Events coming up
2010 Banjo Paterson Writing Awards Call for Entries
The call for entries in the Banjo Paterson Writing Awards begins each year on Banjo’s birthday 17 February. Download your entry form now - 2010 Banjo Paterson Writing Awards entry form or please email writing@orange.nsw.gov.au. Entries for this year's awards close Friday 16 April, 2010.
Dual Book Launch for Local Writers
Come along to Orange City Library for a dual book launch for these local authors: Mary Brell has penned a chapter in Lifting the Lid on Quiet Achievers by Kerrie Phipps which goes behind the scenes to discover secret thoughts of successful entrepreneurs in regional Australia and Fiona Rossiter, with help from husband Paul, have written Growing Great Families - a book filled with ideas and tips about starting a family, time management, budgeting, health and much, much more. The dual book launch will be held on Wednesday 24 March at 5.30pm for a 6pm start. To book your place at this special launch and hear from the writers please RSVP to Orange City Library on 6393 8132. Book City will be supporting the evening.
Cloudlands Poetry Launch and Reading
Come along to a poetry launch and reading from a group of talented poets who have produced their own collection called Cloudlands. Poets include Deb Westbury, from the Blue Mountains, and Di Brooks based in the Central West. The book will be for sale and you can meet and talk with the poets and enjoy hearing them read their works. The launch takes place from 2-4pm on Sunday 28 March at Orange City Library. The poetry book wil be available for purchase on the day. Please RSVP by calling Orange City Library on 6393 8132.
Books on the Menu
Indulge in local produce while hearing from local foodies about favourite recipes and cookbooks. Books on the Menu returns during F.O.O.D. Week on Wednesday 14 April from 5.30 - 7.30pm at Orange City Library. Please RSVP to 6393 8132
The Bark Cutters by Nicole Alexander
Author Nicole Alexander launches The Bark Cutters at Orange City Library on Thursday 29 April at 10.30am. Nicole works full time on her family property northwest of Moree in northern New South Wales and is currently completing the sequel to The Bark Cutters. Nicole Alexander will discuss her novel, and explain the story behind the book.
The Bark Cutters, published by Random House, is a gripping Australian family saga that centres around a family property. Past and present interweave in a story that traces the Gordon family from the arrival of Scottish immigrant Hamish Gordon in the 1850s to the life of his great granddaughter, Sarah. Full of action, romance, tragedy, family secrets and misunderstandings this novel has something for everyone. Book City will be assisting with the book sales on the day. Please RSVP to Orange City Library on 6393 8132.
Central West Writers' Centre Drop-in Days
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. The October meeting was a lot of fun with topics ranging from fantasy writing to movies, films, controversial art and we heard from a self-published author. 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.
The upcoming 2010 Drop-in Days will be as follows:
26 March
30 April
28 May
25 June
30 July
27 August
24 September
29 October
26 November
17 December – note new date
Please call 6393 8125 for more information and we look forward to meeting you.
Anita Heiss at Mudgee Readers Festival
Dr Anita Heiis wil be brain g a touch of Manhattan to Mudgee when she visit on Thursday 29 April promoting her latest novel Manhattan Dreaming. Anita will be the final author organised by the Mudgee Readers' Festival prior to the full Mudgee Reader's Festival in September 2010. Dr Heiss is one of Australia's most prolific and well-known authors of Indigenous literature. Her published works include the adult novels Not Meeting Mr Right and Avoiding Mr Right, the historical novel Who Am I? The Diary of Mary Talence, Sydney 1937, poetry collection I'm not racist, but...and non-fiction text Dhuuluu-Yala (To Talk Straight) - Publishing Aboriginal Literature. She is a member of the Wiradjuri nation, and is an author, poet, satirist and social commentator. Join in an evening of fun and laughter as Anita talks about the making of her latest book - Manhattan Dreaming.
Date: Thursday 29 April
Time: 6.30pm
Location: Sajo's Restaurant, Church St, Mudgee
Cost: $30.00 (incl. finger food. Cash bar)
Tickets available from Books in Mudgee (6372 6677) and Mudgee Tourist Office (6372 1020).
Competitions
2010 Banjo Paterson Writing Awards - Orange
Banjo Paterson Writing Awards call for entries announced Wednesday 17 February 2010 - see details above.
2010 Henry Lawson Society of NSW Inc Literary Awards - Gulgong
*Closing date in Performance, Written poetry and Short Story sections is 24th March 2010 while the closing date in the Student section is 1st April 2010
Country Energy Leonard Teale Memorial Performance Poetry Competition
as we have a written agreement with our sponsor (Country Energy) any references made to the competition must include the whole title
Ten finalists are chosen from recorded entries to perform in the finals at the Annual Henry Lawson Society Literary Dinner, in a live performance. Performance time of 8 minutes. The dinner will be held at the Prince of Wales Opera House, Mayne St, Gulgong on 12th June 2010. First Prize of $1,000 and bronze Henry Lawson statuette
The Land Written Poetry Competition
No word or line limit; bush ballad with rhyme, rhythm and metre; Australian theme.
First Prize of $500 and bronze Henry Lawson statuette
The Visit Mudgee Region Emerging Poets Award
Same entry conditions as open competition. However, this section is restricted to competitors who have not previously won a competition
First Prize of $200 and bronze Loaded Dog statuette
The Land Short Story Competition
Australian theme, 1,000 word limit, must be a work of fiction.
First Prize of $500 and bronze Henry Lawson statuette
The Visit Mudgee Region Emerging Writers Award
Same entry conditions as open competition. However, this section is restricted to competitors who have not previously won a competition. First prize of $200 and bronze Loaded Dog statuette
National Student Literary Awards
Secondary Student Years 7 – 10* (or other state equivalent) and
Primary Student Years 3 – 6* (or other state equivalent)
Entries in short story or poetry form are acceptable, 1,000 word limit, open theme. All entrants receive Certificate of Participation and copy of Judge’s Report. No entry fee
First Prize of $100 and plaque
Entry forms required in all sections. email henrylawsongulgong@yahoo.com.au or send stamped self addressed envelope to PO Box 235 Gulgong NSW 2852
Oberon Writers’ Workshop, Friends of Oberon Library & Burraga Ag Bureau presents 2nd Oberson Writers' Competition
NARRATIVE: 1st $100, 2nd $25
An original piece of narrative writing of 1500 to 2500
words, not previously published. Theme: Water.
Fee: $5 per entry, limit of two entries per section.
POETRY: 1st $100, 2nd $25
An original poem or suite of poems in any style, 120
Lines or less in total, not previously published.
Theme: Water
Fee: $5 per entry, limit of two entries per section.
Conditions of Entry
Each entry must be accompanied by a separate cover sheet with title of entry, writer’s name and contact details. Writer’s name not to appear on item submitted. Forward entries and fees, cheque or money order, payable to Burraga Ag Bureau, to Ms A Russell, 1303 Isabella Rd, Isabella, NSW 2795. If items are to be returned, please include a stamped, self-addressed envelope. Entries close 30th June, 2010. Winners will be announced at 51st Burraga Sheep Show & Country Fair on Saturday,
28th August, 2010. For further details phone Anne Russell, 02 6337 0363 or email everanne@activ8.net.au.
Prizes donated by Burraga Ag Bureau, Friends of Oberon Library & Oberon Writers’ Workshop
2010 Rolf Boldrewood Literary Awards - Dubbo
2010 Rolf Boldrewood Literary Awards, honours the author of Robbery Under Arms, closing date 17 September 2010. Visit www.mrl.nsw.gov (Macquarie Regional Libraries) for details and entry form.
Writing Groups
If you are interested in meeting other people to talk about writing, words, books, authors and all things literary then contact the nearest group to you:
Mudgee
The Mudgee Valley Writers meet on the first Tuesday of the month from 12 to 3pm at Club Mudgee (formerly Mudgee Soldiers' Club). For more information contact Colleen on 6379 6902 or 0428 518 380. The group has a long history, with meeting held regularly for more than 20 years, and they welcome new members.
Lithgow
The Lithgow Fellowship of Australian Writers meets on the third Sunday of the month at 2.30pm at the Lithgow Workies Club, 1 Tank Street, Lithgow. New members are welcome and for details contact Margaret on 6353 1161.
Oberon
The Oberon Writers' Workshop meets on the third Monday of the month from 10am to 1pm at Oberon Community Centre (next door to the Library). Interested people are most welcome to attend, please call Anne on 6337 0363.
Bathurst
Bathurst Writing Group meets on the first Saturday of the month at Bathurst Library (at the back, in the childrens' section) from 2pm to 3pm. For more details about the group contact Jeff on 0427 603 822 or send an email to jefferyedoherty@gmail.com.
Orange
A writing group meets regularly on the last day of the month at the Central West Writers' Centre located upstairs in Orange City Library on the drop-in days from 2.30pm to 4.30pm. Interested people are welcome to attend. The relaxed and informal group discuss writing, read aloud from writing projects, talk about writing concerns as well as writing and creativity exercises. If you are interested in coming along please call the Writers' Centre on 6393 8125. All levels of experience welcome.
Dubbo
Saturday Readings are held on the first Saturday of each month at Macquarie Regional Library where members of Outback Writers give readings of their poetry and writing, discuss their work, share their interests in writing and receive encouragement. For more information about Outback Writers contact Peter Dargin on 6882 8880.
If you participate in a writing group that meets regularly and would like your group listed on this website and in the Central West Writers' Centre newsletter, please call 6393 8125 or email writing@orange.nsw.gov.au
Book Discussion Group Pageturners
Come along to Pageturners book discussion group at Orange City Library usually held on the second Wednesday of each month to talk about the latest "read" from 5.30pm to 7pm. You will enjoy this time to talk books with others in a social, relaxed atmosphere with refreshments served. There is a different book for discussion each month. The book club returns in the new year on February 10 to discuss the best books to film. Call Orange City Library on 6393 8132 for more details.
Litlink Manuscript Consultations with Peter Bishop
Thank you to everyone who attended the LitLink Manuscript Consultations in Bathurst and Orange at the end of 2007 and thank you to staff at Bathurst Regional Council for providing a centrally located venue. The consultations were almost fully booked out so it is great to know so many people are working on writing projects. And we also appreciate Peter Bishop, Director of Varuna – The Writers' House, for his time, support and encouragement. We will advise when the round of consultations will be held.
