Words Out West - Reading and Writing

Media Writing Workshop at Forbes with Arts OutWest

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 14:22:00 +1000

Come along to a Media Writing Workshop at Forbes: When: Wednesday September 15, 12.30 - 5pm Where: Concourse, Forbes Town Hall FORBES Cost: $33pp Learn techniques and skills for writing for the media, including writing great media releases and marketing materials. Arts OutWest's Communications Officer Maryanne Jaques will also give an intro to working with regional media, doing live interviews and media risk management. With specific focus on promoting arts and culture, but open to anyone in the community. Bring along any examples you are working on at the moment. Supported by Forbes Shire Council Bookings: Arts OutWest 6338 4657 or email artsoutwest@csu.edu.au

Author and Writing Events - Orange, Blayney, Mudgee

Fri, 27 Aug 2010 16:24:00 +1000

Get along to some of these great author events coming up: * Bestselling author Tony Park launches his last novel The Delta at Orange City Library on Monday 30 August at 12 noon for a 12.30pm start. Please book your place by calling 6393 8132. His visit to Orange is supported by Boomers Bookshop and ABC Centre. * Mark Beretta, yes Beretts - from Channel Seven's Sunrise, will be speaking about and signing copies of his new book The Riders - Australia's Motorbike Champs at the Hotel Canobolas front bar, Summer Street, Orange on Tuesday 31 August at 12 noon. It is a free event organised by Simon John events. * Peter FitzSimons is a journalist, entertaining speaker and author of twenty books and brings to you his latest book - a memoir of laughter, loss and billycarts called A Simpler Time. Peter describes a childhood of mischief, camaraderie, eccentric characters, drama - and constant love and generosity. Where: Orange City Library When: Wednesday 1 September Time: 5.30pm for 6pm start. Free Please RSVP to 6393 8132. The visit is supported by Angus & Robertson Bookstore. * Meet Pamela J McGlinn, author of A Distant Dream - A Pioneering Saga when she talks about writing her family history, pioneers of Spring Hill, and events that shaped a family's destiny. Pam is a direct descendant of the Warburton and Seaton families, well known faces from the past in the Blayney, Spring Hill and Orange communities. The event is part of History Week celebrations supported by the History Council of NSW and Central West Libraries. Meet author and family historian Pam McGlinn at: Blayney Library, Adelaide Street, Blayney on Thursday 9 September from 11.30am %u213 12.30pm RSVP 6368 2581 or Orange City Library, Byng Street, Orange on Thursday 9 September at 5.30pm for 6pm RSVP 6393 8132. * When it Rains by Maggie Mackellar - the heart-wrenching but triumphant story of rebuilding a life and a family Written by a brilliant new talent, When It Rains is a meditation on grief and the vagaries of the human condition, and a stunning memoir about piecing back together a life, and moving forward, one step at a time. Maggie MacKellar%u219s book launch is on Friday 10 September, 6.00pm at Cargo Wine Winery, Cargo Road, Orange. To be launched by Drusilla Modjeska. Please RSVP to Collins Books Orange before 8 September by calling 6369 1333. * Mudgee Readers' Festival program is now available and it all happens Friday 10, Saturday 11 September and Sunday 12 September. Go to: http://www.visitmudgeeregion.com.au/j/index.php/Mudgee-Readers-Festival.html

The CAL Scribe Fiction Prize for the over 35s

Tue, 17 Aug 2010 18:28:00 +1000

The CAL Scribe Fiction Prize is now open and is searching for the best unpublished manuscript by a writer aged 35 or over. Read all the requirements and Download an entry form from the Scribe website: www.scribepublications.com.au/prize. They are pleased to announce that the prize money in 2011 has been increased to $15,000. The winning novel will also be published by Scribe. Entries close on 15 September. Good Luck!

Can you write a story in 12 words or less?

Mon, 16 Aug 2010 14:32:00 +1000

Set yourself the challenge or if you suit the age group enter the competition at the website for people to tell a micro-story in 12 words or less: www.12wordscom.au Whether you are a published writer or have never written any fiction before, you can give this a go and enjoy it. If you are aged between 15 and 25, you can be in the running for a Random House writing mentorship and check out 12 words on twitter, facebook and youtube. Here's my story: He stared into flames wishing that he had not lit the match.

Walkley Foundation What's The Story Conference

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 16:04:00 +1000

The Walkley Foundation will be hosting a week long conference focussing on narrative called: "What's the story? Powerful narrative and other tales from the future". It will run from August 9 12 and they've booked some big international names to join a great line-up of Australian journalists, authors and other media creators. This is an important event, generating discussion and debate on the way our industry is changing. Prices start from $180 per day and there are many intensive training sessions including non-fiction narrative, video and photography. There are also panels and masterclasses on the future of journalism and the power of narrative. Speakers include David Marr, Malcolm Knox, Sophie Cunningham, Mark Dapin, Ben Naparstek, Malcolm Turnbull, David Leser plus many more. Read all about it online, by clicking here: http://www.walkleyconference.com.au/ For inquiries about the program call Clare Fletcher on (02) 9333 021 or email clare.fletcher@alliance.org.au.

Cafe poet resides at Cafe Latte, Orange

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 17:08:00 +1000

Congratulatons to local Poet Diana Brooks who has been accepted into the National Cafe Poet Program along with cafe hosts Aaron and Emma Wright of Cafe Latte located at 173 Summer Street, Orange. Aaron is pictured with Diana Brooks. Diana has taken up residence in the coffee shop as part of the Australian Poetry Centre's Café Poet Program. She will be a regular sight at Orange's Café Latte on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9am 12 noon. The National Café Poet Program aims to raise awareness of poetry and encourage people to try writing their own poetry, talk about poetry and read poetry. There will be a feedback box for people to leave their poetry for the café poet and to give their comments about the Café Poet Program. Stay tuned to this blog for updates.

Writing Children's Books Workshop with Paul Stafford

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 12:28:00 +1000

Here's a chance to learn from someone who knows the business of writing for children. Author Paul Stafford will host a second workshop, titled "Writing Children's Books",Saturday 31 July, 10am - 4pm at WPCC, Kurrajong Room, Community Arts Centre, in Dubbo. Paul's workshop covers all aspects of creating children's books, including brainstorming, developing ideas, collaboration, shortcuts, pathways to publication and overcoming obstacles to creativity. Paul is the author of 13 novels including the Pants On Fire series for Crawford Publishing and is also a literacy consultant with a focus on developing literacy in reluctant boy readers. This workshop will give direct access to a published author and allow participants to discuss and overcome any particular problems they are experiencing with their own work. New ideas generated in the previous workshop can be refined. This session will follow on from the first and look at works in progress. If you did not attend the first workshop, you will still find this one highly informative. Cost is $35 including lunch. Contact Peter Dargin on 02 6882 8880.

Words Out West Winter Newsletter Now Available

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 18:01:00 +1000

The Central West Writers' Centre Winter Newsletter is now available with details about the upcoming Lachlan Macquarie Talks, Poetry Slam and the Mudgee Readers' Festival and of course literary mags to submit to and competitions to enter. To update your email or to subscribe to the newsletter, please enter your details on the Words Out West home page - it is all there for you: www.wordsoutwest.com.au You can also subscribe to this blog too (enter your email on this page, look on the right).

Australian Poetry Slam Heat in Orange Thurs 22 July

Mon, 05 Jul 2010 16:39:00 +1000

Imagine it's just you and your words for two minutes with a mic in the spotlight. Orange City Library is calling all poets, hip-hop artists and other outspoken wordsmiths to polish their rhymes and lyrics for the Australian Poetry Slam. On Thursday 22 July - at 6pm for poets to sign up and from 6.30pm to perform - Orange will host one of 8 slam heats planned across the state. Winners from the Orange heat will go on to perform at the regional final and a chance to perform in the State final. Host Tug Dumbly (pictured) is one of Australia's greatest spoken-word artists and he will host this electric live event. An initiative of the non-profit literary arts association, Word Travels and State Libraries, the Australian Poetry Slam is the nation's largest and richest poetry slam with cash and a gig at Ubud Writers & Readers Festival in Bali up for grabs. The Orange heat offers a $100 prize for the winner. And four heat finalists will go on to perform at the regional heat to be held in Bathurst on Saturday 7 August at 8pm as part of Cabaret Kite at the Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre. All contestants have just two minutes to impress the judges (selected at random at each heat) with their spoken word, poetry, hip hop, monologues and stories. We need people to get up and have a go and for others to be in the audience - so come along for a fun night out.

Medical History Author Tours New Hospital Site

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 13:32:00 +1000

Progress is well underway for a book on Orange's medical history. The Committee behind the book were pleased local author Lis Edwards was able to visit the current Orange Base Hospital construction site as part of her extensive research for the project. Hansen Yuncken Project Manager Wayne Harris showed Lis (pictured) through the main hospital building which is just one of the seven buildings to comprise the new hospital precinct. He said the work totalled $250 million worth of construction with more than 450 people working to complete the project in 2011. The new facility will include the hospital, acute mental health building, forensic mental health, administration and computer sections as well as Mental Health Clinical Services. Lis said it was a worthwhile tour to understand the evolution of medical practices in the city and the full complement of services the new hospital will provide as well as important background for one of the chapters in the medical history book. Lis has been compiling the history of the city's medical services for many months and aims to complete the project in time for the opening of the new hospital.

2010 Banjo Paterson Writing Award Winners

Fri, 25 Jun 2010 14:12:00 +1000

Thank you for everyone to entered the 2010 Banjo Paterson Writing Awards. We are pleased to announce the following winners: Prose: Jacqueline Winn, of Possum Brush NSW, for The Dangers of Swimming, Greg McFarland, of Orange NSW, for Roadside Memorial and Kate Rotherham, of Allans Flat VIC, for Shelter. Open Poetry: Brenda Saunders, of Randwick NSW, for Wonderland. Bush Poetry: Ron Stevens, of Dubbo NSW, for Behind the Flag and Ellis Campbell, of Dubbo NSW, for The Toll and Ellis Campbell, of Dubbo NSW, for A Dynasty's Demise. Children's Writing Awards supported by ABC Local Radio: Chris Frith, of Baradine NSW for The Downpour, Eleanor Delaney, of Orange NSW for The Last Dee Why Day - A True Story and Chester Fitzhardinge, of Balgowlah NSW, for The Dream Protectors. The Yvonne Zola Encouragement Award goes to Elise Sinclair, of Orange NSW, for her story, Tommy in Trouble. Congratulations!

Australian/Vogel Literary Award Open for Under 35s

Wed, 16 Jun 2010 14:22:00 +1000

Do you dream of being a published writer? Enter Australia's most prestigious award for an unpublished manuscript. The Australian/Vogel Literary Award is one of Australia's richest and the most prestigious award for an unpublished manuscript by a writer under the age of thirty-five. Offering publication by Allen & Unwin and prize money totalling $20,000, the Vogel Award has launched the careers of some of its most successful writers, including Tim Winton, Kate Grenville, Gillian Mears, Brian Castro, Mandy Sayer and Andrew McGahan. Vogel-winning authors have gone on to win or be shortlisted for other major awards, such as the Miles Franklin Award, the Commonwealth Writers Prize and the Booker Prize. Entry forms for the 2010 Australian/Vogel Literary Award are now available from the Allen and Unwin website: http://www.allenandunwin.com/default.aspx?page=442 This year is the 30th anniversary of The Australian/Vogel Literary Award and some exciting changes are afoot. After the judges make their final decision, the winner will be contacted by Allen & Unwin and work will begin on the winning manuscript. However, it won't be until May 2011, that the winner's name will be made public simultaneous with publication of their winning book

2nd Oberon Young Writers Competition

Thu, 10 Jun 2010 14:20:00 +1000

Oberon Writers' Workshop, Friends of Oberon Library & Burraga Ag Bureau present the 2nd Oberon Young Writers' Competition for Young Writers (18 years & under at 30/06/10: NARRATIVE: 1st $50, 2nd $20 An original piece of narrative writing of 100 to 1500 words, not previously published. Theme: Water. No entry fee, limit of two entries per section. POETRY: 1st $50, 2nd $20 An original poem or suite of poems in any style, 50 lines or less in total, not previously published. Theme: Water. No entry fee, limit of two entries per section. Conditions of Entry Entries close 30th June 2010. Winners will be announced at 51st Burraga Sheep Show & Country Fair on Saturday 28th August, 2010. Each entry must be accompanied by a separate cover sheet, with title of entry, writer's name, date of birth and contact details. Writer's name must not appear on item submitted. Entries to: Ms A Russell, 1303 Isabella Rd, Isabella, NSW. 2795. For further detail phone: 02 6337 0363 or email everanne@activ8.net.au. (Prizes donated by Burraga Ag Bureau, Friends of Oberon Library & Oberon Writers' Workshop). Good Luck.

Grenfell's Henry Lawson Festival of the Arts Long Weekend

Thu, 03 Jun 2010 14:19:00 +1000

Grenfell's Henry Lawson Festival of Arts June Long Weekend (starts Tuesday June 8 to Monday June 14)and includes Poetry - Performance, Exhibitions, Heritage, Street Parade, Music, Circus, Sport and Community events. A full program of events is available from: www.grenfell.org.au/henrylawsonfestival Festival highlights this year are: Poetry by Firelight, Tuesday June 8, 7.30pm, Dramatic Society Rooms. Wallangreen Sculpture Garden Open Thursday-Monday, afternoons. Art Exhibition Opens Thursday June 10, 7.30pm, Grenfell Art Gallery. Photography Exhibition Friday-Monday, Upper Main Street Grenfell. Festival Concert With local bands, folk musicians, Melissa Robertson,Miranda Foster and Bush Poet Geoffrey Graham. Friday June 11, 7.30pm, Henry Lawson High School, Book at Louisa's Locker 02 6343 1577. Poetry on the Boards Saturday June 12, sign up from 9.30am, Railway Station. Poetry Slam with Miles Merrill - come and compete in the heats of this state-wide comp on Saturday June 12, 3pm, Railway Station. Grenfell Dramatic Society The Man in the Bowler Hat and The Dilemma of Deidre Dearheart, Sunday June 13, 7.30pm & Monday June 14, 2pm, Rose St Rooms tickets CJ Anderson 02 6343 1610.

Sharyn Killens and Lindsay Lewis tell the story of The Inconvenient Child

Wed, 02 Jun 2010 19:04:00 +1000

Sharyn Killens is better known as Sharyn Crystal, a successful Australian singer and entertainer. But her life wasn't always glamorous and her childhood was at times a living hell. The Inconvenient Child is the true account of her extraordinary journey to success and her quest to discover her African-American heritage. Sharyn and Lindsay have been friends for twenty years and met during their time as entertainers. Their close relationship and music background makes for a lively yet emotional author talk, keeping their audience enthralled as they recount Sharyn's extraordinary story and her often difficult journey through life. This story is not all heartbreak - it's a story of triumph, faith, success and joy. Come along and hear the story of The Inconvenient Child at one of these locations: Orange City Library, Monday 7 June at 1pm Forbes Library Wednesday 9 June at 2pm Cowra Library Thursday 10 June at 10.30am Please RSVP by calling the Library you wish to attend.