tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7891906548243213312024-02-21T18:22:27.394+11:00Capable of AnythingInspiration and innovation for emerging writers and bloggersChrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03614677697534214433noreply@blogger.comBlogger71125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-789190654824321331.post-45486036851739972022017-11-19T12:04:00.001+11:002017-11-19T12:04:51.694+11:00Open Doors with Softcopy 4 <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPxSGRC18eEcGhlcAYorK-mGLCYXnaH9OHyF8G1_DIlQWxh5rz1bu94SdAnNs2VWtgQE7o_EQlXyuB1ADwz-m8VQqqEv0zeheQUsRaHUqngh8_LYkfOsgg7obKKFWdAijLA06I6V4aEhc/s1600/IMAG0533+Agra+Fort+white+doors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1516" data-original-width="1516" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPxSGRC18eEcGhlcAYorK-mGLCYXnaH9OHyF8G1_DIlQWxh5rz1bu94SdAnNs2VWtgQE7o_EQlXyuB1ADwz-m8VQqqEv0zeheQUsRaHUqngh8_LYkfOsgg7obKKFWdAijLA06I6V4aEhc/s320/IMAG0533+Agra+Fort+white+doors.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<i>Softcopy</i> is an e-journal of contemporary writing by emerging Australian writers.<br />
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In its fourth year, <i>Softcopy</i> is seeking creative, fresh and unpublished Australian short fiction and non-fiction.<br />
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Submissions up to 1000 words are welcome for Edition 4.<br />
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<a href="http://www.softcopy.org.au/p/submissions_5.html" target="_blank">Softcopy Submissions</a> are open until 30 November 2017.<br />
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Open your imagination and the door to your writing future!Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03614677697534214433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-789190654824321331.post-704463125824408622017-10-10T15:14:00.001+11:002017-10-10T15:14:15.531+11:00Submissions are Open for Softcopy 4 <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3v2gnhfmcSsrWaMKqCfLgJAqJzCkwt_DW-zdpg9kVsXNC3clVN2zveYF-9epnpeJ1sXbIKvLxWeZJxUhf-dMb_JLM1PTjasappJfpon7vk3IG9HNP3HyeFDM86Qjl5WCcJK01HqVymp4/s1600/IMAG0415+Agra+2016+Hotel2+doors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1185" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3v2gnhfmcSsrWaMKqCfLgJAqJzCkwt_DW-zdpg9kVsXNC3clVN2zveYF-9epnpeJ1sXbIKvLxWeZJxUhf-dMb_JLM1PTjasappJfpon7vk3IG9HNP3HyeFDM86Qjl5WCcJK01HqVymp4/s320/IMAG0415+Agra+2016+Hotel2+doors.jpg" width="236" /></a><i>Softcopy</i> is an e-journal of contemporary writing by emerging Australian writers.<br />
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We seek creative, fresh and unpublished Australian short fiction and non-fiction up to 1000 words for Edition 4.<br />
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<a href="http://www.softcopy.org.au/p/submissions_5.html" target="_blank">Softcopy Submissions</a> are open until 30 November 2017.<br />
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Open your imagination and the door to your writing future!Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03614677697534214433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-789190654824321331.post-67417830571913914392017-02-14T20:03:00.000+11:002017-02-14T20:03:00.473+11:00Join the Hardcopy Alumni<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The <a href="http://www.actwriters.org.au/" target="_blank">ACT Writers Centre</a> continues to provide nationally recognised opportunities for emerging writers. If you have been working on a non-fiction manuscript, then <a href="http://www.actwriters.org.au/what-we-do/programs/hardcopy/" target="_blank">HARDCOPY2017</a> is calling you.<br /><br/>
Here is what the HARDCOPY professional development program can do for you:<br />
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style-position: outside; margin-left: 1em;">helps writers develop their manuscripts;</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style-position: outside; margin-left: 1em;">increases industry knowledge;</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style-position: outside; margin-left: 1em;">facilitates relationships between writers and publishing professionals; and</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style-position: outside; margin-left: 1em;">breaks down the barriers of location and geography.</li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjykqkKjNooOC-vcKhPo6pUOYgxiWznojMmLGK4ki1fB2q3ATwMRm3whfPO5juWZLTfZEpD-DcKOq9nj7DwLx8K5HZxXoNrO4e-vXsS3wQy5ZPLldQ5rF05t2OQhncK3w6KtFXduJv48q8/s1600/2017_HARDCOPYtag-279x300.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjykqkKjNooOC-vcKhPo6pUOYgxiWznojMmLGK4ki1fB2q3ATwMRm3whfPO5juWZLTfZEpD-DcKOq9nj7DwLx8K5HZxXoNrO4e-vXsS3wQy5ZPLldQ5rF05t2OQhncK3w6KtFXduJv48q8/s1600/2017_HARDCOPYtag-279x300.png" /></a></div>
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In an era of uncertain arts funding, HARDCOPY continues to be supported by the Australia Council for the Arts.</div>
<br/> <div> Don't miss out on a fantastic opportunity to develop your professional writing skills.<br />
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Applications are open until <a href="http://www.actwriters.org.au/what-we-do/programs/hardcopy/" target="_blank">4pm Friday 17 March 2017.</a> </div>
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Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03614677697534214433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-789190654824321331.post-74873371579493536542016-11-28T14:34:00.000+11:002016-11-28T14:34:50.445+11:00You've Reached Your Destination<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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You've travelled this far - making your Softcopy submission is the final step. <br />
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<a href="http://www.softcopy.org.au/p/submissions_5.html" target="_blank">SoftcopySubmissions</a> are open until COB 30 November 2016. There's still time!<br />
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Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03614677697534214433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-789190654824321331.post-13498672127497055682016-11-13T10:55:00.001+11:002016-11-13T10:55:59.077+11:00If not now, when?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Surely this week is one that requires a creative response.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI10t0YaYHweD9N_psuhscnQPpsSMRyK21hEWbpKtCEQnzfA6OXbW77mr4U6dlvNVuxbEGJd-pWF9YKcKA0SeYrz9pXauYOkyOHj3EZU36or85MKthR43X1qAX-O9KHvi3MkqzrxhtUBc/s1600/Slide1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI10t0YaYHweD9N_psuhscnQPpsSMRyK21hEWbpKtCEQnzfA6OXbW77mr4U6dlvNVuxbEGJd-pWF9YKcKA0SeYrz9pXauYOkyOHj3EZU36or85MKthR43X1qAX-O9KHvi3MkqzrxhtUBc/s640/Slide1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Let everybody know! <a href="http://www.softcopy.org.au/p/submissions_5.html" target="_blank">SoftcopySubmissions</a> are open until 30 November.
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Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03614677697534214433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-789190654824321331.post-66589440907359511062016-11-06T14:33:00.000+11:002016-11-06T14:33:18.438+11:00Dare to Dream?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX1O_pn0d_YGZQdBiOBSJhiTUXAFGLgg2STvgE_BTfLl8sAZUv55mLo_jAENvTzE4PIN1OlnMgraqH4nUjCY7mqZwKuB9cgw12VhxjrVuFwXVFT7b9X9fhUYAaQ1cbaV_FxCCpYN0aNlE/s1600/inner+muse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX1O_pn0d_YGZQdBiOBSJhiTUXAFGLgg2STvgE_BTfLl8sAZUv55mLo_jAENvTzE4PIN1OlnMgraqH4nUjCY7mqZwKuB9cgw12VhxjrVuFwXVFT7b9X9fhUYAaQ1cbaV_FxCCpYN0aNlE/s400/inner+muse.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
If you dare to dream of being a writer, Softcopy is for you.<br />
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We are looking for creative, fresh and unpublished Australian short fiction and non-fiction up to 1000 words for our next edition.<br />
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Let your muse free and check out the submissions info at <a href="http://www.softcopy.org.au/p/submissions_5.html" target="_blank">SoftcopySubmissions</a></div>
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Submissions close 30 November 2016.</div>
Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03614677697534214433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-789190654824321331.post-90053706664784383702016-10-18T13:35:00.001+11:002016-10-18T13:35:11.728+11:00Don't Wait - Softcopy Submissions are open!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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One of the challenges about starting out as a writer is having your work accepted for publication.<br />
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Leaving aside the question of whether your story is compelling and well written, too often emerging writers do not think enough about the market for their work. I'm not suggesting that you constrain what you write. The genre, style, tone, theme, character and plot will depend on you and your experiences and imagination.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8un0VKGDMwZK7m8iCgXIW4-W0MULtUOxgSAC-NiM_G7BNBup0MtpoybREaJuZEDGuzAtPphok0UNNatQdzgAi8EV18L6WKIVFFLj4vZ05KtMMu18JpfFajhhn8BdocLZBNLtSnduvJQU/s1600/dont+wait.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8un0VKGDMwZK7m8iCgXIW4-W0MULtUOxgSAC-NiM_G7BNBup0MtpoybREaJuZEDGuzAtPphok0UNNatQdzgAi8EV18L6WKIVFFLj4vZ05KtMMu18JpfFajhhn8BdocLZBNLtSnduvJQU/s320/dont+wait.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
What matters is, having created something original, that you make informed decisions about where to send your work. An agent or publisher whose speciality is young adult fiction will not be interested in your post-Nordic crime thriller, while the crime fiction publisher won't consider your teen romance. Research those agents and publishers who handle your type of writing. Target these, keeping a keen eye on their submission guidelines and requirements.<br />
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Having your short stories published will give a fillip to your writerly credentials. <i>Softcopy </i> grew out of the ACT Writers Centre Hardcopy 2014 Professional Development Program and is designed for those writers starting their writing journey. If you have a short story of no more than 1000 words, <i>Softcopy</i> would love to hear from you. </div>
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<a href="http://www.softcopy.org.au/p/submissions_5.html" target="_blank">SoftcopySubmissions</a> close 30 November 2016. Don't wait!<br />
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Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03614677697534214433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-789190654824321331.post-5936954320303200862016-09-27T15:01:00.000+10:002016-09-27T15:01:15.630+10:00Softcopy Submissions Open<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Entering its third year, Softcopy is calling for submissions from emerging Australian writers.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggnj6YNN_oulRcE0q2-op4x1mgHiPiYLu-iE22f56FkjmGG2qNeMYJqT9HDstfhKPdyhgpJ9LRgYyPUCvJg8Ywu_upMJprHApgfZffzBS9G_U2KvBxBuPxZrnXsSYPGp9MPnNBX4Hbjt8/s1600/fasten+seatbelts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggnj6YNN_oulRcE0q2-op4x1mgHiPiYLu-iE22f56FkjmGG2qNeMYJqT9HDstfhKPdyhgpJ9LRgYyPUCvJg8Ywu_upMJprHApgfZffzBS9G_U2KvBxBuPxZrnXsSYPGp9MPnNBX4Hbjt8/s320/fasten+seatbelts.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Softcopy is looking for creative, fresh and unpublished Australian short fiction and non-fiction up to 1000 words for our next edition.<br />
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Submissions close 30 November 2016.<br />
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Buckle up and check out the submissions info at <a href="http://www.softcopy.org.au/p/submissions_5.html" target="_blank">SoftcopySubmissions</a><br />
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Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03614677697534214433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-789190654824321331.post-68401136369527143242016-08-29T13:52:00.000+10:002016-08-29T13:52:30.189+10:00Wild at Heart<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
If you are going to write well, write wildly, write with heart.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg563lb4Z5d_PmVe6X-k4jBWsmZzMVJRj5dBpswudLjldUxRWW_19-15CjpZRRZOq4USV4mDyA9rrtI_MuKFRhKVc-uwIZntf0KMPRtPwX-iVneH1wQcw-_5AaYgy-qbgAVHvc4RTkU_e0/s1600/Origami+2+gnashing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg563lb4Z5d_PmVe6X-k4jBWsmZzMVJRj5dBpswudLjldUxRWW_19-15CjpZRRZOq4USV4mDyA9rrtI_MuKFRhKVc-uwIZntf0KMPRtPwX-iVneH1wQcw-_5AaYgy-qbgAVHvc4RTkU_e0/s1600/Origami+2+gnashing.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Omar Musa urges writers to avoid 'anodyne fence-sitter art'. Inspire the reader, encourage them to imagine and grow with your story.<br />
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Letting someone else into the world you create is a wonderful gift to give.</div>
Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03614677697534214433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-789190654824321331.post-9860891797687068362016-02-01T14:10:00.000+11:002016-02-01T14:10:03.656+11:00Adventure CallsI have travelled to a lot of places in my lifetime, but never to India - until now. The inspirational lightbulb is on and dozens of ideas are buzzing around.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_BtXMWx5RsNWZXl1r7yUZUMfCrc3j2lHIJQYUTXj4xe7GuRb1bBM4gFeH4RuxcCNK-2Z761wQPekFEnqd976SeXWE8KMopZmZRV1mqTLhitGapNzPwRB3Gq1r7lOY1ccN3aFYN8-aGm0/s1600/India+lightbulb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="137" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_BtXMWx5RsNWZXl1r7yUZUMfCrc3j2lHIJQYUTXj4xe7GuRb1bBM4gFeH4RuxcCNK-2Z761wQPekFEnqd976SeXWE8KMopZmZRV1mqTLhitGapNzPwRB3Gq1r7lOY1ccN3aFYN8-aGm0/s320/India+lightbulb.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
You can keep up-to-date with my writing journey on my special blog <a href="http://mullumtomumbai.blogspot.com.au/2016/01/india-reaches-out.html" target="_blank">Mullum to Mumbai</a> where I will be documenting my travels as well as the process of writing over the next two-three months.<br />
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<br />Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03614677697534214433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-789190654824321331.post-91680925759771712092016-01-25T10:00:00.000+11:002016-01-25T10:00:43.713+11:00How Full is Your Cupboard?<i>‘We find what we are looking for in life…if you look for happiness you will see it.’</i><br />
<i>Alexander McCall Smith – The Full Cupboard of Life</i><br />
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<span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwPgGRMZimeCcbhfYREmJj4p7wF_ZmG8j31pKOdfZtQkxjNDi4X-KmGj01yZ1YK3f0-BZoXWqecQg5PPUuNYAIFHQ8zawktr6m0zIvlsHbooZ7QkC2hXAjAeVnYF90yNcINCtZ8-lr5V0/s320/elephant2.jpg" width="320" /></span></div>
Even when I sit down to write, I'm never quite sure what kind of story will emerge. The characters seem to have a mind of their own. There they are, skating off when I thought they were going to look inside the broken box, or picking up a gilded spider when they should be watching the road for smugglers. That's part of the excitement.<br />
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When this happens, I keep writing because something unexpected and wonderful might flow.<br />
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Still, there are times when the plot takes a turn for the worse. A character is sick, has an unhappy life experience, is no longer talking to their significant other, seems to be dwelling in the darker spaces. At these times, I wonder whether I have the courage to take the story where it needs to go. Will I be happy with the outcome? Will the character recover, be better for the experience? Will people enjoy reading the end result?
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At this point, I remind myself that readers will bring to the story their own life history. A sad or confronting story can be meaningful, satisfying or even uplifting. So with a full cupboard of life, I can carry on even if the wayward characters eschew the broken box, or fail to safeguard the pass. All I have to do is open the cupboard door.Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03614677697534214433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-789190654824321331.post-43797341213308780232016-01-09T18:33:00.001+11:002016-01-09T18:33:55.451+11:00Guest Blog on ebookrevolutionIn 2015 I had the pleasure of meeting <a href="http://ebookrevolution.com.au/about/" target="_blank">Emily Craven</a>, author, professional speaker, blogger, podcaster and entrepreneur. She is an inspiration for anyone interested in epublishing and other opportunities in the digital age.<br />
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We share a fascination in reading practices now that the digital revolution has taken hold.<br />
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Emily has been kind enough to host my blog about (subversive) ways of reading Peter Carey's <i>True History of the Kelly Gang</i> on her <a href="http://ebookrevolution.com.au/2015/12/freshly-minted-circuits/" target="_blank">ebookrevolution</a>.<br />
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If you've read Ned, let me (and Emily) know how you went about it.Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03614677697534214433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-789190654824321331.post-56640427637124901042015-11-23T17:57:00.001+11:002015-11-23T17:59:57.588+11:00Blogging On<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCGvYuFEJ-_-rHrdK3VmJgSBrO4_7ZGePIXqd3pjYxUwEPpH7D9c23TrL9Dv-7xPN0nKqjYrAmEJT14OT5bpR6YDdTsOIiuvwMCZZjXXaB04G1BWEySzkircarSEWf_SNOjb8I6FBX3Og/s1600/blog+spot+cropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCGvYuFEJ-_-rHrdK3VmJgSBrO4_7ZGePIXqd3pjYxUwEPpH7D9c23TrL9Dv-7xPN0nKqjYrAmEJT14OT5bpR6YDdTsOIiuvwMCZZjXXaB04G1BWEySzkircarSEWf_SNOjb8I6FBX3Og/s400/blog+spot+cropped.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Here are some things I learnt from being <a href="http://actwritersblog.com/2015/10/22/hard-work-pays-off-for-hardcopiers/" target="_blank">Blogger in Residence at the ACT Writers Centre</a>:<br />
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1. Being an arts journalist and blogger is fun<br />
<br />
BUT<br />
<br />
2. Having a coffee break won't help you meet your deadlines...<br />
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3. Writers can be generous with their time and information (and truly inspiring)<br />
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<br />
4. The ACT Writers Centre has a great program of workshops (don't be shy - they're for people like you)<br />
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AND<br />
<br />
5. The writing and arts scene in Canberra and surrounds is vibrant and buzzing with activity - be part of it!Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03614677697534214433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-789190654824321331.post-80285295939408311752015-11-21T14:38:00.001+11:002015-11-21T14:38:29.410+11:00Rollercoaster: Q&A with Maxine Beneba-Clarke<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #262626; font-family: proxima-nova-1, proxima-nova-2, sans-serif; font-size: 12.7px; line-height: 1.75; margin-bottom: 1.75em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.7px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">You have been successful with both prose and poetry</strong><strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.7px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">—</strong><strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.7px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">do they come from the same creative place?</strong></div>
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I write across genre a lot. I started out as primarily a poet, before moving onto prose and I also write nonfiction. I think of it as using tools from the same tool-box and the same building materials, to fashion different things. Usually I start with the concept or the idea, or even a feeling or event, and the form comes later. Occasionally a short fiction piece will start out as a poem. The story <em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.7px; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Harlem Jones </em>from my book<em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.7px; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Foreign Soil </em>started life as a poem called <em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.7px; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Angry Brown Men Are Going To Burn London To The Ground. </em>The voice in the poem was powerful and I couldn’t abandon it, so I put it in the mouth of a young Black British teenager and kept working on it. The story <em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.7px; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Hope </em>in <em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.7px; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Foreign Soil </em>also started out as a long narrative poem written in Jamaican patois called <em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.7px; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Some Dream Was Brewing.</em></div>
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<strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.7px; font-style: inherit; line-height: 1.75; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">How do you come up with your ideas? Is there a particular technique that you have found useful for capturing your ‘voice’?</strong></div>
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I write mostly from life, even when writing fiction. I’m interested in the ‘ordinarily extraordinary.’ <em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.7px; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Foreign Soil</em>has stories set inside Villawood Detention Centre, in Mississippi and New Orleans, in London’s Tottenham in the middle of the 2011 street riots, in an Australian schoolyard in the mid 1980’s. The geography is very loaded and vivid, and often that creates either incredibly intense or incredibly malleable characters as they need to navigate those environments. In terms of my voice, there are so many different ones in <em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.7px; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Foreign Soil</em>I’m not sure I can even pin-point what mine is. Except to say that as a writer, the character guides everything. In order to ‘get it right’, I feel I must hand the story completely over to them. The aim, in a sense, is for my voice, or my crafting, <em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.7px; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">not</em> to be visible.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #262626; font-family: proxima-nova-1, proxima-nova-2, sans-serif; font-size: 12.7px; line-height: 1.75; margin-bottom: 1.75em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.7px; font-style: inherit; line-height: 1.75; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">If there was a single word to describe your writing journey what would that be? And why?</strong></div>
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Rollercoaster. I always wanted to write, but I never in a million years dreamt I’d have published poetry, fiction, a memoir and a kid’s picture book by the end of next year—or have my work picked up for publication internationally. You hope—of course you have aspirations as a writer—but to have considered these things would happen to my work even five years ago would have seemed absurd to me.</div>
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<strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.7px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Your work has won a number of prizes over recent years. Were there any significant mentors or supporters who really assisted you when you were starting out?</strong></div>
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There are so many—encouraging teachers at high school and at university. I’ve been inspired by a lot of women of colour who were already blazing trails in front of me—writers like Randa Abdel-Fattah, Anita Heiss, Alice Pung, Melissa Lucashenko. There was Jeff Sparrow, the former editor of Overland, who eigth years ago gave me the password to the Overland blog and let me post my poetry there whenever I wanted which suddenly gave me a broad audience. David Ryding, the current director of the Melbourne City of Literature and a former director of The Emerging Writer’s Festival, asked me back to the festival ever year during his time as director, putting me centre-stage back when I had barely published anything at all. Alan Atwood at The Big Issue, who published my first ever feature article. The three judges for the <em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.7px; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Victorian Premier’s Award for an Unpublished Manuscript</em>—Paddy O’Reilly, Francesca Rendle-Short and Sam Twyford-Moore, who are all masters of their crafts and without whom my latest book would still probably not have seen the light of day. Erik Jensen, who read my book and offered me work at <em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.7px; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">The Saturday Paper. </em>Sometimes everything’s in place in terms of your skills, and all you need is for someone to come along and offer you a break. Sometimes it’s hard to progress until someone comes along and does so.</div>
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<strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.7px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">If you could have your time as a writer over again, what would you do differently?</strong></div>
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There are two short pieces of work I wish I’d never published (I won’t name them), and if I could have my time over, I wouldn’t do so. They weren’t great writing and I’m still unclear about what purpose they served(!). Apart from that, I wouldn’t trade my journey for the world.</div>
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<strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.7px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">You’ve been asked to conduct a workshop for the ACT Writers Centre. In what ways do you think your workshop will benefit emerging writers?</strong></div>
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The workshop will teach, or remind, participants of the key components of short fiction, looking at reading examples. It will give them tips on structure, style, narrative voice, characterisation, research, narrative device, dialogue writing, editing and more. Participants will have the opportunity to ‘troubleshoot’ hurdles in their creative process, and to find out more about the submissions and publications process.</div>
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<strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.7px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Is there any general advice you can give to emerging writers?</strong></div>
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Don’t aim to write ‘like’ somebody else. Only you can write like you. Your job is to make that your biggest asset.</div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>This Blog first appeared on <a href="http://actwritersblog.com/2015/11/12/rollercoaster-qa-with-maxine-beneba-clarke/" target="_blank">Capital Letters</a>, the blog of the ACT Writers Centre.</i></span></div>
Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03614677697534214433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-789190654824321331.post-59403068670175377492015-10-26T13:40:00.001+11:002015-10-26T13:40:49.483+11:00Hard Work Pays Off for HARDCOPIERS<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="background: #F6F7F8; color: #141823; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The ACT Writers Centre HARDCOPY Professional
Development Program has paid dividends for emerging writers. Over its two year
life, sixty new voices have been nurtured by the combination of professional
development and industry connection. Kelli-Anne Moore, ACT Writers Centre
Director is delighted. ‘</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">We wanted to give our
HARDCOPY participants the tools to give themselves the best chance of having a
sustainable career as a writer, and if they choose to embark on their journey
to publication, they would do so with their eyes open and aware of the realities
of the industry,’ she says. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="background: #F6F7F8; color: #141823; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">According to Moore, one of the most important
contributions of the HARDCOPY program is the sense of community it has
engendered: ‘We love to hear about the connections that the participants have
made, with each other, and with the Industry.’ This view is shared the HARDCOPY
alumni. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="background: #F6F7F8; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">‘HARDCOPY gave me invaluable insights into and access to
the Australian publishing industry, the opportunity to connect with other
writers in a similar stage of the process (the query game is a lot more
bearable with company!) and, critically, the confidence to accept that I was
ready to start submitting,’ says </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://samhawkewrites.com/"><span style="background: #F6F7F8; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Sam Hawke</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="background: #F6F7F8; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">, a 2014 HARDCOPY participant. ‘Since the program concluded
I have been picked up by a London agent and am currently preparing for
submission to publishers. I’ve also made ongoing wonderful friendships and am
looking forward to following the careers of all the HARDCOPY alumni.’</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="background: #F6F7F8; color: #141823; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Sam is likely to be busy because the Hardcopiers
are a talented group with no time to waste. Leearni Hamilton, one of the 2015
participants says that, ‘Since HARDCOPY I have been working on my YA memoir and
making my writing as powerful as I can (writing the tough memories). Recently
my memoir was shortlisted for the Templeberg Fellowship in Sri Lanka. While I
don't have a publishing deal yet I am very focused on polishing my manuscript
with the hope that I can submit to more competitions and agents/publishers in
the future.’<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="background: #F6F7F8; color: #141823; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Developing an individual voice is something
Serina Huang also attributes to the HARDCOPY Program: ‘Since HARDCOPY, I have
begun to find my voice. I am becoming more authentic in my writing. I have
worked through an issue that was blocking progress with my book manuscript. I
am engaging more with readers on my blog. I don’t have a big fat publishing
deal (yet), but I have focus. I am reaching within and sharing more, and it
feels right. A few months ago I wrote a </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://taiwanxifu.com/2015/07/10/scrambled-egg/"><span style="background: #F6F7F8; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">guest blog
post</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="background: #F6F7F8; color: #141823; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> about my
Australian-Asian identity. And in the last few weeks I have written about my
experience of leaving a physically and emotionally abusive relationship.’<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1a1a1a; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">HARDCOPY has inspired a series of related writing
projects. In September 2014 four Hardcopiers bonded over a shared love of
cultural commentary and joined forces to form the </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://thecringeblog.com/"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Cringe</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1a1a1a; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">, an Australian voice on literature, culture
and the arts. Launched in October 2014 the site is now celebrating its first
anniversary, reflecting on the many articles, short fiction, reviews and
profiles to have been featured on its pages, penned by both familiar Australian
authors and emerging literary voices. Due to the range of material on offer,
the Cringe consistently attracts an audience from around the globe, counting
author Jerome Charyn and film director Jeremy Whelehan among its readers. Now
edited by co-founders Elise Janes and Ken Ward, the Cringe is constantly
evolving to build on its success and continue toward its mission of promoting
an Australian voice on culture and arts both locally and around the world.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="background: #F6F7F8; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="background: #F6F7F8; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Three other members of the HARDCOPY alumni, </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.christinemcpaul.com/"><span style="background: #F6F7F8; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Christine
McPaul</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="background: #F6F7F8; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">, </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.georgedunford.com/"><span style="background: #F6F7F8; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">George Dunford</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="background: #F6F7F8; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> and </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://blemishbooks.com.au/"><span style="background: #F6F7F8; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Lesley Boland</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="background: #F6F7F8; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> have gone on to establish </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.softcopy.org.au/"><i><span style="background: #F6F7F8; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Softcopy</span></i></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="background: #F6F7F8; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">, an online e-journal for emerging writers. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">Since its launch in May 2015, when <i>Softcopy</i>
included contributions from the inaugural HARDCOPY program, it continues to be
a success. In its first two days, <i>Softcopy</i>
received more than 1000 unique views, proving it is an exciting platform to
showcase the work of emerging writers. With fiction and non-fiction </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.softcopy.org.au/p/submissions_5.html"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">submissions</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;"> open
until 30 November 2015, this new offering is an important contribution to the
writing landscape. Moore agrees. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1a1a1a; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">‘</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">We love to hear about projects–such as the
Cringe blog and the <i>Softcopy</i> anthology</span><span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">–</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">and the support and
nurturing that participants are in turn providing other emerging writers,’ she says.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="background: #F6F7F8; color: #141823; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">For others, like Jane Abbott, HARDCOPY
provided a fillip for an already promising career. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Jane wrote her manuscript,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i>Watershed</i>,
in 2013. In early 2014 she applied to both the Victorian Premier's Literary
Award for an Unpublished Manuscript, and the ACT Writers' HARDCOPY Professional
Development Program for Australian Writers (Fiction Edition); <i>Watershed </i>received
a commendation in the VPLA, and Jane was one of thirty participants selected
for HARDCOPY. Her submission to the final round of the program proved
successful and participating literary agent, Gaby Naher, expressed an interest
in reading<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i>Watershed </i>in its
entirety. Subsequently, Jane signed with The Naher Agency in Sydney, and has
spent the last six months developing the manuscript to the highest possible
standard. In September this year Jane was offered a two-book publishing
contract with Vintage Penguin/Random House. <i>Watershed </i>is to be published
in June/July 2016.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="background: #F6F7F8; color: #141823; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">HARDCOPY has also provided the backdrop for
careers associated with writing. An example is</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;"> </span><span lang="EN-US" style="background: #F6F7F8; color: #141823; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Shu-ling Chua, from the 2015 round, who has
been selected as the Live: Producer for Noted Festival 2016 (Canberra's
experimental writing festival). Shu-Ling attributes being accepted for HARDCOPY
as the moment she identified as a ‘writer’. ‘The program and HARDCOPY community
have done wonders for my confidence,’ she says. ‘I've written my first-ever
paid piece, ‘Love Like Mine’, and<span class="apple-converted-space"> I </span>write
regularly for <i>BMA Magazine</i>. My
manuscript is on the back-burner but for me, HARDCOPY is really only just the
beginning.’<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Arts worker and writer, Nigel Featherstone, along
with the ACT Writers Centre, can be justifiably proud of the many offshoots
from HARDCOPY, only some of which are included here. Funding from the Australia
Council has been an important factor in the success of </span><span lang="EN-US" style="background: #F6F7F8; color: #141823; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">HARDCOPY, enabling emerging writers to engage with the
writing and publishing industries, and to form connections that have led to a
range of creative endeavours. ‘Without the Australia Council funding, none of
this would have been possible,’ Moore says. </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="background: #F6F7F8; color: #141823; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span lang="EN-US" style="background: #F6F7F8; color: #141823; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;">This blog post is part of my Blogger in Residence with the ACT Writers Centre and first appeared in <a href="http://actwritersblog.com/2015/10/11/what-platform-is-that/" target="_blank">Capital Letters</a> </i></span></div>
Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03614677697534214433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-789190654824321331.post-62386212427950219982015-10-12T19:49:00.000+11:002015-10-12T19:49:14.751+11:00What Platform is That?<div class="MsoNormal">
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<a href="http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/a/alexisohan532051.html?src=t_social_media" title="view quote"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><i>Being effective at social media,
whether for business or personal use, means capturing people who have short attention
spans. They're only a click away from a picture of a funny cat, so you have to
make your thing more compelling than that cat. </i></span></a><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><i>– Alexis Ohanian, Co-founder of
Reddit</i><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Increasingly
writers are expected to be savvy social media users. </span><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/evabui"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Eva Bui</span></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">, Digital Marketing Manager at </span><a href="http://www.randomhouse.com.au/"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Penguin Random House Australia</span></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">, identifies Facebook, YouTube and Instagram as being
important platforms for this digital engagement. According to Bui, Australians
spend on average 1.7 hours daily on Facebook, ‘It’s the first and last thing we
look at each day.’ If your audience is aged 18-34 years, you will need to know
how to use YouTube where engaging, personal and short videos are most likely to
be successful. Bui argues that relative newcomer, Instagram, is the fastest
growing platform and more popular than Twitter. Designed to favour images,
Instagram offers a way to connect with your readers in a fun and informal way.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiFRu54MsOQ9eV84VhQ64QQs_Ngr_FZHBOwLP-qnY_xGQrx2hARL2lmHbxExU8Ha1BRUhuHyklTGXNSSZ8GII-m55efx_Rmwu0N_TWcXNAC36lGPBKzWvCa88_XbqjwVc_pC5aO4HzPbk/s1600/Platform.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiFRu54MsOQ9eV84VhQ64QQs_Ngr_FZHBOwLP-qnY_xGQrx2hARL2lmHbxExU8Ha1BRUhuHyklTGXNSSZ8GII-m55efx_Rmwu0N_TWcXNAC36lGPBKzWvCa88_XbqjwVc_pC5aO4HzPbk/s640/Platform.jpg" width="362" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.sgervay.com/"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Susanne Gervay</span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">, young adult and children’s author, agrees that to reach
readers, especially young readers, writers must be on social media. She argues
that with bookshops closing, publishers cutting and closing their lists and
focussing on high profile names and series, social media is both a blessing and
a curse. ‘The blessing is the empowerment to relate to readers through social
media and not be dependent on publishers or bookshops for market penetration,’
Gervay says. ‘The curse is that it is new technology that authors must learn
and then spend a lot of time working at.’</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This is a
dilemma for writers who sometimes feel that time spent on social media is time
away from the central craft of writing. On the other hand, some social media,
such as regular blogging, can be a way of practicing and refining writing
skills, or trying new ideas that could lead to a larger project. Social media
can build your public profile, help you connect with like-minded individuals
and groups, share ideas and images, gather information and help maintain
connections that may lead to paid work. Angela Meyer of </span><a href="http://literaryminded.com.au/about/"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">LiteraryMinded</span></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> agrees that this is the case, noting that social media helps
her in her role as a commissioning editor where she finds the ‘lists’ function
on Twitter useful.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Following others on Twitter or using the hashtag
functionality in both Twitter and Instagram are ways to keep abreast of writing
issues, publisher and agent interests, writing competitions and literary
festivals. Angela Meyer follows, ‘A </span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">broad mix of writers, journos, bloggers, booksellers, vintage
fans, whisky nerds, Bowie-lovers, academics, philosophers, absurdists,
ironists, fictional characters, a person who posts a screenshot from the
Simpsons every 30 minutes, historians, accounts in languages other than English
(maybe languages can just be absorbed), book reviewers, filmmakers, artists and
more…’<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Meyer’s
success points to the possibility for writers to make social media a profitable
enterprise. </span><a href="http://ebookrevolution.com.au/"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Emily Craven</span></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">, digital media specialist, is
another innovator using digital tools to advantage. She sees digital options as
complementing the more traditional book and publishing industries. For her,
digital media is inherently creative, resisting the limitations of hardcopy
documents. With no single container, no physical form and offering increased
accessibility, the digital landscape, Craven argues, opens up opportunity and diversity
for writers. Her eBook Revolution is an example of how authors can be
successful in both paper and digital literary forms.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Stepping away from the print/digital dichotomy enables
writers to choose the platform that best suits their writing purpose and the
audience they hope to reach. For example, Gervay argues that social media can
promote causes you are passionate about, such as the Room to Read program for
which she is an ambassador. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">There are many other options available to writers seeking to
expand their digital and social media presence. Google Plus, Pinterest,
LinkedIn, Ello, Reddit and Wattpad should all be on your radar. Creating your
own blog, website and author page on Facebook have become essential
professional tools. Gervay argues that, ‘Today an authors’ shop front is their
website,’ which is certainly something to think about.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #f2fdff; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">With so much choice, there's no right or wrong way, and
definitely no one pathway to publication. As Craven suggests, use the Velcro
approach to social media and see what sticks.</span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: rgb(242, 253, 255); font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><i>This blog post is part of my Blogger in Residence with the ACT Writers Centre and first appeared in <a href="http://actwritersblog.com/2015/10/11/what-platform-is-that/" target="_blank">Capital Letters</a> </i></span></div>
Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03614677697534214433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-789190654824321331.post-82074791286481424372015-10-05T17:45:00.001+11:002015-10-05T17:45:57.536+11:00Characters in a JarRecently I posted about how to make a <a href="http://christinemcpaul.blogspot.com.au/2015/09/gnh-to-hjr-happiness-in-jar.html" target="_blank">Happiness Jar</a>. If you haven't already started one, now is a great time to create an ongoing source of inspiration for your writing.<br />
<br />
How often have you struggled to find an interesting starting point for a character in your short story or novel? You want someone engaging, right, someone you can come to know and (hopefully) understand, someone you care enough to write about.<br />
<br />
So here is a neat tip. Randomly choose three slips of paper from your Happiness Jar. These slips will contain something that you wrote down about a happy experience.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhds_kZbO6qDL1gAOAhjsFsh-1ALGoWknUMdtccvGled-dgMiBw4I7NnyS2tiI0g1fjEOD4jUI7QDKJyS79lyNVdaai7MIMcPmWgB78zCwvW-T2RgJk47io2RfkcqSV9f1Pmy5IX0zU-CA/s1600/Active-Imagination2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhds_kZbO6qDL1gAOAhjsFsh-1ALGoWknUMdtccvGled-dgMiBw4I7NnyS2tiI0g1fjEOD4jUI7QDKJyS79lyNVdaai7MIMcPmWgB78zCwvW-T2RgJk47io2RfkcqSV9f1Pmy5IX0zU-CA/s400/Active-Imagination2.jpg" width="386" /></a></div>
You could:<br />
<ol>
<li>Create a character using the scenes suggested. Unless you are intending to write a memoir, remember that the character is not you - they are just inspired by the experiences you have had. </li>
<li>Transport the character forwards or backwards in time. Think about how they would respond to this happy experience if they lived a hundred years ago, or some time in the future. </li>
<li>Imagine what the character would do if they didn't have these happy experiences. Explore how they would feel, what they would yearn for, who they would envy.</li>
<li>How would your character go about seeking out or achieving these experiences? Who would help them? Where would they look? What obstacles would they overcome? Would they be successful or not?</li>
<li>Explore how your character talks about the experience, the longing for it and the sense of pride or anger associated with the search for happiness. Do they sound boastful, wistful, despondent, jubilant, doubtful, curious?</li>
</ol>
<br />
Time to scribble those thoughts down, so happy writing!Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03614677697534214433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-789190654824321331.post-81546855127985844642015-09-30T07:44:00.001+10:002015-09-30T07:44:57.415+10:00Q&A with Susanne Gervay<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Recently I, caught up with Susanne Gervay, ambassador for </span><a href="http://www.roomtoread.org/"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Room to Read</span></a><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">, author of the children’s book series </span><a href="http://www.sgervay.com/i-am-jack-series/i-am-jack/"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I
Am Jack</span></a><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> and young adult
novel </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.sgervay.com/books/young-adult/butterflies/">Butterflies</a></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihPGjB-zlqTmKo4ZhCUf4hTQKC27hpr8OmSwTsZ_jXL4tYsUU4CGEPUOUdsB2G0Kxs6iVdMijrcKFyYG3_RVDnTTKusDY9hClaSOnVinZ-5qhB6ej97NWojgloM0rDRFQD1_essVgPP94/s1600/Susanne+Gervay+image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihPGjB-zlqTmKo4ZhCUf4hTQKC27hpr8OmSwTsZ_jXL4tYsUU4CGEPUOUdsB2G0Kxs6iVdMijrcKFyYG3_RVDnTTKusDY9hClaSOnVinZ-5qhB6ej97NWojgloM0rDRFQD1_essVgPP94/s640/Susanne+Gervay+image.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">How/when did you know you wanted to be a
writer?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I was always a writer, but publication didn’t cross
my mind. I thought everyone wrote novels and by eight, I was writing to work
out the ‘meaning of life’ or to escape ‘the meaning of life.’ I only became an
author when my beloved father passed away. The intensity of the loss was so
great, that I needed to write about him. I wrote story after story. Writing and
life became intertwined.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Slowly came the realization that I wanted to share
my writing. I wanted other people to know that my father was special, that he
survived war, prison and migration and protected us all. Then as a sole parent
of two young children, I wanted to write for young people, so they’d always
feel there’s a friend in their corner – to play with, share growing up, be
there for the challenges of life and know they can be all they can be.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Were there any significant mentors/supporters
who really assisted you when you were starting out?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">My writing group of unpublished writers was a key
support in my journey of becoming an author. I developed a lifelong friendship
with fellow novice author Moya Simons. We workshopped each other’s writing,
shared disappointments and successes. The writers in my writing group all
became published in the end, which was a great joy to me and to each other.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The
craft of writing for children and young adults might seem challenging to
some. What attracts you to that
demographic?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> Writing for
young people is challenging as authors face parental, teacher and community
gatekeepers. How do you navigate truth with the inbuilt and well-meaning
censorship implicit in writing for children and young adults? You tread lightly
but do not compromise your commitment to the story and your readers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Writing down to young people for worthy reasons can
never be acceptable. Young people feel and think about everything, except they
do not have the experience to navigate life. Writing is partnering them on
their discoveries. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Young people read very differently to adults. If a
story reaches them, they will read and re-read it many times. Story becomes
part of their search for identity and it is a privilege to travel with them. I
receive many emails and cards from adults and children sharing the impact of my
<i>I Am Jack</i> books, <i>Butterflies</i> for young adults, my picture books for all ages. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
receive emails and letters for my books all the time from young readers,
parents and teachers. Some emails in response to the <i>I Am Jack</i> books are:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: #666666;">When I knew <i>I Am Jack</i> was true, I imagined myself in
Jack’s shoes. I felt sorrowful and sad as Jack had to put up with bullying for
a long time. It would have been a burden forever if I was Jack. – K <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: #666666;"> My heart just floated into nothing when I
discovered that Jack and Samantha were your actual children. – A<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: #666666;">My son was a
victim of a false gay rumour at a school camp. [Later] they studied <i>I Am Jack.</i> My son's teacher told me that
my son finished the book before the class did, participated in the class discussion
which he is normally very shy in doing, all because he identified with Jack.
Thank you – L<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: #666666;">I get bullied at
school almost every day and it makes me sick. I just didn't feel like going to
school. I pretended to be sick and stay home for the day. I've talked to the
School Councillor, I've tried to tell my mum, I've thought of getting back at
the bullies, but all these things don't seem to work. But <i>I Am Jack</i> inspired me to tell everyone that I am being bullied. It
makes me feel great and today I treated my mother with respect (I wasn't doing
that ….) – L<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: #666666;">The cemetery
scene really resonated with one of my students as both his parents died in
Afghanistan. He is comforted by the thought that they are watching over him and
that he can talk to them at anytime, just like Nanna and Jack do with Grandad.
– R</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I love writing for kids and young adults.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">When
you set out to write, do you have a particular topic or issue in mind? If so,
how do you choose it (or perhaps it chooses you)?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I write from a very personal perspective. When
something touches me, it swirls in my mind, often for years, until it emerges
as the core of my book. For my young adult novel Butterflies, a girl asked me
to write about growing up with severe burns. While I initially refused to do
it, it wove into my passions on difference, disability, disempowerment/empowerment
and giving young women a voice. It was years of thinking and research –
interviewing burn survivors, parents, siblings, doctors, firefighters,
community until I understood it in my heart. Then I wrote <i>Butterflies</i>. When The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Sydney asked
if it could endorse Butterflies. I cried. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: #666666;">Like tempering
steel, the process of passing through the fire helps make a person of
exceptional quality. <i>Butterflies</i> captures
these subtleties for the reader, and gives a stunning insight into a difficult
topic.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: #666666;"> – Dr Hugh Martin OAM<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: #666666;">President of the Australian and New Zealand Burn
Association and <o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: #666666;">Head of the Burn Unit, The Children’s Hospital at Westmead,
Sydney</span>.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In
a world that is increasingly complex, how do you approach the task of having an
authentic voice for younger readers?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">As an author for younger readers or adults, it is
the same process. You get into the mind and emotions of a character and react
to the world as that character does. This is the basis of all stories. An
authentic voice means you understand and are that character, know how they
react and feel. For example, in <i>To Kill A Mockingbird</i> the narrator,
Scout, is eight years old. The voice is authentic because it reflects a child’s
voice and her exploration of an adult world fraught with adult issues of
racism, sexual abuse, mental health, group violence, sole parenting and more.
It also reflects her journey, understanding, courage, values and who she wants
to be within the joys and adventures of being a child in a world that is so new
to her.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">You’ve
been asked to conduct a workshop for the ACT Writers Centre. In what ways do
you think your workshop will benefit emerging writers?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">At a key level, it provides the opportunity to
network with other writers and help establish and/or deepen your creative
community. It’s an opportunity to work as a group where ideas and craft issues
can be explored, developed and answered.
It demystifies the complex world of publishing which is essential for
those entering the world of children’s writing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Is
there any general advice you can give emerging writers?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Read the books of much loved children’s writers.
Read school journals and short stories. Establish a writers’ group to share
your work, edit, comment, develop your craft, enjoy as well as struggle with
the process. Join your local writers centre, go to festivals and participate in
the creative life. When you feel ready, submit your work to magazines,
journals, enter competitions. Research publishers and what they are publishing.
Then submit the appropriate work for the appropriate publisher. Pin your badge
of courage on and learn from rejections so you can get closer to your goal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Do not write for the market. Write from your passion
and belief in what you are doing. Publication is precarious, so you need to
write something you love and are committed to.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">For those who want a quicker process, write on the
computer as it makes editing so much easier. Research during your writing
process. The internet can be a great friend.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The Biggest tip is to be willing to work on your
craft to ensure that your piece is as good as it can be. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<i>This blog post is part of my Blogger in Residence with the ACT Writers Centre and first appeared in <a href="http://actwritersblog.com/2015/09/10/arts-collaboration-anything-but-arcane/" target="_blank">Capital Letters</a> </i></div>
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Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03614677697534214433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-789190654824321331.post-38106002374206356262015-09-22T14:50:00.001+10:002015-09-22T14:50:22.982+10:00Arts Collaboration Anything But Arcane<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The <i>New
Glass 2015 Writing Competition</i>, an initiative of the ACT Writers Centre and
the Canberra Glassworks, is part of an ongoing endeavour to develop
collaborative opportunities for glass artists and writers. Kelli-Anne Moore,
ACT Writers Centre Director, says the idea for the competition came from the
desire to ‘recognise and celebrate the work of writers, and to encourage
writers to find inspiration in other art forms’.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRpSGQ2Wb-ZWH4YqC8ffddVTJb6Hs6qDiswGkvMmQ60Hj-zqcJz3_XJqoTH2QCZZxo6q2djmkYY1j57PZEksVtMEWtj1jEO_MU9fBVW2IE6CLsMZpZE08YctvhE_BC16oALtEGXHKydLQ/s1600/glassworks-image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRpSGQ2Wb-ZWH4YqC8ffddVTJb6Hs6qDiswGkvMmQ60Hj-zqcJz3_XJqoTH2QCZZxo6q2djmkYY1j57PZEksVtMEWtj1jEO_MU9fBVW2IE6CLsMZpZE08YctvhE_BC16oALtEGXHKydLQ/s640/glassworks-image.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">2015 winner, <a href="http://capelstanley.com/">Claire Capel-Stanley</a>, was announced at a
special event held at the Canberra Glassworks. Capel-Stanley’s piece <a href="http://newglass.canberraglassworks.com/victories1/"><i>Victories: On New Glass 2015</i></a> was published in the online
brochure for the <i>New Glass 2015:
Archaeology, Excavation and the Arcane</i> exhibition. In addition, the ACT
Writers Centre presented her with a two year membership. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">‘Glass,’ Capel-Stanley writes in her essay,
‘Seems to carry with it the whole consignment of human ingenuity: the necessary
innovation of function, and the love of ornament.’ This seems a fitting
observation not only of glass, but of the collaborative project which wove two
strands of creativity into a new form.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixOsJNgk7_ODYEOanTm6lh0hyphenhypheneINXuHInvToE8fExTo2X6_1ETPGXOthKXCq_yFvU1_d6RpLXAwHrXXfrpTVYMijTOUNf-kD1r8ov2fOmocqo2gopm6heledQS1lDvBrC1kaGbwzP61g8/s1600/capelstanley2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixOsJNgk7_ODYEOanTm6lh0hyphenhypheneINXuHInvToE8fExTo2X6_1ETPGXOthKXCq_yFvU1_d6RpLXAwHrXXfrpTVYMijTOUNf-kD1r8ov2fOmocqo2gopm6heledQS1lDvBrC1kaGbwzP61g8/s320/capelstanley2.jpg" width="291" /></a></div>
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Capel-Stanley, a freelance art writer and
reviewer, studied Art History and Curatorship at the Australian National University
and has worked in various roles in collections and galleries for several years.
She is currently Program Manager at <a href="http://www.photoaccess.org.au/">PhotoAccess</a>
in Manuka, where she manages exhibitions, artist residencies and marketing as
well as the education program. ‘I also have an emerging practice which sits
somewhere in the middle of writing, drawing and sculpture,’ she says.</div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">According to Capel-Stanley, winning the
award is validation of the sometimes invisible efforts of writers: ‘When you
are trying to do anything “on the side” of a job, whether that's writing, art,
or even making your own jam to sell at the farmers markets, it sometimes feels
like an invisible career, something you just did one time by accident.’ <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Art writing awards and competitions are
still uncommon, so the opportunity offered by the ACT Writers Centre and the
Canberra Glassworks is innovative and welcomed by both glassmakers and writers.
Capel-Stanley sees art writing as a growing field, one that is increasingly of
interest to arts organisations, noting that, ‘It's nice to even be able to
enter an art writing award, let alone win.’ <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Collaborations across disciplines provide
new perspectives on content and approach – not unlike holding a piece of glass
up to the sun and watching where the light refracts. Capel-Stanley suggests
these connections are important and can be refreshing for artists and audiences.
‘We have a huge wealth of expertise and creativity in Canberra,’ she says. ‘Collaboration
is a great way to introduce diverse knowledge areas to a wider audience, and to
participate in a richer and more interesting conversation on current ideas in
art, society and culture.’<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">When asked about what she would say to
others interested in entering future art writing competitions, Capel ‑Stanley encourages
people from different writing backgrounds to enter. Despite the view that
specialist knowledge of technical terms and concepts will be required, she
suggests this is not necessarily the case, instead believing that some of the
best art writing comes from people who aren't ‘experts’. Capel-Stanley argues
that because everyone responds to what they see and feel, art writing is much
more accessible than most people imagine. By bringing their individual
knowledge and experience into play, art writing is a way of sharing those
insights with others. ‘Art can be a really interesting gateway to use as a
writer,’ she says. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">If you are looking for ways to start your
art writing career, Capel-Stanley recommends Siri Hustvedt's book <i>What I Loved</i> for fiction writers and
non-fiction writers could try <i>Forty-One
False Starts</i> by Janet Malcolm.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The ACT Writers Centre and the Canberra
Glassworks hope to encourage writers to explore the fascinating intersection of
glass and writing by running a New Glass Writing Competition on an annual basis.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><i>This blog post is part of my Blogger in Residence with the ACT Writers Centre and first appeared in <a href="http://actwritersblog.com/2015/09/10/arts-collaboration-anything-but-arcane/" target="_blank">Capital Letters</a> </i></span></div>
Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03614677697534214433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-789190654824321331.post-12773602954928129812015-09-13T17:15:00.000+10:002015-09-13T17:15:44.425+10:00Industry WrapDay three of the <a href="http://www.actwriters.org.au/" target="_blank">ACT Writers Centre</a> Intro2Industry sessions wrapped up with <a href="http://ebookrevolution.com.au/" target="_blank">eBook Revolution's</a> Emily Craven providing the low down on Indie and digital publishing. She argues that in the digital age, there is no need for authors to think only about 'bound, glued, dead-tree things'. Instead, writers can take the challenge to explore those diverse online mechanisms that enable their ideas to be shared with others.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvXzS_tM9cOEyFPg94sEkoTM1CMpAvYYq_txiUpXao4ApxyN0Is19iB1vEyZIrgND6C_fxmNtVzE845mCDoZ3qPKJhK-Vq77WngRXfiSUnUIUDbkRQLDb5jBWxcoqAAr_FsNckGewz2sA/s1600/network2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvXzS_tM9cOEyFPg94sEkoTM1CMpAvYYq_txiUpXao4ApxyN0Is19iB1vEyZIrgND6C_fxmNtVzE845mCDoZ3qPKJhK-Vq77WngRXfiSUnUIUDbkRQLDb5jBWxcoqAAr_FsNckGewz2sA/s1600/network2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvXzS_tM9cOEyFPg94sEkoTM1CMpAvYYq_txiUpXao4ApxyN0Is19iB1vEyZIrgND6C_fxmNtVzE845mCDoZ3qPKJhK-Vq77WngRXfiSUnUIUDbkRQLDb5jBWxcoqAAr_FsNckGewz2sA/s320/network2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
This doesn't mean that the hardcopy book is dead, far from it. But it does mean that you need to be networked and seek out the best approach for your work.<br />
<br />
These days, the options range across podcasts, direct downloads, subscriptions, apps and more.<br />
<br />
'We are storytelling animals', so make the most of the opportunities the digital world offers.<br />
<br />
<br />
The Hardcopy 2015 Intro2Industry program rounded off with a Q&A session provided by freelance editor, <a href="http://www.marycunnane.com/" target="_blank">Mary Cunnane</a>.<br />
<br />
Emerging non-fiction writers now have a better insight into the many ways an author might seek publication. There's no right or wrong way, and definitely no one pathway to publication. As Emily Craven suggests, use the Velcro approach and see what sticks.<br />
<br />
<br />
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<br />Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03614677697534214433noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-789190654824321331.post-18343759414644039042015-09-12T17:48:00.004+10:002015-09-12T17:48:43.950+10:00Innovation @Hardcopy 2015<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5BWImk1nOPuaGSz3ARUMIRZ9G6C6ID222Ddbfzw86cG6VgU77EsPEPc1goo1TO2SlDBZ1asWDnJM06KPHxL9ilCGRCVGJeNB8BsAku7LrtocsqnKRCmG3bwNAx-rUYv-VOYigld0t18U/s1600/Hqkn9tdevBo69HeYzjmB3WS6Ve5PXAOeUYhusz1XML8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5BWImk1nOPuaGSz3ARUMIRZ9G6C6ID222Ddbfzw86cG6VgU77EsPEPc1goo1TO2SlDBZ1asWDnJM06KPHxL9ilCGRCVGJeNB8BsAku7LrtocsqnKRCmG3bwNAx-rUYv-VOYigld0t18U/s320/Hqkn9tdevBo69HeYzjmB3WS6Ve5PXAOeUYhusz1XML8.jpg" width="180" /></a>Day two of Intro2Industry at the <a href="http://www.actwriters.org.au/" target="_blank">ACT Writers Centre</a> didn't disappoint with an informative line-up headed by digital marketing specialist, Eva Bui from <a href="http://www.randomhouse.com.au/" target="_blank">Random House</a>. Her message to writers is to keep up with the digital age and embrace the opportunities for connection offered by technological innovation. Get a FaceBook page, tweet like you're a nightingale, seek out YouTube to reach the 18-34 year age bracket. And Instagram your heart out.<br />
<br />
A new session at this year's Hardcopy was from Linda Funnell who shared her experiences at <a href="http://newtownreviewofbooks.com.au/" target="_blank">Newtown Review of Books</a>. According to Linda, authors should not look to book reviews for validation, but if your receive a splendid review, don't be afraid to spread the word.<br />
<br />
Of course, if you follow Eva's advice and have a strong digital presence, this will be easy.<br />
<br />
The day was rounded off by a panel discussion about how to prepare for speaking in public and overcoming the (inevitable) stage fright before confronting your excited fans. My thought on this: make fan interaction a media event so you have something to post to YouTube and Instagram!Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03614677697534214433noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-789190654824321331.post-23753555325928281372015-09-11T13:52:00.002+10:002015-09-11T13:52:27.264+10:00I2I @Hardcopy 2015This morning I had the pleasure of attending the Intro2Industry sessions of HARDCOPY2015 to hear the latest from Charlotte Harper of <a href="http://editia.com/" target="_blank">Editia</a> and literary agent, <a href="http://jacintadimase.com.au/" target="_blank">Jacinta di Mase</a>.<br />
<br />
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We got down to basics in Charlotte's workshop where participants explored the imperatives facing publishers. While authors struggle with writing that perfect manuscript, publishers are worrying about marketing, rights management, publishing schedules, and the economics of choosing an author who will be noticed and sell. For those non-fiction writers out there, understanding the issues being considered by non-fiction publishers like Editia, <a href="http://www.affirmpress.com.au/home" target="_blank">Affirm Press</a>, <a href="https://www.textpublishing.com.au/" target="_blank">Text Publishing</a> or <a href="https://scribepublications.com.au/" target="_blank">Scribe</a> is essential if you want to pitch your work successfully.<br />
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Jacinta provided insights into the relationship between non-fiction authors, agents and publishers with real life examples about the vibrancy of the Australian non-fiction book industry. It's not enough merely to have written a wonderful memoir, biography or history. Writers need a back story <span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">–</span> why they wrote the piece, their connection to the topic, their credentials to deal with the issue. Authors might also consider whether their work lends itself to other forms such as documentaries or radio programs.<br />
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Congratulations to the <a href="http://www.actwriters.org.au/" target="_blank">ACT Writers Centre</a> for once again conducting HARDCOPY. This is a leading professional development program backed by industry interest and commitment.<br />
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Looking forward to the sessions tomorrow.<br />
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<br />Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03614677697534214433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-789190654824321331.post-62983035546726713732015-09-08T15:51:00.001+10:002015-10-05T17:45:17.158+11:00GNH to HJR: Happiness in a JarPeople keep telling me I look happy. And it's true. I have a general sense of well-being, of contentment and satisfaction with my life.<br />
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For me, it's not about having things to be happy, but being happy with the things I have.<br />
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Bhutan measures its Gross National Happiness (GNH) based on psychological well-being, health, education, time use, cultural diversity and resilience, good governance, community vitality, ecological diversity and living standards.<br />
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Perhaps this offers some insight for happiness at a personal level: look after yourself emotionally and physically, make learning a life-long journey, be organised so you can achieve your goals, seek out difference and take in a broad range of experiences, act ethically, contribute to your community, create a garden, make the most of what you have - however much or however little this is.<br />
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Another way to know if you are happy is to create what I call your Happiness Jar Rating (HJR). It's simple. Choose a container (jar, pot, basket) and each day write down something that gave you happiness. Put the piece of paper into the container. Before long you have a ready-made reminder of positive, affirming, uplifting and dare I say it...happy memories. At this rate you'll have a seven star rating in no time!<br />
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There are fun ways to use your Happiness Jar as inspiration for writing. I'll explore this over the coming weeks.Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03614677697534214433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-789190654824321331.post-84767282409311403872015-09-04T16:11:00.001+10:002015-09-04T16:11:38.720+10:00Glass Half FullHalfway through my <a href="http://actwritersblog.com/" target="_blank">Blogger in Residence for the ACT Writers Centre</a> and time to do a stocktake of the experience so far.<br />
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One of the most interesting aspects is that my Residency is like a professional writing position. I submitted a timetable which was accepted and now it is a process of writing to deadlines, something quite different from the day to day free-form creative writing experience where a day or two, or a week or even a month won't make that much difference initially.<br />
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An enjoyable part of my Residency has been the professional contact with established writers, editors, bloggers and presenters. Not only have they been generous with their time, but the information they have provided has been inspiring and insightful.<br />
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A by-product of the experience is a greater understanding of the activities going on at the ACT Writers Centre. This has been in part due to the wonderful office there, but also through contact with workshop leaders for the spring program.<br />
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This brings me to the final thought for today, which is that while writing can be an individual pursuit, I've found that the Residency has enabled a greater sense of connection to the writing community. My Residency has given me more confidence as a writer, and with positive feedback about my blogs, I feel more capable and definitely appreciated.Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03614677697534214433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-789190654824321331.post-17901382650222367702015-09-01T12:34:00.000+10:002015-09-01T12:34:37.629+10:00Spring into ActionIt's official. Spring is here.<br />
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If, like me, you've experienced a long, hard winter, shake off both Shakespeare ('Now is the winter of our discontent') and all thoughts of G R R Martin ('Winter is coming') and prepare your Writerly Things to Do in Spring checklist. Mine looks like this:<br />
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<b>Organise your files</b> - really it's about version control. You might have some pearls in the early versions of stories or the soon-to-be-best-seller, but you don't need to look at them all the time. Whether electronic or paper, put the older versions into a separate folder. It will clear your workspace and your mind. It also prevents you accidentally editing the 'wrong' version, or 'losing' the changes.<br />
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<b>Set yourself a writing challenge</b> - if writing matters to you, no more excuses! Get on with it. Can you create 500 words every day for a week? Or write for 24 hours straight? Or write 200 words in every coffee shop in town? Or create a short story in 100 words while you're on the bus to work?<br />
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<b>Find a writing buddy</b> - someone who is interested in writing too, who will hold you to account, who will encourage and nourish you and tell it like it is when you share early drafts. Avoid partners/spouses/parents/children/close friends. These people are lovely, but they don't have enough emotional distance for the task.<br />
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<b>Enter a competition</b> - yes, everyone else is doing this, but you have to be in it to win it. At the very least you will have a new piece of creditable writing that you may be able to publish elsewhere. If are the winner, fantastic!<br />
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<b>Dust off old ideas</b> - take something you have set aside for a while (yes, even for years) and give it a good going over. Change the perspective, introduce a new character, find a different location, try new dialogue, create a new opening sentence or revamp the title.<br />
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See, this is why you need to have a good filing system, be prepared to set yourself a writing challenge, have a writing buddy and a competition to send the finished product to.<br />
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So spring into action - there's no time to waste.<br />
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<br />Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03614677697534214433noreply@blogger.com0