Newsletter of the SA Writers’ Centre Inc September 2008 Poetry Unhinged 2008

oetry Unhinged is well and truly 2-4pm, Sunday 7th September appearing: Anne Rogers, Tim Strauss and here in the month of September. Spoken Word Competition at the Maurie O’Brien. Also performing will be PSome of the events to get yourself Singing Gallery, McLaren Vale virtuoso guitarist and singer Chris Finnen. along to include: Come along and be entertained by Bookings essential on 8326 5577. performing poets and MC Rob de Kok. 7-10pm, Friday 5th September Email [email protected] Six City of Onkaparinga libraries will Poets and Pizza at Coriole Winery also conduct discussions, seminars Features Peter Goldsworthy, Steve Evans, 7pm, Saturday 13th September and workshops. For information on Patricia Irvine and Amy Bodossian. Phone Bush Poets Bonanza at Amande B&B, dates, times and bookings please call Coriole Vineyards on 8323 8305 or email Willunga 8384 0666 or email Tammy Barry at [email protected] Three of SA’s top bush poets will be [email protected] The Online Revolution online environment to make your life easier mirror which reflects much more than as a writer? would normally meet the eye. In a world constructed entirely from the imagination On Thursday 16th October the SA of its residents, avatars/‘quasi-people’, Writers’ Centre will hold a forum on Digital generate amazing reflections of our hopes, Communities and Cyber Culture. Ian Bone imaginations and desires. Amanda Hassett in Second Life and real life and Amanda Hassett will explore the he revolution is happening now, internet and, in particular, Second Life, as a This will be a fascinating insight into so how are you using the online window into the future of communication, the way that people are using the online Tenvironment? Is it just one big interaction and creativity. environment as a social, creative and Google to you? Do you market yourself business platform. online? Do you connect to the world- Second Life is a space where a combination community of writers? Do you use the of culture, art and technology create a The forum begins at 7pm and entry is $5.

2008 Write Club: The First Rule

re you a young writer who wants Write Club aims to help young writers � ���� September to create and share ideas with discover new ways of expressing ��� � Aother young writers? Do you have themselves. As well, there will be a guest a young person in your life who loves to Zine maker who will reveal tips and tricks write? The SA Writers’ Centre has set up for creating Zines, a Word Slam where Write Club (think Fight Club, but without writers share their work for the chance to the violence), a free event for all young win prizes and free sushi and snacks. writers aged 13 to 25 on Sunday 5th October, from 2-4pm at the Centre. Interested or know someone who might be? Email to [email protected]

www.sawc.org.au 187 Rundle Street 5000 • PO Box 43 Rundle Mall Adelaide 5000 • ABN 40 783 458 265 Tel (08) 8223 7662 • Fax (08) 8232 3994 • [email protected] • www.sawc.org.au 1

NewsletterSeptember2008.indd 1 21/8/08 3:51:12 PM Centre Information

Contributions SA Writers’ Centre Thanks to the following people and Life Members organisations who donated books to the •Max Fatchen Centre: •Gillian Rubinstein/Lian Hearn Jude Aquilina and Mark Lawn, Poetry Diary, 2008. Carolyn Cordon, Dig It! Gardening Tips Submission Guidelines for Dogs, 2007. When submitting your news please put Gwenda Cusack, Take Five: Writing for the words ‘SW Submission’ in the subject Pleasure, Salisbury U3A Magazine header of your e-mail. Send it either as a No. 5, July, 2008. WORD or RTF document, or in the body of your email. Do not format. Photos and book Carol Faulkner, The Meteorite Kid, covers need to be of print resolution, i.e. Walker Books, 2008. 300 dpi. Web images are too small. Email Joyce Fitzpatrick, One Year and to: [email protected], or post to The Thousands of Miles, November, 2005. Editor, Southern Write, PO Box 43, Rundle Joyce Fitzpatrick, The Stories of Us: Mall, SA 5000. While all efforts are made Men and Women Who Served in WWII to include your submissions, we cannot Share Their Memories, April, 2007. guarantee inclusion. Only SA Writers’ Bruce Tanton, My Pocket Guide to Doing Centre members will be included in the Miracles, October, 2003. Congratulations page. The Mozzie, Vol. 16, Issue 5, July, 2008. Advertising Stephen Orr, for Southerly, Vol. 68, Advertise businesses, seminars, books and No. 1, 2008. writing festivals, conferences and any other Adrian Rogers, The Hidden Kingdom, useful services. Southern Write goes out Double Dragon, 2008. to around 1600 people every month. Rates available from [email protected] SA Writers’ Centre Library Disclaimer All the above books will soon be available The information in this publication is to borrow from the SA Writers’ Centre presented in good faith as a service to library. Open from 10am to 5pm Monday to SA Writers’ Centre members. While the Friday. Members can borrow two books for information is believed to be correct, up to a fortnight. The library holds fi ction, the Centre takes no responsibility for its nonfi ction, poetry, children’s books, scripts accuracy. No liability is accepted for any and how-to-write books. statements of opinion or any error or omission. Although advertising material Wheelchair/Lift Access is accepted for this newsletter, such Available at the 26 York Street rear acceptance does not imply endorsement by entrance. the Centre. Alternatively, come in from Rundle Street via Caffe Brunelli to reach Our Thanks the lift. Thanks to Laurie Anderson, Barbara Brock- • September 2008 hoff, Jade Carrick, Jo Dey, John and Coie Thanks to our sponsor: Dikkenberg, Joanna Goldsworthy, Jeanie Klopper, John Malone, Hakim Oerton, Janos Pogany, Peggy Spry, Peter Swindon, Ann Timoney Jenkin and Ken Vincent for their assistance in mailing the September newsletter to all our members.

Copy Deadline for October issue: 15th September, 2008

www.sawc.org.au

2

NewsletterSeptember2008.indd 2 21/8/08 3:51:14 PM Upcoming Workshops

Katherine Lockett moving to The Advertiser in 1995 and winning the SA Young Journalist of the Year award in 1996. His work as a reporter and A Successful Self-help as a sub-editor has also been recognised by several other SA and Book WA media awards. He has written two books on ‘Postcard Bandit’ Brenden Abbott: No Fixed Address (1999), which was adapted Saturday September 27, 10am-1pm for the telemovie Postcard Bandit (2003) and the best-selling Australian Outlaw (2006), which was shortlisted for the Ned Kelly Where do you start when you think you’re awards and also republished worldwide. Pedley is Night News an expert at something and believe it’s Editor at The Advertiser, and is part of the team that manages the knowledge that others may wish to read newspaper’s new integrated newsdesk, which generates stories for about? How do you explain your knowledge and techniques in an the newspaper and its online presence, AdelaideNow. He recently authoritative style that also engages a reader new to the topic? received an ArtsSA grant to fund the writing of his next book about How do you interest a publisher? How do you interview for case a notorious Adelaide murder case. studies, sift through endless reports and keep the reader engaged? Can you include advice from other experts? Can you write even if you’re NOT an expert? This workshop will discuss how to plan a self-help book; the importance of writing in a conversational style; Angela Tolley developing an easily-mapped table of contents; and how to present a book proposal. It will also touch on surviving media interviews Developing a Successful whilst keeping dignity intact and how to expand promotion beyond Media Campaign the book lurking under a pile of others on an editor’s desk. Saturday September 27, 2pm-5pm Kath Lockett is an Adelaide writer who has written Work/Life Balance for Dummies (John Wiley, Australia, 2008, to be released A workshop for writers who want to in the UK in 2009) after working for nearly 20 years in various publicise their book in a highly competitive federal and state government departments, education and private marketplace. Covers: identifying what industry sectors. Her many job titles range from fruit picker, you’re publicising (key selling points); to whom and why you’re secondary school English teacher, graduate trainee, Ministerial publicising it (your target market); and how to publicise it liaison offi cer, project researcher and manager, but she now (devising an effective media strategy). Participants will be given writes reviews and articles for a variety of local and international hands-on guidance on how to create a media release and publicity publications and websites. She is working on a second ‘semi-self campaign for their own book. help’ book and, for a change of pace, a humorous memoir. Kath Angela Tolley has been Publicity Director at Wakefi eld Press appears semi-regularly on the Matt and David’s morning show on since 2002. She is also Co-Director of arts publicity company Neil ABC 891 and the 5AA Afternoon Show with Amanda Blair. Ward Publicity for whom she worked on a full-time basis for seven years. Her clients included PolyGram Filmed Entertainment, the Adelaide Festival, State Opera, Arts Projects Australia, Adelaide Derek Pedley Festival Centre, Carrick Hill, SA Film Corporation, and major theatrical producers, including David Atkins (Hot Shoe Shuffl e, True Crime: Writing Singin’ in the Rain) and John Frost (Grease, Sound of Music). Killer Copy Angela has a BA in Communication Studies, with majors in fi lm and drama, from the University of South Australia (UniSA). In her 2008 Saturday September 27, 10am-1pm current role at Wakefi eld Press, Angela handles publicity for some 50 books a year. She pitches Wakefi eld authors to writers’ festival Want to write killer copy, or just eager to directors and literary editors, sources markets for promotions and know more about Australia’s underbelly? direct sales of Wakefi eld titles, applies for literary awards on their Learn about the genre’s criminal record; how behalf, explores online sales opportunities, and coordinates joint September to identify potential stories and their best angles; use effi cient events with other organisations. Angela’s approach to publicity research methods; establish effective working relationships with has always been a collaborative one, founded on building good police, criminals and victims; and write concise and colourful copy relationships with artists, authors and the media - always mindful that will grab a publisher’s attention. of being able to face them the day after! Derek Pedley has nearly 20 years’ experience as a journalist and writer with The West Australian and The Advertiser newspapers and as a published true crime author. Fascinated by writing from Booking a Workshop an early age, he worked at his local paper in Manjimup, in WA’s Cost: $55 for SA Writers’ Centre members or $77 for non-members south-west and in 1990 was hired as a cadet journalist with The Bookings on 08 8223 7662, [email protected] or West. Pedley, 36, specialised as a police reporter early in his career, through www.sawc.org.au www.sawc.org.au

3

NewsletterSeptember2008.indd 3 21/8/08 3:51:15 PM Market Spotlight: Dark Fiction

Dark fiction is a growing market with more publishing opportunities than ever before for Australian short story writers. gets the lowdown on dark fiction from prominent publishers in the genre. nce upon a time it was called online chats with international guest Shane and Angela produce more dark horror fiction, but in the last writers, sponsors a mentor program fiction titles than any other small press Odecade the genre has expanded that allows new writers to work with publisher in Australia. across science fiction, fantasy, crime and experienced professionals, holds annual Book publishing is only one part of the literature, and re-labelled itself as ‘dark competitions, online forums and promotes suite of releases. One fiction’. Now, with the growing demand members and their publications. of their most successful ventures is the from readers for dark fiction, there are The AHWA also recognises achievement HorrorScope online news site designed to more publishing opportunities than ever in the horror and dark fiction genre by promote Australian dark fiction. Shane, before for Australian writers. sponsoring the Flash Fiction and Short the site’s Managing Editor, explains that

Story competition which runs from the ‘HorrorScope has a dozen dedicated One of the driving forces behind Australia’s beginning of each year until the end of May. reviewers and regularly posts reviews, news new wave of dark fiction is Marty Young. It is open to members and the public. Marty and author interviews. It’s also the official In 2002 he founded the Australian Horror says the competition looks for well written news service of the Australian Horror Writers Association (AHWA) to provide stories that ‘make us think about the world, Writers Association, so it’s probably the a sense of community and support for make us uncomfortable, perhaps even scare first stop for enthusiastic new readers and Australian dark fiction writers, to help us’. writers of dark fiction.’ promote the genre locally and to remove the stigma This year the AHWA In the three years since it was founded, associated with horror. If you write horror launches its bi-annual the site has reached 120,000 readers He has been so successful you have to deal e-magazine, Midnight and posted almost 1,000 news items and that today the AHWA has with all those Echo. The first issue will reviews. It has become the first point of grown into the largest people who don’t be released in October and call for Australian writers interested in speculative writer member know any better will include the winning dark fiction publishing and networking organisation in Australia. and think horror is entry of their Short Story opportunities, including science fiction and worthless competition (the Flash fantasy writers. ‘Writing is a lonely Fiction is published online). HorrorScope has been so successful, it will business,’ says Marty. ‘It’s Future issues will seek soon make the transition into print as the also a tough business. You think getting horror and dark fiction story submissions Reviews section of Black magazine. Black rejection after rejection doesn’t wear you from Australian and international authors, magazine is now available from newsagents down? You’d be wrong. Plus if you write but with a focus on Australian content. and selected bookstores, and in the future horror you also have to deal with all those ‘Each issue will be edited by different will offer publishing opportunities for dark people who don’t know any better and editors, which will continue to ensure the fiction writers. think horror is worthless. It’s a matter of magazine stays fresh.’ changing perceptions by proving the quality However, the newest opportunity for The guest editors of Midnight Echo’s of the product, and the best way to do that Australian dark fiction writers comes from second issue are two of Australia’s most is by getting in on the ground level.’ an unlikely source, Morrígan Books, a prolific supporters of dark fiction in Swedish publishing company founded by The AHWA offers many resources for Australia: Angela Challis and Shane Jiraiya Englishman Mark Deniz who, from the emerging and established dark fiction Cummings. Both have extensive dark onset, has demonstrated an interest in authors. Their website conducts regular fiction credits. publishing Australian writers. In 2004 Angela and Shane ‘Morrígan Books is a publishing company, founded Brimstone Press, specialising in dark fiction,’ says Mark. ‘I

• September 2008 publishing numerous had originally thought dark speculative dark fiction print and but as I started to discuss projects with multimedia collections other editors I realised that there were a including Book of couple of areas that were definitely dark Shadows, Shadow Box, but maybe not so speculative, such as crime Black Box, the annual fiction.’ Prolific from the onset, Mark has Australian Dark Fantasy announced the release of four titles this & Horror ‘best of’ series, year, and has many more anthologies in and the forthcoming dark development, some of which are open for culture and entertainment Marty Young, founder and Shane Jiraiya Cummings, submissions. The latest is The Phantom President of the Australian Brimstone Press and www.sawc.org.au magazine Black. Today Horror Writers Assocation HorrorScope Queen Awakes (see page 9 for details).

4

NewsletterSeptember2008.indd 4 21/8/08 3:51:16 PM Board’s Eye View

Anna Solding recently attended the Writers’ and Literary Translators’ Online Dark Fiction Resources International Congress in Sweden. She tells of how it inspired her. Australian Horror Writers Association hen I went to the Writers’ www.australianhorror.com voice he was given a standing ovation and and Literary Translators’ HorrorScope I suspect most of us walked away thinking International Congress www.ozhorrorscope.blogspot.com W we must read (or re-read) his books. (WALTIC) I had no idea what to expect. This was by no means the only inspiring This huge international congress was moment. I walked away with a long list of Dark Fiction Publishers promoted as the first of its kind: a meeting ‘must-reads’. place for writers and literary translators Brimstone Press (Australia) from around the globe. It turned out to www.brimstonepress.com.au be just that – and so much more. Thanks Elder Signs Press (USA) to the generous support of ArtsSA, I was www.eldersignspress.com able to attend the four-day congress in Morrígan Books (Sweden) Stockholm, Sweden, in June-July 2008. www.morriganbooks.com The congress consisted of writers reading Egyptian writer Nawal Mozambique writer Permuted Press (USA) their own work, talking about the situations El Saadawi Mia Couto www.permutedpress.com writers face in their homelands and The congress program was divided into discussing publishing opportunities. It was Tasmaniac Publications (Australia) two categories: traditional lectures and a rare privilege to hear such prominent www.tasmaniacpublications.com the simultaneous Best Practice and Stories writers as Egyptian Nawal El Saadawi, who programme in the afternoons where up to has been a fierce promoter and protector Australian Magazines seven speakers spoke in a more intimate of women’s rights for decades. She looked which Publish Dark Fiction setting for 15 minutes. Here one Indian like the archetypal grandmother with wild woman talked of a project where she helped Andromeda Spaceways white hair around her wrinkled, beaming local women publish a newspaper in their www.andromedaspaceways.com face but her words were serious, strong and own language; an African man shared his political. She told us she gets angry when Aurealis Magazine story of self-publishing children’s stories, people call her ‘the Simone de Beauvoir of www.aurealis.com.au reaching children who had never before the Middle East’. Her retorts are always Borderlands read a book; while my contribution was to brilliant and quick: ‘The Middle East, www.borderlands.com.au read my short story about an Arab woman where is that? Nowadays when I go to Dark Animus who feels lost and confused in her new London I say that I’m going to the Middle www.darkanimus.com homeland Sweden when her sixth child West – but no-one ever understands what is born intersex. These short talks offered Midnight Echo I’m talking about.’ an unexpected insight into an array of www.australianhorror.com problems attached to literacy and language El Saadawi was one of two keynote Ticonderoga Online around the world. www.ticonderogaonline.org speakers. The other was Mia Couto from Mozambique, who spoke with equal WALTIC took pride in its diversity and with Sami, Mongolian, Ugandan and International Magazines conviction and fervour in his native Portugese. He told us a poignant little Pakistani delegates, it certainly had the

which Publish Dark Fiction 2008 story about a monkey and a fish. A monkey right to do so. One of the congress themes Black Static (UK) comes along and sees a fish in the water. was ‘Intercultural dialogue’ and many of its www.ttapress.com He thinks, ‘I must save that poor animal.’ speakers were fluent in several languages. Cemetery Dance (USA) And he does. The fish writhes in his hand The organisers of this unique congress www.cemeterydance.com and the monkey thinks, ‘How happy he also led by example, paying for delegates

from poor countries to attend. The September Horror Literature Quarterly (USA) is.’ A little while later the fish dies. Then WALTIC resolution that we were all asked http://horrorlit.horrorfictionnews.com the monkey thinks, ‘If only I had arrived earlier.’ This willingness to help while being to sign read: ‘We demand of ourselves The Magazine of Fantasy blind to the plight of the ones being ‘helped’ and everyone, including organisations, & Science Fiction (USA) has often been a part of the expansion institutions, enterprises, authorities and http://www.sfsite.com/fsf/ of religions. As El Saadawi pointed out, governments to take an active stand to Strange Horizons (USA) both religions and the concept of identity increase literacy, safeguard freedom of www.strangehorizons.com are good at dividing people. No-one is a expression and strengthen authors’ rights.’ Weird Tales (USA) hundred percent anything. WALTIC was an exhilarating opportunity www.weirdtales.net Couto’s speech was spellbinding. Thanks for writers and translators from around the

www.sawc.org.au to his wise words and the warmth in his globe. Go to www.waltic.com

5

NewsletterSeptember2008.indd 5 21/8/08 3:51:17 PM The Writing Life: Residencies

Have you ever thought of applying for a writing residency? Rachel Hennessy looks at why you might want to turn thought into action ....

ost writers know the frustration can simply pay for, without having to justify General residencies: of trying to find time to actually your need to escape. This was the way that Varuna Writers’ House (NSW) Mwrite. If you are a professional, I first spent time at the Varuna Writers’ or if you are just starting out, the challenge House: taking myself off there for an Easter Varuna accommodates five writers to balance life commitments – from weekend. I was lucky enough, a year later, every week of the year, except for work to family to friends – with writing to receive a Varuna fellowship but it was three weeks over Christmas and New commitments, is generally felt by all. Not that first paid-for weekend that enabled Year when it is closed. The Varuna only this, but at some point in their careers, me to understand better the application Professional Development Writing most writers feel the need to be some place process and to appreciate the benefits of a Residency is a fee-paying, non- ‘other’. residency within a writing community. selective program enabling writers

to work intensively for one week Going somewhere new, like any holiday, Another thing to understand is that under the experienced supervision of takes us out of ourselves. However, if residencies are different from writers- Creative Director, Peter Bishop. you think that just being somewhere else in-residence. Being a writer-in-residence – booking yourself into a seaside bungalow generally requires established writers to www.varuna.com.au or taking your friend’s holiday cottage for interact within an institution on a short or the weekend – will bring you to your full long-term basis. Most writers-in-residence creative potential, you might find that there do need a strong publishing history as Katharine Susannah Prichard are still distractions well as the ability to run Writers’ Centre (WA) (the waves are calling, workshops and present Each year KSP hosts a number of calling ...) and your so- their project to the body A residency, unlike a writers in their residency program. called ‘writing time’ gets involved with the residency, holiday, can provide The residency program includes swallowed up quickly. such as a university. a much deeper positions for established and A residency, unlike a connection with Competitive international emerging writers as well as for young holiday, can provide a your creativity... residencies, like those writers. Residencies allow each writer much deeper connection the wonder of a administered by the the time and space to work on their with your creativity. residency is it will Australia Council and own writing projects , as well as Residencies – generally put you into an AsiaLink, are another participate in the events of the Centre available through environment where ballgame altogether and and run workshops. The Writer- writers’ houses and writing is valued require writers to have a in-Residence Accommodation and other institutions – are well-thought-out project to Writer’s Retreat are also available for new, emerging and research overseas. for rent, when not being used by KSP established writers and can be selection Writers-in-Residence. As with most of the writing life, residencies based (requiring applications) or full-fee require forward planning. Many of the http://kspf.iinet.net.au/index.html paying (open to everyone). The wonder deadlines are months in advance of when of a residency is it will put you into an the residency will commence. There are a environment where writing is valued, few places where you can ‘book in’ without For established writers: where you can be surrounded by other much warning, such as Varuna, but the May Gibbs Children’s Literature creatives if you so desire, or supremely majority of established residencies are Trust alone if you don’t; and where pure guilt at more competitive. The time it takes to being given this opportunity will get you The aim of the Creative Time apply for these is, however, definitely worth to the keyboard everyday. (If it doesn’t, Residential Fellowships (CTR the effort. you might need to reconsider whether you Fellowships) is to enable interstate

• September 2008 really want to write.) For one, the ability to say you are doing a and regional children’s authors and residency already legitimises your time as illustrators to take up one-month As an emerging writer, I used to think that ‘writing time’ to your sometimes-sceptical residencies to concentrate intensively residencies were only available to those loved ones (‘Isn’t she really just going to on their work and to advance their with a long publishing record. That is, that Byron for a holiday?’) creative skills. Available in Adelaide, you couldn’t really be ‘resident’ until you , Canberra and Brisbane. knew absolutely why you wanted to be For another, if you are lucky enough to be there, in a different place. However, after a given that most precious gift to a writer – www.maygibbs.org.au little investigation, I discovered that there uninterrupted time – it is more than likely are quite a few writers’ retreats which you you will be so grateful that you will use it very, very wisely. www.sawc.org.au

6

NewsletterSeptember2008.indd 6 21/8/08 3:51:17 PM Small Ripples Kristen Lang, author of self-published poetry and photograph collection Let Me Show You A Ripple tells of how her Varuna residency expanded her sense of what a writing community can be.

Tasmanian Writers’ Centre If you’ve never heard of Varuna, it’s time (TAS) you did. If you have, you’ll know it’s worth celebrating. The house is yellow. It sits near The Tasmanian Writers’ Centre the end of Cascade Street, a goat’s trail offers a program called Island of from the cliff-edge that has made the town Residencies, available between of Katoomba so famous. The train trip from March and November 2009 for Sydney steadily drains you of the world you writers who have published work on have left behind. You arrive at a house, and any subject, in any form including not just a space in which to write, though in a mood, dedicated to writing. You are not fiction, nonfiction, poetry, writing for this alone is a substantial gift. Nor does the first writer here – there are decades of children and/or young adults, and Peter’s unquestionably tremendous input them and the air is dense with creations of writing for the stage. Applications wholly define the Centre’s success. the pen. The inclusion and belief that greets open 1st September for published you is offered because you, too, are ‘one The house also establishes and continues writers living in each and every of them’. The house identifies you. For the to nourish a network of writers. When Australian state and territory. Writers entire time you are there, the words ‘I am a the publisher I had secured for Let Me living on islands are particularly writer’ sound disconcertingly natural. It is a Show You A Ripple began asking for more encouraged to apply. beautiful and enabling thing. financial assistance than I could dream of www.tasmanianwriters.org providing, it was a writer I met at Varuna There are also, of course, the staff. All of who suggested an affordable way of getting whom are part of the tremendous space the book printed myself. Her contacts led Varuna provides for the care and progress International residencies: me to other contacts and to the printing of all kinds of writing. If you are lucky company I have since employed. The The Australia Council Literature enough to spend time with Varuna’s decision to self-publish, by the way, has Board Creative Director, Peter Bishop, you will been the best decision I have made. No, it’s quickly understand why he is possibly The Australia Council offers not easy. But nor, thanks to Varuna, is it the most deeply celebrated individual residences at four international lonely. A visitor to Varuna during one of my in the world of Australian writers. His is studios: 1. The Keesing Studio in stays turned out to be a graphic designer, a beautiful and contagious enthusiasm, Paris, France; 2. The BR Whiting one who was willing and able to share just he is unendingly optimistic, brimming Library in Rome, Italy (with the knowledge I needed. preference given to Australian poets); with genuine and inspiring engagement. 3. The Tyrone Guthrie Centre in Peter will (with dedication) solve nothing Another of my Varuna companions has County Monaghan, Ireland and 4. directly, but your work nonetheless rises freely offered her marketing expertise. And Ledig House, Art Omi International into a broad and present range of believable several Varuna writers are assisting with Arts Centre in Columbia County, New possibilities. Things become clearer and distribution. On top of this, there are the York, USA. You can also apply for remain so long enough for the will to be requests for copies and the continuation funding for a self-organised residency stirred into greater action. Ambition, here, of the support that, through all my or studio but you must meet all the is not a dirty word. Nor is it the red-cordial vacillations, has helped to sustain my criteria for an Australia Council grant. glass of fictitious hope – the care and resolve. Peter expresses great excitement insistence of the house means the red dye in relation to the networking he assists. His 2008 www.australiacouncil.gov.au cannot hold. pleasure is understandable. Asialink Residency Program When I first arrived at Varuna, I carried a Getting people together, giving them a Arts NSW, in conjunction with the collection of poems with me. It was never context for meaningful exchange – these Asialink Centre, funds residencies going to be the book it has now become. are powerful aids with unpredictable and in Asia for writers. Grants of up Let Me Show You A Ripple, a collection of potentially uplifting ends. Or not ends, September to $12,000 are offered to enable poems and colour photographs, acquired in fact, for the ripple of exchange and Australians to undertake three to its current shape on the desks and floors influence travels on. And best of all, it four-month residencies in Asia with a of Varuna’s rooms. It came together, is not a one-way arrangement. We can host organisation. They are offered in too, from my exchanges with Peter, with reciprocate. We become part of a real and literature to those who have at least Varuna’s other staff and with, importantly, significant community. That’s worth yelling three years’ professional experience. the writers who were sharing my Varuna out about. So here’s to Varuna. And here’s experiences. The book is now available – it to her writers, past, present, and future. www.asialink.unimelb.edu.au/our_ looks and feels like the real thing – and the work/arts shock still (pleasantly) lingers. Varuna is More information on Kristen Lang is available at www.eatmorepoetry.com.au www.sawc.org.au

7

NewsletterSeptember2008.indd 7 21/8/08 3:51:17 PM What’s On

Thursday September 11: Thursday September 18: Author Talk and Afternoon Tea North Eastern Writers Kristen Weidenbach, author of Rock Star: The North Eastern Writers’ guest speaker the story of Reg Sprigg. this month will be Stephen Matthews from PoeticA September Program Time: 2pm Ginninderra Press. Presented by Mike Ladd, Saturday at Venue: Ingle Farm Library, Sunset Room Time: 7.30-9.30pm 3.05pm, repeated 3.05pm on Thursdays. RSVP 8406 8237 Venue: Tea Tree Gully Memorial Hall. Sep 6th National Poetry Week Enquiries to Ken 8380 5348 or Sharon Sep 13th Thirteen Jesuses – a multi-voiced Thursday September 11: 0403 831 170 or www.northeasternwriters. suite of poems by Garth Madsen Friends of Mawson Author Talk com Sep 20th High Country – the high country Kristen Weidenbach, author of Rock Star: the story of Reg Sprigg will talk on the Thursday September 18: poems of Douglas Stewart and David Friends of the University of Adelaide Campbell relationship between Reg Sprigg and Sir Library Author Talk Douglas Mawson. Sep 27th Gen XY, New Voices –a sample of Kristen Weidenbach, author of Rock Time: 6pm the work of four new Australian poets Star: the story of Reg Sprigg, talks on the Venue: Armoury Building, SA Museum relationship between Reg Sprigg and Sir Wednesdays Sept 3 /10 /17 /24: RSVP 8207 7574 ‘Playlunch’ Mark Oliphant. Time: 1.05pm Get your creative juices fl owing and meet Tuesday September 16: Venue: Barr Smith Library, University of new friends at Annie Fox’s creativity play/ Meet the Publisher Adelaide workshops. No experience necessary. Stephen Matthews, owner of the RSVP 8303 4064 or robina.weir@adelaide. Time: 12.30-1.30pm award-winning independent publisher edu.au Venue: SA Writers’ Centre Ginninderra Press, which recently relocated to Adelaide after 12 years in Canberra, Cost: $25 or $20 conc/SAWC Members Sunday September 21: Call Annie on 0448 994 004. will meet writers who wish to discuss Book Launch of Tiger! Tiger! publication possibilities for their completed Zenda Vecchio’s book of short stories Tiger! Mondays Sept 8 /15 /22 /29: manuscripts. Tiger!, published by Ginninderra Press, will ‘Writers on the Rise’ Time: 10am-2pm be launched by Jude Aquilina. All welcome. ‘Writers on the Rise’ is now meeting weekly. Venue: SA Writers’ Centre Time: 2pm They welcome writers of all genres. Appointments essential. Email: Venue: Grand Cru Winery, Dewells Road, Time: 7.30pm, to fi nish about 10pm [email protected] Springton Venue: Mt Barker Community Health More information phone 8223 7662. Centre, Wellington Road, Mt Barker. Friday September 12: Book Launch Cost: Gold coin donation to cover group Thursday September 25: membership of the SAWC. Launch of Atlantis – An alternative OzAsia Festival Writing and Poetry Any questions or for a map with directions history, Book 1 of the trilogy The Hidden Workshop Kingdom (Double-Dragon) by Adrian contact Hakim Oerton on 8398 5108, Travel with Sitok Srengenge into the world Rogers, to be launched by Enzo Fardone. 0414 707 645 or [email protected] of his work and its traditional infl uences. Time: 6pm Facilitated by Jan Cornall. Venue: SA Writers’ Centre Thursday September 4: Book Launch Time: 11am-1pm Carol Lefevre’s new novel If You Were Venue: Dunstan Playhouse, Adelaide Mine (Random House) will be launched Sunday September 14: Hills Poets Meeting Festival Centre by Brian Castro, Chair of Creative Writing, The Hills Poets meet at 3.30pm at the Cost: $20 University of Adelaide. Bridgewater Inn, Mt Barker Road, Bookings: www.adelaidefestivalcentre.com. Time: 6 for 6.30pm Bridgewater. The meeting will be in the au/ozasia Venue: Barr Smith Library Reading Room, • September 2008 dining room in the cellar of the hotel. University of Adelaide. Saturday October 4: For information please ring Jill Gower on Bookings [email protected] ‘Meet the author’ 8339 5119. Phone 8303 4064 As part of Mental Health Week, meet Helen Maczkowiack, author of An Awkward Wednesday September 17: Tuesday September 9: Author Talk SA Writers’ Theatre General Meeting Fit. The book is the biography of Helen Kristen Weidenbach, author of Rock Star: The meeting will commence with ten- Maczkowiack’s son, Stephen, who suffered the story of Reg Sprigg. Free wine and minute readings of fi rst-draft scripts by from schizophrenia and took his own life. nibbles. playwrights followed by the reading of a Time: 12.30pm - 2pm Time: 6.30pm new play, Roam Free, by Don Chapman. Venue: Dymocks Book Shop, Rundle Mall Venue: Angus & Robertson bookstore, Time: 7pm More information on 8287 0141. www.sawc.org.au Norwood, RSVP essential 8331 0946. Venue: SA Writers’ Centre 8

NewsletterSeptember2008.indd 8 21/8/08 3:51:18 PM Opportunities

Short and Twisted Anthology Calibre Prize Deadline extended Cordite Poetry Magazine Short and Twisted, an anthology of short Australian Book Review and the Copyright Cordite 28: Secret Cities is now online, stories and poetry with a twist at the end, Agency Limited are seeking entries for featuring over forty new poems by a wide is seeking submissions of short, super the third Calibre Prize for an Outstanding range of poets. Submissions for Cordite 29: short and mini short stories and poetry Essay. The Calibre Prize, with a fi rst prize Pastoral are now open. Guest poetry editor for its 3rd issue. Submissions accepted of $10,000, is one of the world’s major for this issue is Stuart Cooke. Submissions between October 1st and November 30th, essay competitions. Essayists now have close September 30th, 2008. Details at 2008. For submission guidelines see www. until September 30th, 2008 to submit their www.cordite.org.au celapenepress.com.au, email shortandtwist works. Go to www.australianbookreview. [email protected] or send SSAE to com.au Bilingual Literary Journal 2 Bonview Court, Knoxfi eld, VIC, 3180. Red Leaves / koyo is a forthcoming annual PEN ‘Caging the Pen’ Essay English-language/Japanese bilingual Passionate Hookers Competition Deadline extended literary journal coming out of Melbourne. Passionate Hookers is calling for Adelaide PEN has extended the deadline The editor is now calling for fi ction, creative submissions for a small mook (a magazine/ for their creative nonfi ction competition on nonfi ction and poetry to be submitted book) for all the crochet freaks out there. the theme of ‘Caging the Pen: censorship for their fi rst issue in 2009, which will The mook will be aimed at those who are in Australia’. Entries of 3,000 words be available to purchase throughout both into crochet aged 18 to 35 years. Deadline maximum will be accepted until September Australia and Japan. Contact the editor is 1st October 2008 and guidelines can 30th, 2008. The winner will receive a for further guidelines or submit to kirk. be accessed at www.brascoebooks.com. cash prize of $100 and publication in Wet [email protected]. Closing date au/hookers.html Ink. For more information go to www. is December 1st, 2008. adelaidepen.org Susan Penberthy Memorial Prizes A Dark Celtic Anthology The Humanities Faculty at Tabor Adelaide Burnside Library Book Launches Morrígan Books are calling for stories set has recently introduced fi ve special prizes Burnside Library is available as a venue in the ancient world of the Celts, for the that recognise and reward excellence in to launch your next book so please ring anthology The Phantom Queen Awakes. the work of South Australian high school Sharon Downing on 8366 4280 if you are Deadline is December 1st, 2008. Details are students. Teachers are asked to invite interested. available at www.morriganbooks.com students in Years 11 and 12 to submit essays or short stories/poems. Each fi nalist will receive an award and the sum of $50. Further information at www. taboradelaide.com INSITE 2009 Submissions open for UNPRODUCED SCREENPLAY COMPETITION Muse 4: Better Sorry Than Safe University of Melbourne Postgraduate Association is seeking creative contributions in all literary genres from Presented by the all writers, Australian and international, Australian Writers’ Guild 2008 graduate student or not. They especially and the 2009 Adelaide Film Festival want work that teeters on the brink of going too far. Think daring, rather than experimental. When choosing what to The winner of INSITE 2009 will travel to Adelaide submit, keep in mind the golden rule: where their script will receive a rehearsed public reading better sorry than safe. All submissions during the 2009 National Screenwriters’ Conference September published will enter the Muse/UMPA and Adelaide Film Festival, and a cash prize of $2,500. Creative Writing Prize. For further details go to www.umpa.unimelb.edu.au/muse/ muse4_2008.html Deadline extended to 5.00pm Friday 31 October On Dit Magazine On Dit, the University of Adelaide student For more information go to www.awg.com.au paper, is calling for submissions of poetry, The acclaimed biennial Adelaide Film Festival celebrates short fi ction, essays and reviews. Email and explores contemporary screen culture. The program includes special events, live performance [email protected] and the premiere of films commissioned by the Festival. www.sawc.org.au

9

NewsletterSeptember2008.indd 9 21/8/08 3:51:19 PM Congratulations

Jody-Ann Brockelbank was one of ten Barbara Anne Munday’s book Jug Full selected for the fi rst Orbit/Queensland of Caring was launched at Burnside library. History book short-listed for Writers’ Centre Manuscript Development PM’s Literary Award Patricia O’Grady’s book The Sophists: Program for Speculative Fiction Writers. An Introduction was published by Ochre and Rust, the recent work by SA Museum curator Philip Jones Elaine Barker’s poem ‘Stevie’ was Duckworth & Co Ltd, London, 2008. and published by Wakefi eld Press published in blue giraffe no.7 and her poem John Sabine’s entry ‘Aboriginal and has been short-listed for one of the ‘Hedged-in’ was published in The Mozzie Torres Strait Islander Remote Communities nation’s most prestigious literary in July. ‘Bird in Hand’ appeared in Poet’s and Their Future: What is the Fundamental awards: the 2008 Prime Minister’s Corner, The Independent Weekly. Question?’, won second prize in the essay Literary Awards. A tax-free prize of Marianne Broug’s book Seventeen section of the recent Ellen Gudrun Kastan $100,000 will be awarded to the work Voices: Life and wisdom from Inside Literary Awards in Melbourne. judged to be of the highest literary ‘Mental Illness’ was published by Wakefi eld Ros Schulz had three poems published merit in each of two categories: fi ction Press in June 2008. in Studio Journal No. 109: ‘Magic’, ‘The and nonfi ction. Ochre and Rust was Astrid Cooper’s second book in her Quiet’ and ‘Stones of Wrath’. She also short-listed from 103 entries in the space opera series, Starlight Rapture, was received a Highly Commended for her nonfi ction category. voted no. 1 - ‘Highest Rated in Erotica’ - by poem ‘Confi guration of Giraffes’ in Free readers at Fictionwise. Expression.

Robert Copley’s book, How to Create A Alice Shore’s short story ‘Her Mother Novel, was published by Aether Books. Always Travels’ was published in the August 2008 issue of Positive Words. Phil Cummings’ reading of his book Boom Bah! has been included on the Little Ruth Starke’s book Stella By The Sea is Big Book Club website. being published by Stylos Arts, Serbia in Serbia and Montenegro. Captain Congo Aravind Kesavon’s article ‘Code Red and the Crocodile King, illustrated by Greg for Recreation’ was published in The Stock Holfeld, was published by Working Title Journal in July. Press in August. John Malone’s book Yield: a practical Congratulations to Wakefi eld Press Amy Taylor-Kabbaz’s blog The Mummy guide to teaching poetry writing [AATE] and Philip Jones for this remarkable Monologues has become a weekly feature was launched at the National English achievement. on the ABC Adelaide website. Teachers’ Convention at the Adelaide Convention Centre recently. Debra Vinecombe’s book Menopause: Women tell their stories was recently Silvia Manuela’s poem ‘Collecting published by Wakefi eld Press. Honey’ was published in August at reference texts www.parentingexpress edit guides

Jacqui Merckenschlager’s poem fact books Between Us dictionaries ‘Torrential Driving Rain’ has been awarded Manuscript a Very Highly Commended place in the thesauruses... 2008 Gumblossoms competition for the Assessment Service internet ‘Scribbli Gum’ site. for fi ction • nonfi ction Max Merckenschlager’s poem ‘Country writers Women’ was placed fi rst in this year’s academic works sportswriter.com.au

• September 2008 Country & Horse Festival awards. Two of Assessments by published authors 63a broadway, glenelg his poems ‘Along The Murranji’ and ‘Snowy and professional editors 8294 9083... Mountain Magic’ have been included in the [email protected] fi rst edition of Award Winning Australian Director Meredith Whitford BA Writing to be launched at the Melbourne Ryan Davidson Writers’ Festival. 165 Belair Road, Torrens Park SA 5062 T: 08 8274 1531 David Mortimer’s poem ‘Salisbury F: 08 8357 2110 Strangeness 7.55 AM’ was awarded fi rst [email protected] prize in the Salisbury Writing Competition www.users.bigpond.com/between 2008 for ages 17 and over. always on sale www.sawc.org.au + 10% members discount

10

NewsletterSeptember2008.indd 10 21/8/08 3:51:21 PM Competitions

Competitions are listed in order of closing dates. September 12: September 19: Prizes: 1st: $750, 2nd: $350, and PO Box 116, Burwood NSW 1805 EJ Brady Short Story Taronga Foundation 3rd: $150. or email to cabbook-6@yahoo. Competition Fl Poetry Prize ´Fl Conditions: no handwritten com.au. submissions, no more than 100 October 4: Entry fees: $10 for Major Short Entry fee: $5. single space lines on A4 paper, no Story, $7 for Very Short Story. Writers up to 16 years of age. entry form needed. Eudunda Storytelling Prize: $1,000 (story fewer than Prizes: over $31,000 and poetry Post entries to: Poetry Festival Poetry and Short 2500 words), $500 (for story published by Random House Competition, Mersey Community Story Competition Jl fewer than 700 words). Australia. Hospital Support Group, PO Box For details and entry form see www.mallacootaarts.org www.btgstudios.com/tfpp.html 24, Devonport, Tasmania 7310. www.storytelling-festival.org September 12: September 19: September 30: October 10: David Harold Tribe Rolf Boldrewood Literary Positive Words Mini- Poetry Award l Awards Jl Burnside Library Short Competition Crime Story Writing Prize: $11,000 for the best For prose and poetry with an Entry fee: $1 in unused postage Competition JFl original poem of up to 100 Australian theme. stamps, no entry form. lines. The winning poem will be Prize: $600 plus bust of Rolf. Prize: six months subscription to Word length: 3,000 – 5,000 published in Southerly. Entry forms available from: The Positive Words. Prizes:1st: iPod nano 4 gig, a www.arts.usyd.edu.au/departs/ Convenor, Rolf Boldrewood Challenge: write a short story in year’s full membership with the english/prizes/prizes.shtml Literary Awards, PO Box 1042, 100 words or less, or a poem in 10 SA Writers’ Centre, Angus & Dubbo NSW 2830 or at www. lines or less using the word ‘ghost’ Robertson vouchers and a double September 16: mrl.nsw.gov.au movie pass to a Wallis Cinema. Copper Triangle Writers at least once. Post entries to: The Editor, 2nd: A workshop with the SA Group Short Story and September 26: Writers’ Centre, Angus and North Eastern Writers Sandra Lynn James, 466 Old Poetry Competition ´F Melbourne Road, Traralgon 3844. Robertson vouchers and a double Prizes:$100, certifi cates for Poetry and Short Story movie pass to a Wallis Cinema. Second and Third Prizes. Competition JF September 30: www.burnside.sa.gov.au/goto/ Theme: mining, memories, Fellowship of Australian library Three categories: Adult, Youth mariners and mystery. Writers (QLD) Soapbox (13-17) and Junior (12 & under). October 31: Entry fees:$5 for a single entry or Article Writing $10 for 3 entries. Entry fee: $5 per entry. Feast Writing Competition JF Cheques/money orders made Prizes: Cash up to $200, highly Competition J commended certifi ciates. out to: Copper Triangle Writers Prizes: 1st: $150 and 2nd: $50. Word lengths: varying dependent Prizes: 1st: books to the value of Group Inc. Entry fee: $5. on category . $500; 2nd: books to the value of Post to: Copper Triangle Writers Word count: 1000 to 2000 words. Enquiries: 8380 5348 or 8289 $250 and 3rd: $30 book voucher Club Inc., PO Box 205, Moonta Post to: Convenor, PO Box 6488, 3461. from Imprints bookshop and one SA 5558. Toowoomba Queensland, 4350. year’s membership to SA Writers’ Email for entry form: September 26: Centre. Fiction, nonfi ction, poetry September 19: [email protected] One Thousand Words The Examiner Port or essay accepted but must have Short Story Competition Stephen Literature September 30: signifi cant queer content. Awards J Kaixin Writing Theme: DiverseCity. Short story competition to Entry forms: available from the Prizes: 1st $400, 2nd $200 and Competition Jl celebrate the life and legacy of 3rd $100, $100 Tanilba House Feast offi ce 8231 2155 or email Steve J. Spears. Award and four $50 most highly Topic: China. [email protected] Prize: $1000 plus publication in commended prizes. Prize: $250 for the winning entry The Adelaide Review. Entry fee: $5 per story. which will be published in Kaixin. Entry: free. Word length: Short stories up to Word Limit: 1,500 words. Key Theme: reference ‘An Adelaide 2500 words on any theme. Style: Fiction or nonfi ction. J competition listed for the Experience’. No entry form required. Separate Entry fee: $10. fi rst time 2008 Entries should be exactly 1,000 cover sheet with story title and Submission: Either by words (although 10 words author’s contact details. the site email or direct to ´ competition with tolerance acceptable). Postal orders or cheques made [email protected] as sections for young writers www.citysouth.org.au out to: TACE. embedded text F SA Writers’ Centre holds Email entries to: Post entries to: Literature http://kaixin.com.au/kaixin- the entry forms [email protected] Competition, 6 The Parkway writing-competition/ l the entry form is North, Mallabulla, NSW 2319. September 19: September Enquiries to Geoff Walker on 02 September 30: available on the Internet Mental Health Week Call The Best of Times Short 4982 4095. to Poets F Story Competition J September 30: Entry Forms In 4 – 8 lines ‘Mental Health: Mersey Community For: humorous short stories The SAWC holds some What do you Know?’ Word count: up to 2500 words entry forms and guidelines Prizes: Twelve fi nalists will Hospital Support Cash prizes for fi rst, second and for members. Call in and have their work reproduced and Group National Poety third place. collect copies for 20c each displayed at the SA Writers’ Competition J Entry fee:$5 per story Centre. Plus prize of $250 and SA or send one business-sized Entry fee: $10. Entries: No entry form required. Writers’ Centre Membership. stamped self-addressed Cheques made out to: Include a cover sheet with your Information: Phil at Arts envelope, plus one loose The Mersey Community Hospital name and address, story title and Access SA on 8224 0799 or 50c stamp for every TWO Support Group. word count. [email protected] competitions requested. www.sawc.org.au Theme: Medical. Post entries to: Chris Broadribb,

11

NewsletterSeptember2008.indd 11 21/8/08 3:51:22 PM Membership Application Form SA Writers’ Centre Inc PO Box 43 Rundle Mall 5000 ABN 40 783 458 265 Ph (08) 8223 7662 Fax (08) 8232 3994 Email: [email protected]

Name/Organisation ...... Address ...... Suburb/Town ...... Postcode ...... Telephone ...... Fax ...... Email ......

r $125/$88 organisation (inc GST) r Renew

r $65 waged (inc GST) r New

r $38 student/healthcare cardholder (inc GST) r Concession number ...... Method of payment: r Cheque/money order attached r Bankcard r Mastercard r Visa Credit card number |______|______|______| ______| Expiry date ..... Cardholder’s name ...... Cardholder’s signature ...... Date of application ...... (Please enclose a SSAE for return of receipt and membership card. If a tax invoice is required, please tick r)

[FOR OFFICE USE ONLY: Rec No: ...... Rec Date: ...... On database: ......

If undelivered please return to: SA Writers’ Centre Inc POSTAGE PRINT PO Box 43 PAID POST Rundle Mall SA 5000 AUSTRALIA PP535341/00014 Southern Write September 2008

Print Post Approved PP535341/00014

SA Writers’ Centre Inc: Providing resources, support and encouragement for SA writers Fostering the development of writing culture in South Australia

Board of Management 2008–2009 Staff Volunteers/Consultants/Support Bronwen Webb, Chair Barbara Wiesner – Director Doreen Spurdens – Youth Projects Sean Williams, Deputy Chair Jude Aquilina – Office Manager Silvia Muscardin – Librarian • September 2008 Mag Merrilees, Treasurer Lesley Beasley – Accounts David Mercer – Research David Conyers Rachel Hennessy – Communications Ann-Marie Smith – Assistant Librarian Bruce Lindsay Officer and Editor, Southern Write Helen Mitchell – Office Support Anna Solding Helen Mitchell Opening Hours: Ashley Mallett 9.30am–5pm Monday–Friday Ken Vincent 2nd Floor, 187 Rundle Street, Adelaide Wheelchair/lift access available at 26 York Street (rear entrance) or through Caffe Brunelli. www.sawc.org.au The SA Writers’ Centre is assisted by the Australian Government through the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body. 12

NewsletterSeptember2008.indd 12 21/8/08 3:51:22 PM