Submissions for the Kids Book Review Unpublished Picture Book Award close Monday 17 June The winner will receive $300, a manuscript appraisal and the chance to have their work viewed by Sue Whiting, Publishing Manager at Walker Books! Two runners-up will win $100 each, and a short manuscript appraisal. We also reserve the right to nominate highly commended authors (no prize). A feedback sheet is provided to every entrant, upon completion of the competition.

Manuscript submissions are for picture books of 500 words or less, no illustrations required. For submissions details and to get your entry in, head to http://www.kids-bookreview.com/2013/04/kbrs-2013-unpublished-picture-book.html Submissions must be sent by email by Monday 17 June 2013 at 11.59pm.

Love creative writing - then why not share your passion with other writers at our friendly and informal writers' group? Come along and meet other writers, talk about writing or share your writing in a friendly and encouraging atmosphere at the Central West Writers' Centre Drop-In Days, held at the Writers' Centre located upstairs at Orange City Library. Beginners to experienced writers are welcome to call in. Please bring a favourite piece you have read or written to talk about or join in the discussions or just sit back and listen - it is up to you. The Drop-in Days are held where possible on the last Friday of the month at the same time of 2.30pm to 4.30pm. There is no need to book and it's free. Drop-in Day days return on 22 February 2013, 22 March, 26 April, 31 May, 28 June, 26 Juy, 30 August, 27 September, 25 October and 29 November. See you there!

Here's a writing exercise to try during the holidays. It comes from our recent Writing Australia Writer-in-Residence Melanie Joosten, author of the Berlin Syndrome.

This exercise is a lot of fun and gets you thinking about your character. You may also want to consider if your character would tell the truth or not.

Exercise: Interview your character in the manner of a weekend magazine. Sample questions may be: * What is your earliest memory? * What is your biggest weakness? * What makes you cry? * What would you accept for payment other than money? * If you could invite anyone to dinner, who would it be? * What's your favourite way to spend a Sunday morning? * What three possessions could you not live without?

Enjoy!

Wishing you all the best for the festive season and Happy Reading and Writing in 2013.

500 words is a monthly non-fiction writing challenge from ABC Open that invites you to share a story. Each month has a different theme and Novembers theme is SOMEONE WHO SHAPED ME. If you would like to submit your 500 words on this month's theme follow these steps,

1. Go to abc.net.au/open and select Projects 2. Click on the 500 Words box 3. Click on Get Involved

Come along to hear author Anita Heiss speak about books, reading and writing at Cowra Multipurpose Room, next door to Cowra Library, Darling Street, Cowra on Tuesday 13 November at 5.30pm. This is a free event but please book your place by calling the Library on 6340 2180.

Anita Heiss, successful author and passionate campaigner for Aboriginal literacy, was born a member of the Wiradjuri nation of central New South Wales, but was raised in the suburbs of Sydney and educated at the local Catholic school.

Dr. Anita Heiss is the author of non-fiction, historical fiction, commercial women's fiction, children's fiction, social commentary and travel articles. She is a regular guest at writers' festivals and travels internationally performing her work and lecturing on Aboriginal literature. She is an Indigenous Literacy Day Ambassador and a proud member of the Wiradjuri nation of central New South Wales. Anita divides her time between writing, public speaking, MCing, and as a workshop facilitator.

The Online Education Database has an interesting article listing 10 of what they think are some of the biggest and the best writer's workshops in the U.S. and suggests that writing as a solitary practice is a myth. To read the article please click on the link below.

Local artist Michael Carroll launches his book Sketches from an unscripted journey at Orange City Library on Thursday 6th September at 5.30pm. Some of Michael's artworks will be on display. MC for the evening will be Orange Regional Gallery Director Alan Sisley and special guest Frannie Hopkirk. Michael has travelled the world and chooses Molong as his home. He is inspired by the power of colour, texture and definition and is now pleased to present his sketches in a beautifully presented book.

Thursday 6 Sept 5.30pm Orange City Library 147 Byng St, Orange RSVP to 6393 8132

Love creative writing? - then why not share your passion with other writers at our friendly and informal writers' group? Come along and meet other writers, talk about writing or share your writing in a friendly and encouraging atmosphere at the Central West Writers' Centre Drop-In Days, held at the Writers' Centre located upstairs at Orange City Library. Beginners to experienced writers are welcome to call in. Please bring a favourite piece you have read or written to talk about or join in the discussions or just sit back and listen - it is up to you. The Drop-in Days are held where possible on the last Friday of the month at the same time of 2.30pm to 4.30pm. Next one is tomorrow - Friday 31 August. See you there!

Check out these great stories about life on the land. Its all part of an exciting initiative with Central West Libraries and NSW Department of Primary Industries working together to highlight books, reading, literacy and the National Year of Reading as well as Australian Year of the Farmer (AYOTF) with a Writer-in-Residence program.

As part of a nationwide campaign by Australian libraries, library associations, writing centres and workplaces to improve literacy skills, Sophie Hansen has been appointed local Writer-in-Residence to visit 10 rural sites throughout the central west, and bring to the community insightful stories of men and women involved in agriculture.

The stories will be showcased on the blog One Farm Day: Stories from behind the farm gate: http://onefarmday.blogspot.com.au/ with the community invited to share their stories for the project during the Australian National Field Days (ANFD). Congrats to all involved.

Imagine not once, but twice being mistaken for a bushranger and going on to become a sporting legend, successful businessman, hero, Orange City Mayor - twice, and all round good bloke as well.

Join us for this amazing story at the national launch of Mistaken Identity, The Trials of Joe Windred, by award-winning Australian author Stephen Dando-Collins. Discover the true story of the international escapades of past Orange Mayor Joseph Windred on Friday 24 August 5.30pm for 6pm start with Mayor John Davis to officially launch book. Bookings 6393 8132

Then join us for a Conversation with Stephen Dando-Collins on the Changing Face of Book Publishing on Saturday 25 August at Orange City Library from 11am - 12 noon. Please RSVP to Ph: 6393 8132.

Come along for a conversation with award-winning Australian historical non-fiction author, novelist and children's author of Caesar the War Dog, Stephen Dando-Collins.

For example, you will learn his latest US book, Taking Hawaii, has just been released by E-Reads of New York, exclusively as an e-book and print-on-demand paperback. And his novel The Inquest is currently a bestseller in Spain, as it was in Italy. See you there.