Writers of the Far South Coast March 2016 Newsletter 10am – 12pm, Saturday 19th March

Manuscript Clinic – Please note the change in venue It was a busy manuscript clinic last month with many peer reviews and helpful critique. This month we will be at the Bega Valley Regional Learning Centre. Please limit an extract of your work to 1,500 ish words. Poems, plays and every genre thinkable are welcome and add variety to our mornings. Emailed manuscripts will be included in a printed booklet (unless otherwise requested) and projected up on screen. Manuscripts can also be brought in on USB or as hardcopy. To include your work in the clinic, please email it to [email protected] 1pm – 4pm, Saturday 19th March

Workshop: Creating Compelling Characters with Chris Andrews Readers have certain expectations that go far beyond genre, beginning with characters they want to spend time with. Creating Compelling Characters will give you the essential hands-on toolkit to ensure your readers care about what happens to your characters, even the ones they hate. Subsidised by the Mumbulla Foundation. $15 for members, $20 for non-members.

PLEASE NOTE VENUE CHANGE!! This month's meeting (March) will be at the Bega Valley Regional Learning Centre, formerly the Auswide Services building (behind the Lakeview Hotel, Merimbula).

NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING NOTICE is hereby given that an Annual General Meeting of WRITERS OF THE FAR SOUTH COAST INC will be held at Club Sapphire, 119 Main Street, Merimbula NSW on Saturday 16th April 2016 commencing at 10:00am.

1

Writers of the Far South Coast – March 2016 Newsletter

Upcoming Writers Workshops for 2016 For more information visit http://www.writersfsc.org.au

Paula Boer's Advanced Manuscript Clinic will be held from 10am-4pm on Saturday the 7th May. Attendees of the clinic are required to submit a !20,000 word manuscript (at any stage of completion) by our 16th April meeting, at the very latest. Time is needed for Paula to pre-read all manuscripts and prepare personal notes and suggestions on each. Cost will be $50. Limited to 10 places. Book now to avoid disappointment.

Membership for 2016 Membership fees of $25 per year are now due. Application forms are only required for new members. Fees can be paid at a monthly meeting or online via a direct deposit. IMB Bank Account Name: Writers of the Far South Coast Inc. BSB: 641 800 Account Number: 200459894

2

Writers of the Far South Coast – March 2016 Newsletter

The Writer's Market Stall Have you published a book? Amanda is happy to promote any book written by a local author. Come by and check out the stall at the Pambula Markets on Sunday the 13th March. (Weather and alarm clock permitting).

Newly registered WFSC member Beck Minear Is looking to start a "Young People's Writers Group" If you are interested in joining or in mentoring young writers, please contact Beck Mobile: 0455 099 803

Email: [email protected]

Merimbula Historical Society Are you researching local history to write your new book? The Merimbula Historical Society is in desperate need of volunteers to help at the museum. This would be once a month for 2" hours on either Tuesday, Thursday or Sunday between 1:30pm and 4:00pm when the museum is open to the public. You would be with an experienced member while people look through the museum. Those interested please call Shirley Bazley on (02) 6495 9231 http://merimbulahistoricalsociety.webhive.com.au

Editing Service Eden's Amanda Midlam has offered her editing services to members of the WFSC. In her younger years, Amanda was a one-draftwonder, rushing to meet tight deadlines. She succeeded again and again and has been published many times over. Now with a Masters of Creative Writing under her belt, she has the knowledge, experience and time to perfect your book-baby. Or, she can help you, to add that little bit of extra polish yourself. 3

Writers of the Far South Coast – March 2016 Newsletter

Last Month's Workshop

February: Nikki Cooper – Introduction to Self-Publishing Nikki came down from Bateman's Bay to share her birthday with us during an informative Saturday afternoon. It was a full house with 28 attendees.

Geoff Maher was awarded a lucky door prize of Nikki's DVD "Secrets of Self-publishing Without Breaking the Bank" worth over $200. Congratulations Geoff & welcome to the WFSC.

"I loved being part of your wonderful group they made me feel welcome" – Nikki Cooper

Nikki will be attending Chris Andrews' workshop as a participant this month, however, I'm sure if anyone has any more questions for her, or would like to hire her services, she would be more than happy to discuss your manuscripts. Nine years ago (2007), the Writers of the Far South Coast published "Leaps and Boundaries", perhaps Nikki could help us publish another compilation book of short stories, poems and plays written by members of our club.

4

Writers of the Far South Coast – March 2016 Newsletter

Past Event

Author Diana Harley inspires women writers http://www.edenmagnet.com.au/story/3777553/author-helps-inspire-women Lochiel author, playwright and poet Diana Harley has shared her knowledge and experience with emerging writers as part of International Women’s Day celebrations on Tuesday. Budding poet Robyn Thorpe of Eden, who has been putting pen to paper since she was a young woman – was one of four writers to participate in the Writer in Residence event at the Eden Community Access Centre.

Animals in Ink and Print Children’s Festival Banjo Paterson Park, Jindabyne NSW Saturday 26 March, 2016 th

9:30am – 4:00pm

5

Writers of the Far South Coast – March 2016 Newsletter

Ailsa Wild "Squishy Taylor" Book Launch Saturday 19th 2pm

Jamie Shaw of Bermagui "Thirst" Book Launch Friday 11th March 5:30pm

Candelo Books: 208 Carp St, Bega NSW

6

Writers of the Far South Coast – March 2016 Newsletter

Producer for South Coast (Bega) [email protected] Mobile: 0427 201 603 Work: (02) 6491 6041

For more information or to book your place at a workshop, contact your local ABC Open Producer. Closing 10th April – 500 Words: My Other Life Are you a collector of model trains, a swing dance enthusiast or a weekend activist? Share a story about something unusual you get up to outside of work, or a side of yourself that other people don't normally see. Our members who recently published on ABC Open: "No rest for the wicked" By Susie Sarah (17th Feb 2016) https://open.abc.net.au/explore/118048

"Camelot" By Rosslyn Thomas (9th Feb 2016) https://open.abc.net.au/explore/116968

"Beware the February Dragon" By Susie Sarah (29th Feb 2016) https://open.abc.net.au/explore/119709

Published on ABC Open? Please send a link to [email protected]

Hi Amanda Not sure if I sent you an email about this - it's been hard while on the road. Wrote a long blog for the ABC Open about retirement [ "No rest for the Wicked" ] which went onto the front of their web page, then onto the front of "The Drum" - then was picked up by Channel 9 - then we went to Canberra to film a whole 5 minute chat on Monday with David and Sonya - then l headed off to visit Buchan school on Tuesday - and so it goes. [ The TV footage from Susie Sarah's Channel 9 interview is on her blog ] http://susie-sarah.blogspot.com.au/2016/03/channel-9-tv-my-5-minutes-of-fame.html Pass on my greetings to all at the writers group and let them know that the world out there is crazy but fun. Cheers Susie

7

Writers of the Far South Coast – March 2016 Newsletter

10.30am - 2.30pm Every 1st and 3rd Wednesdays @ Dr MacKay Centre, Page St 6.30pm - 8.30pm 1st Tuesday of the month @ Moruya Golf Club’s boardroom

Eurobodalla Writers - Moruya http://eurobodallawriters.org The "Drabble" is a micro-story of EXACTLY 100 words, not 99, not 101 and must include both the theme (the first part) and emotion (the second part). th

18 Mar 1st Apr 15th Apr

Topic – 1000 words What Really Happened? or He Put Spice in My Life On the Spot Writing (bring old shoe, boot or slipper with character) AGM The Suit or The Fortune Teller

Drabble – 100 words Theme: Being on the Safe Side Emotion: Scorn Theme: Still Waters Emotion: Apprehension Theme: A Closed Door Emotion: Euphoric

The Batemans Bay Readers and Writers Festival will be 9th – 11th September 2016 10am Every 2nd Saturday of the month

Shoalhaven Fellowship of Australian Writers [email protected] The club meets every second Saturday of the month from 10am in the Shoalhaven City Arts Centre in Nowra (next to the Library).

Discounted SCWC Membership $22/yr for WFSC Financial Members http://southcoastwriters.org.au Building 19, University of Wollongong The South Coast Writers Centre supports the Writers of the Far South Coast each year to provide ASA Author workshops at a feasible price to our members and the local area.

2nd Wednesday of the Month (13th April) @ Dixson Room, State Library of NSW

Society of Women Writers NSW – Workshop & Literary Lunch http://www.womenwritersnsw.org Workshop Luncheon Combined

10am - 12pm 12pm - 2pm

$42 / $47 $30 / $40 $65 / $80

RSVP: [email protected] or text 04 03 177 208

8

Writers of the Far South Coast – March 2016 Newsletter

10am–1pm, Saturday 9th April and 1pm–4pm, Sunday 10th April (ACT Writers Centre)

Masterclass: 24 Hour Story Challenge with Ian McHugh http://www.actwriters.org.au This short story masterclass is about developing participants' skills in turning ideas into stories and turning out stories quickly, as well as expanding their storytelling repertoire. On the morning of the first day, participants use tools including dice, tarot cards, random objects, books and magazines to create story elements, then work through a structured technique for combining those elements and using them to plan and develop a story. $130 ACT Writers Members ($105 for concession)

Non-Members $195 ($155 for concession) (incl. 1yr ACTW membership)

To book call (02) 6262 9191, book online or email [email protected] Located in the Doonkuna Wing of Gorman Arts Centre, Ainslie Ave, Braddon, ACT For more information on ACT Writers Upcoming Events: http://www.actwriters.org.au/events/upcoming-workshops-events.shtml 16th Apr The Mindful Writer with Walter Mason rd 23 Apr The Basics of Creative Writing with Jenny Bond th 30 Apr Editing Fiction with Pippa Carron Financial Members of the WFSC will be signed up to the ACTW e-newsletter. Three hardcopy versions of ACT Write magazine are available at our meetings. PDF versions will be forwarded to our financial members. 7:30pm–9:30pm, 3rd Wednesday (16th March) @ ACT Writers Centre, Gorman House

The Canberra Speculative Fiction Guild http://www.csfg.org.au Speculative fiction involves the question "What if?" and relates to the genres of science fiction and fantasy. New members are welcome at their general meetings. Managed through a torrent of emails within a Yahoo Group. Email [email protected] to subscribe.

The NSW Writer's Centre http://www.nswwc.org.au Garry Owen House, Callan Park, Balmain Rd, Rozelle, Sydney Phone: (02) 9555 9757

Australian Society of Authors https://www.asauthors.org Suite C1.06, 22-36 Mountain St, Ultimo Sydney NSW 2007 (02) 9211 1004 9

Writers of the Far South Coast – March 2016 Newsletter

Upcoming competitions cherry-picked from ACTW, SCWC and http://www.austwriters.com/AWRfiles/competitions.htm Closing 31st March 2016

Nillumbik Shire Council Literary Awards 2016 Winners published in anthology of Literary Nillumbik writing. Story story competition winners will also receive travel and accommodation (if required) at a two-day writer’s retreat. The Nillumbik Ekphrasis Poetry Award

Alan Marshall Short Story Award

Poems to be inspired by artworks from Laughing Waters Road exhibition • Max: 12-lines • Entry Fee: $12 • First Prize: $550 • Local Prize: $350 – No entry fee • Youth Prize: $200

Honours the life of Alan Marshall. Entries must be unpublished fiction. • Max: 2,500 words • Entry Fee: $20 (waived for Locals) • Open Prize: $2,000 first prize • Local Prize: $700 prize plus two-day writers retreat

http://www.nillumbik.vic.gov.au/Living-in/Artsand-culture/Nillumbik-Ekphrasis-Poetry-Award

http://www.nillumbik.vic.gov.au/Living-in/Artsand-culture/Alan-Marshall-Short-Story-Award

Closing 11th April 2016

Elizabeth Jolley Short Story Prize Short stories are required to be unpublished and exclusively submitted to the competition. ABR will publish the three shortlisted stories in the 2016 August Fiction Issue and announce the overall winner at a special event during the 2016 Melbourne Writers Festival. First prize: $7,000 Second Prize: $2,000 Third Prize: $1,000 Commended: $850 x 3 Maximum: 2000 - 5000 words Entry fee $20 ($15 for ABR subscribers) https://www.australianbookreview.com.au/prizes/elizabeth-jolley-story-prize Closing 3rd June 2016

Shoalhaven Literary Award - Poetry 2016 Judge: Sydney poet Brook Emery Entry Fee: $10 (multiple entries permitted) Max Length: 60 lines First Prize: $1000 and 2-week residency at Arthur Boyd's Bundanon Second Prize: $300 Third Prize: $100 www.fawnswshoalhaven.org.au 10