MEMBERS CORNER

COLLECTION OF LIMERICKS

By Findlay McKechnie

I'm stuck in this poor old body

I'm trapped in this poor old shell

But beneath the skin

I'm the same old Fin

But how the hell can you tell?


By Carol Jell

There was young pup called Tia
Sometimes known as Tia-Maria

She pee-ed on the floor
Carol shouted "no more"

Now Tia's known as "Tia the pee-er."


By Helga Parl

There once was a hen called Wendy
Her eggs came often quite handy

The cock cried hurray
I will have my way

His name was deservedly Randy.

By Jennifer Nosovich

There once was a short man named Drew
Who loved a tall lady called Sue

Because he was short
He thought that he ought

Show her he had parts that grew.


By Anna Arnold

We danced till the morning came
Passions burning,we felt no shame

He held me tight
For just that night

And I never did learn his name.



By Lorraine Cobcroft

There once was a young man named Dean

Who fell madly in love with the queen

He sent his message of love

On the wings of a dove,

But its droppings did cause quite a scene!



By Maarten Wijnberg

A French aristocratic baby in Brest

Possessed an impressive crest

The young and the old

Gave him jewels and gold

But he thought, just give me the breast

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’

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

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

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!)

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.
Visit Queensland Writers Centre.

WRITERS' RETREAT

KSP Writers' Retreat

Katharine Susannah Prichard Writers’ Centre would love to remind you of the wonderful writers’ retreats we have available for those wishing to focus on their writing. The spaces are also available to PhD and Masters Students writing their thesis. Set in idyllic surroundings, our retreats provide the perfect environment for writers to progress a piece of writing and escape the distractions of day to day life.


GET INSPIRED BY NATURAL SURROUNDINGS DURING

WILDFLOWER SEASON IN THE PICTURESQUE PERTH HILLS !

Writers' Retreats

The Heritage listed Katharine Susannah Prichard Writers Centre offers daily, weekly and monthly
accommodation for writers wishing to find a space in which to progress a major piece of writing. It
is ideal for PhD or Masters Students writing their thesis (some universities might even provide funding for their students.)

Opportunities exist for all writers to participate in, and contribute to, the literary activities at the
Centre and in Western Australia by way of workshops, mentoring and readings.

The Katharine Susannah Prichard Writers Centre
The Centre is located in the hills east of Perth in Western Australia.
The ambience of the Centre is excellent for creativity and inspiration. 20-60,000 words are frequently achieved by our Writers in Residence in a four week stay, in between enjoying the interaction with local writers.

Accommodation

The KSP Writers Centre provides three individual and selfcontained retreats. These comfortable, modern cottages,set in shady gardens a short distance from the main house,offer writers a quiet and peaceful residency in natural surroundings. Each retreat can sleep two, has its own ensuite shower and toilet, is equipped with reverse cycle air conditioning, cooking facilities, has access to Internet broadband and is 24 hours security monitored.

You can find more information about the Katharine Susannah Prichard Writers Centre and our Writers’ Retreats including our rates on http://kspf.iinet.net.au/

For more information or to book your stay, contact Katharine Susannah Prichard Writers’ Centre
by phone or fax on +61 8 9294 1872 or by email at kspf@iinet.net.au.

COMPETITIONS

PROLE-Poetry Competition
Prole is a print literary journal that publishes high quality poetry and prose from around the world. We have just published our second issue and have achieved sales in Europe, the USA, Australia and New Zealand.

We are open to submissions year round and have a profit sharing scheme as a means of paying our contributors.

Prole has just launched its own poetry competition. I have appended details below this message.

Full details regarding submissions, the competition or purchase can be found on our website at: http://www.prolebooks.co.uk/

Deadline First Prize Summary
December 24th 2010 £100, publication in Prole and showcase on our website.
2 runners up, bdanders@socket.net £30 each and showcasing on our website.
Entry fee £3 for first poem, £2 for subsequent poems. Search for Prole Laureate

We’re looking for entries that represent the editorial ambitions of Prole: to make writing engaging, challenging, entertaining and accessible.
All forms of poetry welcome, any length considered.
Entry by post or email.
Full details are on our website: www.prolebooks.co.uk
Click on the competition link.
Winners will be announced April 2nd 2011

WRITERS DIGEST-Short Story Competition
Writers Digest are running a short story competition. It is open to non-US residents. Here's the link for details if you're interested. http://www.writersdigest.com/popularfictionawards

***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

Newsletter - August 2010

Newsletter - August 2010
Fairfield Writers Group
Website http://fairfieldwritersgroup-queensland.blogspot.com/

In this issue:
Minutes of meeting – Exercises Group
Book Launch – Belinda Jeffries
September Exercise
October Exercise
New Submission Guidelines – Critiquing
Minutes of meeting – Novel/Short Stories
Group
Anthology
Meeting Reminders
Meeting Dates
August 2010
Volume 1, Number 7

Fairfield Writers Group - Exercise Meeting 14 August 2010
Present: Carol, Helga, Lorraine, Jennifer, Findlay, Pam and Anna
Apologies: Cecilia, Rosemary and Martin.
Chairing this meeting-Anna

• Book Launch for Belinda Jefferies on Mon 6th of September from 6-8pm at Avid Reader in West End. Belinda attended FWG book launch last year. Carol to email members of the anthology if they would like to support Belinda. Carol and Jennifer will attend the launch.

• Exercise for September- Active verses Passive voice submitted by Carol. Details of the exercise will be emailed by Carol shortly and also will be available on the blog for reference.

• Exercise for October to be creative writing-Lorraine to submit.

• It was discussed that all stories submitted need to be in Times New Roman Font or Arial for easy reading

• This month’s exercise – to write a Christmas poem or story. These poems/stories are to be used for our Christmas booklet.

Findlay read out his poem which was very funny!

Anna


Fairfield Writers Group
Novel/Short Stories Meeting 28 August 2010

Present: Anna, Lorraine, Carol

• It was decided to hold a discussion regarding an anthology for 2011 at our next exercises meeting on 11 September 2010. Please bring forward any ideas and suggestions you may have for the anthology at this meeting.

• Meeting reminders are to be sent out via email by Carol.

• Discussions were held on publishing and literary agents. Regarding literary agents, there seems to be very few in Brisbane. Carol found a website lists Australia’s small press and independent publishing community. Spunc is the name of the site and the link is http://spunc.com.au/what-is-spunc It was also mentioned that the big publishers do not accept unsolicited manuscripts and therefore you need an agent.

• Lorraine brought to the meeting part 2 of Chapter 2 of ‘I Might Have Been Me’ for critiquing.

• Last Saturday’s meeting was the smallest in numbers this year. However, we still had a productive meeting with helpful discussions and of course, went for coffee afterwards.

Carol

Next meetings:
11 September –Exercises Group

25 September– Novel/Short Stories Group

COMPETITIONS

WHALE CITY SHORT STORY COMPETITION
The SCRIBES Writers’ Group in Hervey Bay invites entries for its inaugural short story competition. Could you please inform all writers in your area.

Entries close on 1st NOVEMBER – there is time for writers to write memorable stories and we look forward to receiving them! Open to residents of Australia over 16y.o.

A fiction short story of up to 1,000 words.

The words ‘whale’ and/or ‘water’ to be used within the story.

First Prize, $100, Second $50.

Feedback note will be returned to entrants if SSAE included with entry.

Entry fee: $5.00 per story. Multiple entries accepted, two or more, $4.00 each.

No entry form required – COVER SHEET ESSENTIAL

Conditions of Entry:(Also at herveybayartscouncil.com.au (Click: New Events)

• Stories must be entrant’s own work, must not have been published and must not have been awarded a prize in any other competition.

• 12 pt Times New Roman/Courier font, double-spaced and single-sided on A4 white paper

• Cover sheet required – must show name and postal address, telephone number, title of each story and word count

• Entrant’s name not to appear on manuscript, only on cover sheet

• Title of story and page numbers must be included in header (top of each page)

• Staple entries at top left-hand corner

• Do not send original copies of stories – no entries will be returned

• Send hard copies only. No email submissions accepted.

• Entries breaching these conditions will be disqualified by the Competition Co-ordinator. The judges determine prizes. These decisions are final.


The results will appear on the Hervey Bay Council for the Arts website in December.

Please do NOT send cash in the mail. (Send SSAE if you wish for feedback note.)

All money orders and cheques are to be made payable to Hervey Bay Council for the Arts, send with your entry and cover sheet to: Secretary, Whale City Short Story Competition, PO Box 474, Pialba, Qld 4655. Enquiries: ejoyce@live.com.au



Fellowship of Australian Writers – New South Wales Inc


Do you have members who are interested in Life Writing but frustrated at the lack of competition for this genre? Well FAW NSW has the answer. 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. "Life Writing" is defined as biography, autobiography, memoir, monograph, bibliography. Biography and autobiography may be an extract to meet the word count requirements. Word count: minimum 10,000, maximum 25,000 words.
Entry: $20.00
Prize is $1500
Closing Date: 30th September 2010
Further details and an entry form can be found at http://www.fawnsw.org.au/News/competitions.htm

Queensland Writers Centre

QWC News

QWC's Bumper Festival Book Raffle

QWC is celebrating Brisbane Writers Festival by having the biggest raffle ever! We have two buckets of books to give away to the lucky raffle prizewinners. With a Speculative Fiction raffle prize worth $355 and a General Fiction raffle prize worth over $1,000, there's something for every booklover. Get your ticket online or come visit us during the festival for your chance to win!

The Australian Writer's Marketplace Industry Masterclass at BWF

When: 10am-3pm, Friday 3 September

Where: Queensland Art Gallery Lecture Theatre

Cost: $100 (includes a FREE copy of the latest edition of The Australian Writers Marketplace 2011/12). Book your tickets available from QTIX (www.qtix.com.au).

Writing is an art, but publishing is a business. This industry seminar will introduce you to agents, publishers and writers and take you on a journey from manuscript development to published author promotion. This seminar is for emerging writers and those who are just plain curious about books and publishing. Meet top industry professionals including publishers and agents, and walk away with tools and insider knowledge to help you navigate a pathway in the marketplace. This Masterclass will be a part of Brisbane Writers Festival 1-5 September. Tickets can be purchased via www.bwf.org.au.

Introduction to Creative Writing Online with Beth Flatley

When: 6 September - 17 October

Cost: $130 for a six-week course

Clear a few hours a week in your schedule to sit down and discover the art of creative writing. This practice-based series of online activities and resources is the perfect introduction for people wanting to get started on their writing journey. For more information about our online learning centre visit www.awmonlinelearn.com.au. To book, click here: http://awmonlinelearn.com.au/course/category.php?id=2.

Pitching to Publishers Online with Sally Collings

When: 1-28 September

Cost: $150 for a four-week course

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 about our online learning centre, visit www.awmonlinelearn.com.au. To book, click here: http://awmonlinelearn.com.au/course/category.php?id=7.

To book into an online learning centre course, simply:

1. click on the name of the course

2. follow the prompts to create a new account, including using the email confirmation link

3. then you'll be taken to a screen where you can purchase a place on the course using PayPal.

Writing Your Life with Patti Miller

When: 10am-4.30pm, Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 September

Where: Rockhampton workshop

Booking deadline: Friday 3 September

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.

A Tool Box for Writers with Donna Hanncox

When: 6pm-8pm, Wednesdays September 8, 15, 22 and 29

Where: Brisbane workshop

Cost: QWC members $130
Concession members $115
Non-members $190

This series of workshops explores the ways in which essential ingredients of creative writing can be exploited for their maximum potential. Once you understand how plot, characterisation, dialogue and setting work within a story you can start to write more effectively. Designed as a follow up to QWC's Introduction to Creative Writing #1, this series will help you lay the foundation to produce a greater piece of writing. Perfect for anyone who is about to embark on their first novel!

Editing Romance Without the Heartbreak with Valerie Parv

When: Sunday 19 September

Where: Brisbane masterclass

Cost: QWC members $160
Concession members $150
Non-members $210

Booking deadline: Friday 3 September

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.


QWC Resource Sheets

Want to find a literary agent? See QWC's Resource Sheet on the topic!

Poet-in-Residence News

Emily xyz will be appearing at the Queensland Poetry Festival (www.queenslandpoetryfestival.com) this weekend (27-29 August) and the Brisbane Writers Festival (www.bwf.org.au) next weekend (1-5 September). Visit the websites for times and dates and go and see Emily perform live!


Resident Partners

Queensland Poetry Festival

The 2010 Queensland Poetry Festival spoken in one strange word starts this Friday! With a stellar line-up including Emily xyz, August Kleinzahler, Andrew Tayor, Jon Paul Fiorentino, and many more. Tickets for opening night are available from the Judith Wright Centre. All sessions on Saturday and Sunday are FREE! For more information visit http://www.queenslandpoetryfestival.com/.

Community

Book Launch

Patricia Byers is celebrating the launch of her first book - a picture book entitled One Sheep, Two Sheep, which teaches littles ones about plurals and collective nouns. She will be signing copies next weekend.

When: 11am-1pm, 4 September

Where: Angus and Robertson, Westfield Garden City, Upper Mount Gravatt

Tropical Writers Festival
When: 15-17 October 2010
Where: Shangri-La Hotel, Pier Market Place, Pier Point Rd, Cairns

Workshops
15 October: Young Writers Program - Fantasy with Sylvia Kelso

16 October: Visiting authors James Phelan (thriller), Barbara Hannay (romance) and Sylvia Kelso (fantasy) deliver workshops along with local playwright Angela Murphy. These visiting author workshops cover aspects of popular fiction rarely presented in the Far North. Detailed information available on www.tropicalwritersfestival.com.

Free Arena Program

Two days of exciting, innovative presentations designed to appeal to readers, writers and those who just want to listen. Presentations by regional writers and industry professionals will range from the Biggest Book Club to Cyber skilling and setting poetry to music.

Literary Dinner

16 October with celebrity author Gretel Killeen as guest speaker.

For more information contact Diane Finlay at findpublishing@hotmail.com. All bookings via Ticket Link on 1300 855 835 or online at www.ticketlink.com.au.

Free Membership with Express Media

Express Media provides support and development opportunities for young Australians in writing and media. If you are a writer under the age of 25, sign up for Express Media's free membership. It takes about one minute to become a member on their website. Sign up now: www.expressmedia.org.au/index.php/about/become-a-member/.

Are You Made of the Write Stuff?

The Crop needs the help of local writers and visual artists in launching a new and exciting quarterly publication of the same name!

When: 6pm, Tuesday 31 August

Where: Judith Wright Centre, Valley
A steering committee will be elected to see this exciting project to fruition. For more information phone convenor John Orr on 0432 850 770.

Paper Cuts Collective: Mini Zine Fair

The Paper Cuts Collective are both zine lovers and creators. They're focused on sharing their love of zines with the world - one little folded, stapled/hand bound number at a time. The first zine fair will be held in Brisbane.

When: 5pm, Friday 3 September

Where: Bleeding Heart Gallery, 610 Ann St, Brisbane
They are currently accepting bookings for tables so that you can sell your wares at the fair. Tables cost $10. To book, contact 0404 805 269 or email contact.staples@gmail.com. For further information, visit the website: http://papercutscollective.tumblr.com/.

Opportunity

JUMP Applications Open on Monday

Are you a creative, young Australian on the cusp of a great artistic career? You've got the talent, the vision and the drive it's going to take - but do you have the professional skill set, one on one support and national network to match? JUMP can make sure that you do. JUMP directly supports the career development of artists aged 18-30 and in their first five years of professional practice, by facilitating mentorships with leading professionals in their chosen artform. Applications for the 2011 JUMP program will open 30 August 2010. Visit www.jumpmentoring.com.au for more information.

Creative Sparks Grants

The Creative Sparks Grants and the Lord Mayor's Young and Emerging Artists Fellowships are now open for applications from Brisbane artists and cultural workers. With up to $20,000 for each recipient, these grants provide opportunities for creative projects and professional development.

Brisbane City Council offers you support in getting your application right through a series of grant-writing boot camps in August and September. For more information, dates and how to apply visit www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/grants. Closing date for applications is 11 October 2010.

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.

Hatch

Hatch is a KickArts Industry Development Initiative to support the presentation and promotion

of more artists in the KickArts Contemporary Arts 2011 Exhibition Program. Hatch: KickArts Regional Exhibition Series, is open to individual artists and groups from Cardwell in the South to Mount Isa in the West, across Cape York and to the Torres Strait. Entries for the 2011 Hatch program close 5pm Friday 24 September 2010. The application form can be downloaded from www.kickarts.org.au. Contact Sam Creyton, KickArts Curator, at assistantdirector@kickarts.org.au or on 07 4050 9408 with your enquiries.

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.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.

Exercise for September

HOMEWORK EXERCISE

FOR MEETING 11 SEPTEMBER 2010

Active vs. Passive Voice
(1) Write a short piece (250-500 words) in Passive Voice on any subject you like.

(2) Re-write the same piece of writing (250-500 words) in Active Voice.

(3) Compare the difference in the two styles of writing.

See attachments ‘Writing with Style – Active vs. Passive Voice

Katharine Susannah Prichard Writers Centre

KSP Short Fiction Award (open to all Australian residents) and the

KarenWTreanor Poetry Awards (open to WA residents only)

are now open for entries!

Closing date: Friday, 24 September 2010

Please find an entry form including the Conditions of Entry attached or on our website: http://kspf.iinet.net.au/activities.html#competitions

Katharine Susannah Prichard Writers Centre
11 Old York Road
Greenmount WA 6056
Phone: (08) 9294 1872
http://kspf.iinet.net.au/

COMPLETED EXERCISES – REQUIREMENTS FOR CRITIQUING

COMPLETED EXERCISES – REQUIREMENTS FOR CRITIQUING ON SECOND SATURDAY OF EACH MONTH

When bringing completed exercises for critiquing at meetings on the second Saturday of each month, there are a couple of things we require –

1. Exercise to be 500 to 1000 words only.

2. Font to be Times New Roman or Arial for easier reading.

3. Line numbers be included in your work.

To insert line numbers in MS Word go to file, click page setup, then layout, click line numbers, then check the add line numbers box, then check continuous under the numbering heading. Lastly click OK

4. Please bring 6 photocopies of your work to be read by members individually.

NB The same applies as above if you are bringing a piece of your work instead of the exercise.
When there are 6 or more people at this meeting it will be split into two groups.

NOVEL/SHORT STORIES – REQUIREMENTS FOR CRITIQUING

 NOVEL/SHORT STORIES – REQUIREMENTS FOR CRITIQUING ON FOURTH SATURDAY OF EACH MONTH

Listed below are the guidelines for bringing work to be critiqued on the fourth Saturday of each month.

1. Any length of work may be brought to the meeting. However, for longer pieces (over 1000 words), if you wish to have these critiqued, please buddy up with other novel writers in the group and forward your work electronically to those buddies for preliminary reading/commenting before the next Novel/Short Stories meeting. Alternatively send your piece to everyone who attends this group. Contact Carol annerleyoldie@yahoo.com.au for email addresses.

2. When having a novel excerpt/chapter read for feedback, please include a brief outline of ‘the story so far’.

3. Line numbers are to be included on all pages.

4. Font to be Times New Roman or Arial for easier reading.

To insert line numbers in MS Word go to file, click page setup, then layout, click line numbers, then check the add line numbers box, then check continuous under the numbering heading. Lastly click OK

5. 3 photocopies only of your work for reading individually by members.

NB This group will be split up into small groups of 2 or 3 people only for the critiquing of writings.

QWC NEWS

Building Your Own Blog with Elliott Bledsoe
When: Townsville - 10am-4.30pm, Saturday 21 August
Cairns - 9.30am-4pm, Sunday 22 August
Where: Townsville - CityLibraries Thuringowa Central, 86 Thuringowa Drive, Thuringowa Central.
Cairns - Room A101, Cairns Campus of the Tropical North Queensland TAFE, Eureka Street
Cost: QWC Members $85
QWC Concession Members $75
Non-members $115

A full day workshop giving you all the tools you need to build your online platform. This beginners course will take you step-by-step through building (and maintaining) your own blog and give you all the tips you need to develop your own online community, promote your writing, and develop your brand as an author.
You can book online at www.qwc.asn.au or by contacting QWC by phone on 07 3842 9922.

Writing Your Life with Patti Miller
When: 10.30am-4.30pm, Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 August*
Where: QWC, Level 2, State Library of Queensland
Cost: QWC Members $210
QWC Concession Members $190
Non-members $310

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.
*This was incorrectly advertised in the July WQ as being held in July. August is the correct date.
You can book online here: http://qwc.asn.au/Shop/txtSearch/patti+miller/List/1/ProductID/593.aspx, or by calling QWC on 07 3842 9922.

Introduction to Creative Writing Online with Julie Beveridge

If you have been scribbling away quietly but have never taken the leap to finish anything or call yourself a writer, clear a few hours a week in your schedule to sit down with Julie Beveridge and rediscover the art of creative writing in this six-week online course. This course is based on Kate Eltham's successful face-to-face 'Intro to Creative Writing' workshop series.
When: The course begins on 2 August and runs until 12 September 2010 (six-week course).
Where: AWMonline Learning Centre
Cost: $130
To book, click here: http://qwc.asn.au/Shop/List/1/ProductID/609.aspx or call 07 3842 9922.

The Perfect Pitch with Sally Collings
When: 10.30am-4.30pm, Saturday 21 August
Where: QWC, Level 2, State Library of Queensland
Cost: QWC Members $160
QWC Concession Members $150
Non-members $210

So you've written and re-written and re-written your novel and you're ready to pitch it to an agent or a publisher. How do you get them to read your cover or query letter, let alone your manuscript? Sally Collings will help you write and structure a great submission and give you the opportunity to finetune your pitch before sending it to a publisher and literary agent.
To book, click here: www.qwc.asn.au/Shop/txtSearch/sally+collings/List/1/productid/601.aspx or call 07 3842 9922.


Call for Expressions of Interest

QWC invites proposals from innovative and engaging writers of fiction and non-fiction to teach writing workshops and seminars in QWC's 2011 program of events. We also welcome proposals from editors and publishing industry professionals. We are only interested in tutors capable of professional, well-prepared, and instructional presentations, who are serious about delivering value to participants and members. QWC is interested in proposals for events, from two hours long to multi-day workshops. Proposals for workshops, seminars, masterclasses and other learning activities will be considered. Please download full guidelines from QWC's website prior to applying. Email submissions to Program Manager, Julie Beveridge at jbeveridge@qwc.asn.au by COB Monday 30 August. Hard copy and late submissions will not be considered.


Mentoring the Muse - writers' retreat at the beach
A writers' retreat is being offered at Kelly's Beach Resort, Bargara (near Bundaberg, Qld). Three Bundaberg-based professional writers offer mentoring opportunities to novelists, emerging playwrights, and short form storytellers and memoirists over three days from 15-17 October 2010, during Queensland Writers Week. The Retreat will include opportunities for networking, time for individual writing and one-on-one mentoring. Participants will be selected based on work submitted. For full details see mentoringthemuse.wordpress.com.

This project is being supported by Bundaberg Regional Council and Arts Queensland through the Regional Arts Development Fund. The Regional Arts Development Fund is a Queensland Government and Bundaberg Regional Council partnership to support local arts and culture. Visit www.queenslandwritersweek.com for more information.
QWC Resource Sheets
Questions about holding a book launch? See QWC's Resource Sheet on the topic!


Poet-in-Residence Update
Swallow & Exit
When: 7.30pm, Friday 6 August
Where: Judith Wright Centre of Contemporary Arts
Cost: $24-$35
Ghostboy with Golden Virtues present their critically acclaimed two part punk kabaret feast Swallow & Exit. Very special guests on the night include a solo set on grand piano by revered rock'n'roll vaudevillian Martin Martini, New York's provocative punk performance artist Emily XYZ, 2010 Arts Queensland Poet-in-Residence, as well as local sonic word therapist Pascalle Burton. This is an event for lovers and those wanting to love.
To book call 07 3872 9000 or visit www.judithwrightcentre.com.


Community
Book Launch
Patrick Holland's new book, The Mary Smokes Boys, is being launched by Krissy Kneen in August. Patrick will also be a guest of the Byron Bay Writers Festival.
When: 6pm-8pm, Wednesday 11 August
Where: Avid Reader, 193 Boundary St, West End, Brisbane
Drinks are free and everyone's welcome.

Arts Funding Forum - How to get money for art
Info session on resources and programs of the Australia Council.
When: 2-4pm, 30 July
Where: School of Arts Building, Cnr Stanley and Walker Streets, Townsville
RSVP by Wednesday 28 July at www.australiacouncil.gov.au/forums.

Waxing Lyrical
Waxing Lyrical is a community radio show broadcast on 4zzz (102.1 fm) every Thursday from 9am until midday. Over 80,000 people tune in to the station every week, and it reaches a wide audience in Brisbane and surrounding areas. The show is designed to support the creative writing scene, particularly in Brisbane, through event promotion, interviews, live readings by guests, etc. If you are a writer of any variety (poetry, slam, hip-hop, fiction, plays, music composition, lyricists... ), get in touch about getting on air! Contact Fern at ferns_letterbox@hotmail.com for more info. Otherwise, just get more Words-for-your-Worth and tune in!

Free Zine Workshop
You too can be a publisher! A one-day workshop exploring the wonderful and zany world of making zines, chapbooks, and simple books.
When: 10am-4pm, Saturday 7 August, or 10am-4pm, Sunday 12 September
Where: Cooroy library, Maple Street, Cooroy
For enquiries, please call 07 5447 2110. Bookings essential at 07 5454 9000. Visit www.alternativepublishing.info for more information. This is free NeoGeoGraphy workshop as part of the 3C's project.

Place Stories: Digital Photostories and Storytelling
The PlaceStories workshops will teach you how to create short photo stories that can be shared locally and globally. The workshops will use photos, text, music, and sound to create photostories to be uploaded to the PlaceStories website.
When: 9am-1pm on 17 August and 24 Aug OR 7 September and 14 September OR 5 October and 12 October
Where: Cooroy Library, Maple Street, Cooroy
For more information call 0418 763 428. Bookings essential at 07 5454 9000. This is a free NeoGeoGraphy workshop as part of the 3C's project.

 Opportunity
General Manager Position Available
Express Media is seeking applications for a new General Manager to fill one of the Co-CEO roles. For more information, visit www.expressmedia.org.au/content.php?content_id=604.


Emerging Writer-in-Residence 2011
Applications close tomorrow! Residency is for emerging writers and takes place at Katharine Susannah Pritchard Writers Centre in Greenmount, WA. Three positions are available - dependent on funding - for a full-time period of four weeks. Each resident will receive a salary of $2,250 and be given writing space and time to concentrate on, develop or complete a work in progress. For selection criteria, guidelines and application forms please go to www.kspf.iinet.net.au/writer_res_info.html. Or for queries please email kspf@iinet.net.au or phone 08 9294 1872. Closing date Tuesday 27 August.

Love Stories Wanted
Jungleboys and Arterial Films are creating a hot and hilarious new TV drama called Twisted Love Stories and they're looking for your true-life stories about love, sex and relationships in the 21st Century! They need stories from all ages, occupations, cultures and sexual orientations. No story is too happy, romantic, dirty, sad, crazy or humiliating. If you're interested and want more information go to www.jungleboys/com.au/clientarea, Username: twistedlove Password: twistedlove. Please note: all submissions are strictly confidential.


Asialink Writing Residencies 2011
Applications for 2011 residencies are now open, and close on Friday 10 September. The Asialink Writing Residency Program is a unique opportunity for Australian writers of fiction, non-fiction, poetry, history, essays, playwriting, young adult fiction, blogs, new media and interactive content to live and work for an extended period in Asia. Grants of up to $12,000 go towards travel, living and project expenses, and afford recipients a unique opportunity for international cultural exchange, in-depth research and sustained time on creative work. Visit www.asialink.unimelb.edu.au/our_work/arts/literature/residencies for more information or contact Nic Low on n.low@asialink.unimelb.edu.au or 03 8344 3581.


Win Win Win
Thanks to Madman Entertainment, QWC is currently giving away 10 double inseason passes to Me and Orson Welles opening in cinemas on 29 July.
Set in 1937, the story centers on a high school student (Zac Efron) who, while strolling the streets of New York, happens upon the yet-to-open Mercury Theatre and is noticed by its mercurial founder, Orson Welles (Christian McKay). The student lands a bit part in Julius Caesar, the production that catapulted Welles to the top, and spends the next week learning about life and love. For more information: www.madman.com.au/actions/catalogue.do?method=view&releaseId=13414.

To win tickets answer this question correctly: Orson Welles narrated a radio adaptation of a HG Wells novel in 1938 that reportedly caused widespread panic. What was the title of the HG Wells novel? Send your answer, name, and postal address details in an email to jdevantier@qwc.asn.au with 'Me and Orson Welles' in the subject line.

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 RetreatByron 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, www.sarah-armstrong.com, or call 0414 228 563.

Varuna - The Writers' House - July OfferingsVaruna Paying Residencies offers writers accommodation in Eleanor Dark's historic home. Residents have independent writing time, catered meals, and the opportunity to work within a community of writers. Currently, they have some rare vacancies - http://varuna.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&catid=48:what-we-offer-writers&id=70:paying-residencies&Itemid=88.

Varuna Professional Development Residencies
http://varuna.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&catid=48:what-we-offer-writers&id=69:varuna-professional-development-writing-residencies&Itemid=87

Writing Development Program http://varuna.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&catid=48:what-we-offer-writers&id=71:reading-review-a-consultation-service&Itemid=89
Current Varuna selective programs that you can apply for - applications close Friday 30 July:

1. VARUNA/SCRIBE programs
Writers are invited to apply to one or both programs:
* The Varuna/NAS National Short Story Competition
* The Varuna/Scribe Masterclass: Exploring the Short Story, with Cate Kennedy and Robin Hemley

2. VARUNA/GRIFFITH REVIEW programs
Writers are invited to apply to one or both programs:
* The Varuna/Griffith Review National Essay Competition.
* The Varuna/Griffith Review Masterclass: Exploring the Essay, with Peter Bishop and Robin Hemley.
In August Varuna's longest-running program: Varuna Fellowships
Email: varuna@varuna.com.au or phone: 02 4782 5674.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
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Disclaimer: Queensland Writers Centre offers this bulletin as an information service for members. Material is presented in good faith, but no responsibility can be taken for information that has not originated at the Centre. Queensland Writers Centre is not necessarily associated with or endorsing the organisations, views and opportunities contained within this bulletin.
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POEM OF THE MONTH

‘A DANCING BEAR’


Oh! My beautiful dancing bear

What have they done to you?

I remember when you danced free

Pirouetting through the forest

Like a ballet dancer

Graceful and agile

Thick, luxuriant coat, gleaming eyes

A confident demeanour

Then they came – they took you

You’re freedom gone forever

Trapped in a concrete enclosure

You sway and pace with lack-lustre eyes

My heart breaks

Children watch with fascination

They don’t know what is was you came from –

A paradise where you were free

Now a butterfly trapped in a spider’s web – my beautiful

Dancing bear

In the hands of humans I cry for you

And wish your death to come quickly

You would be better off

Yes, better off!

© Carol Jell June 2010

POEM OF THE MONTH

‘A DANCING BEAR’

Oh! My beautiful dancing bear

What have they done to you?
I remember when you danced free
Pirouetting through the forest
Like a ballet dancer
Graceful and agile
Thick, luxuriant coat, gleaming eyes
A confident demeanour
Then they came – they took you
You’re freedom gone forever
Trapped in a concrete enclosure
You sway and pace with lack-lustre eyes
My heart breaks
Children watch with fascination
They don’t know what is was you came from –
A paradise where you were free
Now a butterfly trapped in a spider’s web – my beautiful
Dancing bear
In the hands of humans I cry for you
And wish your death to come quickly
You would be better off
Yes, better off!

© Carol Jell June 2010

Short Story: Another Entrapment - Conclusion (Rated Mature) by Carol

A man’s voice whispers, ‘I saw you tonight. You and that son of yours down by the creek. He was digging. Why was he doing that? We both know why, don’t we? He’s gone back to get your ute hasn’t he and you’re there all by yourself.'

Frantic, Jessie shouts,’ Who is this?’

‘Never you mind, Jessie. You’ll be hearing from me again soon.’

She slams the receiver down into its cradle. Terrified, she rushes as fast as she can manage to bolt the back door and check the front door and windows. Her ankle throbs and she glances at it to find it’s swollen and a nasty bruise has formed.

Someone is banging on the back door.

‘Go away,’ she yells. ‘Go away and leave me alone.’

‘It’s me Ma. Will. Let me in!’

Jessie unbolts the door and clings to Will.

‘What in the hell has been going on?’

‘Someone saw us, Will!’

‘What!’

‘He phoned just now! He saw us at the creek. He saw you digging!’

‘Who in the hell could it be?’ Will wonders out loud.

‘Maybe it was whoever was driving past in that car.’

‘I don’t think so. It was too far away from us.’

‘Well I don’t know, but he said I’d be hearing from him again soon.

‘Now Ma, are you sure you didn’t dream all this? You know how you always fall asleep in the chair.’

‘I’m sure,’ answers Jessie. ‘At least I think I am.’

‘She sits down and wraps the blanket around herself.

‘Come on, lets forget about it for tonight,’ says Will. ‘We’ll have that talk and then you can go to bed. Things will look better in the morning.’

Will sits down beside her.

‘We’ll keep what happened tonight between you and me. When people ask where Dad is we’ll just say he left us and said he’s never coming back and that we reckon he’s probably headed for Queensland.’

Jessie sits there slowly turning the wedding ring on her finger.

‘Ma, are you listening to me?’

‘Yes,’ she answers in a faraway voice and keeps turning the ring.

Will continues, ‘We’ll tell Mick and Lizzie the same story when they come home from boarding school in the holidays. There’s no sense in upsetting them while they’re still at school.’

‘No, that’s quite right, dear.’

‘How does all that sound?’ asks Will.

‘How does what sound, Will?’

Will is exasperated. ‘Have you listened to a word I’ve said? We’ll tell Mick and Lizzie the same story when they come home from boarding school in the holidays. There’s no sense in upsetting them while they’re still at school,’ he repeats. 'Now, lets make a pact never to mention this night to each other again. It will be easier that way and as if it’s never happened. I’ll burn the blankets in the morning and then we’ll be ready to start our lives afresh. I’m sure we can make a go of it and manage this place on our own.’

‘Whatever you say, Son.’ Jessie smiles at him and pats his hand. ‘You were such a dear little boy.’

Will frowns but says nothing; instead he tells her, ‘don’t worry, Ma. It’ll be all right!’ He puts his arm around Jessie’s shoulders and kisses her on the cheek. ‘You’ll see!’


It’s morning and Jessie wakes to noises in the kitchen.’ Who’s clattering around making such a din at this hour?’ Her head is aching as she drags herself out of bed. There’s food to prepare in readiness for the breakfast that she always cooks when milking is finished. There are plenty of chores to done as well. Jessie doesn’t know how she’ll finish them today. Her face is sore and she’s tired even though last night she had fallen into a sleep of exhaustion not stirring once throughout the night. Jessie wonders why she can’t remember a single thing from yesterday. She wonders how her ankle got to be so swollen and painful. It’s hard to walk as she makes her way to the kitchen.

The voices start softly at first and Jessie turns around to see where they’re coming from but no one is there. They laugh, mocking her, or so Jessie thinks and she shakes her head to make them go away. She limps along the hallway as fast as she can and bursts into the kitchen. Everything seems so normal and like how it always is, but still the voices persist; even louder now.

The cause of the clatter in the kitchen is Will. He’s made coffee in the percolator and points to it as he drinks a cup. Alarmed, he notices that Jessie has put her blouse on back to front and is wearing odd shoes.

‘Morning, Will,’ she greets him. ‘No thanks. I won’t have one. Shouldn’t you be down milking the cows?’

‘I’m just about to leave. Had a job to do first.’

Jessie can smell something burning. ‘Have you been burning rubbish?’

‘Yeah, I have.’

‘Smells awful this early in the morning doesn’t it?’

She rummages around in the cutlery drawer. ‘That’s funny Will, have you seen my carving knife? I need it to get breakfast. It seems to have disappeared.’ The laughter is unbearable and struggling for normality Jessie asks, ‘what would you like for your breakfast this morning, Son?’

‘I'm not hungry thanks, Ma.’

Will’s answer is distant. The laughter drowns out all other sounds; everything is a blur through Jessie’s eyes; bile rises up in her throat and it feels like her head is about to explode. Breathing heavily, she sits down on a chair and looks with vacant eyes at her son.

‘Where’s your father? Must have gone down early to milk the cows I suppose. I didn’t stir when he got out of bed this morning. He’ll be hungry when he’s finished.’

The telephone rings on the big old sideboard next to where she sits. Jessie picks up the receiver.

‘Hello,’ she says, ‘who’s calling? Speak up please, I can’t hear you.’

Author: Carol