Spring Edition #249 SEP 2015

Quarterly Bulletin of The Fellowship of Australian Writers NSW Inc.

MEETING ADDRESS Eurobodalla FAW to host the Recreation Room, McKay Centre, Page Street, Moruya (between cross November State Council Meeting streets Queen and Campbell and next Eurobodalla branch extends an invitation to all FAW members as well as branch to the Memorial Hall). delegates. Make this a great excuse to visit the beautiful Eurobodalla—stunning GETTING THERE coastline and hinterland, charming towns, rivers, mountains and islands. Car: 4.5 hours south of Sydney via DATE: Saturday November 7, 2015 Princes Hwy Fly: Rex to Moruya Aerodrome. Our VENUE: McKay Centre, Moruya members can collect you. SATURDAY SCHEDULE Rail: Train from Central to Bomaderry, 8.30am: ‘Early Birds’ Moruya Markets visit, Riverside Park, Moruya (optional) shuttle bus to Nowra to link with 10.00am: Morning Tea at the McKay Centre Premier Coach ($5 Red Fare – $2.50 10.30am: FAW State Meeting train, $2.50 bus for seniors over 60). 1.00pm: Lunch will be provided by Eurobodalla branch Coach: From Central with Premier 6.30pm: Dinner at Granite n Green, Moruya Golf Club, cnr Evans & Murray Sts. Coach Service. ACCOMMODATION Saturday Afternoon Activities (Optional) Luhana Motel, 82 Princes Hwy (cnr Ford St), Moruya Image: iStock Monarch Hotel/Motel, 50 Vulcan St (Princes Hwy), Moruya Members are available as escorts for: Bryn Glas, 19 Valley View Lane (self-contained accomm 6 mins drive Moruya) car trips to various beaches Moruya Motel, 2474 Princes Hwy (1.5 km north of Moruya) bushwalks, eg Bingie Dreaming • track or Tomakin – Mossy Point Moruya Heads East’s Dolphin Beach Holiday Park, South Head Rd (6 km) • – Broulee; Post and Telegraph B&B, cnr Page and Campbell Sts, Moruya Botanic Gardens, Batemans Bay. Moruya Waterfront Hotel/Motel, 1–5 Princes Hwy, Moruya cont. page 4 • IN THIS ISSUE… State Council News 3 FAW Branch Reports 5 Letter to the Editor 12 Poets Voice 13 Roundup 14 Literary Achievements 16 Competition Results 19 Book Reviews 20 Vale Bernie Butler 21 Sharing Workshop Resources 21 Writing Competitions 22 Vale Eileen Backhus 24 Workshop: Image Resolution 25 Branch Meetings and Contacts 26 FAW Members’ Bookshelf 28 Moruya River and Town. Photo: John Hicks, courtesy Eurobodalla Tourism. FAW NSW Inc. State Council: Biannual Delegates Meetings Fellowship Next meeting: Saturday 7 November 2015. Hosted by EUROBODALLA FAW.

of Australian May and November each year. Minutes are mailed to each Branch Secretary. Writers NSW Inc. TheGeneral Executive Membership Committee and andBranch Subscriptions Delegates meet the first Saturday of ABN 59 557 152 715 Membership is open to anyone who has a love for writing—writers, whether amateur or professional—or anyone interested in promoting Australian literature. General correspondence: AFFILIATION FEES – $40 pa Full Membership ($20 U21/Youth Rate)—due by 31 DECEMBER each year and paid to the Branch Treasurer where a member attends 22 Promontory Way meetings. Cheques/money orders payable to Fellowship of Aust Writers. Hon.NORTH Secretary, ARM COVE FAW NSW Inc.2324 Each Branch sets it own ANNUAL FEE forwarded to FAW State Council for costs involved with printing and mailing Writers Internet: Voice, public liability insurance and administration. from which the $40 (or $20) affiliation fees are Facebook: ISOLATED WRITERS – $46 pa ($51 overseas, $23 Youth U18)—see inside back page. Please mail subscriptions to the FAW State Treasurer Kay Bakon (address at left). Please Patrons: make cheques/money orders payable to ‘Fellowship of Australian Writers’. Prof. GA Wilkes, Writing Fellows Prof. E. Webby FAW Writing Fellows are listed here: . Patti Miller The broad criteria for this class of membership, are that the applicant should have had a am, faha, substantial body of work published and should normally have been a member of the FAW MsState President:ba, ma for at least two years. A committee of the State Council adjudicates on each application, Trevar Langlands – 0402 209 267 which should be forwarded to the Registrar of Writing Fellows, FAW State Council, C/- Hon Sec. 22 Promontory Way, North Arm Cove NSW 2324. The application should: a) be accompanied by a $50.00 cheque, payable to ‘Fellowship Aust. Writers’. Vice President: b) indicate the Branch where the applicant is currently a member and the number of Colleen Parker – 6583 3997 years of FAW membership. c) have attached a list of published, performed or broadcast works, with dates and details of publication. Also list any literary prizes awarded, although such works may be unpublished. Unpaid contributions to newspapers etc. and self-published works Hon. Secretary: (unless widely sold and acclaimed) should not be included. Maureen Kelly – 0417 403 720 The one‑time fee of $50.00 will be used to cover costs of administration and cost of oam is unsuccessful, the cheque will be returned, perhaps with a suggestion to re-submit an Hon. Treasurer & Membership Registrar: applicationcertificate. Excess when afunds greater will body be used of work to further has been the published. work of the FAW. If the application Kay Bakon – 4321 0935 Unit 801, Henry Kendall Gardens, Distinguished Service Award

Branch Committees and approved by the DSA Assessment Committee. DSA members Thiswill beannual honoured award inrecognises the following FAW membersway: a ceremony confidentially will berecommended held at the byAnnual their 150 Maidens Brush Road, WYOMING NSW 2250 Publicity Officer and Competition Convenor: Writers’ Cate Plink – 4341 1138 (a.h. only) VoicePresentation lists the Luncheon names of andrecipients the successful of the DSA. candidates will be presented with certificates Guidelinesacknowledging for assessing their outstanding recommendations service. In addition, for Distinguished a permanent Service Honour Awards: Roll in 1. Recommendations must be as a result of a unanimous decision of a current Branch General Committee Member: Committee. Stefania McDonald – 9724 5771 2. (b) Qualifications Required to to have include a regular the following attendance features: record at Branch Meetings. Isolated Writers Convenor: (c)(a) Required Length of to service have participated as a current in financial activities member organised to beby atthe least Branch ten Committee(10) years. on Carolyn Cash – 0427 895 574 a regular basis for at least eight years or to have served on the Branch Committee for at least eight years. 3. All recommendations to be submitted to the DSA Assessment Committee, C/- Hon Sec. 22 Promontory Way, North Arm Cove NSW 2324, by 30 June of each year. 4. A committee comprising the State President, the Vice President, the Secretary and

ISBN WRITERS VOICE ISSN 0817-0746 the Treasurer will assess recommendations. The DSA Committee’s decision is final. The official Bulletin of the Fellowship of Australian Writers NSW Inc instance, contact the FAW Secretary Maureen Kelly . is published quarterly. Opinions expressed are those of the YourMembers request requiring will then their be passedFREE ISBN to Alan (one Russell number (phone per publication) 02 9680 3374) should, in the first individual authors and not necessarily those of the FAW or the for action. editor. The editor reserves the right to edit or delete submissions for length, content, or policy. All advertisements and items Public Fund are accepted in good faith but the FAW NSW Inc cannot accept responsibility for misrepresentation by advertisers nor does inclusion of any item imply endorsement by FAW NSW Inc. Donationsdonations FAWof $2.00 cannot and growover to and this achieve account this are aim. tax Whendeductible. a member When makes there area donation, sufficient a notefunds, of Branches his/her Branchmay approach is made. State Council for an amount for a specific purpose. Without Editor: Ken Driver. Copy for submission should be sent to: FAW Manuscript Assessment Service The Editor, Writers’ Voice Critical reading with general criticism, editing including interpolation of articles, short 65 Barbara Boulevard, Seven Hills NSW 2147 stories and novels. A fee applies of $50 ($60 non-members) for a sample assessment of Tel: (02) 9831 6808 2 chapters and $25 ($30 non-members) for 1 or 2 poems of no more than 60 lines each. Email: A detailed quote for the critical assessment of the remaining work will be supplied should the author require further editorial or constructive advice. For manuscripts, please QUARTERLY COPY DEADLINES: include a synopsis and approximate word count and a stamped self-addressed envelope 15 NOVEMBER, 15 FEBRUARY , 15 MAY, 15 AUGUST for return of all the assessments. For further information phone 0417 403 720 or write to FAW Assessment Service, C/- Hon Sec. 22 Promontory Way, North Arm Cove NSW 2324.

2 WRITERS’ VOICE 249—SEPT 2015 State Council News From the President Geraldine Doogue amongst many members. Can others. You can listen to podcasts ATTENTION ALL Gyou believe how fast this year and read about the festival at . My guest on 100.3FM on one of those planets where was actress and founder/director of is going? I think we need to be the Festival, Michaela Bolzan. looking forward to meeting up withthe week members is one at month Eurobodalla long. I amin Branch all the best for their Writing November [cover story] and of FestivalI would in Novemberlike to wish which Sutherland course at our Annual Awards Lunch unfortunately clashes with our [see notice next page]. Awards Luncheon. Hope it goes well even though we will miss you here. as guest speaker Jim Haynes is reallyI hope looking we get forward a good to audience meeting and about and promote our and entertaining you and you will competitions—rowI hope members will row get row!!! out have a great time. Jim is in great demand and often heard on Sydney radio. Please ‘Google’ him and you Remember the Argonauts? I can read about his books and his used to be an Argonaut, in fact I A message from your Treasurer CDs. You can be assured of a good littlethink stories that was and my then first heard go at themwriting afternoon of fun and entertainment. apart from school. I wrote some Jim will also have his Australian remember my Argonaut name Hnear to the end of the year again, ello to all members. It is getting themed books for sale. however.dramatized or read on air. I don’t and time to start thinking about We will be part of the Book Expo renewing your memberships. Current again this year at Olympic Park [see members pay the full yearly fee to ‘Roundup’ p14]. For bookworms their branch Treasurers, who will and writers it’s a great chance to then send $40 for each member to check out marketing your book and the State Treasurer. to meet up with publishers and Isolated Writers send $46 directly to authors; the food is yummy too! the State Treasurer.

Dr Rochelle Llewelyn Nicholls at requesting that all payments be I recently introduced author our local Library. Dr Nicholls is Toaccompanied help with our by afinances, return self- I am the author of Joe Quinn Among the addressed envelope for the receipts. Rowdies Helen Luidens All those who pay before 1st January, automatically go into our ‘Early Bird’ a book about and you a baseball will find player my review could My thanks to our hard working draw for $50. Any who do not renew beelsewhere so interesting! in this issue. I never knew Committee. Vice President Helen by 26 February 2016, will no longer Luidens recently resigned from her receive their copy of Writers Voice. the Southern Highlands Writers position. Helen has been a huge part FestivalIt was recently, a pleasure and to what promote a line up of the FAW for many years and has of fabulous guests they had—David undertaken various roles, as well as To all Branch Treasurers: Marr, Robert Dessaix, Don Watson, conducting workshops. When January arrives, please send Over the years we have me the details of payments given had many occasions to have to tutors and/or speakers engaged a laugh and work over things between January and December 2015. as Helen has a good sense of No need to wait for the end of your humour.

all the best for whatever she financial year. I need to know the doesI would in the like future to wish and trustHelen theamounts end of so February. that I can renew the GIO good health will be hers WorkersSend to: Compensation Insurance at along the way as well. Better get out of here Kay Bakon, Hon. Treasurer before the end of year FAW NSW beats me. Unit 801, Henry Kendall Gardens, Cheers 150 Maidens Brush Road, Trevar Langlands, Trevar Langlands at Radio Station 100.3FM State President WYOMING NSW 2250

WRITERS’ VOICE 249—SEPT 2015 3 State News FAW AWARDS LUNCHEON From the Secretary’s Desk Saturday 14 November 2015 Barbara Simmons’ contribution to the Fellowship of Australian Red Room Buffet, Level 1, ‘99 on York’ Writers’ State Council and the (formerly known as the Bowlers’ Club of NSW) organisation as a whole was 95-99 York Street, Sydney immense so, it was with sadness, 11.30 for 12 noon the committee accepted her Special Guest appearance by Australian resignation prior to May’s Annual author, poet, songwriter and performer General Meeting. Jim Haynes Cost: $45 per person / Raffle Tickets $1 each. The order form for both of these is on the back of your Writers Voice address label. To obtain tickets, please send your order form and cheque to: Hon. Treasurer, FAW NSW, Unit 801, Henry Kendall Gardens 150 Maidens Brush Road, WYOMING NSW 2250. Make all cheques payable to ‘Fellowship of Australian Writers’. And to help with our finances, please enclose a stamped return address envelope. We look forward to meeting you all again this year.

Barbara Simmons with husband Graham Sydney CBD Construction Work Please allow extra time to get to the York Street Sydney venue as Barbara, a member of Shoalhaven there may be delays because of significant public works under way Branch, was a committed member in the area, including among others… of the FAW team, making the long journey, as do many of our current • Construction of Light Rail on George Street committee, to attend meetings • Major refurbishment of Town Hall and Wynyard Stations. in Sydney, Gosford and regional For up to date information, visit . branches. She was the FAW Webmaster, setting up the website and FAW November State Meeting cont. from front page Facebook page, was responsible Saturday Evening Dinner & Entertainment for producing the Membership package, organised the competition Granite n Green, Restaurant, Moruya Golf Club, Evans St, Moruya. a few years ago to select the new 6 pm for 7 pm dinner. logo, and was also Membership Sunday Activities (Optional) Secretary until Kay Bakon took over Eurobodalla members are available to accompany you. Choose from: the position a couple of years ago. Barbara carried out her duties with commitment; her views • 11.30am–2pm:chips and salad CLYDE$12—no RIVER credit LUNCH card facilities, CRUISE withcash Merindaonly) Cruises, and technical expertise were MOGOdeparting ZOO, Innes 222 Boatshed,Tomakin Rd, Batemans Mogo. Open Bay ($30,9am–5pm, Seniors 7 days.$28; optional fish, ‘21st century’ which enabled the Adults $31, Seniors $25 Fellowship of Australian Writers • FORESHORE WALK (sealed footpath) at Tuross Head, followed by the best (established 1928) to move forward and embrace modern technology. • the lake at Tuross Head. Her skills, ideas for a modern- fish and chips on the South Coast at the Boatshed or Pickled Octopus beside day FAW and her warm friendship Beyond Sunday (Optional) will be greatly missed by president Trevar Langlands and those of us Kayaking on his committee. • Boat trip from Narooma to Montague Island—seal and whale-watching We wish Barbara well in her • Pick up a copy of 101 Things to do in the Eurobodalla from the Tourist continuing association with • Browse the shops at Mogo and visit the Mogo Goldfields Shoalhaven FAW and her travels with • RSVP husband, Graham, in the future. Information Office and plan your own adventure. Maureen Kelly oam, Please RSVP by Friday 23 October to Eurobodalla FAW President Rosie Toth, FAW State Secretary or 0437 627 756, in particular for the Saturday Lunch and Dinner and the Clyde River Lunch Cruise.

4 WRITERS’ VOICE 249—SEPT 2015 FAW Branch Reports Blue Mountains FAW good company, interesting speakers and as always with Helen’s catering, to all emerging writers, that to do continued to focus on inso thecan newsletter. be not only I rewarding, do recommend but Wwriting spontaneously during Friends and Foes, it also generates the need for re- e have meetings. The focus of writing in the goodsplendid food. yarn. I have not yet read Johan’s last three months has been on writing Cate Plink is one but of I’m our told most it is a short stories with the aim of writing a enthusiastic members and regularly writing one’s work. I lose count of the presents a new chapter of her novel numbereach time. of times I re-write my stories, At our meeting on September 13 our for critiquing at most meetings. butRegards I believe to that members they are at improvedall the well-finished story by June next year. guest speaker was Peter Pike from Cate has taken over the position of branches and especially those who Liverpool FAW. Peter spoke about the secretary, adding this to her other ‘Royal Order of Adjectives’ with an position of being convenor for amusing work sheet. We welcomed the Mona Brand competition. Her writingare new and to us. the If Fellowship you gain even has a given other members from Liverpool at the commitment is greatly appreciated me,fraction then of you the will joy beand blessed fulfilment indeed. that meeting, to talk about writing and by our members. Pat Lindsay share afternoon tea. Our lunch gatherings after the David Berger meetings continue to be enjoyed. Eastwood/Hills FAW We are possibly the most noisy and Central Coast FAW Eastwood/Hills FAW were delighted enthusiastic diners in the hotel to welcome old friends and Two more members have published dining room, and we are truly happy prestigious guests over the last books this year… customers. No need for us to get into three months. We began this quarter We of the Central Coast branch join welcoming back past member, Carmel with Wyong branch in congratulating have only to come downstairs from Summers for an engaging workshop cars or buses to find a restaurant; we Shirley Goodbar on her poetry book the meeting room to our favourite on collaborative writing. We panicked Kaleidoscope, which certainly lives table. Our special Christmas lunch and laughed as we worked together up to its title. Charming illustrations will be held here also. to complete exercises based on by Yvonne Sorennsen accompany Johan has kept us all up to scratch Carmel’s instruction and examples many of the poems. We are indeed about the writing competitions from the literary world. privileged to be treated to a glimpse from the FAW branches and also July proved a real treat, with into Shirley’s world. esteemed guest presenter Suzanne Johan Luidens has done it again! Gervay, who had us on the edge of those that are not affiliated with us. On 9 August he launched his third our seats while sharing how to write I for one have entered several this book at the Kincumber Community from the heart. Suzanne graciously year. When I first began writing as a Centre where ninety guests enjoyed almost every competition advertised taught with examples from her own hobby for my retirement, I entered writing and discussed our attempts during the workshop for far longer than we expected and we were all most grateful for her generosity and expertise. cont. next page…

Eurobodalla FAW president Rosie Toth gives a talk about the FAW to Batemans Bay U3A, following the launch on July 25 of Eurobodalla’s recently published anthology, Robin Macpherson reading his story, ‘Miss Orr’ ‘Flights of Fancy’ [story next page]. from the Eurobodalla anthology.

WRITERS’ VOICE 249—SEPT 2015 5 FAW Branch Reports Eastwood/Hills , at the cont. from previous page Batemans Bay Writers Festival was four characters we were surprised a positive step towards our two tolanguage. discover Based how elaborateon formulas and and rich fifty Our Literary Competition groups sharing their expertise and Sanskrit is compared to modern ideas. We plan to offer our talents opportunity to welcome both new to each other in running workshops conversation in remote villages of Presentationand old friends Day as was well a as terrific some in 2016 and we look forward to languages. It is still used in everyday respected guests. We were happy to developing them. We have snared gave us an insight into another have both The Friends of the Library Dr Rae Luckie for a Memoir Writing India.culture This and deeply another spiritual way of languageviewing (Epping) and Bush Poet, Brian workshop in November after many our world. Beasley as guest presenters and recommendations in WV. judge in Brian’s case. The afternoon Stafford Ray, author of Cull, his has set a date in November for the provided us with the chance to be enviro-political thriller, has just launchOur prolificof her sequel author, to Pam For Bayfield,The entertained by the works of highly returned from a book-signing Love of Grace, a period drama set skilled writers from all over Australia. tour of NSW and Queensland. in The Rocks and Manly in the late He recommends planning it all nineteenth century. look forward to sharing some of our beforehand and using the Libraries Our poets continue to enjoy ownInspired work with by this, each next other month during we for a talk and signings. One small successes. Three of their poems town had its whole book club of 20 were selected for publication in the sure the afternoon will result in people turn up. feature article, ‘The Atomic Era,’ in thea whole polishing afternoon of some of critiquing. competition I’m Some more ideas we’ve used, or the latest edition of Atlas Poetica, an winners and maybe even some plan to, for short burst writing (100- international journal. Only twenty published works. 200 words) at our meetings: Describe your relationship with submissions were chosen. Hills FAW will be working on your mirror fiveThose poems of outyou of who two possess hundred a HistoricalIn the next and few Science months Fiction Eastwood/ Writing, • Sunday morning, 3 am passion for writing are welcome to Thank you, Mum, for piano lessons attend our meetings held on the third feel free to join us in October and • The only weed in the garden Saturday of the month at 2pm in the Novemberso if you’re respectively. a history or sci-fiWe meet buff on • Rosie Toth Forestville Community Centre. • Mary Ann Napper all are welcome. Forestville FAW the first Saturday of the month and Artelle Lenthall At our meeting held in May we GREAT LAKES FAW welcomed Marilyn Humbert who Our April meeting proved most EUROBODALLA FAW enlightened us with her presentation interesting. The subject was “What So what have we been up to this on Tanka Prose. Following on from do you collect and why?” These quarter? Well, we’ve planned lots of this we were given a writing exercise turned out to be many and varied, activities to entertain FAW members to present at our June meeting. Out from president Hermione’s collection at our hosting of State Conference on task was to select a tanka poem and of blue and white ornaments from the weekend of Nov 7 [see front page] write a paragraph about what we all over the world, to Amanda’s and hope many of you will venture imagined to be the story behind it. collection of bird pieces, and Anne’s to the Eurobodalla and spend some The challenge was to make each word collection of the stickers to be found time with us. We’re looking forward of the tanka earn its place in our story. on fruit and vegetables and such. We to showing it off. The outcome was fascinating as some learned a lot, and then we followed it We attracted close to 100 people members who chose the same tanka up in May with a story or poem about to the launch of our new anthology, wrote entirely different stories. our collected items. Flights of Fancy, (a free drink and Throughout 2015 many of our At the May meeting we discussed refreshments probably helped!) and group have been working on the stories with a “twist in the tale” sold nearly that number of copies and “surprise endings”. On 29th at the same time. Following that, meeting in July was an opportunity to May several members took a trip to we presented a talk for Batemans finalshare drafts extracts of their which novels. were Ourfollowed Nabiac and inspected a quaint gift Bay U3A, covering everything from by lively comments and helpful shop full of collectables. They took submission of entries, editing, re- suggestions. notes on things they liked, and then editing and self-publishing through went to lunch at a pleasant cafe. A CreateSpace (Amazon). This was with Joan Childs. Joan teaches very good time was had by all. At the interspersed with readings of short SanskritIn August and wegave attended an informative a workshop June meeting they all discussed ideas prose and poetry pieces from the presentation of her knowledge and they had formed after the Nabiac trip. anthology [photos previous page]. The assignment for that month was Networking with Writers of the language which predates writing to write a 600 word story or 20 line Far South Coast, based in Merimbula andenthusiasm is acclaimed for this to beclassical the oldest Indian

6 WRITERS’ VOICE 249—SEPT 2015 poem with titles ‘Lost and Found’ or like C.Cavafy, Sara Holland-Batt and projects set each month by ABC Open ‘Wedding Woes’. Viktor Frankl. . Some members All of these meetings included were able to record their stories for favourite authors, and the August the act of writing, each piece being ABC Open broadcasts, and several of assignmentIn July we was talked to write about a our story our members have already submitted or poem, attempting to use the revision. We hope all will be included to the website short stories of fewer style of these favourite authors. incritiqued our forthcoming briefly and anthology. set for home than 500 words for various project An alternative assignment was to Our highlight so far this year has topics. write a short 100 word story titled been the guest Mr Ralph Richardson After our AGM in July we listened ‘Cheesecake’. Member Rose Marie who gave us hints on writing and to a fascinating guest speaker, Claire read us a lovely poem that she wrote editing illustrated by the anecdotal Pasvolsky. Claire’s accomplishments called ‘Then and Now’, in which she monograph What did he see? as well include acting, writing, producing and tried emulating Banjo Paterson’s style. as introducing us to his recently directing. We spent time focussing on Member Marcia has been away published book on atheism. the many facets of our creative selves. with illness, and we all wish her a Claire gave us some useful guidance speedy recovery. President Hermione FAW’s publication Unlock the Writer on how to nurture our writing is also absent at the moment, looking Within,In August in particular we used the material section from on activities, including working through after her husband, who is not well. compiling an anthology, which we an “automatic writing” exercise. We also wish him a speedy recovery, found very useful as we envisage Our August meeting, led by Acting and Hermione’s return to our meetings. doing just that in the near future. President Jan Mitchell, was devoted We welcome our new attendee, to an engaging discussion about the hands at writing a short play. Themes member from Bowral, Jenny Crozier. value or otherwise of good grammar, In September we are to try our At our September 2 meeting, one and whether traditional grammatical Waiting Room”. Hopefully it will prove of our members, the noted poet forms are necessary for good writing. verycan be entertaining. “Mistaken Identity” or “The Jan Dean launched her chapbook This was followed by a discussion We welcomed member Noelle White Paint Peels, Graffiti Sings. about gender in writing voice. back early from her overseas trip, as Pam Garfoot it was curtailed by the cancellation of Wednesday of the month at the re- furbishedWe meet Junction at 10:15 Hotel on the at firstHamilton. LAMBING FLAT FAW the ash from the volcano. She didn’t Visitors are welcome and we ask for Lambing Flat Writers Group launched so many air flights from Bali due to get to see Bali at all. a gold coin donation. their annual writing competition Christine Hayes Luciana Croci at the South West Regional Library at Young on July 28. President Ted HUNTER FAW LAKE MACQUARIE FAW Webber gave a brief speech on the The last few months have been quite The Lake Macquarie Branch has gone group and the upcoming competition. productive with members coming up through a re-grouping period, with This coincided with FAW member, with different inspirations for writing Valerie Parv as writer-in-residence in each session. changes. Nonetheless members at the library for the day [photo Our writing explored “sense of havea change continued of office to holders produce and much other next page]. Valerie generously place” led by D. Gentile, who started impressive work across many genres: promoted our local writers’ group us off by reading an excerpt from books, short stories, book reviews, and described how she felt she had Tono Bungay (a work renowned for its poems, memoirs, history articles “found her tribe” when she came to recreation of place, class and social and more. Our critique groups have Young and joined the group. scene written by HG Wells) and a poem continued to be well attended, with Valerie gave two presentations ‘To Brooklyn Bridge’ by Hart Crane. many members submitting pieces for over the course of the day, attracting Our next incursion was into critique. a crowd of 50, with some guests humour led by L.Wellard who coming from as far as Orange and introduced us to poems by the led the group through a discussion well-known American humorist of readingIn June, andour Presidentits relationship Terry toColling our Don Marquis. J.Tregellis involved creative lives. A writing exercise saw Canberra.best-selling “I romancedon’t want novelist to read told a story, us in memories evoked by a each of us focus on a book from our Iher want audience. to live it,” Valerie the international was on hand favourite photo in a photo album. past which had a great impact on at the library from 10am until 3pm C.Brotherson used the theme of each of us. What an eclectic range of to provide advice, knowledge and foreign correspondent, introducing books we remembered. experience. “Love what you do and us to the work of Khaled Hossein in At one of our critique sessions we do it with all your heart and passion,” A Thousand Splendid Suns. We had a welcomed Anthony Scully, a local Valerie told participants. session where each member brought producer for ABC Open Radio (‘real There have been several a piece of writing that was a favourite, stories by real people all around changes made to this year’s writing and thus were introduced to poets Australia’). Anthony described the cont. next page…

WRITERS’ VOICE 249—SEPT 2015 7 FAW Branch Reports Lambing Flat FAW branches, ACT groups, also Pike will be presenting a paper, ‘The cont. from previous page doing radio interviews. Royal Order of Adjectives.’ Our AGM in May saw the same Our updated website was competition. The closing date is a people elected to take on the launched in September, in a new month earlier, on 16 October 2015. committee positions of president, and informative format. Please visit: The sections have been reduced to secretary, treasurer and competition . Adult Open, Secondary Students coordinator as last year, with the The anthology team has continued and Primary Students, each with positions of vice president and its task of compiling our work for two categories—Short Story and the Anthology to be published in Poetry. Please check the details in the Our monthly meetings range in November. This has taken up much ‘Writing Competitions’ section of this numberpublicity from officer 4 to not 12. being Members filled. time and is very appreciated. Our edition of Writers Voice. enjoy exchanging thoughts, ideas monthly meetings have been busier Our writing competition is in its and happenings, and the opportunity than usual. As well as the normal 33rd year, and is held in conjunction to read aloud a piece they have ‘read and critique’ sessions, we have with the 66th National Cherry Festival, written, with constructive critique been concentrating on preparing our which is celebrated at Young each an important and enjoyable part of individual work for the Anthology, December during the cherry season. each meeting. Last meeting saw some which will be launched on November 7 Our aim is to try to attract more local amazing stories from members! at ‘Boat Shed Hall’ Angle Park, entries, as well as entries from far Happy Writing to everyone. Homestead Avenue, Chipping Norton and wide. The response last year was Maree Myhill 10.00am-2.00pm. RSVP required. fantastic and we are hoping for the Our Summer Poetry and Prose same again this year. Thank you to all Liverpool FAW Evenings will begin again in October those who entered last year and we We have been holding workshops to 2015. Dates and venue to be advised. encourage you to please try again this increase our knowledge and skills Rhonda Rice year. We are extremely grateful to our in writing. These have been held local sponsors: Young Shire Council, by Lydia Vincenti, Toula Papadam Macarthur FAW South West Slopes Credit Union, Young Services Club and Wombat began a series on Editing—a most will have the option of being teamed Bush Poets. Without their continued importantand Rick Vincenti. and interesting In August aspect Toula of Inup future, with a new‘buddy’ members or mentor of our who branch will support, the competition could not be writing, which will continue monthly answer any questions they might have, conducted. into the new year. as well as endeavouring to make President Ted has been extremely We will be visiting the Blue them feel welcome. This is one of a busy promoting the competition to Mountains group on the second number of ideas that our committee local and district schools, to all NSW Sunday of September where Peter F came up with last year, and which have since been put into practice. The venue for our meetings is Campbelltown RSL Club, which kindly provides us with the use of a

modernfacilities. seminar The premises room onhas the recently first floor,been renovatedas well as awith range very of otherlittle disruption to our proceedings. One of the many improvements has been the installation of an escalator. Apart

and visitors can now arrive at the meetingfrom the coffee-intact.obvious benefits, members We continue to hear about books

fellow writers. At the last meeting, Johnthat haveSteinbeck’s had an Theinfluence Grapes on of our Wrath was discussed for its powerful description of human suffering— although not avoiding criticism in some other respects. Works under The 2015 Writing Competition for FAW Lambing Flat Writers Group was officially launched at the discussion ranged from A Man of Young Library during Valerie Parv’s writer-in-residence day at the library in July. Pictured are Branch President Ted Webber and Valerie Parv promoting the group Property by John Galsworthy to Go and the competition to the large group in attendance. Set a Watchman by Harper Lee, while

8 WRITERS’ VOICE 249—SEPT 2015 Kenneth Grahame’s The Wind in the North Arm Cove FAW Port Macquarie-Hastings Willows remained a fond memory Members are relishing ‘warming FAW for all. up’ their brains at the start of each Our secretary, Pauline Twemlow, We wish Joie, our branch contributor, meeting with two minutes of ‘slam’ informs us that the RSL club has writing, the subject being drawn from asked us to write a report about our a hat. When visiting Port Macquarie a speedy recovery. In her absence group’s activities for its in-house workshops: June was Dr Rae Luckie branch, Maureen Kelly enjoyed I report that we had two excellent magazine. Pauline has been liaising and August was newspaper journalist, this exercise and introduced it to closely with the management staff, Laurie Sullivan. Enquiries to branch cove members who have certainly making arrangements for next year embraced the idea. and even discussing ideas for this Colleen Parker Ron Stewart’s assignment at the year’s Christmas party. June meeting produced some very Barry Flanagan has announced the PORT STEPHENS FAW good writing in the style and era of publication of the latest in a trilogy We are now settled in with our Henry Lawson and Banjo Paterson, of novels set in Lithuania during new President Peter Goldman and while Lee Clayton’s July assignment the period of the Second World War. vice president Noel Watham, with had members enjoying writing Haiku Following on from The Undeclared Penny Lane to take over as Secretary poems again. Garry Boyd’s August War and Across the Green Border, Treasurer—once she returns from assignment will reveal the winner of The Invisible Front is “the story of caravanning up north. the ‘Smartie’ award. A small but busy group attended Judging of the public school short/ based in one of the many resistance our June/July meetings with our own poetry competition for Karuah and campsa small in group Lithuania… of freedom the warfighters in guest speaker Janice Love who with Tea Gardens Public School students Western Europe may be drawing to her songwriting skills, guitar and is underway, students writing up a close but the war in the East is just computer web site skills was able to to 1500 words, theme ‘Batman and beginning” . Whilst researching these produced some very interesting highly authentic novels, the author hints and references of where to seek writing by the youngsters! travelled extensively in Lithuania. outshould more I say on guidesongwriting. us with helpful Members are all participating in Congratulations to Barry on this great Janice sings well and we ended an in-house competition at present, achievement. each session with smiles on our faces. judging commencing shortly. Congratulations also to Bob Bee More please Janice. You win some and you lose some!… on winning our bi-monthly writing We now look forward to warmer competition with a short story weather. Our last homework, titled ‘A Wilson was farewelled at the entitled ‘The Cork Expedition’. cup of tea, a good lie down and a Bex’ beginningProlific humorousof winter. She poet has Margaret moved Margot Shugg, whom we already gave us much amusement. to Victoria and is sadly missed by know for her three books of short This month’s homework is ‘Journeys’. everyone. However, everyone is stories, revealed yet another thrilled to welcome two new, very talent when she was asked by The accomplished members—Jan Furness Macarthur Chronicle to contribute to WeI am always sure we have will surprises be well entertained. and look and Gail Rust—to their ranks. its Best Recipes column. The result Iforward have chosen to the Steam coming Train warmer Journeys. Maureen Kelly OAM was a recipe for ‘beef san choy bau months part of the year. (without the bau)’, accompanied by a Anyone is welcome to our handsome photo of the chef at work meetings. We have a website in her kitchen. Unsurprisingly, Margot . managed to work into the mixture Christine Gregory a few paragraphs about her passion for writing, as well as the work of the SHOALHAVEN FAW Macarthur Branch of which she is We’ve heard some wonderful stories President. read for our ‘homework’ and ‘5 Writing exercises continue to be minute exercises’ over the past few creative and challenging. Last month, our imaginations were titillated by different approaches can be taken the subject of favourite food; while months.for a subject—either It’s amazing ashow a short many story in July, we were all asked to write the of up to 500 words, or as a quick passed from person to person for first line of a poem which was then completion (try digging yourself out responseall very inspiring. to a subject in five minutes of that hole!). North Arm Cove FAW new members at the beginning of our meetings. It’s Bernard Russell Smith Gail Rust (left) and Jan Furness. cont. next page…

WRITERS’ VOICE 249—SEPT 2015 9 FAW Branch Reports Shoalhaven SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS FAW launch will be held in October in cont. from previous page Raymond Terrace. Peter will not be FAW Southern Highlands has revived resting on his laurels. He has already Last meeting we had an excellent its website: this is now available commenced sharing his fourth novel guest speaker, Christine Paice come at and we in this motorbike series. are now making available members’ As Peter has now had extensive The Word Ghost, which works in progress, especially experience in self-publishing and wasand talkpublished to us about by Allen her and first Unwin adult unpublished poetry, in a members- reaching a wide audience, selling fictionin June novel, 2014. Christine is a poet and only section. internationally, we knew that Peter writer. She has published two poetry We plan to launch a new writing was the man for our recent publishing collections (both by Ginninderra competition for local residents, workshop. Peter co-facilitated the Press) and her children’s book, The including school children, in 2016, event with local self-published author, Great Rock Whale was published by and planning is now underway. Zeny Giles, and editor/publisher Hachette Australia in 2009. We are also planning poetry Michael Jameson. The workshop Christine was a runner up in the performances at local libraries and was well received by our members Newcastle Poetry Prize and she won on local radio programs. and visitors. This was due to Peter’s the national Josephine Ulrick Award At monthly meetings we are exemplary presentation. He was for poetry in 2009 with her poem, currently working through the organised and shared his knowledge construction of a short story by gained from experience and research, ‘The Quality of Light,’ was shortlisted each member, based on principles delivering a balanced view of ‘Thefor the Ministry Blake Poetryof Going Prize In’. Her 2013. poem, publishing from the cheaper through Christine facilitates creative snow in the highlands led to “Snow to the more expensive options. Our of character, plotting etc. A flurry of writing and poetry workshops and in the Highlands” being a topic for event was held at a local lady’s home, works as a mentor for poets and poems presented at the August located on a beautiful property with writers. She is also the Deputy Chair meeting. As an easier exercise, we lovely gardens and local fauna. of Kiama Council Cultural Board. also read original limericks. As usual, We have recently welcomed new (Kiama is a delightful seaside town on we have been set etymology research members to our Night Owls group. the South Coast of NSW and is where homework, on words set each month This group continues to pursue and Christine lives). by Greg Tome. share their individual projects. They So we were very keen to hear Our poetry group recently focussed her words of wisdom. We weren’t on sonnets, and most attendees made disappointed. Christine is a lively include science fiction, historical and entertaining speaker and she agreed it was a challenging task. willfiction, now Gothic include fiction, a focus fantasy, on grammar and their first attempts at writing one. All was very generous with her advice— Ken Challenor and Greg Tome non-fictionand writing articles. technique Our as meetings we have a which was, “be persistent”. continue to have their short plays number of people new to writing. We heard about her experiences accepted at Crash Test Drama, as she went through the process Bundanoon, where Brian Haydon’s day or evening groups please send an of getting her book accepted by Aliens recently won the popular vote emailIf you to . Sharon Burke tribulations of getting a publisher, Final, and Margaret Symonds recently and thereby qualified for the Gala first,having an to agent, make then multiple the trials changes and had her Slippery Slope performed at Sutherland FAW to her draft, meeting new and Armidale Shorts Festival. demanding deadlines, insisting on Ron Jones, a member of long standing and an excellent writer, has the cover she wanted and getting on The year is flying by and our group recently re-joined us after a period who have brought with them a with the daunting task of becoming has welcomed five new members of ill-health, and we look forward to wealth of experience and knowledge a published author. All this came to complement our great team of with her pervasive sense of humour, welcoming back some of our other recovering and travelling members. current writers. so there was much laughter and Our monthly presentations have enjoyment of the tales she told. Brian Haydon Along with the “Persistence” Stroud FAW President, Frank Maguire presented message, came “if you’re not reading, beena lively a greattalk on success. tragedy In and May tragic our Vice- We have been remembering and characters. He brought a diverse you are writing poetry, read poetry. celebrating the life of our late range of writing reference books you’re not learning how to write. If member, Bernie Butler, through his along. Finally he gave two scenarios short stories, etc.” Yes, it was another writing [see page 21]. Bernie passed as a starting point for writing. Ifenjoyable you are writingand informative short stories, morning read away on July 11 2015, aged 92. for the Shoalhaven FAW members. a workshop called ‘From Page to Our thanks to Christine Paice. preparing for the launch of his third Podium:For our How June to meeting, project your I presented voice to Peter Uren, our prolific writer, is Chere Le Page novel, The Classic Bike Workshop. The sound interesting’.

10 WRITERS’ VOICE 249—SEPT 2015 Julianne Miles-Brown presented Miles-Brown has been busy Vincent Morrison, a long time an interesting writing exercise, organising writers’ presentations and member of the Branch, was recently where you use your own childhood editor consultations for the big day successful in being awarded a First experiences as a starting point in on 14 November. Prize in the Eastwood/Hills Literary developing a story, or to develop We also received more than 150 Competition Memoir Section with a character’s view of different entries for the Picture Book Comp­ ‘Goose Patrol’ and a commendation experiences. The task was to imagine etition which is run in conjunction for his short, short story ‘The you have a time machine in which with the Writers Festival. The Sandwich Men’. you can go back in time to the ages winners will be announced at our A number of other Wollondilly of 5, 10 and 15 years. Consider the Writers Unleashed Festival at Gymea Branch members have published following: Tradies on 14 November. More details books… 1.What scares you the most? are available on the website: . Chooky-doodle-doo has now been 3. Whom do you most want to Sylvia Vago spend time with? And lastly, what read on Playschool. things made you laugh? WOLLONDILLY FAW releasedClare Bell in America. published It wastwo recentlybooks, Childhood experiences are not Our Branch has welcomed two new Farm Days, Kids Ways and her more just food for memoir writing but can members in recent months. Richard recent memoir My Australia. be an impetus for developing a work Bell, grand-son of Clare Bell who Richard Bell’s published book has been a valuable member of the The Gospel of Schizophrenia had its We welcomed Cate Plink, State branch for some time and appears to of fiction. have passed her writing skills on to Enquiries about these books official launch on 22 August. Competition Convenor, to our July her grandson, and Jeane Mills who is can be referred to the branch at Councilmeeting, Publicity where she Officer shared and her new to the area and has been writing . knowledge about up and coming for some time. Sandra Reynolds competitions and requirements for We were invited to participate in the Book Expo to be held in October. the Festival of Fun held at Tahmoor WYONG FAW Helen Armstrong our Secretary on 2nd July. The branch had a stall We have been delving into the gave a presentation on the pitfalls promoting the FAW and our Branch ‘Mystery Writers Box’ by free and successes of e-publishing for at this popular event. We received a writing from prompts introduced by Amazon Books. Also that blurbs are number of enquiries about the FAW Elizabeth McVie, Yvonne Sorensen a powerful way of marketing your and our Branch on the day. and Margaret Young over the last book. She used blurbs from novels as three months. Visitors are able to examples. join in and are amazed at how much they can write in ten minutes from just a couple of words or a partial We did a reflective writing activity sentence. Our free writing session is whatcalled would “If You you Could tell Turnyour Back17-year-old Time”. then followed by critiquing members’ Imagineself? The the stories last dayproduced of high by school— our selected work. members were informative, poignant, Our biggest news this month is funny and sad. the publication of Shirley Goodbar’s poetry book Kaleidoscope, illustrated Jenny Mathers, who is a writer and by Yvonne Sorensen [see ‘Bookshelf’ editor,In August, presented our newa writing member activity back page]. Shirley has written poetry on developing character arcs when most of her life and the book contains plotting our stories. one hundred and ten selected poems Our informative monthly news­ from a sixty year collection. Yvonne letter, Shire Scribblers, continues to has a Fine Arts Degree from Darwin provide a wealth of information for University and also taught there. our members and local community. ‘Scribblers’ still meet of a Monday Our editor, Joyce Noble’s column at The Lunch Box, Wyong. Members ‘Erudition’ provides inspiring writing Clare Bell works the stand for Wollondilly FAW once having participated with these tips from experts on various writing at the Tahmoor ‘Festival of Fun’. matters such as writing effective Wollondilly Branch now has submit work for competitions etc as character descriptions, writing comic a Facebook page ‘Wollondilly wellsessions as continue are more writing confident novels. to characters and using personal stories Fellowship of Australian Writers – Margaret Young o The Writers Unleashed Festival forcommittee creative coordinated nonfiction. by Julianne FAW’. It is worth a look and ‘like’.

WRITERS’ VOICE 249—SEPT 2015 11 Letter to the Editor Insufficient Merit? The entry fee subsidises the Condition 14 in the Conditions costs which are not covered by the treasurers report, the FAW NSW FAW NSW. If you look at the annual of Entry for the current Marjorie Trust Fund, which covers the prize actually loses money on running the Barnard Award states that the FAW only. The other costs include the competitions in many years. reserves the right not to award any Judges’ Fees, Mailing Fees and other Cate Plink, prizes if, in the judge’s estimation, miscellaneous costs of administering FAW NSW Publicity Officer the competition, and are met by and State Competition Convenor received. noThis entries condition of sufficient seems merit to be are a growing trend with the FAW’s writing competitions.enter they would It hardly probably encourages keep it a entries.secret from If a memberothers in did their decide group to in case condition 14 was invoked. How embarrassing to have told everyone you had sent in a story and for the world to then learn that everything submitted had been a load of rubbish. A competition should keep faith with the entrants, particularly when athletics meet where the placegetters werethey have not awarded paid to enter. prizes Imagine because an the judge thought they had been Bring your ideas to the Meeting no one will bother entering writing runningcompetitions, a bit slow particularly that day. when In the end, Do you have anything for discussion at – to reach the Secretary no later than their entry fee did not even subsidise the State Council Meeting in Moruya 23 October. Please mark your letter another writer’s prize. on November 7? or email ‘FOR NOVEMBER MEETING’. Was the non-awarding of a prize If you would like to suggest any topic for consideration by the State Council Workshops a condition of the original charter delegates, write down your thoughts Do you have a favourite Workshop for the Marjorie Barnard Award, or and send them in for inclusion on the Presenter or Theme? Our new-look FAW is it something that has evolved over Meeting Agenda. Write or email to: website is being prepared for launch Hon. Secretary, FAW NSW Inc. soon [see page 25]. Your input can be enlightened. 22 Promontory Way published on the website and shared the years? I would be happy to be Victoria Chie, Macarthur FAW NORTH ARM COVE NSW 2324 with other branches. Send an email to . Response from the FAW Competition Convenor Firstly let me assure you that, as not been imposed on any of the Competitionsfar as I am aware, held Condition to date. As 14 for has Honour Roll Distinguished Service Award am aware, this condition has been Irene Acland* Meryl Bentley* Margaret Jackson Dr John Sheppard it being a growing trend, as far as I in force since the inception of the Denise Aldridge Elaine Burton John Jacobs Margot Shugg Carolyn Alfonzetti Ken Challenor Pat Lindsay Barbara Snel will however take up the matter with Patricia Allen Jan Dean Helen Luidens Dorothe Squires- thecompetition Management some Committee fifty years whenago. I we meet in September. Gavin Austin Beryl Dundas Vince Morrison Cooper Barbara Aylott Margaret Ekin Peter F Pike Frank Urban competitions only—the same Eileen Backhus Thelma Flower Margaret Robinson* Margaret Wilkinson competitionsThe FAW NSW they runs have five always run— Margaret Barlow Eileen Gray Alan Russell Margaret Young the two Hilarie Lindsay Competitions Miriam Bates Pip Griffin Albert Scott and the Biannual Walter Stone, Jean Cyril Bentley* Mavis Hayes Bridget Sharp *Deceased Stone, and the Marjorie Barnard.

12 WRITERS’ VOICE 249—SEPT 2015 Poets Voice

The Mist If you walk out into the mist, it retreats The Suit just beyond In Nineteen Hundred and Ninety Three your arms’ reach, Little Johnny Howard said to me like a white narrative Here, take this present and vote for me of joy, like a vision Go out and spend it, and make the country free. of the future but your woollen coat Eleven Hundred Dollars, he thrust in my hand catches the moisture And he said “Go on, spend it on something that’s grand.” and is damp Well I thought and I thought, now what is it that’s needed so you’ve merged into the mist To perk up my life, can I sartorially feed it? which is also behind you So I looked in me wardrobe and realised, as I got older, and is your past. Me friends in the town would give me the shoulder John Egan, Moocooboola FAW If I went to their funerals in something that’s bright, Something that attracted all of the light. So off I went to ‘Peter Jackson’ The Dove And I asked him to fit me in a suit, a black one, I watched him as he sat on the wire, A suit I could wear to all of the funerals next to her. Two doves. Of the friends who’d be dying He preened and plumed, after they’d been given their remunerals. gave her the fan-tail, What an idea, I was pleased as Punch, puffed up his chest and wriggled his wings. Now, having a suit I could wear out for lunch, She glanced, with apathetic eyes. But it’s a shame to say that the medical crew He continued, but Invented some drugs that kept people anew. she flew away. So nobody died for years, I was really upset, He sat alone, askance, There was nowhere to wear me black suit and yet with fallen crest The black suit fit when I put it away alone on the wire. At the back of the wardrobe, and waited for the day David Berger, Blue Mountains FAW When I’d be called on to wear it, me respects to pay. It hung, never changing, aging away. Then, suddenly, a friend fell off the perch And I knew that we’d all have to go off to Church, And join all the people, wishing him well New Poetry Editor Required Saying their prayers, and ringing the bell. David Berger of Blue Mountains FAW has resigned from the But when the trousers I tried to put on, position of honorary Poetry Editor for Writers Voice, effective There was too much flesh hanging round me bum from the December 2015 issue. I’d gained so much weight, I couldn’t fasten the zip. Would any poetry aficionado like to volunteer? The role involves And what’s more I couldn’t do up the clip. vetting and compiling member contributions considered So I put on a pair of black tracky Daks, why? suitable for publication and sending them to the Writers Voice To wear with me jacket, with resplendent black tie editor by the quarterly copy deadline. I thought no one’ll know, but friends said “No, way, For now, contributions for this page in December issue can The white stripe on your trackies’ll give you away.” still be sent for consideration to David by email . Please provide author name and FAW branch. After that?… well, we hope to publish contact details for a new volunteer in December issue. Poetry lovers, help us to keep this page going. Any takers? Many thanks David, for your time and assistance in this role— Ken Driver, Editor.

Poems accepted for publication under the ‘Poet’s Voice’ banner will be deemed to have been published and therefore not eligible for entry in FAW competitions.

WRITERS’ VOICE 249—SEPT 2015 13 Roundup Writers enjoy mid-year dinner Cove FAW branch members took time 17/18 October 2015 Nout from writing to enjoy a mid-year dinner held at Northorth Arm Arm Cove Community Centre, July 31, 2015. Exhibition Hall 5, Sydney Showground, The celebration also Sydney Olympic Park coincided with member Once again this year, the Fellowship of Australian Lal Clayton’s 91st Writers will be represented at Book Expo Australia, birthday and was a chance for new members Jan publishers and the reading public. Furness and Gail Rust to a highFAW profile members event can in take Sydney advantage for authors, of this bloggers, unique get to know their fellow members. from industry experts, as well as selling their The letter ‘R’ was networkingpublished books opportunity to the general to get first public. hand information the theme for the night, There are over 100 exhibitors and three stage Christina Laponder and performance areas. Concurrent conference streams Garry Bond both reading include a Bloggers Conference, a Getting Published interesting essays they Conference and PitchFest Australia, which will offer had written about the potential and established authors the opportunity to meaning and use of the North Arm Cove member Lal sit in front of a publisher for ten minutes. letter ‘R’ which everyone Clayton cuts the cake to celebrate To participate in the event and promote your book found both informative her 91st birthday. at the FAW booth, contact the state FAW Publicity and humorous. Great entertainment! Cate Plink The ‘birthday girl’ Lal received cards, gifts and a or phone 4341 1138 (a.h. only). birthday cake from members and, together with her 92- OfficerFor event information and to buy tickets, visit year old husband Jim, shared poetry with her friends, . Jim reading her favourite poem ‘Green and Gold Malaria’ Facebook: by Rupert McCall, to the dinner guests. Twitter: <@bookexpoaus>. long and very cold winter! ItMaureen was a great Kelly evening of ‘fellowship’ to brighten this

TOOWOOMBA WRITERS’ FESTIVAL Central Coast Local Author Expo Saturday 14 November 2015 Held 22 July 2015 Philharmonic Hall, Organised by Gosford City Central Library, this event was 7 Matthew Street, Toowoomba QLD • Competitions authors to the general public and give them an opportunity • Writers’ Market toa first both of sell its theirkind. booksIts aim and was give to showcase a 10-minute local talk. published • Free Writers’ Workshops • Book Launch—Fellowship of Australian Writers Queensland anthology. Sponsored by FAWQ and Antonia Hildebrand More info: .

in 1928 and the names of some of the well known writers who were active in the early years. The function was well publicised and more than sixty people had booked seats for the talks, but many more just wandered in. The talks by the authors were quite entertaining and Helen Luidens addresses the Central Coast Local Author Expo many people visited their exhibition tables and bought Helen Luidens, then vice president representing the books. FAW NSW, gave a speech at the start of this function giving Helen gave out copies of Writers Voice as well as the audience information about the Fellowship as well bookmarks and sold some copies of Unlock the Writer as some of its history. One of the comments she received Within. She also welcomed three new members for later was how interesting it was to hear about its origins Central Coast FAW among hopeful beginning writers.

14 WRITERS’ VOICE 249—SEPT 2015 Byron Bay Writers Festival Mudgee Valley FAW launches Held 7–9 August 2015 inaugural Norman McVicker Award This festival is a hub of literary genius from children’s Mudgee Valley branch have had a friend in Mr Norman controversial literary talent like Julia Gillard, and ever authors like Terry Denton and Andy Griffiths to McVicker since he retired to Mudgee in 1980. He assisted inclusion of self-published authors. us in judging competitions, theWe popular arrived event. on day 2015 one was and the found event’s the nearestfirst ever parking promoting our events and a trek past other enthusiastic early arrivers. The atmosphere is a mixture between ecstatic excitement We were very sad when and the serious calm of words, contrasted against the Normanofficiating became at our illpresentations. and passed cut-throat hum of activity at the bookshop! Wow, buying away in 2012. We had lost a books was now akin to an all contact sport. And my books were in there, somewhere, amongst friendship continues, and willfriend. for Now many we years find to that come. that these other authors who I could only sum up by saying Norman has left a legacy in his Will. He requests it be used to encourage young people to write. greetthat they’re book lovers—and stars; and I feltthey somewhat came. The of pace a sparkle was perfect, Mr Sof Lee, Executor of Norman’s Estate, approached withmyself. calms I set between up my generous the storms, space and and so manygot ready people to our group asking if we would be interested in providing interested in self-publishing. ideas of how this could best be achieved.

for Short Stories and Poetry by young people 22 interestedI’d like to in thank literature, Byron Byron Bay Writers Bay in early Festival August for is the yearsIt’s ofbeen age decided and under. we Theare goingtotal prizeto host pool a competition is $2,200, placeletting to the be. small fish through the door; and for anyone so, encouragement indeed. We will run the initial Cassandra Webb, Eurobodalla FAW. competition with entry closing date at 29th February

annual event. 2016. If it is successful we will make the competition an Details are on our website . [See The alsoNorman ‘Competitions’ McVicker p23Award. this issue].

Mudgee”. He certainly did. InNorman’s Norman’s work own in words, writing “I and had theatre a life before began retiring while to he was still at school and continued throughout his long and creative life. His life has been recorded by Mr Sof Lee at .

writerIn the of words‘Tales fromof Mr Along Sof Lee: the Wallaby Tracks’, a weekly columnIn Mudgee, in the heMudgee was a Guardian local historian. For over and 23 volunteer years, he produced 1185 articles focusing on ‘quirky’ characters and aspects of Australian history.

School near Mudgee where one of Australia’s literary greats,In 1989, Henry Norman Lawson led grew the restorationup and received of Eurunderee his education. For those contributions, in 2003, Norman received the Order of Australia Medal for service to performing arts, particularly theatre and to the community of Mudgee, presented to him by Prof. Marie Bashir AC, New South Wales Governor. After that, Local MP, George Souris presented the 2006 NSW Premier’s Outstanding Cassandra Webb at her Byron Bay Writers Festival stand. Community Service award to Norman. This is followed by a NSW government 2007 Seniors Week Achievement Cassandra’s self-published books can be found in most book Award for outstanding contribution to the community in shops, or online at or and on Amazon. the field of Education and Lifelong Learning.

WRITERS’ VOICE 249—SEPT 2015 15 Literary Achievements EASTWOOD /HILLS FAW 2 tanka in Eucalypt 18, 2015 Anne Benjamin 1 tanka prose and audio recording, ‘Pallid Cuckoo’, in the Bimblebox 153 Birds Art Project – launched May 2015 in ‘A Place to Stand’ with Jan Foster, Carmel Summers and Queensland Marilyn Humbert 1st Place in Eastwood/Hills July Competition on ‘All you need is love’ – 3 tanka (Ed by Amelia Fielden Collaborative Writing Shortlisted in ZineWest 2015 Honorable Mention in the 2015 TSA Sanford Goldstein Elizabeth Collins Tanka Awards Highly Commended in Eastwood/Hills July Competition 1st Place, poetry section, Eastwood Hills FAW 2015 on Collaborative Writing Literary Competition Beverley George Comm & Highly Comm, poetry section, Eastwood Hills Ten renga with Simon Hanson in Skylark 3 (1)2015 FAW 2015 Literary Competition Julie Thorndyke in Skylark ‘All you need is love’ – 3 tanka (Ed by Amelia Fielden) tanka sequence ‘In Winter Light’ with seven other poets Ten renga with Simon Hanson published in Blithe Spirit tanka sequence with Carmel Summers in Kokado 25 2 2015 [UK] rengay with Simon Hanson published in Blithe Spirit in Skylark 25 2 2015 [UK] 2tanka tanka sequence in eucalypt ‘In 18,Winter 2015 Light’ with seven other poets Helena Hamiliton 2 tanka in Prospect 2nd Place in Eastwood/Hills July Competition on tanka in Gusts Collaborative Writing 2nd Place in Eastwood/Hills May Competition. Philippa Holland Highly Commended for a Children’s Story in Eastwood/ Hills March Competition Eurobodalla FAW Anne Howard Suzanne Newnham: 3 columns accepted for PnP Authors Promotional Magazine website. The magazine is new – Commended in Eastwood/Hills March Competition on Children’s Story Writing Highly Commended in Eastwood/Hills July Competition first issue was in January this year. on Collaborative Writing AUG: ‘Brain Fog’; JULY:SEPT: ‘Isolation ‘Pain Awareness’. – not just < a writer’s sanctuary’; > Artelle Lenthall Shortlisted in ZineWest 2015 Judy Turner: Commended for her story, ‘The funeral’ in the memoir section of thepeterpattimaricacciolfi.webs.com Eastwood-Hills FAW Literary 1st Place for ‘Journeygirl on the Road to Publication’ in Competition 2015. Eastwood/Hills May Competition Margaret Longhurst Voted No.1 for poem recitation of original work ‘Pioneers’ HUNTER FAW – Podcast through Blacktown City Library Jan Dean received an invitation to contribute to an Carmel Summers edited by Jaydeep Sarangi and Rob Harle, published by ‘A Place to Stand’ with Jan Foster, Anne Benjamin and anthology of land poetry from Australian and Indian poets Marilyn Humbert She has had a tanka published in each of Eucalypt 18 and tanka sequence with Julie Thorndyke in Kokado ProspectCyberwit, #5 Allahabad, (Blue Giraffe India. Press). tanka sequence with Margaret Grace in Skylark 3 Her pocketbook Paint Peels, Graffiti Sings in English and ‘All you need is love’ – 3 tanka (Ed by Amelia Fielden) Mandarin was launched by Judy Johnson at the 2015 David Terelinck Newcastle Writers Festival and will be relaunched at the 2 tanka in Soft Thunder – the British Haiku Society Tanka September meeting of Hunter FAW. Awards 2014/15 1 tankart in Skylark Vol. 3 No. 1, Summer 2015 ISOLATED WRITERS BRANCH Responsive tanka sequence, ‘Slipping Across that Blue Brian Armour Horizon’ , with Kathy Kituai in Skylark Vol. 3 No. 1, Summer 2015 Continues to do an amazing job coordinating the Electronic Round Robin. 1 rengay, ‘Noir’ with Carol Judkins in Skylark Vol. 3 No. 1, Summer 2015 Carolyn Cash 1 tanka prose, ‘Orbiting Grief’, in Skylark Vol. 3 No. 1, Article ‘Anzac Day: War, Women and the Queen Mother’ Summer 2015 published on her blog in Skylark Vol. 3 No. 1, Summer 2015 Writing, presenting and producing her weekly online radio

16 WRITERS’ VOICE 249—SEPT 2015 show Right Royal Roundup , Published in HPA Magazine, issue 3 mid July–early Sept: currently with over 6,000 Facebook “likes” and over 700 ‘Crossings in Realitas: a premature book launch’ (Jan’s followers on Twitter. book Crossings in Realitas is now available on Amazon). Cynthia Rowe Rina Robinson 2 tanka published in Eucalypt #18 2015; Published in HPA Magazine, issue 3 mid July–early Sept: interviewed by Tatjana Debeljacki for Diogen magazine, poems ‘The direction of art’ and ‘Nature’s gift’. interview published in Diogen May 2015; Wendy Robinson 3 haiku published in Presence #52; Published on ABC Open 500 Words website: short story tanka published in A Hundred Gourds 4:3 June 2015; ‘Time to be carefree’. 2 haiku published in A Hundred Gourds 4:3 June 2015; Linda Visman 3 haiku published in Creatrix #29 June 2015; Linda continues producing her beautiful and nostalgic ‘war memorial’ haiku First Honorable Mention in the Jane blog posts, Wangiwriter’s blog, at Festival, and published in a printed book with the other Published in HPA Magazine, issue 2, May–June 2015: short winningReichhold entries; International Prize category 2015 ukiahHaiku story ‘The Quintessential Quill’ and poem ‘Drought’; Published in HPA Magazine, issue, 3 mid July–early Sept: Shintai Haiku World Haiku Review June 2015; memoir ‘Looking at photos 1991’. ‘love at first sight’ and ‘rebirth’ Zatsuei Haiku of Merit ‘back fence’ haiku bilingually published in NeverEnding Thelma Wawrzonek Story by Chen-ou Liu; Published online by the Hunter Writers Centre: Mothers 7 haiku published in the June 2015 issue of Scope; found guilty: rant, August 2015; issue co-editor paper wasp no. 21 vol. 3 winter 2015; Published on ABC Open 500 Words website: short story 6 haiku and 6 text photographs published in paper wasp ‘The FJ Holden holiday’ and ‘The tale of the dead cat’; number 21 volume 3 winter 2015; Recorded for ABC Open broadcast: short story ‘The tale of ‘cattle herd’ haiku Highly Commended the New Zealand the dead cat’. Poetry Society Haiku competition 2015; ‘Plots for Sale’ 2nd Prize Short Story Section Eastwood/ Liverpool FAW Hills Branch FAW 2015 Literary Competition. Peter F Pike LAKE MACQUARIE FAW Sonnet published in latest edition of Metverse Muse Terry Colling Vindu Maharaj (India). Recorded for ABC Open broadcast: short story Article ‘He Doesn’t Say He Loves Me’, FreeXpresSion ‘Entanglement’. August. Pam Garfoot Rhonda Rice Published in Queensland History Journal, vol. 22, no. 9 2nd Prize in Scribes Writers Poetic Licence Comp. for (May 2015): article ‘An indefatigable northern inspector: poem ‘When Blokes Get sick (Man Flu)’; Thomas Clohesy of the Queensland Police’; Poem ‘Cry of the Child’ accepted by World Vision Australia Judged a ‘meritorious entry’ in ‘Who was Harry Hartog’ for publication/use in promoting the world-wide care Creative Writing Competition: short story ‘Who was Harry of children. Hartog: here’s my guess’; Poem ‘The Vision’ in FreeXpresSion July; Published on ABC Open 500 Words website: short story Poem ‘Bush Fire Victims’ FreeXpresSion August; ‘Crosspatch’ and ‘My brush with the law’; Poem ‘Mountbatten’ in YOURS magazine June. Published in Junoesq Literary Journal, short story ‘The third stage’; Published in HPA Magazine, issue 3, mid Issue July–early 4, May 2015:Sept: Macarthur FAW travel memoir ‘Trinidad homestay’. Robert Bee Jan Mitchell Winner of in-house short story competition with a story Published online by the Hunter Writers Centre: The Great entitled ‘The Cork Expedition’. Big Rip Off: rant, May 2015; Barry Flanagan Published in HPA Magazine, issue 2, May–June 2015: e-book published, completing trilogy begun with Across memoir ‘The delights of ocean cruising’ and book review the Green Border and The Undeclared War. of Spring Tide by Cilla and Rolf Börjlind ‘Scandi-Noir, a The third book is called The Invisible Front. (Details: good read’; ). Published on ABC Open 500 Words website: short stories Margot Shugg ‘Finding Shirley’, ‘Loved and lost’, and ‘Caught up in the Extensively quoted in an article in the Macarthur Advertiser. drama of catching a crook’;

WRITERS’ VOICE 249—SEPT 2015 17 Literary Achievements MOOCOOBOOLA FAW Maureen Kelly 50-word short story published in Myall Coast Messenger. Pam Taylor Short story ‘A Matter of Attitude’ and poem ‘Rain’ Kate Milford published in FreeXpresSion, June 2015. Poem awarded prize Bushman’s breakfast, Merriwa ‘Running of the Sheep’ festival. Mary Bramston: Short story ‘The Potato Lady’ and poem ‘Doorsteps’ in Ron Stewart FreeXpresSion June 2015. Poem published in Myall Coast Messenger. John Egan: Poems ‘Ghosts and Dreams’, ‘Borderlands’, ‘Don’t Touch’, Shoalhaven FAW ‘Hydrangeas’, ‘Opening Night’, ‘With You’, and ‘Rise’ in Anthony Watkin Beyond The Rainbow May/June 2015. His book, Forgive Let’s Tango is now available on Poems ‘The Pit, the Labyrinth, the Tower’, ‘Downstream’ as a Kindle E-Book. Polestar #28. Poems ‘Thunderclouds’ in Positive Words May 2015 and meaning in a society where there is pressure to deliver all and ‘In Memory of Thea Astley’ in ‘Silence’ and ‘Facile’ June 2015 and ‘Birds’ July 2015. It’sthe atime. story His about life isthe marked protagonist by repeated John’s effortsquest to to find create Poems ‘More’ and ‘An Engine’ in The Write Angle May/ a personal shrine to life. John’s work takes him across June 2015. Poem ‘The Moss Vale Train’ in Communion, Walleah Press. Poems ‘Time’ and ‘Birdsong’ in Tamba Winter 2015. Geoffreythe world. Grocott From the Middle East, to Europe and finally Australia. His travels help him to find out who he really is. Poems ‘Smile’ and ‘Three Men’ in Valley Micropress, New His book, Love–War and Motorbikes is a memoir which is Zealand, May 2015 and ‘Delphi’, ‘The Way to Work’ and now published in print and as a Kindle E-Book by Amazon. ‘Perfection’ June 2015. Irene Wilkie Poem ‘The Song’ in Inner Child, Poetica Christi Press. A multi-award winning poet, her works have been widely Poem ‘On the Hawkesbury’ Highly Commended, Scribes published in many anthologies and journals. She was recently included in The Australian Poetry Journal and Commended. Flashing the Square. Writers Poetic Licence Competition and ‘Glenfield Station’ Poem ‘Stars’ in The Senior, August 2015. Jen Mors Poems ‘At Berry Station’ and ‘The Mist’ in The Write Angle A poet and short story writer, Jen continues to have her 52, Aug–Oct 2015. short stories published in ABC Open to great acclaim.

Mudgee Valley FAW Wood in Broughton Vale, to thirty literary guests to Jenhear recently Shoalhaven opened FAW her Vice magnificent President home, Jennifer Willow Dickerson Pamela Meredith read from her newly published book, Quirky Verse. The Short Stories and Voice Recording published in ABC Open. afternoon was a great success, with guests also enjoying a Joan Taylor, Miriam Bates, Joy Hibberd, Kevin Pye and delicious afternoon tea and the glorious views and décor Nev Newman all published in our fortnightly column ‘The of Willow Wood. Jen Mors has plans to open Willow Wood, Mudgee Guardian. (which is designed with writers in mind) for other literary events in the near future. InkNor Spot’th Ainr them Cove FAW Garry Boyd Stroud FAW Poem published in Myall Coast Messenger. Peter Uren has had an article published by ABC Open Bob Bush for The Drum; facilitated as a keynote speaker at Stroud Poem ‘Hickory and Steel’ Highly Commended award Writers’ recent self-publishing workshop; and has a Bundaberg Poets’ Society 2015 Written Competition for book launch coming up in October for his third novel, Bush Verse; also Highly Commended Eastwood/Hills FAW The Classic Bike Workshop. Literary Competition 2015; Sharon Burke Shared poetry from his book From a Bush Poet’s Pen with articles for the local real estate’s publication, The Pioneer. audiences at Newcastle Family History Society, Anglican Dee Wardrop assists continues at the to Preschooler write historical Storytime non-fiction sessions at Stroud Library to encourage reading as part of the Great Seniors, Tea Gardens Grange and National Combined Lakes Better Reading Better Communities Project. Forceschurch Association.group, Belmont Bay Ladies Probus Club, Beresfield Lal Clayton Sutherland FAW Poem published in Myall Coast Messenger. Helen Armstrong Moira Hooper Published Butterflies in the Wind novel on Amazon. Poem ‘Global Warming’ published in Myall Coast Messenger.

18 WRITERS’ VOICE 249—SEPT 2015 Sutherland cont. from previous page

Antoinette Connelly Five of her novels displayed in the London Book Fair. Elaine Staples ‘Friends’ in Positive Words June 2015—in honour of her friend who recently passed away; Article ‘Once a Child’, in FreeXpresSion, July 2015; also shortlisted in Positive Words magazine poetry and prose competition; Radio interview and reading of her work. Jodie Wells-Slowgrove Wilderness Fairies series—Daisy’s Gift book launch held on August 8 at Sutherland Library. Lynn Sutherland Press releases for Lioness Club; Spoke on 2SSR radio about the Writers Unleashed Festival.

Sydney City FAW Pip Griffin Two poems, ‘Evidence of Love’ and ‘Becoming’, in Poetry Matters 24 July 2015, a competition issue with the theme “speaking of love”.

WYONG FAW Shirley Goodbar Published Kaleidoscope, a poetry book, illustrated by member artist Yvonne Sorensen.

Results: Eastwood/Hills FAW 2015 Literary Competition H/Comm: ‘Bloody Tamworth’, Don Horne; ‘The Art of Self-Deception’, Mike Woodhouse SHORT STORY 2nd: ‘Destination: Liberation via Literature’, Carmel Lillis (Judges Philippa Holland and Laura Davies) 1st: ‘Goose Patrol’, Vincent Morrison H/Comm: ‘The Land Army’, Mark Fowler; PAULINE WALSH AWARD ‘A Women on the Boards’, Mark Fowler FOR SHORT, SHORT STORY 2nd: ‘Plots for Sale’, Cynthia Rowe (Judges Dr Ann Howard and Frances Moon) 1st: ‘In Late Summer’, Kerrin O’Sullivan Comm: ‘Singing in Tune’, Eileen Cooke; POETRY ‘Subtraction’, Christine Tapper; (Judges Margaret Longhurst and Carolyn Alfonzetti) ‘The Sandwich Man’, Vincent Morrison Comm: ‘Midnight Rider’, David Terelinck; H/Comm: ‘Hello Stranger’, Don Horne; ‘Working Alone’, E. Speers; ‘Executing Orders’, Mike Woodhouse ‘On Anzac Bridge, 2015’, Richard Hagerty 2nd: ‘Hearing Voices’, Kerrin O’Sullivan H/Comm: ‘A Tremble of Purple’, David Terelinck; 1st: ‘On my Knee’, Carmel Lillis ‘Der Graben’, Jerry O’Donovan; BOREE LOG ‘The First Beige Thing I Have Ever Loved’, (Judge Brian Beesley) Cameron Semmens Comm: ‘Bobby’s Return’, Tom McIlveen; 2nd: ‘Nil by Mouth’, E. Speers ‘Bluey’, Tom McIlveen 1st: ‘A Man’s House’, David Terelinck H/Comm: ‘Murray Moon’, Brenda Joy; MEMOIR ‘Sealed with a Kiss’, Tom McIlveen; (Judges Alan Russell and Mary Milton) ‘Hickory and Steel’, Bob Bush Comm: ‘The Funeral’, Judy Turner; 2nd: ‘The Cattle Pastures’, Tom McIlveen ‘A Word Not Spoken’, Colleen Russell 1st: ‘Roadside Pizza’, Tom McIlveen.

WRITERS’ VOICE 249—SEPT 2015 19 Book Reviews Joe Quinn: Among the Rowdies The Life of Baseballs’ Honest Australian Rochelle Llewelyn Nicholls a pleasure recently to meet up with and introduce to an audience the very interesting Dr Rochelle Llewelyn Nicholls,t was author of the book JOE QUINN Among the Rowdies. Now… if you think this is going to be a boring book about baseball you are in for a big surprise! Sure it covers baseball, but then so much more. I Joe Quinn was born on Christmas Eve in a squatters had immigrated during the potato famine more than 100 yearscamp ago.at Ipswich Queensland, to a poor Irish couple who

decided to come to Campbelltown NSW and Joe spent quiteAs thingsa bit of were his early difficult life there.in Queensland Joe’s life wouldin the 1800smake athey Trevar Langlands with ‘Joe Quinn’ author Rochelle Nicholls. great movie. His father Patrick could not read nor write Dr Nicholls, author of Joe Quinn, went to America to research the history of Joe and is now touring Australia Things did not go too well in Campbelltown and they promoting it. Rochelle holds MSc and Phd degrees from consideredand moved thethey family had nothing where everto lose he so could sailed find for work. the USA, WA University where she specialised in modelling of biological and mechanical systems. She has worked as a Baseball and by 1884 it led to his debut with the St Louis sports scientist and medical researcher in Australia, USA Maroons.settling in He Dubuque, later moved Iowa. to Quinn National showed League great and talent became for and Europe. Dr Nicholls also raises horses in her spare a great American hero and baseball legend. Sad he is so time in Southern Australia and competes in rodeos and unknown in the land of his birth. camp draft. A very different lifestyle compared to most This is a fabulous story of family, friends and ambition. other writers. There are also many interesting photos from early Joe Quinn is published by McFarland Press. Rochelle is happy to visit writing groups if contacted. She can be not a sports person but found this a fascinating read and contacted via her website Australiapart of our and history. his family Perhaps life bothone day here a andbaseball in the ground USA. I am here will be named after him, or even a plaque or statue of journal publications and writing services. him will appear. whereReviewed you will by find Trevar more Langlands information about her books,

My Australia A glossary of terms used in the book is handy for the Clare Bell younger generation who may not be so familiar with past MY AUSTRALIA is the title of a book by terms and Aussie slang. Clare has a way of bringing to life the wonderful read some extracts on my radio show memories of the “olden days” when life was hard but Clare Bell of Wollondilly FAW. I have pleasure for me to attend and help launchand people the book love it.recently. It was a huge steamsimple. train; Among the the days enjoyable of sleeping memories on the veranda;I found were… Bargo theof This is a collection of memories, verse and snapshots fleathe 40s;plague; and drought-stricken some wonderful Mallee;history herin verse. first travels on a from country life in Australia. old photos included… the old home at Pheasants Nest; the the family farm, six miles out of Canowindra, New South PeaI amPickers fond picnic; of old photosa little Clareand there on the are prize plenty stallion; of fabulous farm Clare spent the first seven and a half years of her life on machinery and T-model Fords; Echo Vale, Nattai before and an 18 hundred acre property at Pheasants Nest NSW. Wales.Clare’s In 1937 writing her really parents began sold with out andBlackfriars moved toCorres Narringa­ street; plus early photos of Bowral and Picton. pondence lessons and many excellent marks for her beingThis flooded; is a most an interesting early photo history of Canowindra’s of an Australia main fast compositions. disappearing—without these memories in print much of Clare is a lover of history and small articles and had our history will be lost. articles published in local papers, then progressing to a Clare has put her memories and experiences into this small book, Farm Days, Kids Ways, written from childhood memories. Joining Wollondilly FAW has made her many email Clare friends and provided the incentive to continue writing. marvelousReviewed book. by Trevar It is available Langlands via the Wollondilly FAW, or

20 WRITERS’ VOICE 249—SEPT 2015 Vale BERNIE BUTLER Workshop Resources: alias Joe Single Share them around 16 May 1923 – 11 July 2015 to share information on successful a foundation Wworkshops and presenters. To begin that Bmember of the Stroud e intend Writers,ernie which was commenced in Bernie Butler found some valuable information there… 1997. He was a writer ‘of the scenario• Eastwood/Hills: I have read Engaging some of workshopthe Branch by Reports Carmel and old school’—punctuation and grammar were important— Summers on collaborative writing; also Suzanne and was happy to offer constructive criticism and/or Gervay and bush poet Brian Beasley. valuable editorial tips. Two years ago we presented him • Eurobodalla: Dr Rae Luckie, a Memoir workshop. with a Life Membership. Bernie was one of those gifted individuals who loved • Forestville: Joan Childs taught Sanskrit, a classical a chat; with anyone anywhere anytime. Be they aged nine months or ninety years, he could always leave them • Hunter: The branch used Unlock the Writer Indian language. with a joyful smile lingering around their lips: a beautiful Within and selected the topic ‘compiling an anthology’ because they are intending to do curiosity and mischief. Had a great laugh and often did so. just that in 2016. As there are over 100 topics Alwayssmile that polite, mirrored friendly his. and Bright a real twinkling gentleman. eyes that flashed in the resource book, your branch could select After casually meeting Bernie in the street, some of a member to choose a topic and likewise do our members joined our group having been drawn by a presentation from it, after absorbing the information. chuckle as he relates his many adventures during his • Lake Macquarie: Useful guidance by Claire histravels storytelling. around the I can world hear with in his his voice little the black mischievous billy. Pasvolsky on creativity. Stroud, and the world at large, lost an amazing • Liverpool: Toula Papadam did a series of Editing storyteller with the passing of Bernie Butler. Bernie’s stories workshops. include his billycan story that was recorded and produced • Port Macquarie: Had a newspaper journalist, by ABC Open. This story contributed to Australia’s history, Laurie Sullivan. and that of the world, as Bernie related his travels all over • Port Stephens: Janice Love a songwriter, guitarist the world with his billies. Bernie contributed to the societal presented a ‘melodious’ popular workshop. and technological fabric of our history and his billycan • Shoalhaven: Christine Paice gave a writing and story—and how he met the original Paddy Pallin—have been poetry workshop. celebrated on the Paddy Pallin Facebook page. • Stroud: Peter Uren co-facilitated a workshop From a young age, Bernie was a prodigious diary keeper, with Zeny Giles and editor/publisher Michael as he saw a story in everything and had a particularly Jamieson. sharp eye for detail and an incredible memory. Volume • Sutherland: Frank Maguire presented on tragedy everything: the clothes people wore, prices of food, and tragic characters. itineraries,after volume scenery, was filled sounds, with smells.his observations These diaries detailing are an Lots of exciting activity and Fellowship with many of historian’s treasure trove. For the past twenty years or so, Bernie had been rising that these Presenters are all available for travelling early in order to transcribe the handwritten diaries. From tothe other Presentations branches, given but the by greatest members. resource I am not we saying have 4am–8am he typed, carbon copy beneath, and regaled the is our own writers. Most of us have specialised skills, Writers with his adventures. Bernie did not like to use his interesting experiences or knowledge to share from which we can learn. born. When carbon paper and typewriter ribbons became As we develop our thinking in regard to own name (“There are too many I’s”) thus Joe Single was workshops, there could be an opportunity for a little His stories of cycling right across England and Europe bit of pocket money, a branch income source or even difficultCamping to procure, in barns, Joe telling switched people heto meta computer. about two-up a barter system where a branch swaps a speaker Or on the deck of some old steaming ships with one from another branch. Just contact the I never tired of listening to his trips branch for the information you want. Loading his bicycle on board a train My personal option would be to keep the Going to far away places, then back again maximum fee at about $200 plus travelling expenses His mischievous exploits were awe inspiring = 20 participants @ $10 each. He never seemed to be boring or tiring. Your Committee is keen to hear views both for Bernie wanted to make it to a ton; he just missed, but he and against my suggestion about sharing workshops made a ton of difference while he was here. Bernie Butler and presenters. (alias Joe Single) will be missed but not forgotten, as his stories will keep his memory alive. Colleen Parker Combined effort of Stroud Writers FAW

WRITERS’ VOICE 249—SEPT 2015 21 Writing Competitions

Closing date 25 September 2015: Closing date 30 September 2015:

FAW NSW Marjorie Barnard Award 2015 SCRIBES WRITERS “SHORT TAKES” OPEN LITERARY COMPETITION 2015 • Category A: Fictional Short Story (For this (Failure to comply with the followingPRIZE: conditions $500 will result in not Fan Fiction) CONDITIONSdisqualification OFwithout ENTRY: refund) • Category B: Memoir (For this competition, a memoir 1 The Award is for Short Stories up to 3000 words. competition, a fictional short story is 2 Entrants must be permanent residents of Australia. 3 Submitted entries must not have previously been published, not a mini autobiography nor be under consideration for publication, although may have isor defined an obituary.) as an incident or series of related Incidents been entered in other competitions but not won a monetary Theme:from Open.the writers Word own Count: life. 1000 It is Maximum (excluding prize. Receipt of entry will not be acknowledged however. Title). 4 Multiple entries are permitted, with a separate Entry Form Prizes (each category): 1st $200; 2nd $100. per entry. 5 Entry Fee is $10.00 per entry. Only one cheque/postal order/ judges’ discretion. direct debit is required for multiple entries. Highly Commended and Commended Certificates at the 6 Cheques should be made payable ‘Fellowship Aust. Writers’. Entry Fee: $7 per entry per category. Entries must be post Please DO NOT post cash. marked on or before closing date 30th September 2015. 7 The closing date is 25 September 2015. Entries should be addressed to: 8 The submission should be emailed as an attachment to Scribes Writers Prose Competition as either a Word document, South Barwon Community Centre or a PDF. The entry forms, a copy of the direct debit receipt, 33 Mount Pleasant Road Cover sheet and Title page, should also be included as BELMONT Victoria 3216. attachments. Postal entries will be accepted, if the entrant does For full competition details, conditions, and entry form not have connection to email. They should be printed or typed visit the Scribes Writers website Prose Competition page on A4 sheets, in minimum 12pt font, on one side, double line at . Hand-written text will be disqualified. 9spaced The and author’s the sheets identity firmly must fixed appear together. on the Entry Form ONLY. The author’s name must NOT appear on either the Closing date 16 October 2015: manuscript or the title page. 10 A separate cover sheet must be attached containing the LAMBING FLAT FAW (YOUNG, NSW) title, word count, author’s name, address, telephone number REGIONAL WRITING COMPETITION and email address (if available). Only page No. and title of the Encouraging Writers for over 33 years, since 1982. entry is to appear on each page of the manuscript. Short Story & Poetry, Adults & Students Awards, 11 The author retains copyright to all work submitted, in conjunction with the 66th National Cherry Festival although prize-winning entries or a precis must be available for publication in the Fellowship’s bulletin Writers Voice and on the ADULT SHORT STORY (limit 1,500 words): FAW NSW website. Unsuccessful entries will not be returned 1st prize $200, 2nd prize $50. unless accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed envelope of • ADULT POETRY (limit 50 lines): appropriate size and postage. 1st prize $150, 2nd prize $50. 12 Entries must be original, creative and inspiring works which • SECONDARY SCHOOL SHORT STORY (limit 1,000 present to the audience an engaging work of literary excellence. words): 1st prize $75, 2nd prize $25. entered into. • SECONDARY SCHOOL POETRY (limit 30 lines): 1413 FAW The judge’s NSW reserves decision the is rightfinal notand to no award correspondence any prizes if, will in the be 1st prize $75, 2nd prize $25. • 15 Other than stated here, Normal Competition Conditions 1st prize $30, 2nd prize $15. judge’sapply [see estimation, opposite page].no entries of sufficient merit are received. • PRIMARY SCHOOL SHORT STORY (limit 500 words): THE AWARD: The Winner will be invited to the FAW NSW Annual Luncheon to 1st prize $30, 2nd prize $15. be held in Sydney on 14 November 2015, for the announcement Entry• PRIMARY fees: $5 SCHOOL per adult POETRY entry. (limitSchool 12 student lines): entries and presentation of the Award. Results will be published in FREE, one entry per section only (for students). the Writers Voice and on the FAW NSW website ENTRY FORMS can be downloaded from Lambing Flat FAW Competition Information and entry forms available by sending SAE to: or by request to: PO Box 498 The Convenor, FAW Marjorie Barnard Award YOUNG NSW 2594 C/- 5/15 Bogan Road, Or email: < >. Or on BOOKER BAY NSW 2257 the Web: . For more information: For more [email protected] phone Ted Webber 0459 707 728 Email: or Joan Dwyer (02) 6382 2614. Phone 02 4341 1138/Mobile 0458 375 256.

22 WRITERS’ VOICE 249—SEPT 2015 NORMAL COMPETITION CONDITIONS

Unless stated otherwise, these conditions apply to ALL WRITING COMPETITIONS: Entries should be submitted in English, using one side of A4 paper, typed double-spaced (except poetry) in a Closing date 30 October 2015: • standard typeface (12 pt min.), using generous margins. BIRDCATCHER BOOKS No fancy fonts, clip art or decorations of any kind. AUSTRALIAN SHORT FICTION AWARD separate COVER SHEET must be attached, containing First prize $250. Second prize $100. • NOthe namestitle of or the addresses entry, competitionto appear on name,manuscripts. section A Top 50 entries to be published in an anthology. category if applicable, word or line count, author’s Closing date for early bird entries is 30 October; closing name, address, telephone number and email address (if date for all entries is 31 December 2015. available). Title and page number (ONLY) of the entry should appear on each page of the manuscript. Competition administered by: Birdcatcher Books cash prize in any other competition nor been published PO Box 432 • Entriesin any form, must as be at original the closing work date and mustof the not competition. have won a

Details at . at the time of entry HOWEVER the entry must be CHURCHILL VIC 3842 • withdrawn Entries may from be entered any subsequent in more than competitions one competition if the writer is advised prior to the closing dates that the entry was successful elsewhere with a cash prize. Closing date 31 October 2015: to the organisers, unless otherwise stipulated. Multiple The London Magazine • Chequesentries may and/or be paid money with orders one chequeshould be or made money payable order Short Story Competition – do not send coins or stamps. Established to encourage emerging literary talent, the award provides an opportunity for publication and returned and will be destroyed after the announcement of results. recognition, as well as rewarding imagination, originality • Copyright remains with the author. Entries will not be and creativity. The London Magazine is looking for pondence will be entered into. unpublished short stories from writers across the world. • The judges’ decisions will be final and no corres­ Maximum 4,000 words. send a standard DL-sized stamped, self-addressed 1st Prize: £500. 2nd Prize: £300. 3rd Prize: £200 • Ifenvelope you require (SSAE) a copy with of yourthe results entry. mailed to you, please Entry fee: £10 per short story These are general guidelines. For complete conditions The winner is published in a future issue of The London relating to individual competitions, and to obtain entry Magazine. The runners up will be published on its forms (where required), contact the relevant competition website. The winners will also be announced at a organisers. champagne reception at the House of Commons, London UK in early 2016. For more information contact Rachel at . For Conditions of Entry and to Closing date 29 February 2016: see the writing style visit 2016 Youth Literary Award The Norman McVicker Award The award is sponsored by Norman McVicker estate with Closing date 31 October 2015: the aim of promoting literature to young people. Young people up to 22 years old, are invited to submit The Best of Times Short Story Competition #20 their original literary work. For humorous short stories (any theme) up to 2500 words. Total Prize Value: $2200. Theme: OPEN. First prize: $300–$500 (depending on number of entries); • Short story (2,000 words max.): second prize: $100. 1st Prize $800, 2nd Prize $200, 3rd Prize $100. • Poetry (100 lines max.): name and address, story title and word count, and where 1st Prize $800, 2nd Prize $200, 3rd Prize $100. youNo entry heard form about is therequired. competition. Include a cover sheet with your Entry fee is $10 per story. Send a cheque or money The scope of the work may contribute toward Australian order made out to Chris Broadribb or use PayPal to pay Highlyliterature Commended or have Australiana and Commended content—i.e. Certificates all aspects awarded. . about Australia, for example, life, aspirations, vision, Post your entry to: current affairs, the bush, etc, but this is not a prerequisite. Best of Times Short Story Competition The work of Henry Lawson and others may provide PO Box 55 BLAXCELL NSW 2142 style, creativity or breaking the old boundaries are also keyguidelines aspects but of thenot award.limited to the style. Invention of new results sheet, or a small SSAE for results only. For more information, full conditions of entry, and to IncludeOr email a your large entry SSAE to if . Visit a download the Entry Form, visit the Competition website: .

WRITERS’ VOICE 249—SEPT 2015 23 Bundy Festival WriteFest Bundaberg Vale 16–17 May 2015 by Carolyn Cash Eileen Backhus The weekend kicked off with a Meet-and-Greet Dinner at Eurobodalla FAW the Bargara Golf Club, which was an informal gathering to meet everyone, including some the guest speakers been who would be conducting the various workshops over Wsaddened by the two days, catering for many different genres. the recente have death About 40 people attend and swapped stories over of Eileen Backhus, dinner. Some wanted to write, but didn’t know where one of our earliest to start. Others were already writing, with works in members. Eileen was progress, and others had their work published. previously a member Dr Lindsay Simpson, Cathleen Ross, Kandy Shepherd, Shannon Curtis, Graeme Simsion, Anne Buist, Peter presenting her stories encouraged us all to improve Ball and Jason Nahrung were conducting workshops ourof the storytelling Speakers’ techniques.Club and her expertise and flair in focusing on writing memoirs, self-publishing, plotting, research and what novelists can learn from screen was top-class secretarial material and consequently writers. It was not long before we discovered that Eileen The Saturday programme was held at the CQ She kept everyone informed and up to date, was University at Bundaberg, with six workshops in the meticulousshe served inin thatthe executionoffice for manyof her years. role, always morning and six in the afternoon. gracious and helpful, not only to other committee Attendees were able to purchase books which were members but to the full membership. Newcomers were made to feel welcome with kind words of great opportunity to meet up with fellow writers. encouragement. availableShannon for Curtis’ sale and workshop, ask writers Plotting to sign using them. six It stage was a structure, focusing on the four W’s of character, was Eileen has been involved in the production of all of very helpful with understanding characters. Some food themOur as group a writer, has editorproduced and five illustrator. anthologies Her artwork and for thought included what does my character want has added immeasurably to the quality of these and need—both externally and internally? What is my volumes. character’s motivation? What stands in their way to She was a multi-talented lady who excelled in the achieving their goal? Shannon also explained the six stage story structure needlewoman and calligrapher. She produced work using the movie, Iron Man, as an example with set-up, sports of fencing, dancing and Tai Chi, was a fine turning points and building up to the story’s climax. she created pen and ink works of high quality. After lunch, Dr Lindsay Simpson’s workshop focused in oils,We will water miss colour her gentle and pastels. presence, In her her later sense years of fun and her ability to enjoy every new experience. books and historic novels. Useful advice included Margaret Barlow readingon research, on the especially topic, visiting for those actual writing places non-fiction mentioned in

sources. the book, finding people to interview and using primary Dr Simpson also recommended using Scrivener as a

there is a 30-day free trial for both Windows and Mac at . One $60, great but feature is auto-saving your work.

Alex Adsett regarding my historical novel, who offered someAfterwards, useful advice. I had a brief interview with literary agent

Pacing and Tension at the School of Arts Building, with On Sunday, I joined Shannon Curtis’ workshop on understanding on what makes them tick, using setting, a recap on character profile, their motivation and

Acrossdescription, the Waves action, Sports dialogue Club. and adding conflict. The weekend finished with a literary luncheon at

WriteFest workshop presenters Graeme Simsion and Anne Buist, busy workshops very helpful in my own writing journey. working whilst waiting for their flight at Bundaberg Airport. WriteFest website:is definitely . as I found the

24 WRITERS’ VOICE 249—SEPT 2015 Ken Driver It’s all about the pixels! For commercial printing, images must be shot at high resolution— Workshop: Image Resolution5 megapixels or greater—more pixels are better! eg. 2100px = 18cm wide. • Send the original image if possible • If re-saving as JPG, always choose ‘maximum’ or ‘best quality’ if intended for print • Let us do the cropping and resizing • For email attachments, NEVER choose ‘for email’ or ‘small’—that destroys quality that is irretrievable. How many pixels in my image? PC: In Windows Explorer, right- click on the image file—or, open 1 it in Windows Photo Viewer and select File—then go to Properties, 1. 380 x 246 pixels at 72ppi* – looks OK on screen select the Details tab and look at 2 2. The same pixels at 150ppi – OK for desktop printers Dimensions (don’t worry about the 3. The same pixels at 300ppi – commercial print Horizontal and Vertical resolution resolution but output size is way too small numbers; what matters is the 4. This is what happens to a low-quality JPG number of pixels, width and height). downloaded from the web when it is enlarged – Mac: In Finder, right-click (or pixellation and artifacts are visible in print. Control-click) the image file and select Get Info; pixel dimensions 3 4 and color space are displayed under More Info—or, open the image in Preview, select Tools, show Inspector *ppi = pixels per inch. Image: iStockphoto. (Command-I), General Info tab.

Sneak Preview: A new FAW NSW Website is coming soon…

more next issue…

WRITERS’ VOICE 249—SEPT 2015 25 Branch Meetings and Contacts

BANKSTOWN Writers HUNTER FAW MUDGEE VALLEY FAW SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS 1st Saturday – 1.00 to 4.00 pm 1st Wednesday – 10.15am 2nd Tuesday – 12 Noon 3rd Saturday – 1.00 pm Banksia Room, Dining Room of Sydney Junction Club Mudgee, Mortimer Street. The Henrietta Rose Room, Revesby Workers Club Hotel, Beaumont St., Hamilton Enquiries: Library, Bowral. Enquiries: Enquiries: Luciana Croci (Pres.) Colleen O’Sullivan 6379 6902 Enquiries: Ken Challenor (Pres.) Carney Vaughan 4268 5383 0439 601 351 or Christine PO BOX 356, Mudgee 2850 Email: Brotherson (Sec.) 4969 7794 Web: BLUE MOUNTAINS FAW NORTH ARM COVE FAW 1st Sunday – 1.45 to 4.45 pm ISOLATED WRITERS FAW 3rd Thursday – 6.30 pm STROUD FAW Springwood Court Function Room, This group of writers do not meet in Community Centre, The Ridgeway, Fortnightly Thursdays 133 Macquarie Rd, Springwood. person but keep in contact through North Arm Cove. 9.00 am to noon Enquiries: Kerry Healey-Binns (Pres.) Carolyn Cash, their Convenor, either Enquiries: Maureen Kelly 4997 3237 Stroud Library, 02 4782 5294. Email: through the state FAW website 22 Promontory Way, Church Lane, Stroud. or email North Arm Cove NSW 2324 Enquiries: Facebook page: Dianne Foster 4994 5727 Blue Mountains Writers FAW See inside back page for full details PO Box 4, Stroud NSW 2425 and guidelines. CENTRAL COAST FAW North Shore [FAWNS] Email: 3rd Sunday – 10.00 am 3rd Sunday – 1.00 pm LAKE MACQUARIE FAW Wallarobba Arts & Cultural Centre, SUTHERLAND SHIRE FAW Gosford Hotel, 179 Mann St, Gosford. 2nd Saturday – 1.30 to 4.00pm Enquiries: 25 Edgeworth David Ave, Hornsby. Last Saturday – 12.30 pm Multi-purpose Centre Helen Luidens (Pres.) 4363 2627, Enquiries: Sutherland Library, Meeting Room 9 Thorn Street, Toronto. Cate Plink (Sec.) 4341 1138 Len Hume (Pres.) 9477 3723 or (Ground Floor), 30-36 Belmont St, Email: 5/15 Bogan Rd, Booker Bay 2257 Richard Brookton (VP) 9744 1567 Sutherland. Enquiries: Email: Email: Sylvia Vago (Pres) 9501 2348 Branch: LAMBING FLAT Web: Email: EASTWOOD/HILLS FAW 2nd Monday – 5.30 pm 1st Saturday – 1.00 pm PARRAMATTA FAW Web: Catherine McAuley Hall, Young. Senior Citizens’ Room, Cnr Farnell & (Retirement Village, off 2nd Saturday – 12.30 pm North Rocks Rds, North Rocks. Demondrille Street.) Rita Tebay room, grnd floor, Civic SYDNEY CITY FAW Enquiries: Carolyn Alfonzetti Enquiries: Ted Webber (Pres) Building, Civic Place, Parramatta. 3rd Friday – 4.00 pm (Pres.) 9869 2715 0459 707 728 or Email: Enquiries: Sydney Mechanics School of Arts, Email: Esther Bartulovich 0407 076 699 1st Floor, 280 Pitt Street. or one of two Secretaries: Branch email: Enquiries: John Clarke 8920 8690 Laura Davis or Frances Moon hotmail.com> HASTINGS FAW WOLLONDILLY FAW Last Saturday – 1.00 to 4.00 pm 2nd Sunday – 1.00 pm Web: Liverpool FAW The Mac Adams Music Centre Tahmoor Community Centre, EUROBODALLA FAW 2nd Saturday – 1.00 to 4.00pm 33 Lord Street, Port Macquarie 6 Harper Close, Tahmoor. Enquiries: Sandra Reynolds (Sec.) 1st & 3rd Wednesdays– Dr Pirie Community Centre [behind the Players Theatre] 4684 2142 or 0409 066 770 10.30am to 2.30pm and Cnr Bigge & Moore Sts, Liverpool. Enquiries: Colleen Parker (Sec.) 6583 3997 or Joie Black 6585 3520 Email: McKay Centre, Page St, Moruya. 0404 496 776. Email: Enquiries: Rosie Toth 02 4473 6474 WYONG FAW Email: or Rhonda Rice (Publicity) 4th Saturday – 1.30pm Web: PORT STEPHENS FAW 3rd Thursday – 10.00 am Wyong RSL Club, FOREST FAW Web: Tomaree Library, Salamander Bay Cnr. Margaret St and Anzac Ave. 3rd Saturday – 2.00 pm Enquiries: Wyong. Enquiries: Forest Community Arts Centre MACARTHUR FAW Christine Gregory (Pres.) 4982 2004 Mei-Ling Venning (Pres.) 4333 7489 Darley Street, Forestville. 3rd Sunday – 1.00 pm Email: 85 Oaks Road, Shelly Beach 2261 Enquiries: Campbelltown RSL Club Web: hotmail.com> PO Box 248, Balgowlah NSW 2093 Enquiries: Pauline Twemlow (Sec.) Email: SHOALHAVEN FAW Web: GREAT LAKES FAW 2nd Saturday – 10.00 am 2nd Friday – 1.00 to 4.00 pm MOOCOOBOOLA FAW Meeting Room, Arts Centre Forster/Tuncurry Memorial 3rd Thursday – 1.30 pm Berry St, Nowra (next to Library). Services Club, Strand Street, Forster. Gladesville Library Enquiries: Barbara Simmons (Pres.) Enquiries: Pittwater Road, Gladesville. Email: or post, Mrs Hermione Browning, John Egan 9799 3077 / 4464 1719 Web: org.au>

26 WRITERS’ VOICE 249—SEPT 2015 FAW ISOLATED WRITERS Branch Fellowship of Membership Enquiries: Australian Writers Carolyn Cash, Isolated Writers Convenor NSW Inc. Fellowship of Australian Writers NSW ABN 59 557 152 715 PO Box 429, Caringbah NSW 1495 General correspondence: Hon. Secretary, FAW NSW Inc. Members’ Achievements: 22 Promontory Way, NORTH ARM COVE NSW 2324 The Editor, Writers Voice Internet: 65 Barbara Boulevard, Seven Hills NSW 2147 Facebook: Email: Affiliation Fees: About the FAW FAW NSW Affiliation Fees are due 31 December each year. The aims of the FAW are: Isolated Writers: $46.00 pa • to foster and endorse the growth of Australian writing Under 21/Youth Rate: $23.00 pa Overseas Members: $51.00 pa • to promote excellence in writing Mail subscriptions to the FAW State Treasurer Kay Bakon (see page • to encourage writers, and those interested in writing, to join 2 for address). Please make cheques/money orders payable to the Fellowship and enjoy the support, help and knowledge of Fellowship Aust Writers (exactly as written) and enclose SSAE for members receipt if required. • to expand the Fellowship across the State • to provide an organisation to assist writers unable to attend Round Robin: Branch meetings This consists of manuscripts submitted by members for reading and comments by other members. They are collated and at least • to take the Fellowship into the 21st century and take advantage two parcels of the manuscripts are sent to members as listed, of technology and its new role in writing and publishing. who in turn read, comment and send them on. The last person Branch Meetings on each list sends the parcel back, at which time the items are reviewed with comments and each manuscript returned to its The branch fellowships hold regular meetings; conduct workshops author. Poems, articles, short stories, plays and chapters of books and tutorials; hold writing competitions and publish anthologies are acceptable. of members’ work. Visitors are most welcome to attend meetings or to contact the Fellowship through their respective branch (listed Please limit your submissions to: here) or by contacting the FAW NSW State body (as above). • 1 short story, maximum 5,000 words, or • 2 short stories, total maximum 5,000 words, or • 1 article of similar length, or • 3 poems (or 1 poem, maximum about 80 lines), or • 1 chapter of a book in progress (of reasonable length). The Fellowship of Australian Writers These guidelines are flexible. A comb­ination of several of the above can be offered if the items are only short. Attach a blank INTERSTATE BRANCHES sheet behind the manuscript for comments, remembering Victoria: that five or six people need to be included. Include a self- addressed envelope of suitable size and postage value for the Fellowship of Australian Writers (VIC) Inc. workshopped items to be returned. 6-8 Davies Street, Brunswick Vic 3056 VENUE: The Hive Creative Centre, Apart from your comments, your contribution to the scheme 710 Station Street, Box Hill. is no more than the postage required to send the parcel of Phone: (03) 9898 8717 manuscripts on to the next person on the list—a small price to (Pres. Philip Rainford 0413 736 723) pay for the value that can be derived from others’ constructive Web: remarks on your work. Tasmania: Round Robin Closing Dates Fellowship of Australian Writers (TAS) Inc. • Autumn: 28 February • Winter: 31 May PO Box 234, North Hobart TAS 7002 • Spring: 31 August • Summer: 30 November Phone: 03 6234 4418 Round Robin Submissions Web: Postal: Western Australia: Margot Shugg, Round Robin Convenor 91 Coachwood Cres, Bradbury NSW 2560 Fellowship of Australian Writers (WA) Inc. PO Box 6180, Swanbourne WA 6010 Electronic Round Robin (ERR): Phone: 08 9384 4771 Similar to the postal Round Robin, except that manuscripts­ are Email: sent as email attachments. Contact: Web: Brian Armour, ERR coordinator Email: Queensland: Fellowship of Australian Writers (QLD) Inc. Web:

WRITERS’ VOICE 249—SEPT 2015 27 RECENTLY PUBLISHED BOOKS FOR SALE FAW Members’ Bookshelf Please send details for inclusion in this section to: JOHAN LUIDENS Friends and Foes or mail to: The Editor, Writers’ Voice, “At least you’ll be far away from war-torn Europe” These are the famous 65 Barbara Boulevard, Seven Hills NSW 2147 The FAW Bookshelf web page address is: last words from his mother as Kees is preparing himself to fly to the Dutchbe maturing East Indies as he to faces join combathis first but ship. not Little only do with they the know Japanese. that both His willmother be facingwill be difficult battling times with loneliness,dealing with hunger friends and and the foes. Germans. Kees willShe really important in life. Available from the author for $18.00 plus $8.50 postage within Australia. Email . the author ($30) – email – or from the Available as an eBook on Kindle Reader through the Amazon website. even makes life difficult by hiding a young Jewish man. Available from publisher ANTOINETTE CONOLLY Alien Wizardry SHIRLEY GOODBAR Kaleidoscope A fantasy novel for Primary School readers, this book is the sequel Illustrated by Yvonne Sorensen. A selection of one hundred and ten to the Cauchemar Trilogy. Zachary travels again to the magical world of Cauchemar at the request of his friend Mactavish, who is now a the ordinary experiences of everyday life and offers both laughter wizard. The boy has made three previous journeys there but on the last poems on life. Written in many different forms, the poetry reflects occasion the ginger cat did not return with him to Earth. Cauchemar The title “Kaleidoscope” was chosen to describe the variety of subject and form.reflection. Yvonne The has poems practised are taken and taught from Shirley’s art for many lifetime years collection. and has a Fine Arts Degree and a Grad. Dip. Ed at Charles Darwin University ishave threatened to be overcome. with extinction Zachary if andan ancient his new prophecy companion, is not Taffy, satisfied. have where she tutored in the School of Art. The book is available from the Alienmany assistance friends who is required help: Magenta to complete the witch,the task Bijou and manythe dragon difficulties and mybook self-publisher’s website . Ulysses the unicorn (to name a few). Can they succeed in defeating Or, for autographed copies, email . the black magic of Malfactorius and save Cauchemar? 195 pages, $25 plus p&h. appeals equally to girls and boys, requiring only that the reader has an active imagination. Available from the author for $25 incl. p&p. Eurobodalla FAW Flights of fancy or phone 02 9545 4553. See website This is the group’s latest anthology, which contains 49 stories and poems . by 21 Eurobodalla authors. Available as ebook from Amazon et al, and hard cover from . ISBN 9781310529771. The stories are about local people encountered during extensive My Australia is a nostalgic collection of short stories, poems and Containsoverland fifteentravel shortthrough stories remote about regions. life in contemporary They include rural a story Australia. about photographs with an Australian theme and focuses on the old days of a Greek migrant with a speech impediment who found acceptance in the Wollondilly Shire, where author Clare Bell was brought up on a farm crew encouraged a crocodile to follow their vessel in order to get rid of that people experienced during The Great Depression. Another is about Darwinthe refuse during thrown the overboard—and devastation of Cyclone the consequence; Tracey; how how a fishinga dead childboat fromlife in the a railway age of seven.camp in One the fictional 1950s. Blackpiece tellsand whiteof the snapshotstrials and small show joys life universal in their themes, socially aware and have emotional impact. book is about the Australia Clare knew when she was young. $12 plus $17saved plus his postage. mother duringAvailable a major from theflood. publisher They are Anaphora humorous Literary or poignant, Press, during World War II and beyond with petrol and food rationing. This $2 postage. Available from the author USA, email . MARGOT SHUGG Chuck the Train Dog Pamela Trustrum Everything Stops for Tea Margot’s third collection of short stories follows up on her previous An older woman invites a lonely young man into her extraordinary books with eight more stories telling tales of ordinary characters in home… A family gather to hear their lawyer read their wealthy intriguing situations. There’s Chuck, a stray dog that adopts a rural family; a strange tale of a meeting with an old friend; a Pools winner’s overhead; in the deserted park a young woman sits alone on a bench… growing circle of friends; romance through the eyes of a teen; an unlikely grandmother’s will… It is winter, clouds heavy with rain scurry marine encounter; a neighbour’s dogs raises some questions; street and other stories are told vividly with humour, charm and a warm racing; and a disappearing husband. Cost: $15 + $2 postage. Contact Aninsightfulness. engineer finds Comments himself onfrom a ship readers in a lifeinclude: or death “this situation… is not a book These it’s the author (02) 4626 2424 or email . Mike Robinson & Tony Maynard Absorbing Yarns This book contains a collection of over 90 Short Stories and Poems $20an entertainment”; incl postage in Australia. “It made Emailme laugh very funny, I really enjoyed it”; “Write another one”. Direct from author, for Adults on a multitude of topics. These are easy, readable items for Shawna Hartley quiet moments, with topics such as: Unsung Heroes Cambodia: People and Projects Making a Difference About volunteers, for volunteers, by volunteers. Co-authored by Lee

• How do you handle a mouse plague in inclement weather? • Why did world are helping Cambodia recover from the atrocities of the Khmer a Wallaby get a French polish? • What surprised the chicken? • How Anderson,Rouge. This Kerryan collection Griffin of 65 and short Shawna stories Hartley. celebrates People these from allvolunteers, over the thedo you Tooth control Fairy? a camel and fix a telephone fault? • Who was Terry, the AvailableGiant? • What’s from the the authors secret at of Eurobodalla Number Nine? FAW, • orWhat’s from the Eurobodallatruth about includes ethical considerations and direct links to projects. The Writers’ stall at Moruya, and other local Markets. Also available at local providingdiversity of inspiration NGOs, sharing and their practical wealth tips of experiences, for aspiring provides do-gooders. insight It into ‘voluntourism’ that translates to every country. Combined with of the book will be donated to Cancer Research. stunning photography that reveals an unusual perspective of Cambodia festivals. 220 pages, RRP $20.00. All profits (50% of RRP) from sales PETER J. UREN Dominator in the Shadows Dominator in the Shadows is Peter J. Uren’s second novel, and the sequel large format (A4), 168 pages, available for $35 + shipping on ISBN 978-0-0875545-0-5. one a Vincent Black Shadow, the other a Norton Dominator 99 650SS. The story again takes the reader through the process of restoring an The paper this publication is printed on old classic motorcycle. Along the way, they maintain, repair and service is in accordance with the rules of the many classic British motorbikes. But the book is more than just about Forest Stewardship Council®. motorcycles; it is a story of the blossoming love between the boss’s The FSC promotes environmentally responsible,® socially bene cial and economically viable management of character that material possessions are a poor substitute for what is the world’s forests. daughter and her “accidental hero”, and the final realisation by the main Typesetting by Ken Driver for The Fellowship of Australian Writers NSW 28 WRITERS’ VOICE 249—SEPT 2015 Proudly printed, bound and distributed in Australia by Ligare