Writers' Network Update February 2008
UTS ALUMNI WRITERS' NETWORK E-ZINE
FEBRUARY 2008
"Poetry is the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings; it takes its origin from emotion recollected in tranquillity." Wordsworth.
Happy New Year to you all, I hope 2008 is off to a good start for you.
This first E-zine for 2008 brings an announcement of the PRIME MINISTER'S LITERARY PRIZES as well as plenty of other opportunities for entering competitions and publishing your work. Don't forget to note the deadlines in your diary.
We have 9 free double passes to Dendy Films to see THE KING OF KONG, scroll down to see how to win your free double-pass.
Susanne Gervay tells us about her book for the Australian National Museum's collection of Books - Making Tracks in NEWS FROM OUR NETWORK. There is more information about the Australian National Museum's collection under OPPORTUNITIES.
Network member, Joanna, is proposing a writing group to meet in the Paddington/Woollahra area, more under NEWS FROM OUR NETWORK.
As always, in this issue there are lots of new items, including a new section WRITERS ON WRITING. So make sure you scroll right down to the end so that you don't miss any of the latest news.
As mentioned in last issue, the most popular type of event favoured in our survey was: workshop with authors/and or writing tutors; followed by Lunch social meeting and readings. So I'm putting together a draft social program to the alumni office for 2008 and welcome your ideas.
I need your help with our monthly E-zine. If you attend a literary event, please send us your impressions. If you'd like to contribute a short article about writing or a topic related to writing, we'd love it. If you have a poem or short story you'd like to share, please do. Please remember, though, that some competition guidelines stipulate that online publication will disqualify entries. If you offered to proofread our e-zine can you please email me to let me know? You can contact me at: Sharon.P.Rundle@alumni.uts.edu.au
We're always interested in hearing from you, our network members, about how we can improve the network to better cater for your needs and interests. You can fill out the survey posted in our Writers' Network E-community forum by clicking on 'reply' to the survey message. You can also join in the discussion going on in our discussion forum. Thank you to Amy for responding to the survey in the forum and for suggesting the new WRITERS ON WRITING section. In return, we are sending Amy a double-pass to the King of Kong. Amy is an active participant in our e-community forum.
There's a link in our e-community forum to the Copyright Agency Limited which can answer your questions about copyright, including advice about digital copyright.
All this and more at our E-community, which we aim to make as positive and interactive an experience as possible, with a group atmosphere and plenty of interaction between members of our network. The discussions are moderated.
Please join us in the forum - go to http://www.alumni.uts.edu.au and log on; then click on Communities and then Writers' Network. To find the survey - click on 'Suggest a Topic' in the Writers' Network forum and then click on 'Survey for Writers' Network'.
You can find back issues of our e-zine online at http://www.alumni.uts.edu.au/networks/writers/index.html
Please note that all contributions and comments by members published in our monthly e-zine are those of the individual author and that all responsibility for accuracy and liability for comments made in contributions lie with the author of the contribution.
Contributions remain the copyright of the individual author and no copy or reproduction should be made without prior consultation with the author.
Please send contributions for the UTS Writers' Network MARCH 08 E-zine by FEBRUARY 16th, 2008 if you want to be sure they are included.
Wishing you all a prolific New Year.
Sharon.
Sharon.P.Rundle@alumni.uts.edu.au
NEWS FROM OUR NETWORK
From Joanna
Establishing Writing Groups
Would be great to get some face to face writing groups happening around Sydney for graduates of the UTS writing program. The idea would be to encourage writing product. Many of us have left university and still want to write our great screenplay or novel. Perhaps meeting with like-minded writers would help to actually get the word onto the page rather than just thinking about it - perhaps others are writing but are needing feedback. Writing groups of four or five would be large enough and meeting monthly would be realistic enough to achieve a good deal of writing over the selected period of time. Groups might like to meet on a continuous basis or be goal oriented, for example, meeting for six months or so to complete a specific project. What do you think?
I'm proposing the following writing group to start:
Writing group in Paddington/Woollahra
Project interests: Narrative and screen writing
Initial project would be screenplay
contact: Joanna (Masters in Prof Writing)
jodinn@theplanet.net.au
Sharon adds that you can put forward proposals for a writing group in our monthly e-zine (send to Sharon.P.Rundle@alumni.uts.edu.au ) and in our Writers' Network e-Community at http://www.alumni.uts.edu.au where those who are interested can reply to your messages in the forum. You can also list your writing group in our e-zine under WRITERS' GROUPS.
If we do have a number of groups formed and you want to run them under the umbrella of the UTS Writers' Network, we'll need someone to co-ordinate the groups, of course.
From Susanne Gervay
The Bologna Book Fair is the major book event for children's and young adult books to be held 30th March to 4th April 2008. www.bookfair.bolognafiere.it
An umbrella event at the Bologna Book Fair is the SCBWI Conference 28th and 29th March 2008.
http://www.scbwi.org/bologna.htm
Australia is represented at the SCBWI Bologna Conference by Laura Harris, Publishing Director of HarperCollins Australia and Susanne Gervay. Both will be speaking at the conference.
The multi award winning Company, Monkey Baa Theatre is adapting Susanne Gervay's novel I AM JACK into a play to open at the Seymour Theatre in August 2008 before touring regional theatres.
www.monkeybaa.com.au
The Australian National Museum has become a children's publisher with a collection of Books - Making Tracks. In an innovative publishing venture, the Museum publisher selects an item from their collection. Susanne Gervay has just completed a book for this collection. The archival item is from the 1970's feminist collection. It is a yellow t-shirt with SUPERWOMAN printed on its front. Release date for Susanne's book is September 2008.
Susanne
www.sgervay.com
(You can find more details about the Australian National Museum's collection if you scroll down to OPPORTUNITIES.)
Network member, Valerie Khoo has a range of writing courses at The Sydney Writers' Centre, for details scroll down to WRITING COURSES, WRITING CENTRES & COMMUNITIES or go to http://www.sydneywriterscentre.com.au
I can't believe it's that time already! The next Season of Inspiration online writing course is taking registrations now.
The Season of Inspiration is a 9-week interactive online writing course. Starting dates are from February 18, 2008 & from October 6, 2008. Whatever the season in your part of the world make it a Season of Inspiration. More below in WRITING COURSES, WRITING CENTRES & COMMUNITIES and at http://www.roundtablewriting.com or at http://www.newmediawriting.com
Sharon.
PRIME MINISTER'S LITERARY PRIZES 2008 ANNOUNCEMENT
Prime Minister¹s Literary Prize for fiction
Prime Minister's Literary Prize for non-fiction.
Annual awards worth $100,000 (tax-free) in each category.
The Australian Society of Authors advises that "The Prize will be the richest in Australia, and will rank among the top literary prizes in the world. Some details are still to be confirmed, but it is anticipated that the award will be open to Australian writers working anywhere in the world, and writing on any topic. The award will be run through Art Minister Peter Garrett's office."
The Australian Society of Authors. Principal advocate for the professional and artistic interests of Australian authors. Protecting basic rights to freedom of expression, working to improve income and conditions, promoting Australian writing and literary culture. http://www.asauthors.org
$ WIN A DOUBLE-PASS TO
THE KING OF KONG
Dendy Films are releasing the drama documentary film THE KING OF KONG and we have FREE Double -Passes for you. These tickets can be used over the weekend of Fri 22nd Feb - Sun 24th Feb at any participating cinema.
Billy Mitchell, hot sauce mogul and named the "Gamer of the Century" in the 1980s, scored 874,300 points in Donkey Kong-a record many thought would never be beaten. After stumbling across this record online in 2003, Steve Wiebe-a high school science teacher-perfected his game every night when his family went to bed and not only surpassed Mitchell's record but ended up with 1,000,000 points, a score all thought was impossible. Steve quickly became a celebrity in his hometown, while meanwhile Billy Mitchell hatched a plan to reclaim his fallen Donkey Kong record…
"It's all true-every magical, exhilarating, infuriating, dumbfounding, jaw-dropping second"
Robert Wilonsky, The Village Voice
There's more drama in this documentary than in most serious Oscar contenders. A marriage is on the line, integrity is tested, and friendships falter--all in the name of a video game called Donkey Kong. THE KING OF KONG may inspire both tears and frustrated sighs, but it's most remarkable for its humour. This is a hilarious documentary that enlightens as it entertains. While Steve is an audience favourite, Billy is a Machiavellian mastermind that rivals any villain from a narrative film. Sometimes truth is stranger than fiction, and the people who populate THE KING OF KONG are as fascinating as any screenwriter's creation.
We have 9 FREE Double-Passes to see THE KING OF KONG over the weekend of Fri 22nd Feb - Sun 24th Feb at any participating cinema. The first 10 people to email Sharon.P.Rundle@alumni.uts.edu.au will each win a Double-Pass. Please include your full name and postal address if you want your double-pass posted to you - or winners can pick up their tickets from the UTS Alumni office.
Congratulations to Amy who has won a double-pass to this film for responding to the survey in the writers' network e-community forum and suggesting a new section, WRITERS ON WRITING, for our E-zine.
WRITING CONVENTIONS, EVENTS & FESTIVALS
INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN'S AND YA WRITERS' CONFERENCE
MAJOR AUSTRALIAN PUBLISHERS & BLOOMSBURY USA
SCBWI CONFERENCE IN CONJUNCTION WITH ASA AT THE HUGHENDEN, SYDNEY
23 and 24th February 2008
Australian publishers for Random House, Penguin, HarperCollins, Hachette, Scholastic, A & U, Walker and most houses; international commissioning editor from Bloomsbury USA; USA children's film maker Lin Oliver, NY best seller list YA author Ellen Hopkins, international best selling picture book team Jackie French and Bruce Whately, educational publishers and marketing and industry leaders are part of the Sydney SCBWI Conference, 23rd-24th February 2008.
The conference is focussed on professional publishing with both an Australian and International focus. It is limited to 100 delegates in order to facilitate networking and industry information. For details of the conference log onto http://www.scbwiaustralia.org and click on 'conference'.
Priority is given to SCBWI, ASA and UTS Alumni members. The registration form is online and can be printed and emailed or faxed to the ASA for registration at emma@asauthors.org
Costs are detailed on the SCBWI website: $380 for the full weekend with the conference dinner
$200 per day without the dinner, $60 manuscript assessments
Hotel accommodation for interstate visitors is at The Hughenden to be booked directly with the hotel reservations@hughendenhotel.com.au or ph: 02 9363 4863
Please note that the cosy rooms have already been fully booked with upgraded rooms available from $168.00. It is essential to book accommodation early.
Susanne Gervay
www.sgervay.com
INDIAN ASSOCIATION FOR STUDIES OF AUSTRALIA (IASA) CONFRENCE IN KOLKATA
Guests include Bruce Bennett, Secretary of the Australia - India Council and also Dr Meenakshi Bharat, from Delhi, who will announce and discuss The Fear Factor, a collection of stories by authors from Australia and the Indian sub-continent, co-edited by Meenakshi Bharat and Sharon Rundle, to be published by Picador India in September 2008. For further information about IASA please go to http://www.india.embassy.gov.au/ndli/PA0108.html or www.iasa-india.org
Meenakshi will launch her new book Filming the Line of Control which she co-edited with Nirmal Kumar. This book charts the history between India and Pakistan as represented in cinema. It is published by Taylor and Francis Books India. For more information and to purchase a copy of 'Filming the Line of Control', please email: priya.mishra@tandfindia.com
Meenakshi gave a presentation at the Australasian Universities Language and Literature Association (AULLA) in Queensland and a presentation on Indian Cinema at UTS when she visited Australia in July, 2005.
INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL THEATRE METHODS 08
Between Tradition and Contemporaneity
July 7 - 13, 2008
Malpils, Latvia
"TM" is the annual professional festival-fair bringing up the question of the Bridge between Tradition and Contemporaneity in performing arts. It is uniting performers from all over the world interested in the research of theatre methods between tradition and contemporaneity. Participants: actors, directors, dancers, choreographers, teachers, playwrights, stage designers, script writers, theatre critics, journalists, cultural managers.
At the moment the festival has been accepting applications for creative presentations in 2008!
Presentation format:
- workshop/master class
- work in progress
- performance fragment (not requiring any special technical conditions)
- reading/lecture
any other way of demonstration to the presenter's discretion.
More details: http://www.iugte.com/projects/TM08.php
Registration: http://www.iugte.com/projects/register.php
SAVE! Discounted tickets on State Library writers' talks
The State Library of NSW holds regular talks with renowned writers and they are offering $15 tickets for UTS alumni.
This month, savour 'A Taste of Spain and Portugal'. Armed with a small rucksack and a staff, 63-year-old former diplomat Tony Kevin set off on a trek across Spain from Granada to Santiago de Compostela. Hear his inspiring story of Walking the Camino, and why thousands have made the long pilgrimage over many centuries.
In addition, Tania Gomes tells of the cultural history, memories and beautiful photography in her book Flavours of Portugal, and shares traditional recipes collected from family and friends.
Doors open at 5.30pm (for 6pm start) on Tuesday 26 February. For bookings, call the State Library of NSW on (02) 9273 1770 and quote "writer's deal". Light refreshments will be served. For more information, and details about other writers' talks, visit the State Library of NSW website
WRITERS ON WRITING
I am not attempting a self analysis. The household which presented itself to me as both strange and normal encouraged me to observe. My mother was given to moods. Storms blew up unexpectedly, were savage and disappeared again as quickly … I became by nature and circumstance a placator and learned to read every change in the eye, every crease in the brow. I am still a placator. Other people's households, if I am a guest, inadvertently trouble me and in my own house I am not able to work if there is some problem or unhappiness which needs sorting out or comforting. The best time for me to write is when other people are asleep. I am not needed in their dreams. I have developed the habit of writing for some hours during the night, working from the quick notes made during the day.
I cannot explain why I am a fiction writer unless the explanation comes in part from a response to my experience of the world in which I grew up and to the strange new world in which we exist today. I do not maintain that a writer should conceal her private life. What must come first are the words which must not be twisted to fit some preconceived image of the writer. Sometimes what is most important after infancy is the experience which finds expression only in writing. It is the word which is not spoken, the resolve which is not kept which become a part of the created. It is as if these things emerge from hidden pathways in an unexpected form. Writing fiction is not easy for me; to write facts is almost impossible.
There is an excitement in exploring characters and in seeing how they react with each other in different situations. I have always kept diaries and journals ever since I was a child. Lately I have noticed that I do not want to write in the journal because of a feeling that I am encouraging sad thoughts and increasing anxiety by dwelling at length on troublesome things and writing about them. I prefer now to retain the ability to make the quick note of truth and awareness, to notice some small thing about a person, a stranger - perhaps someone choosing knitting wool in the supermarket, something like that - and move into imaginative fiction from the small truthful moment, the little picture, the idea which is so slender it hardly seems to matter. And then suddenly I am exploring human feelings and reasons.
Elizabeth Jolley.
COMPETITIONS & OPPORTUNITIES
$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $
To go to the websites, please double-click on the URLs. If that doesn't work try control+double-click on the link or cut and paste the URL into your web address bar or search engine.
Please note that the UTS Alumni Writers' Network presents information about competitions and opportunities in good faith but this should not be considered as an endorsement.
Competitions
Alan Marshall Short Story Award 2008
Closes: 4pm Friday on 22 February 2008
Nillumbik Shire Council invites writers from across Australia to enter this annual short story competition held in memory of the great writer and former resident of Eltham, Alan Marshall.
The Best of Times short story competition.
Closes 31 March 2008.
For humorous short stories (any theme) up to 2500 words.
Mystery prizes (non-monetary) for first, second and third place.
Highly commended and commended certificates will be awarded too.
You can enter as many times as you like.
Each story must be written in English and be your own original work.
Stories that have won a prize or certificate in previous Best of Times competitions are ineligible.
No entry form is required. Include a cover sheet with your name and address, story title and word count.
Entry fee is $5 per story.
Send a cheque or money order made out to Chris Broadribb or if you have a PayPal account, you can pay cabbook-5@yahoo.com.au
Post your entry to Chris Broadribb, PO Box 116, Burwood NSW 1805 or email it to cabbook-5@yahoo.com.au.
If you enter by post, include a large SSAE so that your story can be returned afterwards, along with a results sheet.
If you would like an electronic copy of the results then provide your email address.
Winners will be notified by the end of April.
Winning stories will be published on the website if the authors agree. They retain copyright and all rights to their work.
Competition webpage: http://www.geocities.com/spiky_one/comp5.html
THE VALERIE PARV AWARD
Closes: April 4, 2008
The Australian chapter of Romance Writers of America paid Valerie a great compliment when they established the Valerie Parv Award in her honour. Open to all writers unpublished in book-length romance fiction, this award was established in Valerie Parv's honour by RW America, and is now run by Romance Writers of Australia.
Entrants submit the first three chapters OR prologue and two chapters
PLUS a 2-page single-space synopsis of a novel aimed at any accepted category of romance including single title.
The winner is mentored by Valerie Parv for the year of the award, and the entry is read by a senior romance editor.
Enquiries - send SSAE to:
RWA Contests,
PO Box 437
Katoomba
NSW 2780 Australia
Or go to the website at: http://www.valerieparv.com/award.html
WRITERS INC WRITERS-OF-THE-YEAR
PROSE & POETRY
Closes: 14 April 2008
http://www.writersinc-london.org.uk/competition.html
COMMONWEALTH SHORT STORY COMPETITION
Short stories by Commonwealth writers
Closes: 1 May 2008
http://www.cba.org.uk/awards_and_competitions/Short_Story/index.php
BRIDPORT PRIZE
Short stories & poetry
Closes: 30 June 2008
http://www.bridportprize.org.uk
ASHAM AWARD - SHORT STORIES BY WOMEN
Closes: Summer 2008
http://www.ashamaward.com
FISH-KNIFE AWARD
http://www.fishpublishing.com
The crime-based short story competition run by Fish Publishing, in conjunction with the Crime Writers' Association at http://www.thecwa.co.uk/
Our intention is to publish the very best in modern short-form fiction - with a focus on crime.
5,000 words on any kind of crime,
- from piracy to petty larceny-
- from murder to misdemeanour -
- from GBH to GTA -
Anything goes, so long as it is well written, well conceived and, well... CRIMINAL!
To enter go to: http://www.fishpublishing.com/fish-knife-award-2007.php
And click on The Fish-Knife Award
This website has other competitions as well, please see: http://www.fishpublishing.com/writing-contests.php
GENRE FICTION AWARD - A NOVEL IDEA
Announcing the New Holland and NSW Writers' Centre's inaugural Genre Fiction Award; The Genre Fiction Award is open to all writers of any age resident in Australia. Genre fiction categories include: crime, adventure, action/thriller, historical, family saga, chic lit, lad lit, romance, science fiction, fantasy, humour and others.
For conditions of entry and an entry form contact the NSW Writers' Centre on 02 9555 9757
email: nswwc@nswwriterscentre.org.au
or visit http://www.nswwriterscentre.org.au
BUZZ WORDS
Each month the Australian online magazine features a free-entry writing contest - with prizes - If you wish to receive the latest free issue, please send an email to dibates@enterprisingwords.com with the subject heading BUZZ WORDS' OFFER.
http://www.enterprisingwords.com
FELLOWSHIP OF AUSTRALIAN WRITERS WEBPAGE OF AWARDS AND COMPETITIONS
http://www.writers.asn.au/index.php?page=awards
PROBLOGGER GROUP WRITING PROJECT
It's time for another ProBlogger Group Writing Project 10 prizes worth between $2000 to $2500 USD!
Please read all of the instructions on the website before submitting:
http://www.problogger.net/archives/2006/12/18/problogger-group-writing-project-reviews-and-predictions/
AUSTRALIAN WRITERS' MARKETPLACE ONLINE
has information on competitions, agents, publishers and mentorship programs
http://www.awmonline.com.au/Listings/top100-listings.aspx
AUSTRALIAN COMMUNITY WRITERS INC LITERARY AWARD AND OPPORTUNITIES
A long list of current writing competitions, etc.
http://www.australiancommunitywriters.org.au/Competitions/index.htm
GOLD COAST WRITERS ASSOCIATION
Lists competitions for stories and plays at:
http://www.goldcoastwriters.org.au/htm/htm/competitions_other.htm
UK WRITING CLUB
WRITING COMPETITIONS
Monthly competitions, with the winners and the runners-up being announced on the first of each month. Each year, the winning entries and also other outstanding entries will be published and sold both on Amazon and in local retail outlets.
All nationalities are encouraged to enter. Our overriding aim is to encourage and display the diversity of English across the world. We do not expect our writers to accord to a certain style or 'standard', but to be forthright, thought-provoking and unique.
More information at: http://www.writingcompetitions.org
ONLINE LINKS TO WRITING COMPETITIONS
http://www.britisharts.co.uk/literarycompetitions.htm
http://www.writingcompetitions.org
OPPORTUNITIES
ALLEN & UNWIN - FRIDAY PITCH - TO ARENA IMPRINT
With access to agents and publishers almost impossible for many first-time authors, 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. Louise will read all submissions but will only get back to authors whose work she wants to take further.
http://www.allenandunwin.com/default.aspx?page=462
Or go to http://www.allenandunwin.com and click on Submission Guidelines.
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 selects an item from their collection. An established Australian children's author is 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, Wendy Orr, Christopher Cheng and many others. Illustrators include David Cox and Donna Rawlings
For details: http://www.nma.gov.au/kidz/making_tracks/
Susanne Gervay has just completed a book for this collection. The archival item is from the 1970's feminist collection. It is a yellow t-shirt with SUPERWOMAN printed on its front. Release date is September 2008.
POCKET BOOK SERIES
Stories wanted
Just a note to let you know that I am a Melbourne publisher looking for short stories for our new pocket book series, launched a few weeks ago.
The publisher invites writers to register and submit their stories. The stories should be no less than 9,000 words and not more than 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. We are not looking for famous writers or best-sellers, we are looking for great stories. And we need lots of them.
Marlene Meier
Publisher
http://www.pickapocketbook.com
THE BARCELONA REVIEW
No payment for fiction, but good critical reputation.
http://www.barcelonareview.com
http://www.barcelonareview.com/mis/subguide.htm
BUZZ WORDS
Compiler/editor Dianne (Di) Bates welcomes contributions of relevant material and letters to the editor. Payment is offered for interviews and articles.
If you wish to receive the latest free issue, please send an email to dibates@enterprisingwords.com with the subject heading BUZZ WORDS' OFFER.
http://www.enterprisingwords.com
THE ARABESQUES PRINT REVIEW
is currently seeking submissions from international writers for upcoming issues. Arabesques publishes original poetry, literary criticism, interviews, fiction, non-fiction, stories, essays, translations, social and political commentary, art works and photographs. Please use the following guidelines when submitting manuscripts for consideration.
Do not send more than five poems, two stories or essays at a time. Submissions should be made by post or emailed to:
infos@arabesques-editions.com
All submissions must be in English and previously unpublished. Translations are acceptable and should be accompanied by a copy of the original text. Simultaneous submissions are also acceptable, so long as we are notified immediately if the manuscript is accepted for publication elsewhere. Be sure to include email contact information.
MACMILLAN NEW WRITING
is calling for unpublished novels: For more details of their fiction list and submission process go to: http://www.macmillannewwriting.com
AUSTRALIAN NEWSPAPERS, MAGAZINES
and Websites by and for writers:
http://directory.ausearchengine.com/entertainment_industry_publishing.html
INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR WRITERS OF VARIOUS GENRES.
http://www.britishcouncil.org/arts-literature-links-creative-writing.htm
Magazines which accept short stories are listed on the following website:
http://www.theshortstory.org.uk/magazines/index.php4
HYPERTEXTS, NEW MEDIA, E-ZINES AND ONLINE RESOURCES FOR WRITERS
For information about collaborative fiction
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Collaborative_fiction
COLLABORATIVE HYPERTEXTS
Join in and add your stories:
The Colossal Cave Adventure
Try this interactive fiction website -
http://www.rickadams.org/adventure
RelayWrite.com
is a story factory. Writers from all over the world assemble stories piece by piece until they are completed. Many people want to write a story or novel but never do. The hardest part is just starting. Once you do, you might be amazed at what comes out. Relaywrite.com 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. What are you waiting for? Get writing.
http://www.relaywrite.com
Novel Twists
the constantly evolving novel. The story is undecided, and YOU can influence the direction it takes!
http://www.noveltwists.com
One Million Monkeys Typing
is a community story-telling site.
Choose a story from the grove. In this grove new snippets thrive or wither based on rank and offshoots.
http://www.1000000monkeys.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.
http://rpgnewworlds.net/news.php
E-ZINES
PULP.NET
Online monthly, pays £100 per story, their current 'call for work' is
'Holidays from hell' in under 4,000 words
http://www.pulp.net
http://www.pulp.net/about/submission-forms/send-story.html
FLASHQUAKE
Flash fiction, non-fiction, poetry and artwork
http://www.flashquake.org
http://www.flashquake.org/guidelines.html
EAST OF THE WEB
is calling for submissions; they are interested in receiving works that exploit the creative possibilities of electronic media to communicate emotionally engaging narratives.
http://www.eastoftheweb.com/hyperfiction/index.html
A LONG STORY SHORT.NET
Publishes the best work of new and established writers.
http://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 - take a look at the website for an overview at http://www.thecud.com.au
Enquiries to: feedback@thecud.com.au
REAL TRAVEL ADVENTURES INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE
(No payment for this one)
http://www.realtraveladventures.com/ContactUs/howtosubmit.htm
PAYING E-ZINE MARKETS
http://www.dowse.com/ezine-markets.html
GENRE FICTION MAGAZINES AND E-ZINES
http://www.ability.org.uk/genre_fiction_mag.html
USEFUL BOOKS ON THE CRAFT OF WRITING AND EDITING
English A - Z The Essential Handbook
A very useful book 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 cross section has a number of sample texts which have notated examples of many of the alphabetically listed terms.
The text was reviewed in English in Australia No 137, The Journal of the Australian Association for the Teaching of English. This particular edition was titled A Guide to Texts and Resources. The review was very favourable and summed up as "highly recommended". The book would be a useful text for anyone who writes, or studies English. Published Heinemann in 2002.
ROUND TABLE MAGIC
A workbook for writers and writers' groups. Available through the NSW Writers Centre website at http://www.nswwriterscentre.org.au
Or monthly NewsWrite magazine Order Form
Or go to: http://www.roundtablewriting.com and click on Books.
For more helpful books on writing, please go to:
http://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.
http://www.booksonwriting.com
http://www.nswwriterscentre.org.au
Have you written books on writing that you would like to publicise? Or is there a book that you'd like to recommend? You're welcome to use this opportunity to promote your books. Please let us know the title, author and publisher and any other relevant information. You can add a brief review if you like.
WEBSITES OF WRITERS' NETWORK MEMBERS
Dianne (Di) Bates at http://www.enterprisingwords.com
Chris Broadribb at http://www.geocities.com/spiky_one/stories.html
Susanne Gervay at http://www.sgervay.com/
Lyndall Hough at http://www.thelearningcurve.net.au
Amy Huang at http://www.travelstring.com
Valerie Khoo at http://www.sydneywriterscentre.com.au
Patti Miller at http://www.lifestories.com.au/
Ash Rehn at http://www.ashrehn.com
Sharon Rundle at http://www.roundtablewriting.com
ONLINE PORTFOLIOS
Po Yi Leung (Natalie) at: www.poyileung.wordpress.com
WRITERS' GROUPS
NEW!
Writing group in Paddington/Woollahra
Project interests: Narrative and screen writing
Initial project would be screenplay
contact: Joanna (Masters in Prof Writing)
jodinn@theplanet.net.au
From Susanne Gervay
SYDNEY CHILDREN'S WRITERS & ILLUSTRATORS NETWORK AT THE HUGHENDEN
is 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 (circa 1870s) and meetings are on the first Wednesday of every month from 10.30-12.30.
The Hughenden has hosted this group for 10 years. Usually between 10 and 20 writers/illustrators meet and include authors such as Moya Simons, Jeni Mawter, Christopher Cheng, Deborah Abela, Felicity Pulman, Vashti Farrer, Susanne Gervay.
Enquiries can be made through The Hughenden:- Attention: Susanne Gervay
admin@hughendenhotel.com.au
http://www.sgervay.com
Please, published writers only. This is a professional group and is open to only authors.
PARTNERS IN CRIME
are crime writers who meet over complimentary Devonshire Tea every two months at The Hughenden Boutique Hotel.
Full details of Partners in Crime are available on their website:
http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Styx/7255/
Writing groups also meet at the NSW Writers' Centre, for more information visit the website at: http://www.nswwriterscentre.org.au
BOOK CLUBS AND READING GROUPS
BOOK CLUB IN NORTH SYDNEY
As writers, we all love to read. And sometimes there is nothing better than getting lost in a great book. 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. http://www.sydneywriterscentre.com.au
WRITING COURSES, WRITING CENTRES & COMMUNITIES
UTS ALUMNI WRITERS' NETWORK WEBPAGE
To access back issues of the UTS Alumni Writers' Network or to have a look at the webpage, please double-click on the Writers' Network link at
http://www.alumni.uts.edu.au
Back issues of our monthly Update are archived on our webpage for easy reference. You can find our e-zine online at
http://www.alumni.uts.edu.au/networks/writers/index.html
UTS CENTRE FOR NEW WRITING
The UTS Centre for New Writing, established to showcase and explore new developments in Australian writing, offers short courses, seminars and lectures.
10% discount to all UTS Alumni on their Autumn 2007 courses.
For more information about the short courses or any activities run by the
UTS Centre for New Writing please contact Saskia Rotunno at newwriting@uts.edu.au or phone the Centre on +61 2 9514 7905 or visit the website at: http://www.newwriting.uts.edu.au
SEASON OF INSPIRATION
A 9-week interactive online course
from February 18, 2008
& from October 6, 2008.
Whatever the season in your part of the world make it a Season of Inspiration.
We can't believe it's that time already! The next Season of Inspiration online writing course is taking registrations now.
Yet again we will be dipping into a variety of sources of inspiration, from nature to music to landscape. From mesostic poems to mystery stories, there'll be formats and genres to experiment with. We aim to provide inspiration for writing that'll see you through the rest of 2008.
- This is a popular course that attracts writers from around the globe.
- We offer support, exercises and creative bolstering.
- Come whether you're bursting with ideas to try out or whether you want to rediscover your creativity.
- Designed so that you can work at your own level (whether you're starting out as a writer or seeking inspiration for your next publication) with the support and encouragement of a writing community and two tutors.
- This is the online equivalent of a writers' workshop, not a lonely self-study course.
- Students are welcome from anywhere in the world (the course is run in English).
- Co-tutors: Helen Whitehead (Nottingham, UK) and Sharon Rundle (Hunter Valley, Australia).
We've kept the price at £150 - no increase! (USD 300; AusD 370; Euros 200)
Contact us at info@newmediawriting.com for more information or to register (we will send you a Paypal invoice or information on where to send a cheque). You can find more information about the course at http://www.newmediawriting.com
As a former Manager of the trAce Online Writing School, run by The Nottingham Trent University in the UK, Helen Whitehead has many years of experience managing and teaching online writing courses and is a researcher in online communities. She is an e-learning specialist, editor, writer and web developer, and a learning technologist at the University of Leicester in Professor Gilly Salmon's Beyond Distance Research Alliance.
Sharon Rundle is an editor and a prize-winning writer. She has a degree in adult education and holds the UTS Faculty of Education SMSA Award and Medallion for Superior Achievement in Academic Studies and Adult Education Practice. She has more than fifteen years teaching experience and specialises in distance and E-learning. She has taught at The Nottingham Trent University trAce Online Writing School (UK) and James Cook University, Institute of Modern Languages, Distance Creative Writers' Course (Townsville, Australia). She also teaches English and writing courses for NSWTAFE OTEN (Australia).
Both Sharon and Helen are members of the Community of Expertise for the UN Global Alliance for ICT and Development (UN GAID) through the e-community: E-learning and Knowledge Sharing (ELKS) of which Helen is convenor.
To register for this course please email info@newmediawriting.com
You can read the comments from our Season of Inspiration writers on the website.
http://www.newmediawriting.com
NSW WRITERS' CENTRE
http://www.nswwriterscentre.org.au
The NSW Writers' Centre has many courses and workshops on writing and publishing in various genres, including the following:
Soirées Littéraires on European Cultures
(first Tuesday of the month)
LITERARY SOIRÉE
Date: Tuesdays at 6.30 for 7pm
Venue: NSW Writers' Centre
Cost: $10/$7 concession. Includes light supper.
RSVP essential for catering purposes.
Enquiries: NSW Writers' Centre 9555 9757 or visit http://www.nswwriterscentre.org.au
Workshops
For full details of workshops and courses go to http://www.nswwriterscentre.org.au.
You can visit this website for more information about the many regular courses, workshops, writing festivals and events at the NSW Writers' Centre.
INTERNATIONAL COURSE "PERFORMERS VILLAGE 08"
August 1-28, 2008
Malpils, Latvia
Performers Village is a four-week course - production of a performance open to professional actors, dancers, singers, musicians as well as directors, choreographers, playwrights, scriptwriters and stage designers from different countries, creative genres, techniques and styles. Film makers, photographers, body painters, mask makers and multimedia artists will also find a role in this process.
PROGRAMME. The programme is designed as the intensive consecutive process of mounting the performance. As a result of practical training, discussions and rehearsals all participants will become the co-authors of the work-in-progress under the artistic direction of Sergey Ostrenko. As a component of the real process the work-in-progress will be shown to the spectator. The Village 08 is an opportunity for professional performers to find new devices for realization of creative ideas together with colleagues from different parts of the world.
CERTIFICATION. Participants who successfully complete the course have opportunity to receive the Certificate of Participation and the video supplement of the Village 08 process.
REGISTRATION. To submit an application, candidates should send the following materials in Word format to info@iugte.com
- Letter of motivation stating the title, dates and location of the event (about 250 words)
- Detailed CV
- Latest head shot and additional photo materials (JPG format).
Participation fee:
800 EUR if payment is made before February 1st.
960 EUR if payment is made before March 1st.
The fee covers participation in all events of the programme, accommodation from August 1st to 28th (twenty seven nights), three meals per day - breakfast, lunch, dinner and tea/coffee breaks.
Places are limited, the registration will be closed once the group is full.
If you'd like to know more...
http://www.iugte.com/projects/Performance
VARUNA, THE WRITERS' HOUSE
Varuna has many programs for writers, including Readers' Reports; Residential Fellowships; Master classes, etc.
http://www.varuna.com.au
AUSTRALIAN SOCIETY OF AUTHORS
Have you joined the Australian Society of Authors yet? Visit their website and see the benefits of belonging to the ASA.
http://www.asauthors.org
PO Box 1566
Strawberry Hills 2012
98 Pitt Street Redfern 2016
Ph: (61-2) 9318 0877
Fax: (61-2) 9318 0530
http://australiansocietyofauthors.blogspot.com
THE COPYRIGHT AGENCY LIMITED
http://www.copyright.com.au can answer your questions about copyright.
For advice about digital copyright:
http://www.copyright.com.au/news%20releases/29_04_02.htm
COPYLEFT
is a general method for making a program or other work free, and requiring all modified and extended versions of the program to be free as well.
http://www.gnu.org/copyleft
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
Co-ordinator,
UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY SYDNEY ALUMNI WRITERS' NETWORK.
http://www.alumni.uts.edu.au
http://www.roundtablewriting.com
E-mail: Sharon.P.Rundle@alumni.uts.edu.au
Thanks to Adrian Sellaro, Database & Web Coordinator; Chrissa Favaloro, Communication Expert; Nisha Brooks, Communication Coordinator & Writers' Network E-zine distributor and our volunteer contributors and proof-readers.