Fellowship News
Script Writing WorkshopThe film and television industry tell us there are no script writers out there and Channel 31 has called on the Fellowship to find a writing team for two TV Series, one of pure drama/comedy and another horror/SF/thriller style. To do this we will be conducting four one day workshops over eight weeks where those who have never written a script can learn and those who have can do so in a creative environment with a view to producing a first draft script. The initial cost is $250 but if your story is chosen by Channel 31 you will be paid commercial rates being 3-4% of budget for your script and have the opportunity of being on the writing team beyond that. If you are interested please complete the attached form and return by email or post to PO Box 973, Eltham. Vic. 3095. Enquiries ring 0413 736 723 and speak to me. The Fellowship has no interest in this project beyond providing the training and supplying a selection of scripts for Channel 31 as part of its policy of encouraging writers and finding opportunities to have them published. We do declare that White Light Productions, through whom we have organised this deal, is an award sponsor and that I am a director of that company which plans to profit from the shooting of several of the scripts put forward but will also be farming out this work to other film production companies. The workshops will be conducted in Box Hill, Victoria on weekends. Click here for more details and an Application Form (PDF Download) Places are limited and open to all Fellowship of Australian Writers (Victoria) members.
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Cricket Art Prize exhibition comes to Melbourne
The organisers have the pleasure of announcing that the Cricket Art Prize will be exhibiting in Melbourne in the lead up to, and during the Boxing Day Test period. Media House Gallery - the home of Fairfax Media's Melbourne operations including The Age newspaper - will be the official art-space and venue for the Cricket Art Prize exhibition - located on the corner of Collins and Spencer streets in the heart of Melbourne at 655 Collins Street.
WHERE WHEN For further information contact: website: www.cricketartprize.org
Media House Gallery
Media House, 655 Collins St
Docklands, VIC 3008
Thursday 16th Dec 2010 – Opening event.
Then exhibiting through to January 16th 2011.
Derek Zilich – Key Organiser
0411 572 100
derekz@cricketartprize.org
What's on at the Victorian Writers' Centre
176 Little Lonsdale Street, Melbourne
For more information on 2010 VWC courses and to book online, please visit http://vwc.org.au/what-s-on
Bookings are essential for all events.
SEPTEMBER EVENTS
Let’s Network! @ The Wheeler Centre
Thursday 16 September, 6:30 – 8pm
Presented by: Michael Williams
Event: An opportunity for like-minded writers to get together, form new networks, exchange ideas, and strengthen literary community ties, in a relaxed and informal setting. This month features special guest Michael Williams, Head of Programming for the Wheeler Centre. For more info: http://vwc.org.au/what-s-on/
Plain English
Thursday 23 September, 6:30 – 8pm
Presented by: Andrew Pegler
Seminar: Explore the place of plain English in the broader field of communication and argue its case as a lean, well-aimed tool that gets the message across to the broadest possible audience without ambiguity or confusion. Andrew Pegler is a leading plain English editor and writer. For more info: http://vwc.org.au/what-s-on/
OCTOBER EVENTS
Histories, Fictions
Saturday 2 & Sunday 3 October, 10am – 4pm
Presented by: Michael Meehan
Workshop: This workshop explores “ways of doing things with history”, in fiction. Participants are expected to be familiar with a number of prescribed historical fictions, together with some short theoretical and critical readings. The main focus is on the creative exploration of strategies for drawing on history, adapting and varying historical material, and experimenting with narrative methods and structures that allow best use of and access to history in fiction. For more info: http://vwc.org.au/what-s-on/
Creative Writing
Tuesday 5 October to Thursday 7 October, 1 – 4pm
Presented by: Sandra Shotlander
Course: This series of workshops focuses on particular aspects of creative writing: themes, structure, writers’ voice and imagery, developing characters and developing a process. Whether you are writing prose or drama you will receive feedback and take home work to develop. For more info: http://vwc.org.au/what-s-on/
Writing and Illustrating for Children
Saturday 9 October, 10am – 4pm
Presented by: Alison Lester
Workshop: This workshop opens the window to children’s writing through examples of stories, allowing participants to develop ideas and discover the process from the concept to the book. The workshop includes opportunities to shape stories, taking into consideration design and, for those willing, the chance to play with some illustrating techniques and styles. For more info: http://vwc.org.au/what-s-on/
Popular Fiction
Wednesdays 13 October to 17 November, 6.30 – 8.30pm
Course: The international market for romance is huge, hungry and incorporates aspects of fantasy, paranormal, crime, suspense and other genres. This is why romance writers published with large, international publishers can earn a living. Yet in Australia the assumption persists that it’s a simple genre for simple readers and something that ‘real writers” don’t write. Discover the opportunities for Australian writers in the international market, and learn the crucial features of gripping, well-written, internationally marketable romantic fiction. Suitable for all levels. Come prepared to write. For more info: http://vwc.org.au/what-s-on/
Speculative Fiction Masterclass
Saturday 16 October & Sunday 17 October, 10am – 4pm
Presented by: Lucy Sussex
Masterclass: This intensive writing masterclass is aimed at authors working in all aspects of speculative fiction, from science fiction and slipstream to epic fantasy and supernatural romance. To be eligible, please submit a one-page CV demonstrating previous published work, and a short sample (1000 words) of previous work. Submissions close 27 September. Email program@vwc.org.au For more info: http://vwc.org.au/what-s-on/
Let’s Network! @ The Wheeler Centre
Thursday 21 October, 6:30- 8pm
Presented by: Society of Editors
Event: This month features special guest speaker Rosemary Noble from the Society of Editors. For more info: http://vwc.org.au/what-s-on/
Writing Desire - How to Write About Sex
Saturday 23 October, 10am – 4pm
Presented by: Sydney Smith
Workshop: We all think, talk and do sex. But how do we write about sex? In particular, how do we write about it without feeling self-conscious? This workshop looks at different techniques you can use to describe sex and desire in your fiction. Sydney Smith is the founder and co-ordinator of the Victorian Mentoring Service for Writers and was a manuscript assessor for ten years. For more info: http://vwc.org.au/what-s-on/
How to Write a Crime-mix Novel
Saturday 30 October & Sunday 31 October, 10am – 4pm
Presented by: Kirsty Brooks
Workshop: Writing in a contemporary genre means not only writing something people want to read, but also creating something that transports and touches the reader. In this workshop participants look at the professional writers’ job of not just writing the book that best makes use of his or her unique voice, style and perspective of the world, but also selling it to the audience who will love it. For more info: http://vwc.org.au/what-s-on/
VWC@The Wheeler Centre, August 2010
176 Little Lonsdale Street, Melbourne
Bookings are essential for all events http://vwc.org.au/what-s-on
August is not just Poetry month at the VWC.
What's on offer...
Getting Your Poetry Out There
Wednesday 4 August, 6.30- 8pm
Panel with Guests Black Pepper and Peter Bakowski. Hosted by Jackey Coyle
So you want to get your poetry out there? Self-publishing isn’t the only answer. There are other paths to pursue to successfully promote your work and maximise your audience. Join Kevin Pearson (Black Pepper Publishing) and poet, Peter Bakowski, as they discuss avenues available to the career minded writer. Kevin will speak from the publisher perspective, providing an overview of the submission and selection process, target readership and distribution. As a successful poet, Peter will offer valuable advice on the steps towards professional development and audience recognition.
Full info and bookings at http://vwc.org.au/what-s-on/
The Art of Poetry
Saturday 7 August, 10am- 4pm
Workshop presented by Lisa Gorton
This workshop is aimed at young and emerging poets. Over the day, participants develop and extend one or two of their poems, using exercises that help them to test new poetic forms. Through group feedback and discussion, participants can also expect to gain new insights into their own poetry style and ambition.
Full info and bookings at http://vwc.org.au/what-s-on/
Writing the Motherlode
Wednesday 11 August, 6.30- 8pm
Seminar presented by Jennifer Harrison
Writing the Motherlode is a seminar on the themes of poetry, motherhood and children. Poet, Jennifer Harrison discusses the anthologising of women’s poetry on this subject and looks at some key poems from the Australian treasure trove. The focus is on recent women’s writing from the past 20 years. Participants are invited to bring a poem to share with the group for discussion.
Full info and bookings at http://vwc.org.au/what-s-on/
From DIY to Publishing Deal
Saturday 14 August, 10am- 4pm
Workshop presented by Euan Mitchell
Workshop: Self-publishing can be your stepping-stone to a publishing deal. If publishers and literary agents have given you the run-around, then consider the self-publishing option. Dr Euan Mitchell offers a practical one-day workshop in how to write, edit, design, print, distribute and market your own book for either commercial or private purposes. Learn how to bypass vanity publishers, produce a book that looks professionally published and avoid a garage full of unsold books.
Full info and bookings at: http://vwc.org.au/what-s-on/
Doris Leadbetter Melbourne Poetry Cup
Saturday 14 August, 7– 11pm
Presented in conjunction with the Australian Poetry Centre & Overload Poetry Festival.
Pick out your best short poems and perfect your performance. Come celebrate the 14th anniversary of the Cup, which honours Doris Leadbetter and gives writers the chance to present a ONE-MINUTE poem with the potential to win first prize of $2000!
The runner-up receives $300, while two others receive encouragement prizes of $100 each.
Featuring a jam-packed night of entertainment, this event will also celebrate the launch of the 2010 Overload Poetry Festival Program.
Please note: Limit of 40 registrations from 10am, Monday 9 August. Conditions apply. Visit our website for full details. http://vwc.org.au/what-s-on/
Let’s Network! @ The Wheeler Centre
Thursday 19 August 2010, 6:30- 8pm
With guest speaker Steven Grimwade, Director of the Melbourne Writers' Festival
An opportunity for like-minded writers to get together, form new networks, exchange ideas, and strengthen literary community ties, in a relaxed and informal setting. Full info and bookings at: http://vwc.org.au/what-s-on/
Non-fiction Masterclass
Saturday 21 & Sunday 22 August, 10am – 4pm
Presented by: Margaret Simons
This weekend intensive focuses on research, characterisation, observation and narrative technique in the creation of non-fiction. Participants apply the skills of observation, imagination and thought that can breathe meaning into facts. Day one concentrates on research skills. Day two focuses on transforming research into readable prose. To be eligible, please submit a one-page CV demonstrating previous published work. Submissions close 2 August. Email program@vwc.org.au
Full info and bookings at: http://vwc.org.au/what-s-on/
The Evolution of WritingRaw is complete!
Over these past few weeks, WritingRaw has evolved and grown - allowing more of everything to be on the site… more writing in all our categories, more book and publishing news (updated daily), more art (with daily updated cartoons), more interactive features (the Wall), and other informative and entertaining bits and pieces. Over the next few days and weeks we will be adding some other NEW features (including an interactive section that will allow all of us to create the longest running poem in history, a never-ending short story and a section where you - the reader - can post Shout-Outs about upcoming releases or other information you would like to share) to the site to make it more creative. So, sit back and open your mind… WritingRaw is stepping into the future of literature like no other site on the web!
The July 1 issue of WritingRaw.com is NOW online: Writing Raw is a FREE literary ezine dedicated to new and emerging writers. Our goal at Writing Raw is simple - to serve the literary community with the opportunity to have their work online and out in the world. In this world of disappearing literary magazines, Writing Raw is providing the blank pages for writers to fill.
We also support other sites that help writers: www.WritingRaw.com believes in reaching out to other sites, writing groups, forums, and organizations. Contact us on how you can place a FREE banner, announcement or link on our site!
Or, use the Writing Raw Book Store to promote your novel or poetry collection: If you have a novel or collection that you would like to place in our store, we would be more than happy to do so – for FREE. Just send us a copy of the cover of the book, a brief synopsis, and a link as to where the material can be purchased.
NEW PAGES:
- News Feeds – stop in and check out some live news feeds ranging from topics concerning writing and the publishing world to outlandish worldwide new to inspire your imagination.
- The WALL – just like it sounds… come place some graffiti on the wall and let us know what you are thinking; or, find out what WritingRaw is talking about on other social media sites such as FaceBook, MySpace, Twitter, etc.; or, check out your horoscope or get a free tarot readings or even ask the Magic 8 Ball something you are in need of knowing. It’s all fun…
- Shout Outs – this is where you can go and promote yourself or a project. Just give a shout out on this live wall to get your name out there.
- Art – the name says it all! This new page is dedicated to the artists out there who would like to submit their work so that us writers can use it for inspiration. The art work can be in any medium… just take a picture of it and send it to us, with a short bio, and any site or selling information you want. It’s that easy.
- Cartoons – everyone needs a good laugh… besides having daily live feeds of cartoons, we hope to have submissions soon.
- And all of the old pages, but pumped up and evolved to the next level…
Also, be sure to check out the NEW announcements on WritingRaw.com’s Home page from writer’s group and organizations worldwide. Discover meeting places, organizations offering fellowships, contests, and a variety of other useful websites all dedicated to writers of every level.
Also, we are now taking Art and Cartoons – so all of you artists be sure to send us some great pictures and samples of your art!
Victorian Writers' Centre Club Writers series June - July
These events are partnered with the Wheeler Centre and provide a great opportunity for audience members
to meet some of Australia's best writers and participate in a lively debate.
Click here for a PDF
What's on at the Victorian Writers' Centre
176 Little Lonsdale Street, Melbourne
For more information on 2010 VWC courses and to book online, please visit http://vwc.org.au/what-s-on
Bookings are essential for all events.
JUNE EVENTS - NON-FICTION & MORE...
Club Writers – Book Talk
With guest reviewers Kirsty Murray and Sonia Orchard.
Hosted by Nick Gadd.
Panel: Join special guest host Nick Gadd and authors Kirsty Murray and Sonia Orchard who will be reviewing the controversial book The Good Man Jesus and the Scoundrel Christ by Philip Pullman (Text release May 2010). Be prepared for lively debate as this book may incite diverse opinions. Audience members will be invited to join in the discussion. Book sales with discount to members will be available via the VWC office from mid May.
Bookings and info: http://vwc.org.au/what-s-on/
When: Friday 4 June, 1-2pm
Cost: Free This is a partnered event with the Wheeler Centre.
On the Road
With Rowan McKinnon
Weekend Workshop: In this workshop Rowan McKinnon will give some insights into what it's like authoring for a big travel guidebook company in an industry that's rapidly changing. We'll look into honing your ideas for travel articles and how to get them published, building a folio and pitching pieces to publishers.
Bookings and info: http://vwc.org.au/what-s-on/
When: Saturday & Sunday, 5-6 June, 10am-4pm
Cost: $270, Members $210/$190
Making a Mark in History
With Robert Kenny and Helen MacDonald
Seminar: These historians and authors will discuss the mechanics of non-fiction writing and research, and what it takes to produce great historical literature.
Bookings and info: http://vwc.org.au/what-s-on/
When: Tuesday 15 June, 6.30-8pm
Cost: $15, Members $12 / $10
Invisible Gonzo
With David Astle
Weekend Workshop: No matter the mode, magazine bites or full-blooded books, the secret to writing superior non-fiction is to occupy the story’s imagination. Across one weekend, learn how to meld the craft of fiction with the facts of the matter.
Bookings and info: http://vwc.org.au/what-s-on/
When: Saturday & Sunday, 19-20 June, 10am-4pm
Cost: $270, Members $210 / $190
All about Non-Fiction Publishing
With Text, Hardie Grant and Black Inc.
Panel: Guest publishers Penny Hueston (Text), Emma Schwarcz (Hardie Grant) and Sophy Williams (Black Inc Books) discuss current market trends, the right and wrong way to approach publishers and the process from manuscript submission to publication.
Bookings and info: http://vwc.org.au/what-s-on/
When: Thursday 24 June, 6.30-8pm
Cost: $15, Members $12 / $10
Club Writers – In Conversation
David Carlin in conversation with Host, Sarah L'Estrange
Panel: This month features special guest author David Carlin. David is a Melbourne-based writer and film-maker. He has written and directed plays, short films and documentaries, and teaches media production and writing at RMIT University. Our father who wasn’t there (Scribe, 2010) is David Carlin’s first book of creative non-fiction. Series host, Sarah L'Estrange is a producer on ABC Radio National’s The Book Show. This is a partnered event with The Wheeler Centre.
Bookings and info: http://vwc.org.au/what-s-on/
When: Friday June 25, 1-2pm
Cost: Free This is a partnered event with the Wheeler Centre.
Writing the Perfect Column for Radio and Print
With Elly Varrenti
Weekend Workshop: In this weekend workshop we will explore what it takes to write a successful column. In a hands-on, entertaining and jam-packed workshop, read and learn from your favourite and most loathed columnists from here and overseas, and create the perfect column.
Bookings and info: http://vwc.org.au/what-s-on/
When: Saturday & Sunday 26-27 June, 10am-4pm
Cost: $270, Member $210 / $190
Poetry Masterclass
With Philip Salom
This masterclass is a close-up reading-for-writing of your poems. The class will discuss ways of releasing the sensuality and shifting intelligence of language, the role of process in creating style and how to see off problems that occur in your work. To be eligible, please submit a one-page CV demonstrating previous published work, and a sample of your work (up to two pages). Submissions close 15 June. email program@vwc.org.au
Bookings and info: http://vwc.org.au/what-s-on/
When: Saturday and Sunday 3-4 July, 10am-4pm
Cost: $350, Members $290 / $260
Bookings close 15 June 2010
Club Writers - In Conversation
With Host, David Astle
This lunchtime 'in conversation' series is to be held on the last Friday of each month from May to November and will feature top local and interstate authors. For the inaugural session, our special guest is Anne Manne. Anne is a writer and social commentator who has written widely on feminism, motherhood, childcare, family policy, fertility and related issues. Her articles and essays on these topics have appeared in The Age, The Sydney Morning Herald, the Australian, Quadrant and Quarterly Essay. Her recent book So This is Life (MUP) was published in November, 2009. David Astle will be stepping in Sarah L'Estrange's shoes as host for the May session. David has been a freelance writer for over twelve years and regularly reviews for ABC Radio National's The Book show.
Bookings and info: http://vwc.org.au/what-s-on/
When: Friday 28 May, 1-2pm
Cost: FREE Bookings essential
VWC Club Writers
FREE Lunchtime Series
Liven up your lunchtime and join the VWC Club Writers on the first and last Friday of each month. First up is ‘Book Talk’, featuring Hosts Nick Gadd and Elly Varrenti, along with guest reviewers in hot debate on topical books fresh on the market. Last but not least, Hosts David Astle and Sarah L’Estrange present ‘In Conversation’ - a series of informative discussions with notable Australian authors.
Book Talk Diary – Fridays 4 June, 2 July, 6 August, 1 October, 5 November 1-2pm.
In Conversation Diary – Fridays 25 June, 30 July, 24 September, 29 October, 26 November 1-2pm.
Where: The Victorian Writers' Centre, Wheeler Centre Performance Space, 176 Little Lonsdale Street, Melbourne
Open invitation to /Poetry@fedsquare. May 8, 2010
poetry@fedsquare is part of Melbourne's vibrant cultural activities.
>
> The feature poets on Saturday May 8 are three splendid complimentary
> writers:
>
> 1- Joe Dolce is a Melbourne singersongwriter-composer and poet, and the
> creator of one of Australia’s most classic songs, /Shaddap You Face,/
> which has remained the most successful song in Australian music history
> for thirty years. His poem, /Bogong Moth/, was published in the recent
> issue of *Island*, and his first book of poetry, /Hatbox/, was launched
> at the /Salt on the Tongue Poetry Festiva,l/ in Goolwa, SA, in April 2010.
>
> 2- Sue Stanford- Born in London, Sue Stanford is based in Melbourne. Her
> interests in the creative arts took her first towards a still-born
> career in ceramics and then later to some small successes in writing.
> Her first book of poetry, Opal, came out from Flat Chat Press in 2006
> and a tiny book of haiku, The Neon City, came out from Post Pressed in
> 2008. A third book, We Will Come to the Sea, is taking shape. Sue's
> poetry has appeared widely in literary magazines and anthologies in
> Australia and overseas.
>
> 3- Mike Heald was born in Grimsby, England in 1959, and his family
> emigrated to Perth, Western Australia, in 1972. He completed a PhD in
> contemporary Western Australian poetry in 1999. He currently teaches at
> Trinity College, Melbourne University. Fremantle Arts Centre Press are
> thrilled to announce that /Focusing Saturn /has been shortlisted for the
> Queensland Premier Awards.
FAW BAYSIDE,
FELLOWSHIP OF AUSTRALIAN WRITERS,
As part of the Bayside Literary Festival
we invite you to join us for the 2nd launch of our anthology,
‘WORDS ON THE WIND,’
Saturday, 22nd May
Brighton Library, Wilson Street, Brighton
at 2 p.m - 4 p.m..
RSVP to: Shirley Randles 9557 2771 s_randles@optusnet.com.au
Gaye Robinson, 9598 5611, gayerobi@gmail.com
No later than Friday, 10th May 2010.
See the 2009 Edition (Click Here)
TOY SYMPHONY
It's just that ... well, ... I can't write anymore!
As writers ... we thought you may be interested in seeing TOY SYMPHONY – a drama themed around writer's block!
Frankston Arts Centre 26th & 27th February - Bookings 03 9784 1060.
With great reviews from Sydney and Queensland, Frankston is the only Melbourne venue to receive this fabulous play by the award-winning playwright Michael Gow.
A rare insight into the heart and mind of the artist and the inescapable power of memory.
More information, clip and reviews online http://artscentre.frankston.vic.gov.au/Whats_On/index.aspx?itemDetails=12383&objectType=kms
Special offer available to associates of Fellowship of Australian Writers - two tickets for the price of one mention "Gow's special offer" when booking.
Are you an Emerging Poet?
Ballarat Writers Inc presents Pure Poetry Shepparton
Part I: Mentoring opportunity
Eight emerging poets living in the Greater Shepparton region have the chance to participate in a 3-week mentoring program with renowned Castlemaine poet Ross Donlon. Submissions of original poetry are now being accepted. Add your voice to the Pure Poetry project, to be presented in the SheppARTon Festival.
Closing date for submissions: Monday 15 February
Submission guidelines, conditions & application form online: www.ballaratwriters.com
Part II: Pure Poetry Recital
Following the mentoring program, poets take to the stage to read their selected works in the celebratory Pure Poetry Recital in March. The recital program includes contemporary classical music and recent compositions by Ballarat’s Suzie May Camm and Melbourne’s Anthony Lyons.
When: Saturday 13 March, 5 - 6.30pm
Where: Wesley Hall, Uniting Care Cutting Edge Shepparton
Entry by gold coin donation
Click Here to Download more information (PDF Download)
Click here for an Application Form (PDF Download)
Fresh Start Training
The Fellowship of Australian Writers is proud to be associated with Fresh Start Training who offer a range of training programs and events.
To find out more visit www.freshstarttraining.com.au or www.thehivecentre.com
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AWARD WINNING AUSTRALIAN WRITING
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New Release
*HISTORY OF THE DAY*
Stephen Edgar
Stephen Edgar is acknowledged as one of the most elegant and technically astonishing poets currently writing. The poems in History of the Day have an imaginative reach, a grandeur and sweep which lead us through the transfiguring intensities of love to the burdens of loss, grief and horror. They contemplate the fragile nature of consciousness when measured against the immensities of time and space. He engages language at the highest, most sophisticated level. Edgar makes crystalline forms and patterns out of language so that every word glows, catches the light, and illuminates his vision. History of the Day is, quite simply, brilliant.
Some of the finest lyric poetry to have been written anywhere in recent times.
Gregory Kratzmann, Australian Book Review
*Available at all good bookshop or online at the Black Pepper website (post free).*
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