Here's a bunch of competitions closing at the end of June/July

Big thanks to TWPC for passing this on:   Big Issue Fiction Edition Entries are now open for the 2014 Big Issue fiction edition. All writers – of whatever age, whether established, emerging, or just keen to have a crack – are invited to send stories. This year’s theme is as simple as it is open-ended: Take Me Away… Stories must be no longer than 2500 words. Entries close 6 June. Click here for information about how to submit. Launceston, Tasmania Literary Award With prizes ranging from $500 to $2,500, the inaugural Launceston, Tasmania Literary Award is now open for entries! Short stories up to 1,500 words are due by midnight on Friday 13 June. For more information please visit their website. Newcastle Poetry Prize This prize is one of Australia's oldest and most distinguished literary awards, with a $20,000 prize pool presented by the University of Newcastle. Writers can submit a poem or suite of poems up to 200 lines. Entries close Friday 20 June at 5pm. Enter online here. The Young Writers' Innovation Prize The Young Writers' Innovation Prize is now calling for submissions! If you have an idea for innovation in the writing or publishing space, and you're under 30, you’re invited to submit an application. It's $5,000 for first prize, $1,000 for second and $500 for third. Submissions are due 13 June 2014. The 2014 Overland Story Wine Prize This competition aims to discover the finest in original short fiction up to 1000 words in length. The winning story will receive $3000 and will be published on the label of a Story Wines Shiraz as well as in Overland. Two runners-up will each receive $500. The competition closes midnight, Sunday 29 June. For more information please visit the Overland website. LiNQ submissions Due Literature in North Queensland (LiNQ), James Cook University's annual journal of creative and academic work, welcomes submissions of fiction, creative nonfiction, poems, and academic papers for peer review. Submissions close June 30 2014. Submissions can be up to 6000 words, with a brief abstract and biographical note. Book reviews of up to 1000 words are also welcome. To find the full submission guidelines, or to subscribe to LiNQ, click here.  Dorothea Mackellar Poetry Awards This is the oldest and largest poetry competition for school aged children in Australia. Students can enter up to three poems of 80 lines. There are many awards categories, with cash prizes, trophies and prize packs. A teacher or home school parent will need to register on the website before students can submit. Online submissions are preferred. Entries close Monday 30 June. Carclew Scholarships Want $12,500 to develop your creative skills? The Carclew Scholarship is open to artists under 26 in the fields of Creative Writing, Film and New Media, Performing Arts, and Visual Arts. So if you're currently pursuing your dreams and need a hand to take it on, apply before 15 July 2014. The 2014 SLQ Young Writers Award If you are aged 18 to 25, are a resident of Queensland and enjoy writing short stories then this competition is for you. Short stories up to 2,500 words are due by Friday 18 July at 5pm. For more information, and to read previous winning entries, check out the website.

Opportunites for Spec Fiction Writers

Holy Crap they do exist. I never thought I'd see the day. Of course now I have to do something about it, and advertising it here is just really creating extra competition for me.

So...

If you're a Speculative Fiction writer look away now. Do not read another word. Have you turned away? Excellent.

Check out these opportunities:

Blurring the line An anthology of horror stories that seeks to blur the line between what is fiction and non-fiction and is calling for tales that are serious and frightening, hard-hitting and imaginative. Monsters, vampires, zombies, werewolves and mummies welcome.
Pay rate is 8c word.
The anthology is being edited by former AHWA president Marty Young and published by Cohesion Press.
Subs: open August 1
Details: http://cohesionpress.com/submissions/anthologies/

Hear Me Roar
An anthology of kick-arse women in a speculative world - female superheroes, scientists, subversives and rulers. It is calling for strong character-driven stories between 2500 and 7500 words with strong female protagonists. Stories can be any variety of speculative fiction: science fiction, fantasy, horror, paranormal romance, urban fantasy or a mix.
Pay rate is 2c word plus two copies.
The anthology is being edited by Liz Grzyb and published by Ticonderoga Publications.
Subs: close November 21
Details: http://cohesionpress.com/submissions/anthologies/

Nice.


 

Heritage Day gone for another year

If your slack like me, you forgot all about Heritage Day and spent it doing nothing of any consequence.

If , however, you are like our esteemed President and more diligent members of our happy little group, you were there and participated in great day. Here's what Lori Hurst, the aforementioned esteemed president, had to say about it.

HERITAGE DAY.
The rain kept a few people away but as always there was lots to see. We had a great spot near the stage so entertainment as well as the opportunity to chat to heaps of people. There is a lot of interest in Townsville’s heritage.
Voices of the North shone through- WITS pride & joy. As well as being a magnificent historical record  of contemporary life in Nth Qld, it is proof positive of the benefits local writers can gain through association with a professional writing organisation. Thanks to all of our helpers & to TCC for their efforts. Next time guys can you organise better weather. Please! We’ll be there again next year.

And now I have guilt.

A few events to be had.

Townsville City Libraries are holding a few events in the coming days they some people may be keen on. the details are below. see the libraries for any other details.

 

On Saturday 15/2/14 there are 2 events of interest:

 

ABC Open – Writing and Photography Workshop

Location – Thuringowa City Library, 86 Thuringowa Drive.

Time – 9am to 3pm

Cost – Free – Bookings required through City Libraries 4773 8811

This monthly workshop invites you to write a short non-fiction story and get it published on the ABC.

The afternoon session covers photography.

 

Queensland Writers Centre Workshop – The Joy of Writing

Location – Aitkenvale City Library, 4 Petunia St, Aitkenvale.

Time – 9.30am to 3.30pm

Cost – QWC members free – Non members  $30.00.

Bookings required through Queensland Writers Centre www.qwc.asn.au or call city libraries on  4727 8310 (we may have to book as a group)

The Joy of Writing – Author Nike Sulway will help you discover or rediscover the pleasure of writing and connect with the reasons you love it.

 

 

February, 2014 – Digital Photography

Location – Thuringowa Library

Time – 9.30am to 11.30am

Cost – Free – Bookings required through City Libraries 4773 8811

Learn about digital photography for beginners and explore basic post-processing using free computer software and develop creativeness.

 

The Creative Compass: book recommendation

A book recommendation from one of WiTS more prolific writers.

She says,

 

 

"I find it practical and full of tips I have heard at various workshops. So, a concise resource for the serious writer."

 

What more do you need?

 

Poetry Anyone?

POETRY COMPETITION 2014

Close your door to the everyday and take a
peek through the window at a vibrant new
world. We want to see, hear and feel the
cadences and lyricism of your poems. Poems
to help us understand life and how we live it.

The judging panel will be looking for:
• Passion
• Beauty
• Understanding of life and its complexities,
whether in comedy or drama
• Inspiration and encouragement to think
outside our lives

FIRST PRIZE - $200
PLUS 2 ENCOURAGEMENT AWARDS OF $50

Closing date is March 31st 2014

To enter, mail your entry and completed entry form
(available from www.fawq.net) to:
FAWQ Poetry Competition Convenor
PO Box 6338
Up Mt Gravatt, 4122, QLD

Further details and conditions of entry are available on the
FAWQ website - www.fawq.net

Competitions, competitions, competitions.

The Stringybark Short Story Award 2013

Stringybark Stories is pleased to announce its latest short fiction award.  The Stringybark Short Story Award is our signature award and is run each year.  It has an open theme and is only limited by your imagination.  Our only proviso is that your story must have a link to Australia, no matter how tenuous.  Writers have 1500 words to produce a short story that will delight and entertain the judges. International entries welcome.

There is over $810 worth of prizes in cash and books available.  Closing date for entries is 19 January  2014.

Details at: http://www.stringybarkstories.net

Voices of the North is out in the World

That's right kids, it's out and available all over the Burdekin.

The launch went off well and with only one small problem... I forgot my wallet and had to buy a book later. 

Check out these pics below of the event.

Okay. 

Here's the scoop. If you want this?

You need to be here at 11:00 Saturday the 5th of October.

Don't be late.

4...3...2... Oh, to Hell with it...1!!!

Put your hands in the air. Up there. Up there. Yea.

That's right folks, read and believe. Read the magic words below and absorb them.

The time.

The date.

The place.

PROMOTIONAL EVENT: SATURDAY 5^TH OCTOBER 11am at STOCKLANDS

 Voices of the North 

will be on sale. Come along and meet some of the authors.

Ever wondered how the North Queensland Cowboys got their name, why Albert Abdul-Rahman doesn't eat flowers, what an old tree marked for execution thinks of  life in Townsville, or why it snows in the Burdekin every summer?

All these questions, and lots more, are answered in Voices Of The North, a collection of 90 short stories and poems published in a new book  commemorating the Writers In Townsville Society's 40th Anniversary. 

Voices of the North celebrates our unique North Queensland lifestyle.

Ben Hur wanted to be as big as this. Cecil B. Demille dreamed of producing something like this. But all it took was a group of plucky writers, a little idea and a hell of a lot of work to bring this to its fruition.

So come along on Saturday. Meet the authors. Buy the book and spend your long weekend in bed with a good read. 

Now when was the last time you did that?

7...6...5

Hey there...

Come a little closer. Check this pic out.

It has nothing to do with writing or WiTS. I just think it's a cool picture of a tank.

This is a cool picture too. And it's not a tank.

Know what it is? It looks like my year twelve end of year exam paper. 

WRONG!!!

It's a book. The Book. WITS book. That's right. You're excited, you're Big Keving right now. I know. It's cool to go a little crazy. But patience is your ally at this time. Soon, my friends. Very soon.

Watch this space.

Winners are Grinner's...

Apparently anyway, I've never won a darned thing in my life. Maybe a meat tray, and there was that birthday raffle, yea that was a good one. Oh, and the hand of my wife. I won that fair and square, had a fight for the rest of her though...

But I digress...

...here read this.

First prize in WITS anthology Voices of the North fund raising raffle was a painting- Early Morning at Picnic Bay - by local artist Yvonne Scott. 

 Congratulations Dominique O'Brien.

Second prize 'A Bundle of Books' kindly donated by WITS authors was won by David from Wulguru.

Well done folks. What a scoop. And look, here's a pic.

10, 9, 8...it has began.

OH MY GOD!!!!!

It begins!!

The countdown to the premier event of the year has began.

Is it the Olympics you ask? NO!

Is a Kardashian not on the cover of a magazine? My god man, are you insane. I have a better chance of seeing a whale walking down my street. And no it's not that either.

...

Oh for heavens sake I'll just tell you.

read the below from WiTs esteemed president and sigh contentedly. 

WITS SPREADS ITS WINGS-  Lori Hurst

Voices of the North is a celebration of Townsville & North Qld lifestyle. Sixty-five authors have contributed a collection of more than ninety stories & poetry.(hallelujah brother) 

The anthology has provided a unique opportunity for first time or unpublished writers to add their voice; to blend their stories with those of more experienced authors. (hell yea)

The resulting anthology is a rich blending of stories brought to life by striking photographs. The proofs are fabulous. Passion & perseverance has paid off!!! 

(Hands in the air everybody... lets see them. Ok, not the best medium for that)

 

 

Less than five weeks to the LAUNCH on 4th October. Promotional  event & book sales at Stockland on Sat 5th October. 

A what's on notice of what's on.

I copied this from an email I received. it's a bit of a data dump but it's an interesting one, one that will make you walk away stroking your chin and saying "hmmm' to no one in particular. 

I had to remove the photo's because they didn't work. Apologies all round, accepted of course.

LITERARY COMMUNITY Workshop 12 July at 7 pm Regional writers get published Jo Dutton, an Alice Springs based writer, knows all about the highs and lows of being a regional writer. Her third novel, 'From Alice With Love' was published this week by Allen & Unwin. Like all her novels, her latest From Alice With Love is set in regional Australia. It is set in the year of the Federal Governments intervention into remote Aboriginal communities and is a book that challenges the complexities of that time. Jo will be workshopping with local writers on getting published, as well as writing about your own region. Gerard Waterford is a narrative therapist who writes supported memoirs, one of which won him the 2008 Human Rights Award for Alone on the Soaks The Life and Times of Alec Kruger co-written with Alec Kruger. He will workshop the writing process of memoir and family stories. So no doubt, if you are passionate about writing about your land and way of life and are interested in some first-hand knowledge on being published, book now! Lit Hub 17 July at 7 pm We have turned two years old. You are invited to our PARTY! We are happy to announce the TWPC reached its 2nd birthday on July 1 this year! And we want to celebrate with what else but cake and our literary friends! Join us to mark this special occasion with a bang on Wednesday July 17. We will also launch of our new and very groovy website designed by awarding winning firm TBD. We hope to see you all there for what will be a spectacular night. We are looking forward to reminiscing along with you. Did someone say cake! And of course, celebrate many more years to come! iWrite 19 July: Benjamin Law Benjamin Law is a frequent contributor to Frankie, Good Weekend, The Monthly and QWeekend, and has been published in over 50 Australian and international magazines. He is also the author of The Family Law (2010) and Gaysia: Adventures in the Queer East (2012). Benjamin will be taking secondary school students through the world of freelance writing. He will run through the fundamentals of researching, writing and editing non-fiction stories for magazines, websites and newspapers. Everything from interview strategies and story ideas to story structuring and tone is on his list to cover with students! We are still taking school and group bookings. E carla@twpc.org for more information. Lit Hub 31 July 7 pm at Zizigo Bibigo: Foodie Writing  Join us as we delve into the delicious world of food writing. Indulge in fine Korean food at this new eatery with a group of local writers over a meal at Zizigo Bibigo. We will eat, relax and then, we will turn our critiquing hats on as we all try our hand at writing a food review. Pretend you are a trusted food critic of the Townsville Eye and give it your best shot! Or, if you're daring enough, take on the role of Matt Preston and have some fun with it! There is limited seating of 10. Pay for your own meal but book a seat now. Queensland Poetry Festival Roadshow 27 August The Townsville Writers and Publishers Centre is proud to partner with the QPF to bring the regional roadshow to Townsville. One day only Townsville! Schools Visits Poets Kelly-lee Hickey, Shane Rhodes, Jacqueline Turner and Eleanor Jackson first sights and sounds of Townsville will be while meeting with secondary school students on campus. Intrepidly they'll venture with care package in hand including map. X marks the spot to see as many schools in one day. Poet workshop, mini-poetry slam or performance. FREE however book your school visit early to avoid disappointment. carla@twpc.org Workshop Off the Page Get those words out of your notebook and into the world. Award winning poet and performer Kelly-lee Hickey will give you tips on how to present your work on the stage, the page and beyond, including practical information on editing, spoken word performance and collaborating with other artists. She will also share her knowledge of publishing, performance and skills development opportunities in Australia and beyond, with a focus on support for regional writers. When: 4-7pm Where: Townsville Writers and Publishers Centre Inc space, Riverway Arts Centre. This workshop is FREE but spaces are limited. To secure your place book here. Performance Set Fire To The Air: Poetry Readings Queensland Poetry Festival invites you to an evening of the finest poetry spoken in one strange word. Setting the night alight is the 2013 Arts Queensland Poet in Residence Shane Rhodes (Canada), the powerful quiet of Brisbane poet Eleanor Jackson, the startling poetics of Kelly-lee Hickey (NT) and the woven words of Canadian poet Jacqueline Turner. For one night only in Townsville, this is an evening not to be missed! When: 7:15pm Where: Riverway Arts Centre by the lagoon. This performance is FREE or $12/head for scrummy tea, coffee & dessert. To secure your place book here. OUR POETS   Kelly-lee Hickey (NT) blends poetry with performance and visual arts to explore the intersections between site and soul. Kelly-lee has performed her work across Australia and Asia, and is a previous winner of the Australian Poetry Slam. Her work has been published in Australia, China and New Zealand and her chapbook Thicker than Water won the 2011 Press Press Manuscript Prize. Kelly-lee has extensive experience and qualifications in community cultural development, working with festivals and individuals across Australia. Eleanor Jackson is two-time winner of the Midsumma Poetry Out Loud slam and recent National Poetry Slam finalist, Eleanor has featured at the Overload Poetry, Queensland Poetry, Sydney Writers, Melbourne Writers, Brisbane Writers, Anywhere Theatre and Woodford Folk festivals. Her audio poems have been published in Overland Journal, Going Down Swinging and the Cordite Poetry Review, while recordings of her work have been featured on RRR’s “Aural Text”, 3CR’s “Spoken Word”, ABC Radio National’s “Night Air” and the online poetry channel, “IndieFeed: Performance Poetry”. Her video poetry collaboration with Doubting Thomas “Just before you died” was the winner of the Queensland Poetry Festival Filmmakers Challenge in 2012 and has been featured on Wunce Magazine and Slam TV. She is the co-creator of several extended poetry works, having collaborated with fellow poet Betsy Turcot as The Belles of Hell and with multi-disciplinary artist, Doubting Thomas. These works include the two-woman poetry dialogue, She Stole My Every Rock and Roll; an audio visual remix and tribute to Ted Hughes and Sylvia Plath, DJ Thought Fox vs MC Lady Lazarus; and Chosen Family, which premiered in 2013. She is currently working on an audio installation of poetry works for the Exist performance art program at Metro Arts. Shane Rhodes (Canada) is the 2013 Arts Queensland Poet in Residence. He is the author of five collections of poetry, including The Wireless Room, Holding Pattern, The Bindery, and most recently, Err. His poetry has won numerous awards, and has been featured in national and international anthologies. Shane is the poetry editor for Arc, Canada’s only national poetry magazine. Over the last two decades, Shane has worked in developing Canada’s literary culture, giving poetry readings and lectures across Canada, leading a number of poetry workshops in different cities, and establishing Arc magazine’s first virtual poet in residence program, providing mentorship to new and emerging poets across Canada. Jacqueline Turner (Canada) has published four books of poetry with ECW Press: The Ends of the Earth (2013), Seven into Even (2006), Careful (2003), and Into the Fold (2000). She reviews for the Georgia Straight and lectures at Emily Carr University of Art + Design. She was the inaugural Arts Queensland Poet In Residence, which saw her tour through Western Queensland giving readings and hosting workshops. Your poem is better than mine - Eleanor Jackson a tasty sample to whet your appetite for QPF Regional Roadshow.