Writers' Connect - October 2008
WRITERS CONNECT
UTS Alumni Writers' Network E-zine
OCTOBER 2008
Traditionally at this time of year, with the holidays and the season of exchanging gifts ahead, we see the release of new books. The Lieutenant by Kate Grenville, Avoiding Mr Right by Anita Heiss, Car Lovers by John Dale and Tender Morsels by Margo Lanagan are just a few. Even your editor has a forthcoming book, Blood Will Have Blood, a collection of fiction stories by authors from India and Australia which I co-edited with Dr Meenakshi Bharat. It is being published in India and we're still hoping for a local edition. The book features stories by David Malouf, Tom Keneally and Rosie Scott.
News from the Australian Society of Authors advises that English teachers are opposing moves to strengthen the study of Australian literature in schools. The ASA encourages all Australian authors to respond to this article by making your views known to the editor of The Australian.
Our Writers on Writing series is generously sponsored by Icon Film Distribution. This month, Vicky Marquis gives an insight into writing her book, Caring for Coco. There are also new notices about writing competitions, opportunities and events. Plus, more members have joined our Facebook page (details below). This is an additional way for our network members to keep in touch with each other.
At the Writers' Network lunch last month we spoke about our e-community. Please join us in the forum - go to www.alumni.uts.edu.au and log on; then click on 'Communities' and then 'Writers' Network'. There is a link in our e-community forum to the Copyright Agency Limited which can answer your questions about copyright and our Writers On Writing contributions are also posted in our writers' network forum.
Can you help with our monthly e-zine? Please send news, notices of competitions, opportunities and events, articles about writing, and news of your own achievements and publications. We also welcome guest editors, contributors and volunteer proof-readers. Thanks to Chris Broadribb who is our current proof-reader.
We are always interested in hearing about how we can improve the network to better cater for your needs and interests. You can fill out the survey posted in our e-community forum. You can also join in the discussion going on in our forum and on our Facebook page.
A special thank you to all those who send in contributions and are active in our e-community forum. Please send contributions for the UTS Writers' Network November e-zine by 20 October 2008.
Sharon
Sharon.P.Rundle@alumni.uts.edu.au
All contributions remain the copyright of the individual author and no copy or reproduction should be made without prior consultation with the author.
NEWS FROM OUR NETWORK
CARING FOR COCO, $15rrp
This new book by Vicky Marquis is a timely book about caring. It is available at Gleebooks or email vickymarquis@bigpond.com
"The book has a good balance of factual, practical information and thoughtful comment about the human dimension behind the social issue of aged care. The humour is refreshing, enlightening and humanises a topic that can often seem overwhelmingly grim." Pamela Hewitt
EXCITING NEWS FOR SUSANNE GERVAY
I Am Jack by UTS:Alumni Writers' Network member Susanne Gervay has been adapted into a play by Monkeybaa Theatre. It has received rave reviews on its six week tour and will be doing another season in 2009 in Brisbane, Sydney and regional NSW.
SAVE! DISCOUNTED TICKETS ON STATE LIBRARY WRITERS' TALKS
The State Library holds regular talks with renowned writers and they are offering $15 tickets for UTS alumni. For more information, visit the UTS:Alumni website: www.alumni.uts.edu.au/member_benefits/writers_talks.html
NEW WRITING GROUP IN PADDINGTON/WOOLLAHRA
I want to start a writing group in the Eastern Suburbs and have a venue around the Paddington/Woollahra area. Any writing genre welcome. If interested, please contact Joanna at jodinn@theplanet.net.au
WRITER SEEKS ACCOMMODATION
A 38-year-old single woman with three cats seeks granny flat or small apartment up to $180 a week, preferably in the inner-west. Non-smoker, non-drinker, clean, tidy. Contact Chris Broadribb on 0423 163 613 or cabbook-ac@yahoo.com.au
WRITING CONVENTIONS, EVENTS & FESTIVALS
Australian Storytelling Guild (NSW)
The Guild invites storytellers, enthusiasts and readers to: Storytelling: Read Your Stories on a Weekend Afternoon.
Date: Saturday 18 October and Sunday 14 December, from 2pm
Cost: $12 (includes Devonshire Tea)
Venue: The Hughenden Boutique Hotel, 14 Queen St. Paddington (Woollahra, Sydney)
Contact: Vivienne for more information via email vivward@senet.com.au
Creativity and Uncertainty conference
An international conference on writing, teaching and creativity, featuring key note speaker Helen Garner and convened by UTS Associate Professor John Dale.
Date: Thursday 27 November, Friday 28 November and Saturday 29 November
Time: Varies. Please see the website - www.hss.uts.edu.au/conferences/aawp/
Register: Online via the above website link
Frankfurt Book Fair
The new Frankfurt Book Fair website has been launched, offering a clearer and improved structure. From the virtual book fair you can travel back in time for a historical look at 60 years of the Fair. Visit: www.book-fair.com
WRITERS ON WRITING
Our Writers on Writing series is generously sponsored by Icon Film Distribution. If you would like to contribute to this section, please send in your contribution (maximum 500 words) on any aspect of writing that you feel would inspire, inform, encourage or simply entertain your fellow writers. All contributors receive a double pass to a current film from Icon.
CARING FOR COCO
By Vicky Marquis
Caring for Coco has been a two year writing project, beginning shortly after the death of my mother in June 2006. I had previously self-published a collection of stories which she had written about her life. The book is called 'A Fragmentary Life' and I published it for the family as a record for them.
Seeing that book in print helped me to continue writing but the main motivation was to record the daily drama of a life which had to shift from fierce independence to confinement in a nursing home. I was struck at the time by how similar the problems I faced were to those of other friends whose parents were ageing and the effect this had on them and their families.
It was a piece of writing which had occupied my mind on and off. I was putting it away, dealing with self doubt, wondering what to do with it and feeling that it had a purpose, but the feeling was cancelled out much of the time with the thought that it was 'no good' and just me writing about a period of time in my life which consumed me. During this process I was constantly aware that I was exposing my mother's life to the page and how important it was to keep her integrity intact. I stopped and started the project several times but overriding my doubts was the feeling that it was a story worth telling.
Another motivating factor was looking through the bookshelves of 'boutique' bookshops for something which was not an academic piece on ageing, or an edited collection of carers' stories. I felt there was a place for a personal diary which highlighted some of the issues people have to face when placing a loved one 'in care' but which spoke from experience and at times ignorance or despair about what to do. I hoped by writing my story it would have relevance to others in the same situation and also provide some useful practical information. It also helped me come to terms with some of the difficult situations I faced with my mother in that situation and with her death.
Excerpts of the story had previously been published in the Carers NSW newsletter. Once I thought I had finished the manuscript I sent it to an editor who made some very useful suggestions and many changes to the text, pointing out bits that were repetitive, suggesting more writing in places, expanding some areas and reducing others. I was reluctant to send it to a publisher, knowing it could take 3-6 months for a reply. I was also told that they would not be interested in it as it had no sex in it! I then discovered someone who would help me self-publish it, which involved more editing, working out a design, getting an ISBN and barcode and obtaining quotes for printing.
Self publishing is not cheap however there are many wonderful supports 'out there' to help a would-be author achieve their goals.
Vicky Marquis © 2008. Caring for Coco, $15, email vickymarquis@bigpond.com
Please note: All the articles in this e-zine remain the copyright of the individual author and no copy or reproduction should be made without prior consultation with the author or their agent.
COMPETITIONS, AWARDS & OPPORTUNITIES
Please note that the UTS:Alumni Writers' Network presents information about competitions in good faith but this should not be considered as an endorsement.
Barbara Jefferis Award 2009
The Award is offered annually for the best novel written by an Australian author that empowers the status of women and girls in society.
Closes: Friday 28 November 2008 (except for novels published in December 2008, which have a closing date of Friday 9 January 2009)
Prize: $35,000
Visit: www.asauthors.org
Contact: Dr Jeremy Fisher, ASA Executive Director, (02) 9318 0877 or 0438 318 673
GLOBAL SHORT STORY COMPETITION
Bill Bryson, OBE, is supporting the Global Short Story competition. It is designed to appeal to writers everywhere, from the arid outback of Australia to the baking deserts of Africa. Each month, a winning story will be selected and a highly commended work will receive a cash prize. At the end of 12 months, each winner will be considered for an annual cash prize. Visit: www.globalshortstories.net/news.html
Dorothy Sargent Rosenberg Poetry Prizes for 2008
Closes: Saturday 18 October 2008
Prizes: Between $125,000 and $200,000
Visit: http://dorothysargentrosenbergmemorialfund.org
Inscription: Scripting, Sharpening and Presenting Australian stories
Closes: Friday 31 October 2008
Prizes: $5000 plus script development workshops with leading local and international practitioners and a presentation of extracts from the winning works to industry professionals and producers and, where possible, professional production of scripts
Visit: www.inscription.com.au
The Age Short Story Competition
For unpublished short stories up to 3000 words.
Closes: Friday 10 October 2008
Prizes: $3000, $2000 and $1000
Entry fee: No entry fee
Visit: www.theage.com.au/articles/2006/08/14/1216492716423.html
Contact: Prue Spencer (03) 9601 2198 or email shortstory@theage.com.au
Science Fiction Writers of Earth Short Story Competition
Both science fiction and fantasy are accepted - 2000 to 7500 words. This competition is open to previously unpublished writers only.
Closes: Thursday 30 October 2008
Prizes: First prize $250 plus publication, second prize $150, third prize $75
Entry fee: $5
Visit: www.flash.net/~sfwoe
Contact: Australasian Coordinator Rob Riel at jandr@hunterlink.net.au
Mornington Peninsula Prize
Short story competition: open theme, up to 3000 words. Poetry Competition: open theme, max 30 lines.
Closes: Friday 31 October 2008
Prizes: Short story prizes: $300, $150, $50, Highly Commended, Commended. Poetry prizes: $150, Highly Commended, Commended. Short story, $7.50; poetry, $5. Entry Form Required. Include SSAE.
Contact: Owen Quayle via phone (03) 59753351 or email peninsulafaw@bigpond.com
Aurealis Awards
The Aurealis Awards recognise the achievements of Australian writers of science fiction, horror and fantasy. The Awards have six divisions each with multiple awards: science fiction, horror, fantasy, young adult, children's and the golden Aurealis, drawn from the winners of the previous five divisions.
Closes: Friday 31 October 2008
Visit: www.aurealisawards.com. Entry form is required and guidelines are available
Contact: Ron Serdiuk via director@aurealisawards.com
Openbook Prize
The NSW Writers' Centre proudly supports Australian authors by offering an annual award for the best work of fiction, non-fiction and children's/young adult self-published by an individual author or by an Australian publishing company which does not have a distribution arrangement for its authors.
Closes: Friday 31 October 2008
Prizes: Best non-fiction book: $500; best fiction book: $500. The Messenger Marketing Award for the Most Innovative Marketing Plan for a Non-Fiction Book: $500 and a place at the Messenger 'Publishing for Passion and Profit' full day marketing, funding and distribution workshop (valued at $1,200)
Entry fee: $25
Visit: www.nswwriterscentre.org.au
Sydney Theatre Company Patrick White Playwright Award
For full length plays that have not been professionally performed. Entry form is required and guidelines are available.
Closes: Saturday 1 November 2008
Prizes: First prize $20,000 plus a professional reading of the play
Entry fee: No entry fees
Visit: www.sydneytheatre.com.au/content.asp?cID=36
Contact: Ben White via phone (02) 92501700 or email reception@sydneytheatre.com.au
Paramount Publishing International Short Story Competition
Closes: Friday 28 November 2008
Prizes: Cash prizes vary
Entry fee: $10
Visit: www.paramountpublishing.com.au
Alexander Henderson Award
Organised by Australian Institute of Genealogical Studies, this Award is presented annually to the person producing the best family history published in Australia.
Closes: Sunday 30 November 2008
Prizes: First prize: trophy; addition prizes receive certificates. Winners published in the Genealogist
Entry fee: No entry fee
Visit: www.aigs.org.au
Contact: Phone (03) 98773789 or email info@aigs.org.au
Writing contests
More writing competitions for poets, playwrights, story writers at:
www.writers-editors.com/Writers/Contests/contests.htm
Australian Writers' Marketplace Online
Provides information on competitions, agents, publishers and mentorship programs
www.awmonline.com.au/Listings/top100-listings.aspx
Gold Coast Writers Association
Lists competitions for stories and plays at:
www.goldcoastwriters.org.au/htm/htm/competitions_other.htm
OPPORTUNITIES
Short film scripts wanted
A request for short film scripts from Sarah Steel:
"I'm working in London in film distribution. I'm looking to make another short film. I'd like to reach talented writers who might have a good script that they'd like to see made. It will be very low budget (surprise, surprise) but they can check out my last short here. I will be returning to Oz in early January if they want to meet and discuss ideas. A ready-made script would be preferable, but I'm also open to the idea of adapting a short story. The main thing would be to find something fairly logistically easy to make, so few locations and no robots!"
Best, Sarah (sarahpatsy@gmail.com)
Arabesques
A journal in Algeria seeks submissions. Visit: www.arabesques-editions.com/journal/
Publishing older women writers
For women over 60. Visit: www.chicorybluepress.com
Magazine opportunity
North Queensland women's magazine is looking to buy entertaining, relationship-based lifestyle stories. They are happy to purchase second rights. Email: editor@duomagazine.com.au
Wet Ink seeks submissions
Wet Ink is a quarterly magazine that focuses on publishing fiction, poetry and non-fiction by new and emerging writers. As well as poetry, non-fiction and literary-style fiction, Wet Ink is interested in high-quality work in all genres. There are no word count restrictions and all published work receives payment. For more details, visit www.wetink.com.au
Australian Artists and Writers for the World: The Thylazine Foundation
The Thylazine Foundation seeks submissions of prose (non-fiction or fiction) with the purpose of initiating positive personal and social change. Previously published work is acceptable. Please include a piece of writing (500 - 1000 words) on what we can do to make the world a better place, a photo and a 300-500 word biography via email. Visit www.thylazine.org/world/ or contact Liz Hall-Downs via world@thylazine.org
Popular fiction/comic strip magazine seeks writers and illustrators
Writers and illustrators are sought for a magazine of popular fiction short stories up to 5000 words covering a wide range of genres: spy thriller, detective mystery, retro science fiction, western, Australian outback gothic, etc. The idea is that each story will be illustrated with line drawings, as per the old fiction mags, and that the first edition would also contain one or two comic strip stories. Visit: www.rmsed.com.au
Allen & Unwin: Friday pitch to Arena imprint
Louise Thurtell - fiction publisher of Allen and Unwin's new Arena imprint - has made every Friday her pitch day. Authors of adult popular fiction who are looking for publication can send Louise their first chapter and a synopsis by email (preferably) or mail to reach her on a Friday. Visit: www.allenandunwin.com/default.aspx?page=462
Macmillan new writing
The publisher is calling for unpublished novels. For more details of their fiction list and submission process visit: www.macmillannewwriting.com
Pocket Book series: stories wanted
A Melbourne publisher is looking for short stories for a new pocket book series. The publisher invites writers to register (for an annual $110 membership fee), and submit their stories. The stories should be between 9000-30,000 words. The writers get paid for the stories selected and quarterly payments on sales from the online catalogue. This is not an e-book. It is a hard copy printed pocket book. Visit: www.pickapocketbook.com
The Australian National Museum: A Collection of Books - Making Tracks
The National Museum has become a children's publisher. In an innovative publishing venture, the museum publisher will select an item from their collection. An established Australian children's author will be invited to write a narrative which reveals the historical period of that archival item and includes it in the story. Authors include Jackie French, Hazel Edwards, Libby Gleeson and many others. Illustrators include David Cox and Donna Rawlings. Visit: www.nma.gov.au/kidz/making_tracks/
The Barcelona review
No payment for fiction, but good critical reputation. Visit: www.barcelonareview.com
International opportunities for writers of various genres
Visit: www.britishcouncil.org/arts-literature-links-creative-writing.htm
UK magazines
Some British magazines accept short stories, they are listed on the following website:
www.theshortstory.org.uk/magazines/index.php4
HYPERTEXTS, NEW MEDIA, E-ZINES AND ONLINE RESOURCES FOR WRITERS
Collage Art
Have you ever thought about collage and assembly? Take a look at the collage art website which is dedicated to the art of collage. Visit: www.collageart.org
COLLABORATIVE HYPERTEXTS
The colossal cave adventure
Try this interactive game website: www.rickadams.org/adventure
Relaywrite.com
Relaywrite.com is a story factory. Writers from all over the world assemble stories piece by piece until they are completed. The website gives you the chance to stop procrastinating and create something you can be proud of. You don't have to be the next Dickens or Shakespeare. Just have some fun! Visit: www.relaywrite.com
New Worlds Project
Science-fiction play-by-post role-playing game and creative writing project. New Worlds Project features an original setting that is used as a platform for creative pursuits. The war-torn setting is set 500 years in the future and offers limitless opportunities for writers, role-players, readers and artists. Visit: http://rpgnewworlds.net/news.php
E-ZINES
Menu 971
Stories of 971 words. Visit: www.971menu.com
Mascara Poetry Zine
Mascara only considers previously unpublished work. Please send three to five poems and a short bio in a Word doc to editor@mascarapoetry.com. Submissions are open at all times. Mascara are also interested in receiving essays and reviews. Payment is: two or more poems: $75; reviews: $50; essays: $50. Visit: www.mascarapoetry.com
Eclecticism
The Australian e-zine, Eclecticism aims to draw on a diverse range of creative minds, styles and genres and seeks contributions from writers of prose and poetry, illustrators/artists and beat-musicians. Each issue will have themed and open sections. Eclecticism is free - a non-profit e-zine that hopes to showcase current writers and expose emerging writers and artists. It will be available to download from the website. Visit: www.eclecticzine.com
Crimedownunder
Got a killer short story that you'd like to get out there? Crimedownunder is calling for submissions of crime short stories from Australian authors. All details can be found at www.crimedownunder.com or email pizerule@yahoo.com.au
Pulp.net
Online monthly pays £100 per story. Visit: www.pulp.net/about/submission-forms/send-story.html
Flashquake
Flash fiction, non-fiction, poetry and artwork. Visit: www.flashquake.org
East of the Web
East of the Web are interested in receiving works that exploit the creative possibilities of electronic media to communicate emotionally engaging narratives. Visit: www.eastoftheweb.com/hyperfiction/index.html
A long short story
Publishes the best work of new and established writers. Visit: www.alongstoryshort.net
The cud
An Australian e-zine calling for new contributors. Essays, articles, opinion pieces on a wide range of subjects and issues. Visit: www.thecud.com.au
Real travel adventures international magazine
Visit: www.realtraveladventures.com/ContactUs/howtosubmit.htm
Paying e-zine markets
Visit: www.dowse.com/ezine-markets.html
Genre fiction magazines and e-zines
Visit: www.ability.org.uk/genre_fiction_mag.html
USEFUL BOOKS ON THE CRAFT OF WRITING AND EDITING
Creative Writing Studies: Practice, Research and Pedagogy
Edited by: Graeme Harper & Jeri Kroll
English A-Z: The essential handbook
By UTS Alumni Writers' Network member, Lyndall Hough.
Lyndall's book has an alphabetical list of terms used in the study of English, including traditional and new media terms. Words have a pronunciation guide beside them where needed and a cross-section has a number of sample texts which have notated examples of many of the alphabetically listed terms.
Round table magic
A workbook for writers and writers' groups. Available via www.bookaholics.com.au and the NSW Writers' Centre www.nswwriterscentre.org.au websites. Or visit www.roundtablewriting.com and click on 'Books'.
For more helpful books on writing, please go to www.bookaholics.com.au
Dorothy Shorne is a Writers' Network member and is happy to promote your books. Please visit the website for more information.
Have you written books on writing that you would like to publicise? Or is there a book that you'd like to recommend? Email us the details!
UTS:ALUMNI WRITERS' NETWORK WEBSITES
Dianne (Di) Bates at www.enterprisingwords.com
Chris Broadribb: www.geocities.com/spiky_one/stories.html
Pamela Freeman has two websites: www.castingstrilogy.com (adults); www.pamelafreemanbooks.com (kids)
Susanne Gervay: www.sgervay.com
Prof Graeme Harper: www.bangor.ac.uk/creative_industries/harper.php.en
Lyndall Hough: www.thelearningcurve.net.au
Amy Huang: www.travelstring.com
Valerie Khoo: www.sydneywriterscentre.com.au
Blogs
Jeremy Fisher: http://drjeremyfisher.blogspot.com
Sharon Rundle: http://roundtablewriting.wordpress.com
Online portfolios
Po Yi Leung (Natalie) at www.poyileung.wordpress.com
WRITERS' GROUPS
New writing group in Paddington/Woollahra
Writers' Network member, Joanna, is starting a writing group in the Eastern Suburbs and have a venue around the Paddington/Woollahra area. Any writing genre welcome. If interested, please email jodinn@theplanet.net.au
Sydney Children's Writers and Illustrators Network
The Network open to published children's writers and illustrators who meet to network, share publishing information and discuss the state of children's writing. The venue is the Hughenden Boutique Hotel and meetings are on the first Wednesday of every month from 10.30am-12.30pm. Past attendees include Moya Simons, Jeni Mawter, Christopher Cheng, Deborah Abela, Felicity Pulman, Vashti Farrer and Susanne Gervay. It is open to published writers only. Visit www.sgervay.com or email admin@hughendenhotel.com.au
Partners in Crime
The group comprises of crime writers who meet over devonshire tea every two months at The Hughenden Boutique Hotel. Visit: www.geocities.com/Athens/Styx/7255/
BOOK CLUBS AND READING GROUPS
Book club in North Sydney
If you are looking for a book club, Café Conte will be holding one on Saturday mornings in North Sydney. For more information, check out all the details which have been posted on The Sydney Writers' Centre blog: www.sydneywriterscentre.com.au
WRITING COURSES, WRITING CENTRES & COMMUNITIES
UTS:Alumni Writers' Network e-Community webpage
To have a look at our e-community webpage, please go to: www.alumni.uts.edu.au
Then log in (or register) and go to Communities and then Writers' Network.
E-zine
Back issues of our monthly e-zine are archived on our webpage for easy reference. You can find our e-zine online here.
UTS:Alumni Writers' Network Facebook page
Joining this Facebook group is entirely optional and is designed as an added feature for our network to get to know one another better.
Name: University of Technology, Sydney Alumni Writers' Network
Description: This group is a closed group for UTS:Alumni members who are interested in writing and publishing.
Type: This is a closed group to help protect privacy and copyright. Members must be invited or approved by an admin.
To join go to: www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=10057226734&ref=mf
Contact: If you have any questions, please email Sharon.
UTS Centre for New Writing
The UTS Centre for New Writing has been established to promote and support research into new forms of writing and provide an external identity for research students. The Centre will develop external relationships with overseas writers and institutions. The Centre offers short courses, seminars and lectures. It offers a 10% discount to all UTS:Alumni. Visit: www.newwriting.uts.edu.au
The Sydney Writers' Centre
To join the mailing list, please contact Valerie Khoo at: valerie@spindriftmedia.com.au
or phone: (02) 9929 9237. For a full list of courses available and other news from the Centre, go to www.sydneywriterscentre.com.au
NSW Writers' Centre
The NSW Writers' Centre has many courses and workshops on writing and publishing in various genres, as well as regular writing and publishing events. Visit: www.nswwriterscentre.org.au
Varuna, The Writers' House
Varuna has many programs for writers, including Readers' Reports; Residential Fellowships; Master classes and the Longlines Workshops. Visit: www.varuna.com.au
Australian Society of Authors
Visit their website and see the benefits of belonging to the ASA: www.asauthors.org
The copyright agency limited
www.copyright.com.au can answer your questions about copyright.
Copyleft
This is a general method for making a computer program or other work free, and requiring all modified and extended versions of the program to be free as well. Visit: www.gnu.org/copyleft
UTS:Library
The UTS:Library provides services through two campus libraries, the Blake Library (City Campus) and the George Muir Library (Kuring-gai Campus), and online www.lib.uts.edu.au
All contributions are passed on in good faith in our monthly e-zine but no responsibility is taken for accuracy. Some contributions may be edited due to space considerations.
Sharon Rundle
Editor and Co-ordinator
UTS:Alumni Writers' Network
Email: Sharon.P.Rundle@alumni.uts.edu.au
Web: www.alumni.uts.edu.au
Thanks to Adrian Sellaro, Database & Web Coordinator; Chrissa Favaloro, Communication Officer; Chris Broadribb, proof-reader; and our volunteer contributors.