a savage vampire. Let Me In, a haunting and provocative thriller written and directed by filmmaker Matt Reeves (Cloverfield), is based on the bestselling Swedish novel Lat den Ratte Komma (Let The Right One In) by John Ajvide Lindqvist, and the highly-acclaimed film of the same name.
www.letmein-movie.com/ ONLY AT THE MOVIES 14 OCTOBER
We have 10 double in-season tickets to give away. To win tickets, email your name and postal address to jdevantier@qwc.asn.au with 'let the right one in' in the subject line.
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Queensland Writers Centre is the state's premier writing organisation. Use this site to find information on our workshops, services, tutors and writing resources in your corner of Queensland. You can also become a QWC member, register for workshops and purchase books and services.
Visit Queensland Writers Centre.
Queensland Writers Centre p: 07 3842 9922
f: 07 3842 9920
e:qldwriters@qwc.asn.au
w: http://www.qwc.asn.au/
COMING EVENTS........
The Word Writers fair
A chance to meet and connect with established and aspiring authors. A great networking and learning opportunity for general market and Christian writers.
Writer workshops
Self-publishing and traditional publishing information
Approaching a publisher
Workshops on: marketing, non-fiction,childrens and fiction
Publishing for the Christian market
Author signings
6th November 2010
Bayside Christian Church Capalaba
Unit 12 & 13 Eureka Centre
29 Moreton Bay Rd
Capalaba Qld 4157
MARKETING & PROMOTING
YOUR BOOK
Are you an aspiring or emerging author? Do you want to learn how to establish your presence in the Australian market? And learn the keys to creating successful book launches and events?
Being an author or illustrator means you’re running a business. A crucial part of that business is marketing and promoting yourself and your books. Learn the secrets of successful self-promotion from Aleesah Darlison, one of the hottest new authors and marketers in Australian children’s publishing.
Brainstorm ideas for raising your profile, creating events and making sure your name is remembered. Develop unforgettable ways to launch your next book into the stratosphere. Aleesah provides attendees with all the TIPS and TOOLS a modern or aspiring author needs to stand out from the crowd and get their books selling. Handouts provided.
Topics include:
Creating an online presence
Creating an online presence
The power of networking
Organising school and library visits
Festivals, workshops and speakers agencies
Approaching magazine editors for articles & reviews
Special event management
Friday 5 November
1.30pm -3pm
Capalaba
Brisbane QLD
Price $15 per person
For more information and expressions of interest email aleesah@bigpond.net.au
Organising school and library visits
Festivals, workshops and speakers agencies
Approaching magazine editors for articles & reviews
Special event management
Friday 5 November
1.30pm -3pm
Capalaba
Brisbane QLD
Price $15 per person
For more information and expressions of interest email aleesah@bigpond.net.au
Book early to avoid disappointment.
AUTHOR & ILLUSTRATOR AFTERNOON
Friday, 5th November 4pm
Children’s book creators,
Aleesah Darlison (Puggle’s Problem, Totally Twins),
Sandra Temple (Nerrilee’s World, Puggle’s Problem)
and
Louise Elliott (Sam and Albert Go to Sea)
will be appearing together at TLC Bookstore, Manly (Brisbane).
Sandra Temple (Nerrilee’s World, Puggle’s Problem)
and
Louise Elliott (Sam and Albert Go to Sea)
will be appearing together at TLC Bookstore, Manly (Brisbane).
Hear all about their books, how they write and illustrate them and what they have coming out next.
Book sales and signings will also take place at the event.
TLC Bookstore
Shop 3, 7 Day Markets,
50 Cambridge Parade
Manly QLD
4:00pm, Friday 5 November
RSVP to TLC Bookstore: (07) 3393 5130 or
Don’t miss this fantastic line-up!
C O M P E T I T I O N S
The Society of Women Writers WA Inc
are pleased to present
Ethel Webb Bundell Inaugural Literary Awards
For Short Stories and Poetry
Short Stories-Open Theme
Poetry-Open Theme
Prizes: First-$250 Second- $150 Third $100
Highly commended and commended certificates will be awarded for each section
Closure date: 31st October 2010
Entry Fee: $7 per entry (3 entries $20)
Conditions and entry forms can be downloaded from http://www.swwofwa.com/
or email: francesrichardson@bigpond.com
or email: francesrichardson@bigpond.com
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Next Fairfield Writers Meeting
Next Meetings:
Exercises Group: 9 October 2010
Novel/Short Stories Group: 23 October 2010
****BOOKSIGNING****
FAIRFIELD WRITERS GROUP
BOOKSIGNING EVENT
Fairfield Writers Group launched its first anthology of short stories, Beginnings: Queensland stories, on September 26 2009.
Due to popular demand we are having a booksigning event.
Come meet the writers of this wonderful collection of stories.
Come one and all!
WHERE: INDOOROOPILLY LIBRARY
Level 4, Indooroopilly Shoppingtown
322 Moggill Road
Indooroopilly Qld 4068
WHEN: SUNDAY 31ST OCTOBER, 2010
TIME: 10.30AM
Monday, September 20, 2010
Writing Exercise for October
FAIRFIELD WRITER’S GROUP:
WRITING EXERCISE FOR OCTOBER 2010
Generating Story Ideas starting from Character
The blank page can be daunting! Writers often complain that they simply don’t know where to start─how to find an idea for a story.
Stories can begin from either plot, message, or character.
Beginning from plot:
A story that begins from plot is one that starts with a the writer having a fixed idea of what is going to happen in the story. While this is a valid way to begin, writers risk populating such stories with puppets created to serve the plot. If a character is invented merely to fill a purpose in the plot, that character may not be credible, or may be uninteresting.
John Grisham’s novels generally begin from plot, but succeed because the storyline is genuinely breathtaking. The enthusiastic young lawyers who appear are there to drive the story along, but Grisham usually succeeds in making them reasonably believable, and giving them a personality readers will react to.
Beginning from message:
A story that begins from message is one that seeks to convey a social or political message─a story with a moral, or written to urge action or change thinking. Such stories can have great plots and characterization, but there are risks that interest and/or credibility will be lost in a sermon!
Examples of books that began from a message are State of Fear by Michael Crichton (described by some as a ‘thinly veiled manifesto for the anti-global warming lobby’), and Jurassic Park, which highlighted the ethics of zoos, genetic engineering and environmentalism in what was, nevertheless, a great story.
Beginning from character:
Many of the most successful stories started with character. Character-based stories are memorable when the character really comes to life in the reader’s mind, and succeed when the character is so well defined that the plot can only take one direction─a direction consistent with the decision this character would logically make in the situation in which the author has placed him or her.
Many successful series are written based on a character, and conceived by placing that character in a situation and testing his or her response. One of my favourite examples of this is Agatha Christie’s series of Poirot mysteries. Readers find themselves able to predict the reaction or response of their ‘passionate about order’ egg-headed friend and would quickly identify any error were the author to make one.
Enid Blyton’s “Noddy” stories are among the more successful character-based stories for young children, and many older readers will recall the “Smiley” series. Of course most of us know Sherlock Holmes and Frankenstein. And more recently, Harry Potter has made himself very well known to readers and helped his creator achieve outstanding writing success.
Do you begin your stories from plot, character or message?
When writers create a character, some document every aspect of the character’s physical appearance background, mannerisms, thoughts, and personality. Others focus specifically on the traits that will be referred to in the story. Both approaches are valid, but if you want a story to be credible and interesting, it is wise to ensure that you know your central characters intimately─inside and out─and that they are people you can successfully ‘bring to life’ in the story. They should be people your readers will respond to emotionally.
There are books and software programs that purport to assist characterization by personality profiling. Characters can be created using much the same process as a psychologist uses to conduct examination. While such programs and methods can be helpful, authors can be equally successful creating exciting and believable characters based on real people they know, characters from a book they read, or their own observations and imagination. Once you have created a character, you can begin a character-based story by putting your character in a situation and observing how he/she responds, or by asking your character questions.
Begin with someone you saw in a coffee shop or walking through the park. Where did they come from? Why are they there? Where are they going? What are they carrying, and why? A man might be carrying a briefcase or a woman a handbag. What is in it? Someone may be approaching to meet your character. Why?
Choose one of the following approaches to creating an exciting, believable character and, in no more than 1000 words, tell a story that reveals your character’s unique personality to your reader.
1. Start with a picture of people─beautiful, ugly, dull, or interesting. Ask yourself who they are, how they got to where they are in the picture, why they are there, where they are going,what relationship they have to each other, how they met, if they like each other. Write a story about the people in your picture. (Don’t forget to bring the picture to the meeting along with your assignment!)
OR
2. Take a character you know from a favourite book or one you have written about at some time and ask yourself what are their best and worst memories. How did those memories affect them? What triggers their memories─a word or phrase, a song, a smell, a place?
Write a story about something that happened as a result of something triggering a memory.
OR
3. Look for someone in a coffee shop or store or walking along the road carrying a bag. Imagine that character reaching a table and emptying the contents of their bag onto it. What comes out? Why did they have those things in their bag? Ask your character to tell your reader which object is most important to them and why. (You will need to write this story in the first person, as if the character is speaking to your reader.)
OR
4. Think of someone who made a strong impression on you. Why? What was it about them that made them interesting or memorable? Write a story (it can be truth or fiction) that reveals why they made an impression and what you will remember about them in years to come.
WRITING EXERCISE FOR OCTOBER 2010
Generating Story Ideas starting from Character
The blank page can be daunting! Writers often complain that they simply don’t know where to start─how to find an idea for a story.
Stories can begin from either plot, message, or character.
Beginning from plot:
A story that begins from plot is one that starts with a the writer having a fixed idea of what is going to happen in the story. While this is a valid way to begin, writers risk populating such stories with puppets created to serve the plot. If a character is invented merely to fill a purpose in the plot, that character may not be credible, or may be uninteresting.
John Grisham’s novels generally begin from plot, but succeed because the storyline is genuinely breathtaking. The enthusiastic young lawyers who appear are there to drive the story along, but Grisham usually succeeds in making them reasonably believable, and giving them a personality readers will react to.
Beginning from message:
A story that begins from message is one that seeks to convey a social or political message─a story with a moral, or written to urge action or change thinking. Such stories can have great plots and characterization, but there are risks that interest and/or credibility will be lost in a sermon!
Examples of books that began from a message are State of Fear by Michael Crichton (described by some as a ‘thinly veiled manifesto for the anti-global warming lobby’), and Jurassic Park, which highlighted the ethics of zoos, genetic engineering and environmentalism in what was, nevertheless, a great story.
Beginning from character:
Many of the most successful stories started with character. Character-based stories are memorable when the character really comes to life in the reader’s mind, and succeed when the character is so well defined that the plot can only take one direction─a direction consistent with the decision this character would logically make in the situation in which the author has placed him or her.
Many successful series are written based on a character, and conceived by placing that character in a situation and testing his or her response. One of my favourite examples of this is Agatha Christie’s series of Poirot mysteries. Readers find themselves able to predict the reaction or response of their ‘passionate about order’ egg-headed friend and would quickly identify any error were the author to make one.
Enid Blyton’s “Noddy” stories are among the more successful character-based stories for young children, and many older readers will recall the “Smiley” series. Of course most of us know Sherlock Holmes and Frankenstein. And more recently, Harry Potter has made himself very well known to readers and helped his creator achieve outstanding writing success.
Do you begin your stories from plot, character or message?
When writers create a character, some document every aspect of the character’s physical appearance background, mannerisms, thoughts, and personality. Others focus specifically on the traits that will be referred to in the story. Both approaches are valid, but if you want a story to be credible and interesting, it is wise to ensure that you know your central characters intimately─inside and out─and that they are people you can successfully ‘bring to life’ in the story. They should be people your readers will respond to emotionally.
There are books and software programs that purport to assist characterization by personality profiling. Characters can be created using much the same process as a psychologist uses to conduct examination. While such programs and methods can be helpful, authors can be equally successful creating exciting and believable characters based on real people they know, characters from a book they read, or their own observations and imagination. Once you have created a character, you can begin a character-based story by putting your character in a situation and observing how he/she responds, or by asking your character questions.
Begin with someone you saw in a coffee shop or walking through the park. Where did they come from? Why are they there? Where are they going? What are they carrying, and why? A man might be carrying a briefcase or a woman a handbag. What is in it? Someone may be approaching to meet your character. Why?
Choose one of the following approaches to creating an exciting, believable character and, in no more than 1000 words, tell a story that reveals your character’s unique personality to your reader.
1. Start with a picture of people─beautiful, ugly, dull, or interesting. Ask yourself who they are, how they got to where they are in the picture, why they are there, where they are going,what relationship they have to each other, how they met, if they like each other. Write a story about the people in your picture. (Don’t forget to bring the picture to the meeting along with your assignment!)
OR
2. Take a character you know from a favourite book or one you have written about at some time and ask yourself what are their best and worst memories. How did those memories affect them? What triggers their memories─a word or phrase, a song, a smell, a place?
Write a story about something that happened as a result of something triggering a memory.
OR
3. Look for someone in a coffee shop or store or walking along the road carrying a bag. Imagine that character reaching a table and emptying the contents of their bag onto it. What comes out? Why did they have those things in their bag? Ask your character to tell your reader which object is most important to them and why. (You will need to write this story in the first person, as if the character is speaking to your reader.)
OR
4. Think of someone who made a strong impression on you. Why? What was it about them that made them interesting or memorable? Write a story (it can be truth or fiction) that reveals why they made an impression and what you will remember about them in years to come.
WRITING SOFTWARE TOOLS
Lorraine has provided some information on a software tool that she uses. Have a read below.
Anna :)
I have been using a FREE software tool called WordWeb and I thought some of our members might like to know about it. I find it a great help. It can be downloaded from http://wordweb.info/
Once installed on your computer, it integrates with almost any writing/text editing/wordprocessing program and when you select any word and press the hot key, it displays a very advanced dictionary/thesaurus showing the word definition and synonyms etc. You don't have to be online to use it, which is a plus, but if you are there are tabs to get further information via instant lookup from Wikipedia and other online references.
You can set the hot key combination, which by default is CTRL-ALT-W, to activate it. It seems to run smoothly and not interfere with anything (I've been using it for over a year now).
I find it brilliant. The Pro version, which costs $22, also has a 'find words like/containing' feature that would be great for writing poetry. I am tempted to try it. It apparently also features a 'reverse search' which lets you type in a definition and it finds the word (something I need lately, as my memory seems to be failing me!)
Anna :)
I have been using a FREE software tool called WordWeb and I thought some of our members might like to know about it. I find it a great help. It can be downloaded from http://wordweb.info/
Once installed on your computer, it integrates with almost any writing/text editing/wordprocessing program and when you select any word and press the hot key, it displays a very advanced dictionary/thesaurus showing the word definition and synonyms etc. You don't have to be online to use it, which is a plus, but if you are there are tabs to get further information via instant lookup from Wikipedia and other online references.
You can set the hot key combination, which by default is CTRL-ALT-W, to activate it. It seems to run smoothly and not interfere with anything (I've been using it for over a year now).
I find it brilliant. The Pro version, which costs $22, also has a 'find words like/containing' feature that would be great for writing poetry. I am tempted to try it. It apparently also features a 'reverse search' which lets you type in a definition and it finds the word (something I need lately, as my memory seems to be failing me!)
WRITING ARTICLES: NOVEL WRITING
Hi Fellow writers,
Lorraine has kindly sent us some information about writing a novel and has including her own comments. Have a read as it maybe useful for Octobers homework.
Anna :)
When considering the importance of characterisation versus plot in a novel, or the question of which to begin with, writers might observe that there are two distinctly different types of novel: the 'entertainment novel' and the 'serious novel' or 'literary work'.
Until I read "The Plot Thickens" by Monica Wood, in a book called The Complete Handbook of Novel Writing, which is a collection of articles by successful writers, I hadn't observed what is obvious when pointed out.
Entertainment novels have strongly developed (and very predictable) plots, and less well developed characters. Serious novels and literary works focus less on plot and more on character development.
Is there more merit to writing a 'serious' novel? Some would say so, but entertainment novels entertain readers, sell, make money for writers, and satisfy our desire for self-expression. Those are all noble goals.
So what types of novels are 'entertainment' novels?
"Entertainment plots are largely determined by the conventions of the genre", says Monica Wood.
Romances, westerns, crime stories... Stories in which there is a formula that must be followed and regardless of the character's individual traits and unique personality. The plot must move in a specified direction.
The detective must investigate the crime and find the perpetrator (or at least make a valiant effort and head in the right direction). He cannot run off to the Bahamas with the criminal's girl friend!
The Marshall in a western must pursue the bad guys and prevail in the 'shoot 'em up'.
The girl in the romance must win her man. She cannot decide it's all too hard and join a convent.
If you think about it, novels of this type have a very defined structure and plot, and only the details of the telling vary. It's the same story over and over, but told in a trillion different and very individual ways.
In 'entertainment' novels, there is generally minimal character development. Hercule Poirot doesn't change is character from the start of a novel to the end. He only changes the way he perceives things related to the crime. James Bond, Dirk Pitt, or Captain Kirk don't change much either.
Serious novels, or literary works, on the other hand, typically focus on the development of a character. The character faces a crisis - generally a moral or ethical dilemma. The character struggles with this dilemma, gradually exposing more and more of their unique personality and way of thinking to the reader. The character may ultimately resolve the dilemma, or not. It's not about what happens in the story. The focus isn't plot. The focus is on presenting social issues - moral, ethical, religious or political problems - and exposing the manner in which a particular personality respond to these issues. The protagonist often goes through a character transformation - as in A Christmas Carol, in which Scrooge reforms from a miser to a generous man; or The African Queen, in which Charlie Allnut reforms from a hopeless drunk to a responsible husband.
But sometimes there is no marked change in the character's behaviour, but only a recognition and acceptance of what is, which, in itself, is a transformation for one who previously could not recognise or accept. (There must be a resolution of some kind, otherwise the story is incomplete.)
Serious dramatic fiction is transformational by nature. The plot isn't just a sequence of happenings. The plot is a planned progression toward the resolution of a predicament, and that progression transforms the character in some way.
Enertainment novels are also typically 'plot line' stories. That is, everything that happens leads directly (and generally fairly obviously and almost inevitably) to the next happening.
Alternately, though, novel can follow a 'story line', in which the events are not causally related, but are part of the same chain of events that are progressing toward a resolution. In a story line novel, the character development is usually greater, because the characters are growing older and also changing as they progress toward a resolution of the central problem presented by the author.
A story line novel is more difficult to write, because the emotions of the characters tend to evaporate over time between events of the plot.
Story line and plot line can be combined in thesae story. Usually the story line comes first, serving as a background to the plot line. Zorba the Greek combines both. Most of the book has a tightly woven plot line, but the last chapter relates Zorba's life of many years after he leaves Crete.
Monica Wood goes on to discuss plotting problems, and says that the most common one occurs when a character refuses to do what author planned for them. This, she says, is a problem that occurs when authors identify too closely with the character. The author plots the story, rather than letting the character dictate the story.
Alternately, the character might lie dead on the page. That occurs when characters are not well orchestrated and pitted in conflict with one another.
Monica Wood offers six tips for successful plotting, prefacing her tips by advising that all good plots result from dramatic characters who are "on fire to obtain goals and who work like hell to achieve them".
1. Chart each major character's development through the actions.
2. In a work of entertainment, chart each major character's actions and indicate his/her motivations, making sure each is being as clever and resourceful as possible. (Agatha Christie's Poirot series would fail if Poirot were a clumsy fool who constantly failed to identify the killer!)
3. Spend some time brainstorming. Make lists of things the character might do. Don't judge the ideas. Allow yourself to be outrageous... even insane. You can prune the list later.
4. Conduct interviews with your characters and write diaries in their voices.
5. Follow the "Would he really?" test for believability.
6. Make sure your characters are well orchestrated. Pair them up with people who contrast markedly with them and create logical, believable conflict. (Monica refers to the TV series Leave it to Beaver, pointing out that Mr and Mrs Cleaver are so alike in their values,opinions, hopes, and ambitions that there would be no story at all if sociopath Eddie Haskell didn't rescue the series from total boredom. She also points out that The African Queen worked because of the marked contrast between the drunken sot ad the straight-laced, bible thumping Rose. A less dramatic contrast, or a combination of two drunks in the boat, would have failed dismally.)
Stories must have conflict, and conflict is created by well-orchestrated characters.
A comment from Lorraine: "Conducting an interview with your character" might be a useful exercise for FWG at some time. This might actually be an interesting approach to the novel group meetings - since we have struggled to find a suitable meeting format for dealing with longer works. Maybe we could set some exercises that assist novel development, like:
Interview your main characters
Write a series of diary entries in your main characters' voices
Contrast at least two of your characters and describe how the contrast in their personality, goals, ideals, opinions, etc. creates a conflict that your story will resolve.
Define the conflict on which your story focuses, and outline how each of the main characters responds to that conflict, and their role in its resolution
Draw a time line of story events and describe the changes in your character at each critical point, showing the progression towards conflict resolution.
I have been struggling with the thought that critiquing individual sections of a book, in isolation, might result in 20 or 30 great extracts, but these don't necessarily combine to make a successful novel. Working on the overall characterisation and conflict might be helpful to ensure that all those well-written extracts ultimately combine successfully.
Lorraine has kindly sent us some information about writing a novel and has including her own comments. Have a read as it maybe useful for Octobers homework.
Anna :)
When considering the importance of characterisation versus plot in a novel, or the question of which to begin with, writers might observe that there are two distinctly different types of novel: the 'entertainment novel' and the 'serious novel' or 'literary work'.
Until I read "The Plot Thickens" by Monica Wood, in a book called The Complete Handbook of Novel Writing, which is a collection of articles by successful writers, I hadn't observed what is obvious when pointed out.
Entertainment novels have strongly developed (and very predictable) plots, and less well developed characters. Serious novels and literary works focus less on plot and more on character development.
Is there more merit to writing a 'serious' novel? Some would say so, but entertainment novels entertain readers, sell, make money for writers, and satisfy our desire for self-expression. Those are all noble goals.
So what types of novels are 'entertainment' novels?
"Entertainment plots are largely determined by the conventions of the genre", says Monica Wood.
Romances, westerns, crime stories... Stories in which there is a formula that must be followed and regardless of the character's individual traits and unique personality. The plot must move in a specified direction.
The detective must investigate the crime and find the perpetrator (or at least make a valiant effort and head in the right direction). He cannot run off to the Bahamas with the criminal's girl friend!
The Marshall in a western must pursue the bad guys and prevail in the 'shoot 'em up'.
The girl in the romance must win her man. She cannot decide it's all too hard and join a convent.
If you think about it, novels of this type have a very defined structure and plot, and only the details of the telling vary. It's the same story over and over, but told in a trillion different and very individual ways.
In 'entertainment' novels, there is generally minimal character development. Hercule Poirot doesn't change is character from the start of a novel to the end. He only changes the way he perceives things related to the crime. James Bond, Dirk Pitt, or Captain Kirk don't change much either.
Serious novels, or literary works, on the other hand, typically focus on the development of a character. The character faces a crisis - generally a moral or ethical dilemma. The character struggles with this dilemma, gradually exposing more and more of their unique personality and way of thinking to the reader. The character may ultimately resolve the dilemma, or not. It's not about what happens in the story. The focus isn't plot. The focus is on presenting social issues - moral, ethical, religious or political problems - and exposing the manner in which a particular personality respond to these issues. The protagonist often goes through a character transformation - as in A Christmas Carol, in which Scrooge reforms from a miser to a generous man; or The African Queen, in which Charlie Allnut reforms from a hopeless drunk to a responsible husband.
But sometimes there is no marked change in the character's behaviour, but only a recognition and acceptance of what is, which, in itself, is a transformation for one who previously could not recognise or accept. (There must be a resolution of some kind, otherwise the story is incomplete.)
Serious dramatic fiction is transformational by nature. The plot isn't just a sequence of happenings. The plot is a planned progression toward the resolution of a predicament, and that progression transforms the character in some way.
Enertainment novels are also typically 'plot line' stories. That is, everything that happens leads directly (and generally fairly obviously and almost inevitably) to the next happening.
Alternately, though, novel can follow a 'story line', in which the events are not causally related, but are part of the same chain of events that are progressing toward a resolution. In a story line novel, the character development is usually greater, because the characters are growing older and also changing as they progress toward a resolution of the central problem presented by the author.
A story line novel is more difficult to write, because the emotions of the characters tend to evaporate over time between events of the plot.
Story line and plot line can be combined in thesae story. Usually the story line comes first, serving as a background to the plot line. Zorba the Greek combines both. Most of the book has a tightly woven plot line, but the last chapter relates Zorba's life of many years after he leaves Crete.
Monica Wood goes on to discuss plotting problems, and says that the most common one occurs when a character refuses to do what author planned for them. This, she says, is a problem that occurs when authors identify too closely with the character. The author plots the story, rather than letting the character dictate the story.
Alternately, the character might lie dead on the page. That occurs when characters are not well orchestrated and pitted in conflict with one another.
Monica Wood offers six tips for successful plotting, prefacing her tips by advising that all good plots result from dramatic characters who are "on fire to obtain goals and who work like hell to achieve them".
1. Chart each major character's development through the actions.
2. In a work of entertainment, chart each major character's actions and indicate his/her motivations, making sure each is being as clever and resourceful as possible. (Agatha Christie's Poirot series would fail if Poirot were a clumsy fool who constantly failed to identify the killer!)
3. Spend some time brainstorming. Make lists of things the character might do. Don't judge the ideas. Allow yourself to be outrageous... even insane. You can prune the list later.
4. Conduct interviews with your characters and write diaries in their voices.
5. Follow the "Would he really?" test for believability.
6. Make sure your characters are well orchestrated. Pair them up with people who contrast markedly with them and create logical, believable conflict. (Monica refers to the TV series Leave it to Beaver, pointing out that Mr and Mrs Cleaver are so alike in their values,opinions, hopes, and ambitions that there would be no story at all if sociopath Eddie Haskell didn't rescue the series from total boredom. She also points out that The African Queen worked because of the marked contrast between the drunken sot ad the straight-laced, bible thumping Rose. A less dramatic contrast, or a combination of two drunks in the boat, would have failed dismally.)
Stories must have conflict, and conflict is created by well-orchestrated characters.
A comment from Lorraine: "Conducting an interview with your character" might be a useful exercise for FWG at some time. This might actually be an interesting approach to the novel group meetings - since we have struggled to find a suitable meeting format for dealing with longer works. Maybe we could set some exercises that assist novel development, like:
Interview your main characters
Write a series of diary entries in your main characters' voices
Contrast at least two of your characters and describe how the contrast in their personality, goals, ideals, opinions, etc. creates a conflict that your story will resolve.
Define the conflict on which your story focuses, and outline how each of the main characters responds to that conflict, and their role in its resolution
Draw a time line of story events and describe the changes in your character at each critical point, showing the progression towards conflict resolution.
I have been struggling with the thought that critiquing individual sections of a book, in isolation, might result in 20 or 30 great extracts, but these don't necessarily combine to make a successful novel. Working on the overall characterisation and conflict might be helpful to ensure that all those well-written extracts ultimately combine successfully.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Queensland Writing Centre
QWC News
QWC Resource Sheets
Want some advice on writing for children and young adults? Check out QWC's resource sheet on the topic.
AWMonline Writing Race - 7 September
Steph Bowe is the AWMonline Writing Race guest on 7 September - all writers are welcome to attend this special event (live forums are usually limited to AWMonline subs only) - young writers especially encouraged to come along and hear 16-year-old Steph's amazing journey from blogger to debut author with Girl Saves Boy.
Young Writers Rollout!
When: 6 September for one month
What: Attendees of our Young Writers Bootcamp and youth writers it's time to catch up with each other and Tristan Bancks, to find out what you've been writing since the Young Writers Bootcamp, or if you didn't attend Bootcamp to find out a bit more about our youth writing programme.
We will be publishing the bootcampers line-by-line stories on our twitter account, publishing their full stories on our QWC blog, and linking their youtube clips to facebook!
To launch the Young Writers Rollout, bootcampers and friends also be able to participate in the AWMonline Writers Race with guest racer Steph Bowe this Tuesday (7 September). Steph just had her first book published at the age of 16!!!
We'll have other Writing Race guests during the month, including Tristan Bancks who's interested in hearing about what you've all been writing since bootcamp!
The Writers Race will run from 7.45pm to 9pm. It is a self-directed, one hour (plus introduction from the Writing Captain ie. Steph Bowe on Tuesday 7 September) writing session done in the company of your online peers as part of a Forum. You might like to spend the time writing, editing, plotting your own work or thinking about your next story. Steph Bowe will moderate the Writing Race and share her experience with race-goers.
Usually the Writers Races are for subscribers to AWMonline but for our one month Young Writers Rollout we're opening them up to our bootcampers and their friends! If you would like to access the free AWMonline forum and aren't a current subscriber, please email Kristina Smith at ksmith@qwc.asn.au your full name and your email address by midday Tuesday 7 September and we'll set up your account and give you details about how to access the Writing Race on Tuesday evening.
QWC Raffle Winners!!!
The winner of the QWC bonanza BWF General Fiction Raffle was Bob Cleland. The winner of the Speculative Fiction Raffle was Marie Dowd. Thank you to everybody who visited us during Brisbane Writers Festival weekend, and everyone who bought tickets to the raffle. We hope the winners enjoy reading their tower of books.
AWM Online Learning Centre - Upcoming Courses
Mini Course
Duration: two weeks, starting 20 September 2010
This two-week mini course gives you the opportunity to try out online learning activities and explore different aspects of creative writing. Practical activities are offered on the following topics: Generating Ideas, Plot & Structure, Beginnings, Characterisation, Dialogue, and Where to from Here?
For more information, or to book into a course, visit the website: http://awmonlinelearn.com.au/course/category.php?id=9.
YONline with Belinda Jeffrey
Duration: 26 fortnights, 1 October 2010 till 30 September 2011
Challenge yourself to complete the ultimate writing journey in Kim Wilkins' YONline under the tutelage of author of Brown Skin Blue and Big River Little Fish, Belinda Jeffrey. Belinda will guide you through this course created by Kim Wilkins and help you get that manuscript finished in a year! For more information, or to book into a course, visit the website: http://awmonlinelearn.com.au/course/category.php?id=4.
Pitching to Publishers with Sally Collings
Duration: four-week course, 1-28 September
You've written your manuscript (or the beginnings of one), now you need a publisher. This course will show you how to push all the right buttons to attract a publisher's eye. Discover what commissioning editors love and what they loathe, in a range of genres (non-fiction, fiction, children's). From writing a captivating synopsis to deciding where to send it, participants will work through all facets of the proposal process. For more information, or to book into a course, visit the website: http://awmonlinelearn.com.au/course/category.php?id=12.
Writing Your Life with Patti Miller
When: 10am-4.30pm each day, Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 September
Where: Rockhampton workshop.
Cost: QWC members $160; concession members $140; non-members $220
A memoir is a powerful way to share your own personal story with the world. You may wish to share your extraordinary life with others, or highlight an event that changed your life. Shaping this story into a tale your reader finds memorable and rewarding can be a struggle. But with Patti Miller's help, you'll be enthralling them all. Patti, acclaimed writing teacher, will teach you techniques to help you find your voice, create a narrative from your life, and shape your story with texture and detail.
The Art of Writing Romance with Valerie Parv
When: 10.30am-4.30pm, Saturday 18 September
Cost: QWC members $110; concession members $100; non-members $160
Fallen in love with writing romance? Join Valerie Parv (The Art of Romance Writing) as she outlines various types of romance and their special requirements. By introducing you to the Awesome Foursome of Romance Writing, Valerie will help you create believable characters, handle dialogue and viewpoint as well as develop workable conflicts and effective plots.
QWC Special Event: Becoming a Professional Author with Simon Higgins and Rebecca Sparrow
When: 6.30pm-8.30pm, Thursday 23 September
Cost: $55
QWC and Simon Higgins have been hatching a new mentoring program for young writers over the last couple of years and are proud to announce their first joint fundraising event as part of this new initiative.
Proceeds from the event will enable QWC to kick off this amazing program in early 2011. The authors are generously donating their time to help get this new program off the ground. So have you entertained the dream of turning your love of writing into a career? How do you make the words pay the bills? And how do you take that step from being a hobbyist to a professional?
Join Simon Higgins and Rebecca Sparrow as they explain how they made the leap and turned their passion into a career at this captivating seminar. Simon and Rebecca will offer advice on what it means to be a professional author, the peaks and pitfalls of the industry . warts, champagne and all!
Editing Romance Without the Heartbreak with Valerie Parv
When: 10.30am-4.30pm, Sunday 19 September
Cost: QWC members $160; concession members $150; non-members $210
Explore the changing face of modern publishing and why your work needs to be publishing-ready when submitted. Valerie Parv (The Art of Romance Writing) will demonstrate her theory of matter versus manner and demystify the elements of editing romance writing such as line and copy editing, and looks at when not to make editorial changes. Learn to bullet-proof your manuscript before you take aim at your chosen market.
Bring out your Dead! Writing a Family History with Ian Townsend and Stephanie Ryan
When: 10.30am-4.30pm, Saturday 25 September
Cost: QWC members $110; concession members $100; non-members $160
A helpful course designed to get the most out of a most useful resource - The State Library of Queensland (SLQ). SLQ is the first place you should start when you want to research your family history. With an extensive collection of newspaper archives, genealogical resources, indexes published by the Australian state registries of births, deaths and marriages, photographs, and much more. Book into this session to find out how you can access this magnificent wealth of information, what is available, how to search the collection, and who to talk to when you have any questions. Uncover your family's past and trace your background as far as you can!
PIR NEWS
Poet-in-Residence Legacy Launch
When: 6.30pm-7.30pm, Tuesday 21 September
Where: The Edge Auditorium, slq
Join QWC in farewelling the 2010 Arts Queensland Poet-in-Residence Emily XYZ as she launches her legacy item, Electronic Voice Phenomena: New Poems by Emily XYZ. EVP consists of recordings of works Emily has produced during her residency as well as remixes by Brisbane artists. Those of you who caught her performances at the Queensland Poetry Festival and Brisbane Writers Festival will not want to miss getting a copy of this gem to take home with you! Please RSVP by Thursday 16 September to rsvp@qwc.asn.au.
Fellowship of Australian Writers Queensland : 3 QWW Events!
Fellowship of Australian Writers Queensland (FAWQ) are plunging head first into the spirit of Queensland Writers Week (QWW) with these three great community events! For more information about QWW, visit www.queenslandwritersweek.com.
Readings on Sunday
When: 10 October (The QWW warm up event!)
Where: St Luke's Anglican Church Hall, Toowoomba
Cost: Gold coin donation.
This open mic session is set to sizzle with local writers of all ages being invited to come along and share their work. Gold coin donation requested to cover catering costs. All welcome! They request that material is family friendly. For more information contact Susan Skowronski on 0409 614 493.
Classroom Workshops
When: 11-15 October
Where: Gayndah State School
Cost: Free!
Students from Gayndah State School will be exploring Susan Skowronski's book Farmer's Kids using resources developed by Duncan Richardson to develop their skills and explore the wonderful world of writing!
Meet the Author
Where: 15 October
When: Springfield College
Cost: Free!
Springfield College students will meet Susan Skowronski and explore her book Farmer's Kids using resources developed by Duncan Richardson and engage in classroom activities using the work of both authors.
Resident Partners
How Does a Career in Publishing Sound?
black&write! Indigenous Writing and Editing Project is seeking Indigenous trainee candidates for the kuril dhagun Indigenous Editing Mentorships program, located in Brisbane at the State Library of Queensland. This two-year mentorship will train two trainee editors in the craft of manuscript development and the processes of book publishing. Tertiary qualifications, in any field, are required. Contact black&write! Indigenous Writing and Editing Project to set up an appointment for an interview. Interviews close COB Wednesday 15 September 2010. Email indigenous.writing@slq.qld.gov.au.
Community
Book Launch
Rebecca Bloomer will be launching her book, Foley Russel and That Poor Girl, published by Odyssey Books.
When: 11am, Sunday 19 September
Where: Billy's Beach House, Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise
The launch will be a combination book launch/fundraiser for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Champagne and fingerfood provided. For more information, contact Rebecca on bloowillbooks@bigpond.com.
Book Launch
Gisela McIntyre will be launching her book, So Many Stories to Tell, which spans three centuries and three continents.
When: 10am-1pm, Saturday 25 September
Where: Blue Mango Bar, Cairns Espanade, Mercure Habourside (next block after Cairns Base Hospital along Esplanade)
To order a copy of the book, or for more information regarding the launch, please contact Gisela on
giselamc@optusnet.com.au.
Survey - Authors, Copyright, and the Digital Evolution
Francina Cantatore is conducting research on authors' views on copyright issues. She is currently doing an online survey entitled 'Authors, Copyright, and the Digital Evolution'. If you would like to have your say on this issue, you can do the survey here: www.surveymonkey.com/s/authorsandcopyright. The survey will only take a few minutes to complete and is completely anonymous. It will be open for completion until 30 September. Francina will be making the results of the survey available to the Australian Society of Authors (ASA) for their newsletter. There is a free paper available on the ASA website on E-books:
Royalties and Contracts if you would like more information on copyright issues.
Opportunity
FAW NSW Inc. Walter Stone Award 2010 for Life Writing
The Walter Stone Award is given on the even biennial year for an original, unpublished manuscript to show some aspect of Australian history or have some Australian historical significance. The prize is paid from a trust fund established by Margaret Stone to honour her late father. ife Writing' is defined as biography, autobiography, memoir, monograph, bibliography. Biography and autobiography may be an extract to meet the word count requirements. Word limit is between 10,000 and 25,000 words. Entry fee is $20. First prize is $1,500. Deadline for entries is Thursday 30 September. Further details and an entry form can be found at www.fawnsw.org.au/News/competitions.htm.
Songwriting Competition
When a song is created do the words or music come first? As an Australian poet/wordsmith, you are being set the challenge to write lyrics for a new hit single! You will have until Thursday 30 September to submit lyrics for this new song, composed by established ARIA award-winning music composer/producer, James Roche, who will select the winning entry in consultation with a judging panel. Please email admin@australianpoetrycentre.org.au with all questions. To download the music, or more information, visit the Australian Poetry Centre website: www.australianpoetrycentre.org.au/?page_id=975.
Publishing Freelancers - Expressions of Interest Required
Red Hill Publishing is seeking expressions of interest from talented professionals who wish to be added to our directory of freelance suppliers. They need people with skills and experience in the following fields:
Writing; Editing; Proofreading; Researching; Project management; Publicity and marketing. Commercial experience is important, but talent and enthusiasm are the real must-haves. Work will be offered on a project-by-project contract basis. Send your CV along with a brief letter noting your areas of interest and expertise to: sally@redhill.me. Red Hill Publishing is a Brisbane-based publisher. They publish their own list of non-fiction titles, and they provide book creation services to individuals and organisations with great ideas of their own. Find out more about them at http://redhillpublishing.com.
Ghostwriter for Memoirs
Former model Lisa Cox is looking for a ghostwriter to assist with the creation of her memoir. Lisa had the world at her feet before a massive brain haemorrhage put her in a coma a few months prior to her 25th birthday. Lisa lives on Brisbane's north side and would like a writer to assist her in conducting interviews and review her partially written manuscript. A female writer is preferred. Payment by negotiation. If you are interested please contact Lisa directly by emailing LisaCox1@hotmail.com. For more information on Lisa's story visit www.lisacoxpresents.com.
Win! Win! Win!
The second part of the film version of Stieg Larsson's world-famous Millennium Trilogy: The Girl Who Played With Fire, is released on 23 September. In this follow-up to The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, when a Swedish couple are murdered in their apartment, a nation-wide manhunt begins for the prime suspect, Lisbeth Salander. The couple were working closely with Mikael Blomkvist at Millennium magazine to expose the sex trafficking trade in Sweden, and Blomkvist, convinced of Salander's innocence, starts his own investigation into his friends' murders. Once again Salander and Blomkvist find their lives entangled in the most mysterious, and dangerous, way. www.milleniumtrilogymovie.com
For your chance to win one of 10 double in-season passes, please answer this question: What is the name of the final book in Stieg Larsson's Millennium Trilogy?
Send your answer in the subject line of an email to jdevantier@qwc.asn.au, with your name and postal address in the body.
Classified Advertising
The events listed as classified ads are not organised or hosted by QWC. Please contact the relevant advertiser for further information.
Writing and Yoga Retreat
Byron Bay 6 - 12 October 2010
Join Sarah Armstrong, Alan Close, and Kathryn Riding in a beautiful peaceful setting. Be supported and encouraged in your writing, with one-on-one feedback and guidance as well as daily classes. Come away with lots of writing and confidence in your own writing voice. Beginners and unconfident writers welcome. From $1,780 for accommodation, classes, and all meals. For more info, visit www.sarah-armstrong.com, or call 0414 228 563.
Publishing Boot Camp 2010 - Everything you need to know about the business of books.
Publishing is a business. Big business. Unless you're prepared to sit around waiting for your lucky break the smartest thing you can do is get educated. That's why we created Publishing Boot Camp 2010. Using a typical publishing workflow we explain every process that makes a commercially viable book. Editorial, design, marketing, print, ebooks, distribution and more.
Publishing Boot Camp is about the business of books. The forum and workshop program is designed for: aspiring & established authors; independent publishers; current & future publishing professionals.
This might just be the smartest investment you make in your publishing career this year.
Publishing Boot Camp 2010. 16 October. Brisbane, Australia.
For more information visit www.redhillpublishing.com
Publishing Boot Camp 2010 is proudly presented by Red Hill Publishing.
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Queensland Writers Centre is the state's premier writing organisation. Use this site to find information on our workshops, services, tutors and writing resources in your corner of Queensland. You can also become a QWC member, register for workshops and purchase books and services.
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