Spring Edition #245 SEP 2014
Quarterly Bulletin of The Fellowship of Australian Writers NSW Inc. FAW State Council meeting SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2014 Mac Adams Music Centre, Gordon Street, Port Macquarie combination… come up and visit beautiful Port Macquarie and A attend the biannual FAW meeting. Port Macquarie–Hastings FAW welcome the FAWgreat Management Committee and all FAW branch delegates and members. Saturday Schedule 10.00am: Morning Tea 10.30am: FAW State Meeting • 1.00pm: Lunch provided courtesy of your Port Macquarie FAW hosts • 6.00pm: Dinner at Salty’s on the river. • Meeting address Sea Acres Rainforest Boardwalk, • Port Macquarie
The Mac Adams Music Centre is adjacent to ‘The Players Theatre’ and shares Image: Wikipedia the same carpark, near the intersection of Gordon and Lord Streets. Search on Sunday 2 November: Google Maps for The Players Theatre, 33 Lord Street, Port Macquarie. 10:30am: Sea Acres Rainforest Accommodation Centre, Town Beach Motor Inn, 12 Gordon Street, offers affordable, high quality • Macquarie. Phone: 6582 3355. accommodation close to the meeting venue. Phone 6583 8899. Web
ISBN the Treasurer will assess recommendations. The DSA Committee’s decision is final. WRITERS VOICE ISSN 0817-0746 instance, contact the FAW Secretary Maureen Kelly
2 WRITERS’ VOICE 245—SEPT 2014 Visit us on the Internet at www.fawnsw.org.au State Council News
ATTENTION ALL FAW AWARDS LUNCHEON BRANCHES: Our Annual FAW Awards Luncheon is to be held this year at 99 ON YORK (formerly known as the Bowlers’ Club of NSW), 95-99 York St, Sydney on November 15, 2014. Guest Speaker will be Mr Paul Brunton oam, Emeritus Curator, State Library of New South Wales. We have booked the Bass Suite on the 2nd Floor for 11.30am opening and 12 o’clock luncheon. The fee this year is $45.00 per person; raffle tickets are $1.00 each, and 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 the FAW NSW Treasurer at Unit 801, Henry Kendall Gardens, 150 Maidens Brush Road, Wyoming NSW 2250. Make all cheques payable to ‘Fellowship of Australian Writers’, no abbreviations please. And to help with our finances, please enclose a stamped return address envelope. A message from your Treasurer We look forward to meeting you all again this year. all members. It is getting Kay Bakon, Hon. Treasurer, FAW NSW Hnear to the end of the year again, and ellotime to start thinking about renewing your memberships. Current About this year’s FAW Awards Luncheon Guest Speaker… members pay the full yearly fee to PAUL BRUNTON oam is Emeritus Career? which opened at the State their branch Treasurers, who will Curator, State Library of New South Library in 2004 and travelled then send $40 for each member to Wales and an Honorary Associate of nationally from 2004–2005. He the State Treasurer. the School of Philosophical and published an annotated edition of Isolated Writers send $46 directly Historical Inquiry, University of Sydney. Franklin’s diaries in 2004. to the State Treasurer. He was Senior Curator, Other exhibitions he Mitchell Library, State has curated include First Library of New South Sight: the Dutch mapping requesting that all payments be Wales, from 2002–2012. of Australia, 1606–1697 accompaniedTo help with by our a return finances, self- I am He worked with (2006); Bound for Glory: addressed envelope for the receipts. the Mitchell Library’s Exquisite Books of French All those who pay before 1st January, Australiana collections Pacific Voyages (2007); automatically go into our ‘Early Bird’ from 1973 and was Curator A Grand Obsession: the draw for $50. Any who do not renew of Manuscripts from 1986 to 2001. DS Mitchell story (2007); Politics by 28th February, will no longer He has published on archives and Power: Bligh’s Sydney Rebellion receive their copy of Writers Voice. administration and on various 1808 (2008); Darwin in Australia, aspects of the State Library’s 1836 (2009); and ONE hundred A message for all Treasurers: collection. He was President of the celebrating the Mitchell Library’s When January arrives, please send Australian Society of Archivists, centenary (2010). me the details of payments given 1991–1993. He is preparing an annotated to tutors and/or speakers engaged His annotated edition of Joseph edition of the original handwritten Banks’ journal kept on Endeavour, journal and logbook of William Bligh between January and December 2014. 1768–1771, was published in 1998. kept on HMS Bounty, 178–1789, for No need to wait for the end of your He was curator of the exhibition publication by Allen & Unwin. Matthew Flinders: the Ultimate In 2003, he was awarded the amounts so that I can renew the GIO financial year. I need to know the Voyage which opened at the State Centenary of Federation medal for Workers Compensation Insurance at Library in 2001 and travelled services to libraries. In 2012, he the end of February. nationally, 2002–2003. His was awarded the Order of Australia Kay Bakon, Hon. Treasurer annotated edition of Flinders’ letters, Medal (OAM) for services to FAW NSW Matthew Flinders: personal letters Australian history through various Unit 801, Henry Kendall Gardens, from an extraordinary life was curatorial positions at the Mitchell 150 Maidens Brush Road, published in 2002. Library. In 2013, he was elected an WYOMING NSW 2250 He curated the national travelling Honorary Fellow of the Australian exhibition Miles Franklin: A Brilliant Academy of the Humanities (FAHA).
Visit us on the Internet at www.fawnsw.org.au WRITERS’ VOICE 245—SEPT 2014 3 State Council News
Gad About With The President
spent a nice afternoon Rvisiting Southern Highlands FAW at theecently Bowral I Library. Their guest for the day was Actress, Producer and Author Barbara Angel. I was delighted as I have known Barbara for quite some time and she has also been my radio guest a couple of times. Barbara has some beaut tales from her days with The Mavis Bramston Show and many other Australian TV shows, plus acting in many British productions as well. She contributes scripts for many TV shows and writing scripts was her topic for the day. FAW NSW Management Committee members met in August. L–R: Vice President and Public Officer Members had the usual reading of Helen Luidens, President Trevar Langlands, Treasurer Kay Bakon, Secretary Maureen Kelly, Outreach Convenor Colleen Parker and new Committee Member Stefania McDonald. their own work of prose and poetry Absent: Barbara Simmons and Cate Plink. which I found really entertaining. I hope I can revisit one day and read some of mine. Broun, John Baxter from Paris, Carol I conducted an event for Sydney We all had a good discussion on George editor, Mark Gregory son of Writers Festival introducing author topics relating to FAW Branches. I Tony Greig and many others. Brigid Delaney. Brigid is a journalist was happy to give a short talk on and author of This Restless Life, things they could do to interest new published by Melbourne University members and help publicise their Press in 2009 and Wild Things. local Branch. An enjoyable day for all. We had a really good audience * * * at Campbelltown Library for the evening, all ages, and some My radio guest recently was Michaela interesting questions asked. Bolzan, Coordinator for the Southern Highlands Writers Festival. * * * Gosh, what a line up of interesting By the time this is out I will have speakers they had… Valerie Khoo attended the Wollondilly FAW (Australian Writers Centre), Hugh Brigid Delaney with Trevar at a Sydney Writers anthology launch… more about that McKay, David Malouf, Playwright Alex Festival event at Campbelltown. next time. At time of writing we are looking forward to our FAW representation at the Book Expo 30–31 August [full report page 15—Ed]. Distinguished Service Award Looking forward to seeing you Honour Roll all at the November State Meeting in Port Macquarie. It will be nice to Irene Acland* Meryl Bentley* Mavis Hayes Dr John Sheppard meet up with local members. Seems Denise Aldridge Elaine Burton Margaret Jackson Margot Shugg the good folks at Port Macquarie- Patricia Allen Ken Challenor John Jacobs Barbara Snel Hastings branch have organised a Gavin Austin Jan Dean Pat Lindsay Dorothe Squires- good weekend for us. Barbara Aylott Beryl Dundas Peter F Pike Cooper Until next time, Eileen Backhus Margaret Ekin Margaret Robinson Frank Urban Trevar Langlands, Margaret Barlow Thelma Flower Alan Russell Margaret Wilkinson State President Miriam Bates Eileen Gray Albert Scott Margaret Young Cyril Bentley* Pip Griffin Bridget Sharp *Deceased
4 WRITERS’ VOICE 245—SEPT 2014 Visit us on the Internet at www.fawnsw.org.au FAW Branch Reports Blue Mountains FAW Many thanks go to Anne Benjamin obstacle course, can be a very lonely for a lively, well researched and dialogues professionally presented workshop at times enjoyable to systematically with other FAW branches we have F on the Art of Travel Writing and to unlockbusiness. our It variouswas so beneficial,texts to improve even cut ollowingright back successfulon business issues Competitions Secretary Elizabeth both our manuscripts and our skills. and committee meetings to devote Collins for tirelessly coordinating much more time to writing and yet another extremely successful participating in workshops on workshopping. Our members seem Presentation Day. This is a huge WorkingOur final with quarter an Editor, will Flashsee us Fiction, happier with less busy-ness and more job, involving sorting entrants into Suspense/ Mystery Writing and we scribbling and critiquing. the correct categories and entries also look forward to celebrating our distributed to the correct judges, annual Christmas Party in December. contacting special guests, liaising Finally, I must apologise to one of last quarter’s presenters, Laura Davis, and program for the day and the list who for some reason unknown even withgoes judges,on. Congratulations preparing the on certificates a job well to me, I renamed as Davies. Sorry for done Elizabeth! Thank you also to all this brain freeze on my part, Laura. of our competition judges, Carolyn We meet at 1pm every 1st Saturday Alfonzetti, David Terelinck, Carmel of the month, at the North Rocks Summers, Anne Benjamin, Philippa a Senior Citizens Centre for adult Holland, Barbara Haworth, Margaret writers of any age. All welcome. Longhurst, Alan Russell and Mary Artelle Lenthall Milton, for all the hours, expertise and liaising you put in as well. A Eurobodalla FAW delicious spread was put on for all A couple of times a year we challenge our guests by my fellow members. ourselves to step outside our comfort Thank you everyone. Yum! Yum! zone and try different genres, settings The much anticipated, by me at and characters, compared to our least, critiquing afternoon was also a normal range. These have included great success. Writing especially for Dirty Realism, Steampunk, Romance, those of us wading the murky and Western, Horror… and the list treacherous waters of the publication cont. next page…
Cynthia Hallam
Cynthia Hallam (pictured) cuts the cake at the launch of her latest book of poems, Moving with the times at the monthly meeting of the Blue Mountains branch. The Blue Mountains FAW meets at the Springwood Court Function Centre, 135 Macquarie St. Springwood, the month. usuallyDavid at Berger 2pm on the first Sunday of EASTWOOD/ HILLS FAW This quarter has seen Eastwood/ Hills engage in a completely varied program. After our monthly meetings we have engaged in a workshop, a critiquing afternoon and our annual Eurobodalla FAW’s 20th Anniversary celebration. Guest author and presenter DL Richardson Presentation Day. (3rd from left) and Committee members L to R: Rosie Toth, Stafford Ray, Gillian Macnamara, Eileen Backhus, Mike Robinson, Dianne Wiggins.
Visit us on the Internet at www.fawnsw.org.au WRITERS’ VOICE 245—SEPT 2014 5 FAW Branch Reports Eurobodalla Macpherson’ of the North. Robin is refurbished we are meeting for the cont. from previous page known for his Scottish brogue and for rest of this year at the Moruya Golf Club. We are very grateful for their goes on. The results are often very humour. He is also the intense hospitality. New meeting time is entertaining but also liberating for the Scottish flavour of his hilarious ‘romanticist’ of the group a la Robbie 9.30am–12.30pm. our writers. Burns. Robin has been interviewed Our evening group is meeting Our 20th anniversary celebration, three times on Radio 2EARFM and there also and they have arranged at Moruya Golf Club, proved very is a published author of a number for Nicole Murphy to present an entertaining. Plenty of catch-up time of novels. Other past and present Erotica/ Romance workshop in between past and present members, members of Eurobodalla branch also November. I think many of our day particularly the gaggle of girls who in the group are Barry Lake, Margot group will want to attend too—a very Ryan and Mike Robinson. Barry is a good opportunity to step outside our Eileen Backhus and Margaret Barlow former winner of the National Folk comfort zones! toldcleaned of the up history most of of the Eurobodalla raffle prizes. Festival’s Yarn Spinning Cup. Rosie Toth FAW, Margaret Ekin provided a The Society has entertained personal response as a foundation crowds at some of the local country member and our guest speaker, DL GREAT LAKES FAW Festivals, eg. The Narooma Oyster Richardson (Debbie) presented a We have had some busy winter Festival, The Tilba Folk Festival, dynamic talk on how to publish meetings this year. In May President The Merimbula Folk Festival, The and market your writing. Debbie Hermione gave a workshop teaching Bermagui Seaside Festival, The us how to use a mind map for stories Bodalla 150th Year Festival et al, by prizes, including one of her books. and poems for themes such as reciting poetry, prose and anecdotes Councilloralso donated Danielle a number Brice of told the raffleus of Homeless, Freedom, Lost love, Mental which have the audiences rolling in her personal reasons for wanting to illness. Our assignment for June was the aisles. A number of Retirement write a book. A short, fun writing to write a short story or poem using Home Centres in the area and exercise conducted by Jennie Mairie one of the mind maps. some Clubs in Canberra are now was followed by a long lunch in the La June brought us another wonderful clamouring for the Society’s attention. Fontaine Restaurant. Drawing of the workshop by well known local author A past (Kyla Metcalf) and present Jacqui Winn, who explained what (Stafford Ray) member are running cake, rounded up the day. to look for when entering pieces in the Shire Writers Roadshow, a 2-day rafflesProgress and the on cuttingour Anniversary of the birthday competitions. As usual, she held our workshop with interested writers in anthology is coming along with attention from beginning to end, and Years 5–9. We look forward to hearing Round 2 submissions due August 31. she is always most welcome at our about their experiences. We have a panel of readers/mentors meetings. We always come away School children aren’t the only working with the authors to achieve a totally inspired, and want to start ones having their writing ability quality outcome. writing immediately. furthered. Recently Stafford Ray Eurobodalla FAW is involved in a In July we were asked to come facilitated a Script-writing Workshop, number of community events. Mavis armed with as many proverbs providing an overview of the Hayes and Louise Falcioni were once as we could think of, and their particular techniques. Members then again judges of the Mayor’s Writing meanings were discussed. It was worked in groups to convert a story Competition. With approximately 250 very interesting, hearing some very to a script: identifying characters, stories from local school students to ancient proverbs along with well setting up a scene, developing stage known ones. The assignment for directions, dialogue and sound Our branch also donates some of the August was to choose a proverb to be effects. When completed, each group read,prizes. this a high-profile annual event. performed their short play. Much fun One local group that has links to ‘Wise Words’. was had by all! the first line of a poem or story titled, Eurobodalla FAW is the Live Poet’s President Hermione was unable There have been some changes Society. The ‘Society’, which has been to attend our August meeting, and in our committee line-up and also in existence since 2006, is led by our time and venue for meetings. Eurobodalla branch member, Robin the meeting. Secretary Anne Hailes Gillian Macnamara has taken over Publicity Officer Christine chaired Macpherson, who has the reputation, gave us a talk on American poet Emily the Treasurer’s role and Rosie Toth locally, of being the ‘Billy Connolly’ Dickinson, the person many people has picked up that of Webmistress. of the South East, although some While our regular venue is being say that Billy Connolly is the ‘Robin poets. Then on a very cheerful change thinkof mood, was she one presented of the first a modernDVD of Pam
6 WRITERS’ VOICE 245—SEPT 2014 Visit us on the Internet at www.fawnsw.org.au Ayres giving some great poems and their judge. Then I passed around a from Young Shire Council, South anecdotes. It was most enjoyable. black and white piece of abstract art West Slopes Credit Union and Young While speaking of Anne, we are to based on simple paper tearing for Services Club. There will be no entry congratulate her on graduating from responses of poets and prose writers. fee for the student sections, thanks Southern Cross University recently at They took the challenge very well. to a donation from the Wombat Pub the age of seventy four. She graduated Then, in the little time left, we had Poets. We are extremely grateful to with an Associate Degree of Creative a discussion about Literary Fiction these businesses and organisations Writing. Well done, Anne! for their wonderful support. The assignment for our September and commercial concerns have on The writing competition is in its and the influence publishing houses meeting is to write our own poem Australian writers and their products.” 32nd year, with categories for short about our daily life, and there will Jan Dean story and poetry for both adults and also be a talk on travel writing. students [for details see Writing We will be publishing another Isolated Writers Branch Competitions section in this issue]. Anthology next year, and all members Welcome to our new members who Entry forms are available at various are reminded to start collecting or have joined Isolated Writers. outlets around Young and district or writing their work to contribute to it. Arts North West were running by emailing < Christine Hayes a writing workshop at Boggabri, hotmail.com>. lambingflatbranchfaw@ so we were able touch base to We look forward to entries from Hunter FAW promote FAW, especially Isolated near and far, to coincide with the At time of writing we prayed for Writers, in north west NSW. FAW 65th National Cherry Festival. Entries received an honourable mention in close on 14th November so there is Wednesday 3rd September which their recent e-newsletter, so we’re plenty of time to get writing! wouldfine weather take the for form our meetingof an excursion. on looking forward to hearing from new Members congratulated Valerie This year we planned to meet in the members. Parv for her recent award from Many thanks to Brian Armour who the Australian Society of Authors, Newcastle at 10am, when we would coordinates the Electronic Round recognizing her outstanding rotundagive short at readings the park basedon Pacific on the Street, sea contribution to the Australian writing before proceeding to the beach for every month having their work community, and authors’ support Robin, with four or five participants “en plein air” writing. Lunch was to critiqued, including poems, short for other writers and the writing follow at a cafeteria on the eastern stories and chapters from novels. community. Valerie proudly showed end of Hunter Street. I represented the FAW at the us her prize medal, a beautiful art Our members are well represented Sutherland Shire Retirees expo on piece made from mother of pearl and in A Slow Combusting Hymn, poetry both days and sold two copies of silver, and designed by an indigenous from and about Newcastle and the Unlock The Writer Within. About 20 designer. Hunter Valley, which was launched photocopies of all Branch Meetings The subject for homework for the at the Lovett Gallery, Newcastle and Contacts, including Isolated June meeting was ‘Sad, Lonely and City Library, Laman Street on Writers, were handed out, as there a Long Way from Home’, which saw Saturday 9th August. Members who was one enquiry about a North Shore diverse presentations and successful are represented in the collection branch. edited by Kit Kelen and Jean Kent This led to a forthcoming speaking person family history, the beginning outcomes. These included a first are mentioned in the Literary engagement about the FAW at a local of a story with ideas for the next Achievements section. They were Rotary breakfast towards the end of episode discussed, thoughts for a supported by our members Kerri August. wedding speech, a family history Shying, Julie Simpson, Jo Tregellis and Carolyn Cash an enthusiastic crowd. We relished from a member’s trilogy. The general story, a fictional story, and an episode lunch at Viet King in Darby Street. LAMBING FLAT FAW feeling was that members would Because I missed the August The big push for this year for the meeting I have relied on feedback Lambing Flat (Young) FAW Writers particular piece, and all felt that the like to refine and work on their from Julie Simpson who led the Group is to attract many more contribution of the group was helpful group. Julie explained, “We started by entries for the Annual Cherry Festival and positive. taking a look at the in-house Poetry Writing Competition, from both English teacher, Barbara Granger Competition entries from FAW Wyong students and adults. Prize money was the guest speaker at our July and put our comments on them to has been increased for all sections, meeting. Barbara spoke about poetry thanks to generous sponsorship cont. next page… help me make my final decisions as Visit us on the Internet at www.fawnsw.org.au WRITERS’ VOICE 245—SEPT 2014 7 FAW Branch Reports Lambing Flat Macarthur FAW visited many of the locations where the novels are set. cont. from previous page Here at Macarthur, we look forward Finally, we have all been saddened and different forms and purposes, to the arrival of the spring edition by the recent death of one of our rhyming and free verse. She read us of Writers Voice to help dispel our long-term members, Stuart Cant, who poems as examples, to demonstrate winter blues. In the meantime, our served in the Royal Australian Navy. the depth, layers of meaning and committee has not been dormant, Stuart will be remembered for his essence of words, from poets Roger putting into place a number of colourful accounts of life ‘before the McGough, W B Yates and T S Eliot. initiatives. These include a handsome mast’. Through his writing, he took us Our meetings are held on the to many interesting ports, on board second Monday of the month at the presented to long-serving members. many different ships. Catherine McAuley Centre in Young Itcertificate is nice to of have appreciation, a way of recognising to be Vale, Stuart Cant. and we invite interested people people who have shared so much of Bernard Russell Smith to join us. For more information, their time and talent with us. please phone president Ted Webber Mudgee Valley FAW on 0459 707 728 or vice president visitors will now receive an attractive Bianca Perkins on 0403 733 417. folioOn outlining the other all hand, of our first-time branch [Mudgee Valley Writers] Maree Myhill activities, and containing the answers to commonly-asked questions. Competition as I write and hope to be Liverpool FAW Combined with a fresh wave of Weable are to notifyfinalizing our our winners 14th Biennialwithin the [Liverpool Creative Writers] publicity, we hope that this will lead next two weeks. We’ve had beautiful to increased membership. trophies made and are anxious to see We have recently lost another valued During recent meetings, there have whose names we will be putting on member of our Group. Jerry Behr been lively debates on a number of them. Good luck and thanks to the passed away suddenly on August 7th. interesting subjects, ranging from writers of our 155 entries. He was a strong supporter of the place of character description in Some of our members have Liverpool Creative Writers and romance writing to the need to be been enjoying the 500 Words ABC served as President and then Vice open to fresh styles of writing. These Workshops at our local library, while President. He regularly contributed discussions were ably assisted by others are involved with the Mudgee his unique writing at meetings, and some talented visitors. It is amazing Performing Arts Society’s Short Play also at ‘Pause for Paws.’ He will be the difference one or two insightful Festival, Mudgee Shorts, which will be sadly missed. comments can make to one’s own staged at the end of October. Our meetings are 1.00pm–4.00pm, work. Jill Baggett 2nd Saturday of each month in the At our August meeting, we looked Pirie Community Centre, cnr Moore forward to extending a warm NORTH ARM COVE FAW and Bigge Streets, Liverpool. Contact welcome to our guest speaker, crime Mid-July the branch launched their Rick on 02 9821 3373. writer, Amanda Howard. I am sure local public school annual short Rhonda Rice that Amanda, the author of a number story competition for Grade 5/6 students attending Karuah and Tea and an acknowledged expert on the Gardens schools. With an open theme, ofsubject fiction of and serial non-fiction killers, would works, be in students have been asked to write a for a good ‘grilling’. More about this in maximum of 1,000 words with care my next report. being taken with spelling, grammar In the meantime, one of our own and layout. First and second prizes talented writers, Barry Flanagan, are on offer for both schools; highly is busy completing the last in a trilogy of novels based on the Soviet necessary. occupation of Lithuania during the commendedPerformance certificates bush poet, if deemed Bob Bush, offered an excellent tutorial on novels in the series, The Undeclared Australian rhyming (bush) poetry at WarSecond and World Across War. the GreenThe first Border two the branch’s May meeting resulting (available from Amazon.com) have made a strong impression. A very members at the June meeting. polished writer, Barry places great in aThe fine recently-introduced array of work being critiquing read by Jerry Behr (dec.) emphasis on authenticity, having of three nominated members’ work
8 WRITERS’ VOICE 245—SEPT 2014 Visit us on the Internet at www.fawnsw.org.au each meeting is proving very popular members who entertained with appreciated the skill in which Jacqui and valuable plus if any member performance pieces. They delivered informed, involved and entertained. exceeds the maximum word/line And still more pleasure looms and applause. And the applause was ahead for Port Macquarie branch in importantpoetry, memoir because and that fiction was to how laughter the our approaching visit from FAW State wholimit, get a $1 carried fine is away made. with A great their and competition was judged. The result Council and members in November. writing!profitable system to discipline those was a close thing and Maggie Wilson, Maureen Kelly took members who acted as a ‘human clapometer’, air and there is much discussion of down memory lane at the June awarded the prize to Don Horne for Theactivities sound and of excitementtours, tasty fills dinners the and meeting offering ‘I remember— his humorous piece ‘Old Age is No afternoon teas. Our soundscape is writing from memories’. This Place for Sissies’. full of the hum and buzz of busyness assignment invoked deep feelings In-house competition secretary, as we anticipate forthcoming events. and great triggers resulting in Gill Goater awarded prizes to other May we also hear the scratching of excellent memories being read out winners too at the branch birthday the pen on the page or the tapping of which included childhood memories party. The Short Poetry competition the keys at the keyboard, whatever of nights spent in an English air was won by Brian Tolagson for ‘After speed it is that time passes by. raid shelter, camping in the Scottish the Storm’ and Michelle Lopert had Kerry Buchanan Grampian Mountains, a gloriously a ‘smoking win’ in the Press Release written picture of life in early competition with her satirical piece Port Stephens FAW Katoomba, childhood memories ‘Monster Book Burning’. Many thanks We are pleased with our children’s visiting relatives who worked in a go to Gill for organizing the judging, book Ripples’ sales success through castle in South Wales, living near the prizes and the three competitions. retail outlets, local recognition from a North Queensland sugar mill In a timely manner our founding The Port Stephens Examiner and and a highly amusing account of a member Gwen Rees-Hopton launched Hunter Lifestyle magazine—and by childhood spent on a Victorian farm. her third book one week before she word of mouth, the best means of A fun, fanciful writing exercise cut the 36th birthday cake. Gwen sharing our poems and stories. organised by Joan Williams aimed was made a life member of the To date School visits are proving at young readers was undertaken Fellowship of Australian Writers Port successful, not only with infants and during August. “You are a counsellor, Macquarie-Hastings Branch in 2006. primary aged children but also with interview a bird, animal, creature Her latest book The Stages of a Dream preschool children. Pre schoolers faced with a dilemma and help them is a history of The Port Macquarie delight in the moment as they draw come up with a solution” really got Players Theatre. Gwen has also been delightful dancing dolphins and members’ brains working. published in a number of anthologies. mermaids as we write their stories The branch was busy during Looking forward, Gwen is already beside their drawings. Fun for all August. An ‘Afternoon of Poetry’ working on her next book and plans involved. attracted an appreciative audience. to publish yet again. How lucky we Infants and Primary school Members also attended the Book are to have such an experienced and children are busy writing poems Expo held at the Sydney Showground productive member in our midst. and stories with delightful pencil at the end of the month [see report Our patron Laurie Barber also drawings ready to be printed for their page 15]. joined us in celebration and helped own schoolbook and look forward to Maureen Kelly Gwen cut the cake. He delivered a seeing their work in print. presentation, sharing with us some We hope Ripples will continue Port Macquarie-Hastings of the interesting and important to create interest in reading and If time passing could be heard, do you historical events contained in his new writing and continue to act as a tool wonder how it might sound? Would book Massacre at Myall Creek. to encourage children to write, read we hear the sigh of the long ‘i’ as it It may sound as if our birthday and draw. slowly sidles by? Or would it roar as bash brashly exceeded the exciting din of our previous meeting. But it with three new members. This At the last Port Macquarie branch was not so as on that occasion we SeptemberOur group will continues mark twelve to flourish years in meetingit rushes the past sound fleetingly of clapping, fast? cheers enjoyed a sensational workshop Salamander. and chatter marked the passing of on ‘Writing the Imagination’ with Our group homework not only 36 years. It was a happy birthday Jacqui Winn. Loudly and clearly amuses but also challenges us during event made all the more enjoyable by Jacqui attempted to free us from our these chilly months with topics some talented, clever and humorous internal and external critics. We all cont. next page…
Visit us on the Internet at www.fawnsw.org.au WRITERS’ VOICE 245—SEPT 2014 9 FAW Branch Reports Port Stephens together informally and privately Wollondilly Shire FAW in various houses. Ron Jones has cont. from previous page Our little group of writers and published his latest collection of drawn from a box. One never knows poets once again keep up the pace Short Stories under the title She what will pop up to write about and of activity in sharing their work Who Pays the Piper and Other Stories we look forward to many creative and winning at competitions. Once (ISBN 978-1-922050-25-0) which ideas to share at each meeting. Our again we are on a bit of a roll as can be ordered from the author at website is
10 WRITERS’ VOICE 245—SEPT 2014 Visit us on the Internet at www.fawnsw.org.au a great meeting having these old members/ friends attend. Our big event of the year happened at long last on Saturday 23rd August. We launched our anthology called ’dilly Tales. This 100 page edition and poems from all of our present membership.is filled with stories, The book memoirs was dedicated writer and poet who passed away twoto Margaret years ago Wilesmith and was a prolificmuch loved story member. The book was designed, edited and organised by our President Narelle Noppert and what a wonderful job she made of it. The illustrations were designed by our artist in residence Susan Southwood. Wollondilly FAW’s anthology committee join FAW NSW President Trevar Langlands The event went extremely well. It was in cutting the ribbon to officially launch ’dilly Tales. L to R: Bill Dow, Vince Morrison, Narelle Noppert, Trevar, Clare Bell and Glorya Grey. at organising the event and it was Thank you ladies for your wonderful veryour President entertaining Narelle’s and well first attended. attempt WYONG FAW contribution you certainly added We need to thank Gail Dunn the chief value to our launch. Narelle also [Wyong Writers] librarian at Wollondilly Library in organised one of our members Lena We have enjoyed a number of Picton who spent her day off helping Jacobson to read one of our poems stimulating monthly meetings. In May, with the organisation and also acting and a guest speaker Carmelina the Yvonne led an afternoon of critiquing, as Master of ceremonies. adult advisor for literature at the considering style, construction and Trevar Langlands our wonderful, local library entertained the audience an initial hook. For our June meeting, articulate and charming FAWNSW with one of Clare Bell’s witty poems. Elizabeth presented postcards as a President was one of our main We also had members from the speakers and he entertained all Liverpool branch of FAW who are an unexpected second half which with his reminder of who we were starting point for fiction writing, with also in the process of planning their made everybody dig deep into their as a group, and informed the mostly own anthology thus, a new friendship creative pockets. July saw an exercise non-writing attendees how FAW has been now born from this very in stimulation led by Derek, using two commenced in 1928 to ensure the successful anthology launch. The variations of the ‘Exquisite Corpse’ world became aware that good Southern Highlands group were also game with sometimes hilarious writers and poets existed outside results. of the USA and Britain and how this with this group who never cease to Mei-Ling continues to organise and organisation put them on the map. includerepresented. us in Weall their have very a great interesting affinity lead the weekly Scribblers critiquing Trevar also invited the Wollondilly and entertaining events. We are a session. This is where brave members Shire members to speak on the local lucky group and work well together can obtain detailed feedback on their radio and to read their work to the and we realise how fortunate we are work (and dish it out to others!). local audience. We are certainly to be so team orientated as well as Members contributed a number getting good publicity. Trevar also share great friendships. of valuable ideas on how to get read out two of Clare Bell’s poems Last but not least I ask you all even more out of Wyong Writers which went down well with the to keep Rosemary Peters (our last during our July meeting. These ideas audience. President) and her husband John included the use of an online forum We were also very lucky to have Peters in your thoughts and prayers. for those that prefer not to travel the Picton Harmony Singers entertain We missed Rosemary during the and the inclusion of short critiquing us with some lively pieces. They launch as she is presently committed sessions during selected monthly were so vivacious, entertaining and to caring for John a delightful man meetings. professional. We were all bopping who is presently very ill. Derek Recsei along with the music and could Olivia Mulligan o have stayed and listened for hours.
Visit us on the Internet at www.fawnsw.org.au WRITERS’ VOICE 245—SEPT 2014 11 Poets Voice Planet Earth Cries Nowra, Evening. Every hour of each waking day All afternoon the town’s Nature has the final say … been drilled by sunlight. A baby dies, a babe is born, The evening’s a cooling, The harvest continues like ripening corn … a softening of buildings. As winter approaches, the trees become stark An easterly erodes angles, When frost covers earth, the skies become dark … demolishes the insane blaze The seasons change and crops are sown of white, screeching air. Planet Earth reclaims its own … Only the dazed corellas still shrieking, With spring, the earth unfolds its seeds excited to be alive Warmer soil nurtures the new plants needs … in trees that stand as leaves and branches, In summer, the golden skies reveal not as sunblind caverns The blossoming life that the winters conceal … blackened by the glare. And so the cycle of life begins Walls have become domestic again Once more to ensure that nature wins … with shadow, their variety in Below the equator the shimmering heat differences of woodwork, cream Envelops the jungle and all life at its feet … and beige, the exactitude of bricks. It’s possible to walk But when man in his ignorance fails to comply and keep thinking. And greed takes over, the great rivers dry … The soil is depleted, the trees disappear The wide, more humble sky’s And wild life diminishes year by year … available in tints of blue and shade. The streets and shopfronts delivered now Far north, in the Arctic, the icebergs capsize from annihilation by heat and sun As the ice disappears the sea levels rise… can offer features, colours, dimensions, In so many countries, starvation is rife a precision of details, Where no plants will grow to preserve human life … each waiting for appraisal When bushfires are raging in National Parks in the quieter, tender light. So much devastation from only one spark … The evening’s touching, delicate and cool. Each day give a thought towards what we can share The town relaxes into life. And help show the world that we really do care … John Egan, City of Sydney FAW Slowly but surely, we must overcome And protect this planet or all life will succumb … Unless man’s abuse and pollution decrease The Chase Then life as we know it on this earth, will cease … Death stalks me as the hunter stalks his prey. Noëlle White, Great Lakes FAW Lurking in hidden places when I turn. When I go forward he then follows too, For Jean Almost I feel his hot breath fan my limbs. How many times I think he has me trapped, Dark birds come fluttering down Then realise I still am running free? From caverns in my brain Devouring on the wing But even tho’ he lets me forge ahead The thoughts that rise and die I know that he’ll outpace me in the end! Ephemeral as mayflies This game of cat and mouse must surely cease From shrinking pools of memory. For I grow weary of the endless chase. Soon he will pounce—the only sound will be Who is that young girl dancing The hungry munching of his greedy jaws. Wearing a silk green dress? Round she whirls inside my mind CG Willats, Sutherland Shire FAW I know her smile but not her name I hear old echoes of the song she sings But I forget the words. SUBMISSIONS FOR POETS VOICE I did not lose my mind; quite the contrary Please send your poem for consideration, to: My careless mind lost me. The Poetry Editor, Writers Voice, PO Box 195, LAWSON NSW 2783 Its train of thought uncoupled me Include SSAE for response. Or, send a Word attachment by email to David When it misread the signals Berger
12 WRITERS’ VOICE 245—SEPT 2014 Visit us on the Internet at www.fawnsw.org.au Workshop
What makes a good book cover? By Barbara Simmons ever wandered down the aisles in the library, just a lot of clutter on the front Hor along the shelves in a book shop and picked at cover which does nothing for randomave yousomething by an unknown author? The title the presentation of the book. Sue Finlay seems intriguing but then you look at the cover and think Q: How do design principles translate into book design? “no, not for me” and put it back. We all know it could have been the read of the year but somehow the cover has put Sue: It’s like good design for anything really, good imagery us off. How important is it therefore to get that cover right that’s relevant to the subject, combined with good for our own efforts? Not only is it important for the print graphics and sympathetic type treatment. Sounds simple versions but also for those on the internet. Anyone who eh? (Wish it was.) I generally start off by actually reading has started “borrowing” books from their local library the book. It gives me a feeling for the author and his/her online will no doubt be aware that the covers play a huge style of writing and a feeling for the story which helps me part in the decision to look further into the book’s details. try and convey the same impression in the cover graphics. So what should we think about in terms of book covers? Q: Okay the all-important question: I recently interviewed graphic designer, Sue Finlay, about what sort of costs are we talking about? her thoughts on this vexed question. Sue has a wealth of Sue: Price-wise I charge around $200 for design and experience in design having started out producing travel magazines for such companies as Thomas Cook in Sydney cost of the hire or purchase of any photography though. before moving to Queenstown, New Zealand, and starting Thatfinished could art add for a bitcover; more. this Really, won’t it necessarily depends on cover the cover. the her own business. It varies according to what I am asked to do. Needless to say in this stunning location a lot of her I also typeset and provide camera-ready pages work was tourism based, designing brochures, magazines (working from the author’s text, generally provided to me and guides. Recently she returned to Australia and the in MS Word or some other text programme) with things lovely location of Berry. From her work for Klimpton like bad line breaks and widows and orphans and all that Press, the printers located in Nowra (now sadly no more), other undesirable stuff avoided and the text laid out in she crafted book covers for another publisher which lead Adobe InDesign on pages of the correct size, bleed, trim to being recommended by Ligare (WV’s own printers) to etc. for the printer’s purposes and supplied to them as some of their clients looking for a book cover designer. Of press-ready PDFs at $4 per page. course during her long career she has seen many changes So for a reasonable cost your book can have the in the industry but the fact of the matter is that good professional cover it deserves and needs to stand out design is still vital. from the crowd. Q: So what makes a good cover? For further details contact Sue Finlay
Visit us on the Internet at www.fawnsw.org.au WRITERS’ VOICE 245—SEPT 2014 13 Roundup North Arm Cove branch member turns 90
L to R: Mary Reeves, Clare Brown and Joan Dwyer. Thanks for your service Lambing Flat FAW outgoing president of two years, Mary Reeves was thanked Lal Clayton for her gracious leadership over the past two years, which has seen the group wordsmith and poet, trialling new ideas and directions. ANorth Arm Cove branch member Joan Dwyer, outgoing treasurer for the past 14 years, was also thanked for her n exceptional Lal Clayton was guest of honour at a contributions, having held most committee positions over the past twenty nine surprise afternoon tea held at North years! Mary and Joan will continue on as valuable group members. Branch Arm Cove Community Centre Friday, Secretary Clare Brown presented both members with gifts of appreciation at August 1, 2014 to celebrate her 90th the Lambing Flat AGM. birthday. Accompanied by her 91-year-old husband Jim, daughter Lee (also a Seeking Submissions member of the branch), granddaughter Positive Words Magazine is seeking submissions of short stories, articles and Ami and great-grandson Charlie, Lal poetry for upcoming issues of the monthly magazine on the theme ‘Town Mouse– was presented with a bouquet of Country Mouse’ Stories and articles up to 1000 words and poetry up to one page. by branch president Maureen Kelly. Send submissions—fact and or SSAE fiction, or email dramatic address or tongue-in-cheek. for response to: flowersShe also andreceived large numerous box of chocolates gifts and The Editor, Sandra James cards from members to mark this very PO Box 798, special occasion. HEATHCOTE Victoria 3523. “All this attention is quite over For further information visit
14 WRITERS’ VOICE 245—SEPT 2014 Visit us on the Internet at www.fawnsw.org.au FAW at the Book Expo Report compiled by the FAW State Committee
weeks of preparation the FAW was one Aof the 89 exhibitors who graced Sydney Showground Hallfter 5 at Olympicmany Park over the weekend of August 30/31. Yes the effort was huge for the State Committee to ensure everything was ready in good time. We booked the stall, had the signage designed and printed and delivered to the site. We had bookmarks and extra copies of Writers Voice printed to use as promotional material in our aim to encourage new memberships. Did our efforts result in success? We will let you be the judge. We have been advised that quite a few branches will be receiving enquiries from prospective writers. A panel of Colleen Parker, Maureen Kelly and Barbara
“Unlock the Writer Within” and everything the resource Simmonsbook has toaddressed offer. The interested panel was writers pleased in that the thebenefits audience of sat out the duration of the allowed hour they had to work their magic. Colleen also had the opportunity to make a video promotion of the resource book promoting its uses On the FAW stand at Book Expo, Outreach Convenor Colleen Parker to writers thanks to Booktopia. We look forward to seeing and other FAW people were busy promoting sales of ‘Unlock The Writer Within’ as well as a variety of books written by FAW members. the results. Thank you to our willing helpers: our photograph at right gives a greater understanding Helen and Johan Luidens of whatFinally was to theon offer. benefits There of holdingwere 33 the books stall. supplied We are sureby Doug Parker members for sale. Stefania McDonald The big news is that Unlock the Writer Within has Toula Papadan matured and is making its own way out into the world. Maggie Jones A large order was placed by the Australian Society of Geoff Collins Authors who are keen to stock it on their online website. Cate Plink As well as that, copies were sold to individual buyers on Trevar Langlands. both days. Let us assure readers it was hard work, long Your committee was proud to hours, tough on our backs standing so long but hopefully represent the Fellowship of well worth it. Australian Writers membership with their beautiful books. We Below: Panel members Colleen Parker, Maureen congratulate all members who Kelly and Barbara Simmons (inset). Colleen spoke successfully sold their books at about how a group such as the FAW can support a budding author and their desire to write. Maureen the event. shared her experience of editing and producing a regular newsletter, while Barbara discussed the L to R: FAW Vice President Helen Luidens with panel presenters benefits of ePublishing a series of novellas. Colleen Parker and Hon. Secretary Maureen Kelly.
Visit us on the Internet at www.fawnsw.org.au WRITERS’ VOICE 245—SEPT 2014 15 Prizewinning Short Story ‘Brown Boxes’ lock her in the wardrobe, a dark brown box, and then the woman would go away to do paid work in someone else’s By Victoria Norton home, returning to set our mother free in time to pretend a childhood memory shared in my garden, under she had been there all day. Ithe palms. Full on summer created the lovely breeze Telling me how she cried so much as a little girl, our onlyt was a lakeside home could indulge in. We each held a mother said that as a young child she was afraid to drink glass of chardonnay, and watched my children in the pool. water in case her tears fell out of hers eyes in front of her ‘You know Darl, I don’t remember much about being a mother, whom she adored. child,’ said our mother. Before our mother met our father, she worked for I was so surprised. It was rare for her to mention her a year in New Zealand, mainly as a waitress in tourist early life to me. I held back from speaking, just in case hotels. She was twenty-eight and with her best friend and she felt able to divulge something of her childhood to me. cousin set out for the adventure of a lifetime. The two of them survived an earthquake, met the Prince of Wales would have. (who pinched our mother’s bum, according to her!), and I sensed‘I don’t this know was who to be my the father first was,’adult she conversation said. She spoke we so quietly I thought I’d misheard her. and cocktails at noon. She became engaged to a bloke in ‘They called me a bastard. They said I’d never go to Auckland,met some whohigh wasflyers both with wealthy fast cars and and handsome. tennis games Heaven. At school, that’s what the Nuns said. I like to think Our mother suspected him of cheating and set a trap. my father was a sailor, a Scottish sailor. That he was tall Her cousin invited him to her room, and as he entered and red headed and strong and that if he’d known about the door, our mother sprang out shouting ‘Rotter!’ at the me he would have come back from sailing the seven seas top of her voice. All the hotel staff came running at the for me.’ Our mother had tears slipping down her plump commotion. cheeks, and she wiped them away slowly. ‘The chappy was not happy!’ she laughed, recounting ‘What was it like?’ I asked. ‘What was it like to never the saga. speak of him?’ As part of the engagement, the future mother-in-law ‘My mother said he went to sea in a brown box and had purchased a beautiful Royal Doulton dinner set, called would never be coming back.’ Sweetheart Rose, for the happy couple, which was to Many years later, our mother talked with me as we sat be returned because the engagement was broken. Our together on her bed folding washing. ‘Keep this under mother arranged for the fellow and his mother to meet your hat, alright Love?’ her in her room. As our mother carried the large brown Our mother would say this and I’d know she was going box of crockery across the room she ‘accidentally’ tripped to tell me something important. I’m not even sure this over his foot, dropping the whole lot with a great crash. is the truth, because our mother was often caught out ‘The Devil made me do it!’ She smiled and winked as changing the ending of a story if it suited her. More and she spun this tale. This was a phrase and gesture she used more she was remembering the distant past and with that whenever she felt she acted out of character, although it came the surge of feelings she had held in check for many actually describes the playful and sometimes cruel, side of years. I’m not even sure I should share it. I don’t know if her nature.
with me. cousin had returned home for a wedding, and now she sheAs confided the elder in daughter my siblings I at the times same felt stories the enormous she shared wasOur working mother for first the met State our Railway, father inas aa café.waitress She andin the her weight of my mother’s pain, touched she trusted me and catering car on the Sydney to Newcastle line. She had yet burdened as I was asked not to divulge her history to wear a tight skirt and high heels that nearly crippled that she shared with me. her, carrying trays of scalding hot tea and scones to This thing happened at a time our mother was old passengers by crossing between the rickety carriages. enough to remember, even though she was very young. She says maybe she was three years old because there the station, kicked off her shoes and ordered her tea. is a sepia photo of her that she remembers being taken, ThereOn herwere break no other one dayseats she so sat the in tall the man café with across the from in a frilly dress and one sock up and one sock down. It moustache sat opposite her. Our mother wasn’t impressed. is retouched so there is a little pink on her cheeks and a The gentleman placed a package, a shoebox wrapped in little yellow on her dress. brown paper and string, on the table in front of him. He Our mother was the child of a single parent, who ordered the full breakfast and when he stuck his fork into worked outside the home seven days a week, from sun up his sausage, it bounced off his plate and onto hers. to sun down cleaning in a wealthy woman’s home. Now This necessitated an introduction, and our mother a toddler, our mother needed a carer, so her mother paid boldly asked, ‘What’s in the box?’‘My life, would you like a neighbor woman to mind her during working hours. to share it?’ our father said. And she did. The neighbor, being in a similar situation, would bind our The experience that was her honeymoon was on a mother to the end of the bed with a strip of leather or property in central NSW, in the 1950s as the cook, during
16 WRITERS’ VOICE 245—SEPT 2014 Visit us on the Internet at www.fawnsw.org.au shearing. The shearers called her ‘woman’ and this set Winner, Lake Macquarie Branch, Fellowship of Australian Writers the scene as my father referred to her as ‘woman’ ever on. 2012 Biennial Alice Sinclair Short Story Writing Competition She told me after he died that she felt he always spelled it with a disrespectful lower case letter. She was a city girl thrown into the deep end. The situation of social isolation Telling us how stupid we were, how dangerous our and forced compliance with our father’s every wish was behavior and we weren’t to be trusted, our father sent us to our corners in the lounge room. We had to stand face People always commented they could hear our mother into the corner with our hands behind our backs, and not comingset in place a mile in thisaway. first Cheerful week togetherwhistling as preceded a married her couple. in move or speak until told otherwise. Our father used to say every room she moved through. On a farm in western he only had four kids because there are only four corners New South Wales, one of many, our parents worked and to a room. The scar on my leg is a reminder of the bond brought up us four kids. We were too isolated to attend between us all to keep the many secrets of our childhood. school, so our mother supervised our home schooling to After all four of us had left home, with my encouragement, our mother gathered enough courage to herself. Her mother died when she was twelve, and the leave our father, and eventually settled in a country town. Nunsthe best kept she her could. for another She had year only until finished she wasprimary old enough school She joined some local clubs and enjoyed the company to work. Our father rode a horse and kept collie dogs we weren’t of friends. She took up lawn bowls in her late fifties and allowed to play with. When he was home we kept out of began to win. being younger and probably fitter than the other ladies, his way because we never knew what would make him Throwing away the game is seen as being cranky. Sometimes he drank too much port from the unsportsmanlike, but that’s what our mother did. First gallon jug behind the kitchen door. We spent a lot of time she won the fours, then the triples. She conquered the playing whispered games in the home paddock. pairs and nothing was said. But the day she won the Our mother cleaned house for the Cockie’s wife. It singles tournament the silence in her home crowd was was winter and raining and the boss’s wife decided she crushing. A few desultory claps indicated she had done didn’t want us kids inside her house, traipsing mud something really out of place. She realized there was everywhere. We sat on the back verandah, playing with a pecking order, established in the 65 years since the sheep’s knuckles, saved up from Sunday roasts. The chill Bowling Club’s inception, and she had inadvertently affected our next baby sister and pneumonia resulted in a breached it. midnight trip in an open jeep in the pouring, freezing rain, Continuing to play bowls, our mother held her to the hospital over two hours and a half away. competitive nature in check, choosing infrequent wins. Lifestyle issues vary depending where you live. On The ladies would sometimes comment condescendingly isolated farms it seemed natural for us four siblings to on how with time she could become a great bowler. Our just play around the property, to walk for miles following mother would smile her pretty smile and pack up her cattle tracks across the top of ridges pretending to be the bowls. She had been well trained in compliance and subservience. Our mother always called herself a spring chicken. In firstrafts explorers,to sail on theor digging dam which in the became sandy anbottom ocean. of Sliding dried up her town she had to cross the main road to walk to the downcreek bedsthe wheat to find chute dinosaur in the bones enormous or sometimes silo that storedmaking the year’s wheat crop was a forbidden pleasure. It was coal trucks, passed through. Her main purpose for general store, and at various times heavy traffic, including this game that caused a great gash on my leg, and as we walking to the shop was to make sure the grocer included struggled home with our older brother’s shirt tied around her favorite nightcap. a painful, bleeding wound we tried to think up a plan to ‘It’s just a nip of port, Darl. It gets me off to sleep.’ She explain how it happened that wouldn’t get us in trouble always bought the same kind. ‘It’s the one in the brown with our father. box, Love,’ she would explain, ‘You know the one I like.’ The wheat silo was out of bounds and our father’s She didn’t use the pedestrian crossing, preferring to punishment for being any nuisance was always swift and cross at a spot nearer her home. She never looked left and painful, whether it was from the jug cord, the wooden right and left again as she had methodically taught us. spoon or a peach tree sapling. It didn’t matter which child ‘The drivers know me Love, they always slow for me,’ was in trouble, if one was the culprit, we all were. Our she would say and just cross the street. It seemed to us mother knew we played in banned places, though we’d that it hadn’t occurred to her that there was more than never come a cropper like this before. one truck, and because one truck had stopped once ‘I’ll square it, Loves,’ she said, and told the lie that I’d twenty years before, she thought that was what would fallen on an iron bar while feeding the chooks and the happen each and every time. We chuckled amongst story was believed. The injury probably needed stitching, ourselves over this story for many years. but down playing its severity worked to protect us all from a hiding. cont. next page…
Visit us on the Internet at www.fawnsw.org.au WRITERS’ VOICE 245—SEPT 2014 17 Short Story Book Reviews ‘Brown Boxes’ She Who Pays the Piper stories that seem to go on much longer. I like short stories because cont. from previous page and Other Stories one can pick it up here and there, read a couple and put it down until Called to the hospital by the Ron Jones later. doctor, we were told our mother was Ron has produced a book of critically ill. She was propped on excellent stories and they are all pillows, a pink shawl around now so varied it makes a delight for the thin shoulders. Her pale cheeks hung reader. Printed by Hypercet/Woods on her once jolly face. Printing, Mittagong, NSW. What could we offer to help her Ron Jones can be contacted at Box 262 Bundanoon NSW 2578. wheel on the bed, our brother could Reviewed by Trevar Langlands recover?use his mechanical Perhaps by skills. fixing Our a loose littlest sister could busy herself with the oxygen bottle, this being a vital The Brass Verdict task for a general nurse. Sorting Michael Connelly out sheepskin slippers and an eggshell mattress for our mothers’ is a Member of bed, our next little sister could use RSouthern Highlands FAW and he her geriatric nurse’s experience, recentlyon Jones published his book titled which had taught her how to avoid She Who Pays the Piper and Other bed sores, and how to increase the Stories. comfort of the patient. I could check It has been a delightful book to off the medication on her chart read and it not only contains stories against the packets and bottles in the but here and there a poem or two. small brown box on the bedside table. There are some excellent As a mental health nurse I was aware characters, bad ones, good ones, of potential drug interactions and young and old ones and a few the risk of an accidental overdose in surprises along the way. the elderly. I smiled when I saw the Let me single just three out… doctor had charted her ‘One small ‘A rose by any other name’ is If you enjoy reading detective glass of port at bedtime’. Our mother excellent; I found the characters so stories and law-court genres similar recovered that time. alive and believable. to John Grisham’s then you are It was several years later, and the A clever little story is ‘Footloose’, sure to enjoy the above novel. I was call came again to say your mother a beaut entertaining tale about hooked with the introduction on is terminally ill. I can only imagine The Brass Verdict… what it was like to sit by her bed and ‘Such things as dreams are made “Everyone lies. Cops lie. Lawyers lie. finding a shoe. the first page of farewell her for the very last time. of’ is one I found very interesting Witnesses lie. The victims lie. A trial and entertaining. is a contest of lies…” She did not want me there, and told What I like about this collection This had nothing to do with a blurb my siblings to make sure I stayed of stories is that some are only a to describe the plot or theme. Hence away, and that I was not to attend her couple of pages long and others after reading the book to the end, funeral. Why? I’ll never really know. three or four. Sometimes one just you wonder how true this statement Perhaps she told me one secret too wants to pick up a short story and is in real life. many, and didn’t trust I’d keep her The Brass Verdict is so well written, one can take one’s time—this is a you begin to feel that you are be respectful of her faith that some finishgood collection it as time ofpermits; such work. other times actually in a courtroom, trying to confidence. I have, though. I’ll always things are never to be spoken of. One of the wonderful things understand how a ‘justice system’ I can hear her voice… ‘Now my about writing is that one can create without mercy or conscience— Loves, come here and hold my hand. characters—wonderful interesting dependant on how much cleverness I’m not frightened of the brown characters out of nowhere. and trickery is being used by all box… I’ve lived with boxes all my They can be tramps, policemen, parties involved—can possibly life. They’ve helped me store my confer a verdict of Guilty or Not memories in separate safe places, and limit. Guilty in a place where everybody that’s how I’ve come to be this age officials,What Imums like about and dads,this book there is is no lies. and ready for the next adventure.’ the short stories ARE short stories! Review by Doreen Bolton, o Quite often one has a book of short Isolated Writers
18 WRITERS’ VOICE 245—SEPT 2014 Visit us on the Internet at www.fawnsw.org.au Literary Achievements Blue Mountains FAW Anne Howard: Letter published in Medical Journal of Australia. Cynthia Hallam Moving with the times with Ginninderra Press. Artelle Lenthall: Shortlisted story in Zinewest 14 competition. John Smith presented published a poem her ‘Containers’ fifth poetry at book the Katoomba Poetry Slam, Katoomba Cultural Centre, August 2014. David Terelinck: Rengay ‘These Foolish Things’ with Hazel Hall published Eastern Suburbs FAW in Mariposa 30; 3 rengay with Beverley George in her chapbook A Breath [Bondi Writers] of Pollen; Carol Chandler: 1 tankart in Skylark 2. Vol 1, 2014; Short story accepted for publication in Polestar Writers’ responsive tanka sequence, ‘The Longest Nights’ with Journal. Giselle Maya (France) in Skylark 2. Vol 1, 2014; Cynthia Rowe: 2 tanka in Skylark 2. Vol 1, 2014; tanka published in A Hundred Gourds 3:3 June 2014; 1 tanka prose in Skylark 2. Vol 1, 2014. haiga ‘she loves me’ published in A Hundred Gourds 3:3 June 2014; Eurobodalla FAW review of Peter Butler’s ‘…And now for the Weather Stafford Ray had his novel Cull published [details Forecast January 1st, 2204’ published in Haibun Today Members Bookshelf back page]. June 2014; Casandra Webb had her picture book Adorable Alice haiku published in The Heron’s Nest, Volume XVI published [details Members Bookshelf back page]. Number 2, June 2014; 3 haiku published cattails UHTS May 2014; GREAT LAKES FAW 2 senryu published in cattails UHTS May 2014; Charmain Williams: 3 haiku published in paper wasp volume 20, number 2, Awarded best letter in The Sydney Morning Herald’s Travel winter 2014; Section; 2 tanka published in Eucalypt 16; two articles published in The Sydney Morning Herald’s 2 haiku published in Shamrock #28; ‘Over to You’. 2 haiku and 1 tanka published in Presence #50; Yvonne Elliott had a short story published in Positive ‘last ferry home’ haiku Commended in the Haiku Section Words Magazine titled ‘Nelson the Rabbit’, a story of the New Zealand Poetry Society’s 2014 International about a French lop-eared rabbit. She has been asked to Poetry Competition. continue writing stories in a series for the magazine. Gary Taaffe has just published the 9th book in his young Eastwood/Hills FAW adult series Urban Hunters. Several local schools are Anne Benjamin: also ordering full sets of the books for their students. An article published in the Nottingham Writers Journal; shortlisted poem in Zinewest 14 competition; Hunter FAW tanka sequence, ‘Sounds of your Absence’ with Carmel Hunter Branch poets who feature in A Slow Combusting Summers in Skylark 2:1, Summer 2014; Hymn (ASM Flying Islands, Macau), a poetry collection in tanka in Eucalypt #16, 2014. English which will eventually be translated into at least tanka in Moonbathing #10, Spring-Summer 2014; one other language are: Louise Berry, Jan Dean, Danny rengay, ‘Passport Control’ with Yvonne Hales in Red Lights, Gentile, Zeny Giles, Gail Hennessy (who read her poem Vol 10:2, June 2014. ‘Poppies’), Eileen Dillon-Smith and Leonie Wellard. Beverley George: Julie Simpson gave an editing workshop to the Wyong haiku in FreeXpresSion June 2014; Writers group. haiku in paper wasp Winter 2014; rengay with D. Terelinck ‘Scars that Heal’ in Red Lights 10 Isolated Writers (2) 2014 p.58 [US]; Carolyn Cash: Writing, researching, presenting and producing Spring–Summer 2014 [Japan]; weekly radio show, Right Royal Roundup, via podcasts 3haiga haiku with and John 2 from Quinnett ‘The Birds published that Stay’ UHTS Kō cattails 28 no. 10
Visit us on the Internet at www.fawnsw.org.au WRITERS’ VOICE 245—SEPT 2014 19 20 WRITERS’ VOICE 245—SEPT 2014 Visit us on the Internet at www.fawnsw.org.au Literary Achievements Isolated Writers cont. from page 19 in 6th Annual Waterline Writing Competition Anthology Jeremy Gadd: 2013; Poems published in Muse Literary Journal (USA) Spring Poems, ‘Discipline and Beauty’, ‘Ships and Smiles’, ‘Your 2014, The Hawick News (Scotland) 2014 and The Criterion: Eyes’, ‘A Black Cadillac’, ‘These Rings’ and ‘Paddington An International Journal in English, India, 30 June 2014, Reservoir’ published in Beyond The Rainbow, May/June Volume 5, Issue III. 2014; Under Centauri, a volume of 15 previously published short stories published by Anaphora Literary Press, USA. ‘The Long Way Home’ published in Polestar #26; PoemsPoems, ‘At‘Geishas Dusk’ andat the ‘Wind’ Tea Ceremony’, published in‘Cathay The Write Pacific’ Angle, and Liverpool FAW June/August 2014; [Liverpool Creative Writers] Poems, ‘Gosford Hospital’, ‘Vibrant’ and ‘The Mistress of Dreams’ published in Positive Words, June and July 2014; Peter F Pike Poem, ‘Nowra Evening’ published in A Lightness of Being, Two sonnets published in latest edition of Metverse Muse Poetica Christi Press, Melbourne; (India); Poem, ‘And Yet’ in Short and Twisted 2014, Celeprene celebrating 21 years in November of publishing Press, Melbourne; FreeXpresSion; Poem, ‘Goddess’ second place in Poetry Matters 5th also marks 20 years’ service of teaching Creative Writing with Liverpool U3A. Afternoon’ published in Poetry Matters, July 2014; Lydia Vincenti: AnnualPoems, Competition,‘This Church’, and‘Full ‘Goddess’ Moon at Terrigal’and ‘Ashfield and Invited to judge the Short Story section of FreeXpresSion ‘Manifesto’ published in FreeXpresSion, August 2014. Writers Competition 2014; published in FreeXpresSion ‘Travel and Food’, February, Mudgee Valley FAW March, April, May, and June 2014. Rhonda W Rice: [Mudgee Valley Writers] Poem ‘The Other Woman’ published in Poetry d’Amour Jill Baggett: 2014 was one of six poems chosen to be read at the poetry Short Story ‘Up The Track’ published in Beyond the group Well Versed (W.A); Rainbow; a number of poems accepted by Carer Magazine for future ‘Sound of a Penny Whistle and Friends of Mind’ in ABC Open. publication. Rick Vincenti: North Arm Cove FAW Short story ‘The Runabout’ published in FreeXpresSion Garry Boyd: July; Poem, ‘View from a Window’ published Myall Messenger poem for 100th Anniversary of WW1 ‘The Price of June 2014; Freedom’ published in FreeXpresSion August 2014. guest speaker at two Tea Gardens book clubs during July Vindu Maharaj: and August, 2014; Articles published in FreeXpresSion ‘The Hoarder’ Dec. guest speaker publicising his four novels Black Gold, Billy 2013, ‘Diets! Do They Actually Work?’ Jan. 2014, ‘Death Is Two, Blind Hope and Bowerbird, also his book of poems. A Funny Thing’ Mar. 2014 and ‘Holidaying With Parents’ Bob Bush: June 2014. Shared poetry from his latest book From a bush poet’s pen between June and August, 2014 at: Moocooboola FAW Order of the Eastern Star, Swansea Ladies Probus, Probus John Egan: Club of Port Stephens, Tanilba Bay Senior Citizens, Myall Second book of Poetry, Lines Continue Forever published River Ladies VIEW club, Combined Lions Club Bulahdelah, by Ginninderra Press, Port Adelaide; Tomaree Ladies Probus, Swansea Men’s Probus, Hunter Poems, ‘The Owl’, ‘The Spider’, ‘Early Autumn—Victoria Valley—National Seniors Australia, Maitland Computer Street’ and ‘Silence’ published in The Mozzie March, April, Pals for Seniors, East Maitland Ladies Probus, On Course May and June 2014; Tours Yuletide Dinner, Charlestown Men’s Dinner Club, Poems, ‘Goddess’, ‘Sing to your Muse’ and ‘From the Bistro’ Morpeth Uniting Church; published in Valley Micropress, New Zealand, April 2014; Bob also released his CD of selected poems taken from ‘Married in Black’ published in POAM, Melbourne Poets the book. Union, April/May 2014; Lal Clayton: ‘Rain at Midnight’, ‘Broadway in the Rain’ and ‘Manly, Poem, ‘A Fading Rose’ published Myall Messenger August North Steyne 7am’ published in FreeXpresSion, May 2014; 2014. Poems, ‘Joe Lynch 1927’ and ‘Married in Black’ published cont. next page…
Visit us on the Internet at www.fawnsw.org.au WRITERS’ VOICE 245—SEPT 2014 21 Literary Achievements North Arm Cove cont. from previous page Elizabeth Deane: receiving feedback. Mei-Ling thoroughly recommends Article, ‘North Arm Cove Community Library’ published it; the course is being run again in October 2014 Myall News July 2014.
22 WRITERS’ VOICE 245—SEPT 2014 Visit us on the Internet at www.fawnsw.org.au Writing Competitions
Closing date 30 September 2014: Closing date 30 September 2014: THE FAW WALTER STONE AWARD 2014 THE FAW JEAN STONE AWARD 2014 for POETRY for LIFE WRITING The Jean Stone Award is for a poem or group of poems up Prize: $1,500 to 60 lines. Prize: $500 The Winner will be invited to an Awards Ceremony at biography, autobiography, memoir, monograph, biblio— the end of the year to receive their prize. Results will be Thegraphy. Award Biography is for aand Life autobiography Writing, defined may asbe aan work extract of published in Writers Voice and on the FAW NSW website to meet the word count requirements which is a minimum
available for publication in the Fellowship’s bulletin are received. Writersalthough Voice prize-winning and on the FAW entries NSW orwebsite. a précis must be Sendin the entries judge’s with estimation, Entry Form no entriesand Entry of sufficientFee to: merit Entries must be original, creative and inspiring works The Convenor, which present an engaging work of literary excellence. The FAW Jean Stone Award 2014 work is also to show some aspect of Australian history or 5/15 Bogan Road BOOKER BAY NSW 2257 FAW NSW reserves the right not to award any prizes if, For more information, contact the FAW Competition have some Australian Historical significance. Secretary on 02 4341 1138 (ah only) or email are received.
Visit us on the Internet at www.fawnsw.org.au WRITERS’ VOICE 245—SEPT 2014 23 Writing Competitions Books authored by more than two Closing date 19 September 2014: authors, a committee, or other writer’s life of an incident, or a number Queensland Literary Awards organisations are ineligible. Books Aof memoir incidents is definedrelating as to a a memory single theme. in the Opportunities for published writers. compiled by an editor and consisting The same conditions apply for both Categories for the 2014 program: principally of contributions from a categories. Maximum 700 words. number of writers are ineligible. Prizes: 1st $200; 2nd $100, Highly University of Queensland Fiction For full details of the Nomination Book Award for an outstanding Process and Terms & Conditions, visit • Entry fee: $5 for each story or memoir
24 WRITERS’ VOICE 245—SEPT 2014 Visit us on the Internet at www.fawnsw.org.au 1st Prize $200. 2nd Prize $100. Send entries to: SECONDARY SCHOOL POETRY, Highly Commended and Commended The Editor, Sandra James, Yrs 7–9 (limit 30 lines): PO Box 798, Heathcote VIC 3523. • 1st prize $75, 2nd prize $25 discretion. For further information email SECONDARY SCHOOL POETRY, Entrycertificates fee: $7 will per be entry, issued per at thecategory. judge’s
HOWEVER the entry must be withdrawn from any subsequent competitions Closing date 31 October 2014: • Entriesif the writer may is be advised entered prior in more to the than closing one dates competition that the entryat the was time successful of entry Positive Words Magazine elsewhere with a cash prize. End-of-Year Short Story & unless otherwise stipulated. Multiple entries may be paid with one cheque Poetry Competition 2014 • Chequesor money and/or order – money do not orderssend coins should or stamps. be made payable to the organisers, Open theme. Short stories up to 500 words; poems up to 32 lines. destroyed after the announcement of results. Entry fee: $4.00 per entry (4 entries $14). • Copyright remains with the author. Entries will not be returned and will be First prize is $100, second prize a twelve-month (12 issues) subscription • Thesized judges’ stamped, decisions self-addressed will be final envelope and no corres(SSAE)pondence with your will entry. be entered into. to Positive Words Magazine. • These If you are require general a copyguidelines. of the results For complete mailed toconditions you, please relating send a to standard individual DL- All entries must be post-marked by competitions, and to obtain entry forms (where required), contact the relevant 31 October 2014. competition organisers.
Visit us on the Internet at www.fawnsw.org.au WRITERS’ VOICE 245—SEPT 2014 25 Branch Meetings and Contacts
BANKSTOWN Writers GREAT LAKES FAW 1st Saturday – 1.00 to 4.00 pm 2nd Friday – 1.00 to 4.00 pm Fellowship of Banksia Room, Forster/Tuncurry Memorial Revesby Workers Club Services Club, Strand Street, Forster. Australian Writers Enquiries: Enquiries: Christine Hayes 6555 9904 NSW Inc. Carney Vaughan 4268 5383 or post, Mrs Hermione Browning, ABN 59 557 152 715 15 Eden Place, Tuncurry 2428 General correspondence: Hon. Secretary, FAW NSW Inc. BLUE MOUNTAINS FAW 22 Promontory Way, NORTH ARM COVE NSW 2324 1st Sunday – 1.45 to 4.45 pm HUNTER FAW Internet:
26 WRITERS’ VOICE 245—SEPT 2014 Visit us on the Internet at www.fawnsw.org.au PORT MACQUARIE- WOLLONDILLY FAW FAW ISOLATED WRITERS Branch HASTINGS FAW 2nd Sunday – 1.00 pm Last Saturday – 1.00 to 4.00 pm Tahmoor Community Centre, Membership Enquiries: 6 Harper Close, Tahmoor. Carolyn Cash, Isolated Writers Convenor The Mac Adams Music Centre Enquiries: Narelle Noppert (Pres.) Fellowship of Australian Writers NSW 33 Lord Street, Port Macquarie 0438 678 679 or Olivia Mulligan PO Box 429, Caringbah NSW 1495 [behind the Players Theatre] (Sec.) 0402 091 903 Enquiries:
Visit us on the Internet at www.fawnsw.org.au WRITERS’ VOICE 245—SEPT 2014 27 RECENTLY PUBLISHED BOOKS FOR SALE FAW Members’ Bookshelf Please send details for inclusion in this section to: Editor, Writers’ Voice, ANTOINETTE CONOLLY Alien Wizardry 65 Barbara Boulevard, Seven Hills NSW 2147 A fantasy novel for Primary School readers, this book is the sequel to The FAW Bookshelf web page address is: the Cauchemar Trilogy. The novel was written because many readers