Imagine a publishing house that offers a
free seminar—and even lunch!—in a bid to attract new authors. Would you sign
up? You bet.
Lutheran church publishing house Open Book was swamped by responses and people were turned away. I saw many familiar faces. I put out an open invitation to meet in my garden and discuss ways to encourage and support each other.
Omega Writers seeds were sown and sprouted in September 1991.
With Sharli Zwart I formed a
monthly group to talk and read our writing to encouraging nods.
Often we heard speakers but
the focus was to encourage and support. Our newsletter was the old-fashioned
cut and paste with scissors, glue and photocopier.
A recurring theme was ‘How do we find a publisher?’
We prayed. And it came to pass; a publisher rose through our ranks, while other Christian publishers faded. Take a bow, Rochelle Manners.
A recurring theme was ‘How do we find a publisher?’
We prayed. And it came to pass; a publisher rose through our ranks, while other Christian publishers faded. Take a bow, Rochelle Manners.
The Lord gave
me a vision: a showcase to highlight members’ writing and Christian arts–dance, rap, art
exhibition. Pro Hart sent paintings. My husband
brought along Brisbane Symphony Orchestra. I illustrated my poem with a slide show
in the dark ages before Power Point. We attracted 1000 people to two performances, 9 and 10 July 1993. Nail biting? Yes. Faith stretched.
God sent another vision. (Help, Lord, so BIG picture?) Print an anthology Seasons of Giving to
showcase members’ writing. And it came to pass in October 1998. As did my energy.
After Lyn Hurry took over, she and Anne
Hamilton produced Grow Magazine and mounted Alpha2Omega conference. Authors from across Australia presented their knowledge,
experience and books across multiple rooms. Lyn didn’t fade, centre right, but meetings downsized to cuppa, chat and read-a-page support.
Annie Hamilton became president in 2008. She urged authors
to review each other’s books on the website, (now moved to Goodreads.com)—to bring readers to our books. Her vision led
to informative articles on the website, the significant CALEB book prizes (2010) and more conferences.
President since 2015, Simon Kennedy has updated the
logo and website to small screen friendly with capacity to pay memberships,
advertise and process events online. It provides members with their own profile
page, which can include backlinks to their own websites and social media, a
bonus for their SEO.
To quote from his recent report at the AGM:
Until recently, Omega’s only local writing
group was based in Brisbane. In the past few months, we have either started or
affiliated with groups throughout Australia, including in Toowoomba, Sydney, Adelaide and Gold Coast… Locally based and genre
specific online writing groups are held every month or two. Omega’s
Toowoomba Chapter ran a great weekend retreat in late 2015 and have another one
scheduled for May 2016. Also planned;
·
Regional workshops and retreats
once a quarter, depending on support in that region.
·
Annual writers conference and
national webinars.
·
The Christian Writers
Conference will once again fall under the Omega banner in 2016. It will be held
in Sydney this year and will change its name to the Omega Writers Conference.Details
It's heartening to look back and realise
that God has nurtured the small seeds sown back in 1991 to a thriving community
of Christian authors who are published or developing skills towards that goal.
Praise God that our words are going out into the world to preach the gospel.
Praise God that our words are going out into the world to preach the gospel.
And that we shall reap a harvest if we don't give up. (Galatians 6:9).
Ruth Bonetti is author/editor of 12 publications through Oxford University Press and her imprint Words and Music to empower presenters of Words and Music. See
Great post Ruth. Well done thou good and faithful servant. It must be deeply satisfying to look back on 25 years ago and to recall His leading and His faithfulness in the Omega writers' journey. It tells me that being obedient to Him is very vital and that often God doesn't show us all He will do until we take the first step. Bless you for doing that Ruth and doing lots more these 25 years! :)
ReplyDeleteWonderful to read of the genesis of Omega Writers. :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks Ruth - wonderful to hear how Omega started all those years ago. What a blessing it has been :)
ReplyDeleteWow--thanks, Ruth. An interesting read, for sure. It must be lovely for you to see what is happening with Omega Writers now, after all those years.
ReplyDeleteThank for sharing the journey and sowing the seeds of the community of writers that exists today. Many blessings on you and the other pioneers.
ReplyDeleteWow, what an amazing story. Thank you so much for sharing and for taking that step of faith to follow where God is still leading.
ReplyDeleteThis is the first time I've ever heard how it all began. Thanks Ruth. The Lord has sure blessed your vision and those following after.
ReplyDeleteI was so excited when I discovered the Omega Writers group back in about 97 or 98, it was just what I needed! And just look at the impact it has had, inspiring so many writers across our land and beyond :-)
ReplyDeleteThank you for your obedience, Ruth. Thanks to you and your early colleagues, Omega has gone from strength to strength, nurturing writers across Australia and New Zealand.
ReplyDelete