Thursday, 21 August 2025

ON THE THRESHOLD by Shane Brigg

 EMBRACING LIMINALITY


There is so much change going on in our world. The saying...

 "the only thing constant is change" 

(attributed to the Greek philosopher Heraclitus) emphases that everything in the world is in a perpetual state of flux. This idea suggests that the only certainty in life is that things will inevitably transform over time. Change happens. Change is happening. Change will continue to happen. As writers, change is at the heart of our character developments, with narratives that have a reasonable development, tensions, conflicts and resolutions. Change is a powerful tool when employed well in our writing and in our personal lives as writers too.


Change is a doorway or threshold into somewhere new, or an in-between place. The idea of in-between spaces isn’t new. Some might say that it’s as old as time. It is something about time and process and transformation. Many fantasy writers utilise this device overtly. C.S. Lewis employed this concept with Lucy Pevensie’s discovery of Narnia through the threshold of the Wardrobe. The idea of in-between spaces is particularly about the process that happens as we transition from one form or state of being to another. It is about being and becoming. In our own lives, if we can recognize what’s causing tension and stress of going through change and experiencing a feeling of being neither here nor there, we can start to manage it. Giving it a label is an important first step.


Monks referred to in-between spaces as
“thin places,” where the distance between this world and some other reality is thin enough to notice. This instilled in them a love for spaces where they could feel hints of heaven in their waking reality. This is why pilgrimages are encouraged. This is why living a rhythm of life in simplicity, humility, servantship and abandonment to God has been recognised as so invigorating.

Anthropologists employ a word definition for being ‘in-between’. It’s called “liminality.” The word comes from the Latin word limen, meaning threshold. Liminality is about being on the threshold of moving from one state or place to another. When you are in a liminal space, you’re no longer where you started; you’re also not yet where you will wind up. You are in transition, in progress and in transformation.

Theologian Alan Hirsch introduces the concept of a "liminal lifestyle" as a way for Christians to live authentically and engage with the world, drawing further on the anthropological concept. Liminality, in this context, refers to the "in-between" or transitional spaces where individuals or groups face uncertainty, risk, or disorientation. Hirsch makes a call for Christians to embrace the uncertainty and discomfort of liminal spaces as a means of fostering deeper community, renewing faith, and engaging in a more authentic and missional expression of Christianity.

Liminality is a wonderful concept for us to embrace and be intentional about as we write and create story arcs for characters. The Hero's Journey trope is in essence a methodology of multiple liminal experiences and metanarrative.

Paul Tournier argues that liminality is

“A time of danger, of expectation, of uncertainty, of excitement, of extraordinary aliveness.”

For me personally liminal spaces have often been adventure filled experiences, transitions and transformations, challenging situations, heartbreaks, heart melting, heart moulding times.  Spaces that I remember and ‘take me back’ with rising emotions include:

Jungle flanked creeks in deep gorges surrounded by towering previously-navigated mountain faces. Resting there exhausted, exhilarated, thankful and thoughtful.


In the dirt and grime of broken streets in Vietnam next to dismembered beggars hoping for a morsel and a caring friend. Sitting beside them, simply being together with them, no words spoken, but the unsaid power of presence, communicating compassion for them and hope for brave futures.

Atop the mountainous massif of Massada in Israel having scaled its winding fortress-like cliffs to its summit. Lifting my eyes and arms over the dead sea basin as a lone Shofar awakened the dawn as a cried prayer.

Beside my mother as she breathed her last. Holding hands. Heaven receiving her.  

With families and friends and colleagues and students I have journeyed with over many years. As I was farewelled recently. Transitioning from decades of Chaplaincy ministry in schools to serving in my new role as Missionary and Member Carer.



For others liminal spaces may be cathedrals with steep spires, stain glassed windows and gothic edifices, or small churches in the countryside with the scent of old silk-oak timber pews and wattle, or wooded glens and tree ferns with Lyre birds, or open fields filled with flowers and butterflies, or the streets of your town you have been praying for, or surfing at sunset in a tropical paradise, or a revisit to a hall where you performed your first solo, or a dusty floor inside an abandoned house of your upbringing, or opening the bible and sharing with a friend special words, or peacefully listening and singing to hymn-song, praises and musical worship with a knowing that God is with you.

What is your experience of Liminality?

Where have you experienced a ‘thin place’?

When have you sensed you are on the threshold of something new?



Each of Paul Tournier’s descriptors of liminality (danger, expectation, uncertainty, excitement, extraordinary aliveness) can be turned into prompts and inspirations for our writing:

·        Help your character work through dangers, difficulties, challenges and all the feelings associated with that.

·        What would it mean to show the expectations of our characters in new ways as they navigate thresholds of change?

·        How can we show an authentic navigation of uncertainties in our stories?

·        Make your narrative full of exciting transitions that inspires your reader to feel the change and perhaps be motivated towards positive change for themselves. 



Paul Tournier’s descriptors of liminality can equally be turned into personal prayers as you navigate your own personal change:

·        “Please, mighty God, keep me safe in my feelings of danger.”

·        “Jesus, you walk with us every day. Help us to expect to see you at work.”

·        “Help us to trust you in our uncertainty.”

·        “This exciting transitional time makes me feel fresh and alive. Help me to perceive that aliveness as a gift from you. Help me to serve you with this energy I'm feeling.”

Perhaps you are standing on the threshold of embracing the liminal space within you. You may feel resistance, fear, grief, and sadness. Wherever you are is ok. Embrace that and allow yourself to be with what you are feeling. Liminality invites us over the threshold of everything we often resist.

Perhaps this article may even be an inspiration to step across your own threshold into a bold new vision or action for your life and writing.

Be encouraged.


“Blessed are those whose strength is in you,
    whose hearts are set on pilgrimage.

And how blessed all those in whom you live,
    whose lives become roads you travel;
They wind through lonesome valleys, come upon brooks,
    discover cool springs and pools brimming with rain!
God-travelled, these roads curve up the mountain, and
    at the last turn—Zion! God in full view!

Psalm 84:5-7 NIV and Message


Thursday, 14 August 2025

Highlighting Members Recent Releases


Christian Writers Downunder is a diverse group of writers, editors, bloggers, illustrators. As a group we support each other through our Facebook page and blog.

Today's blog will highlight some of the recent releases of our members from November 2023-August 2025


Recent Releases


Historical Fiction

River Song

River Song
by Jeanette Grant Thomson

  

Shy Claire braves university and befriends flamboyant Vivien. The girls hope to find husbands – but what is wrong with Viv’s boyfriend? And will Mark ever make that commitment? Amid the cultural revolution of the sixties, shadowed by the Vietnam War, relationships become tangled. Will a calamity sort it all out?

Jeanette Grant Thomson is a Moreton-based author who has had all sorts of writing published since her childhood. This is her seventh published book-length work. You can find her books at www.facebook.com/jeanette.grantthomson



Stones of Wrath

Stones of Wrath-The Twins 
by SJ Ratcliffe

Professor Mikkel Jacobsen smuggles an ancient artefact from England to Argentina. It is now 1943, and the Nazis hunt the artefact in Argentina, putting Mikkel and his twin daughter Ruby in jeopardy. Meanwhile, Christian, Ruby’s twin, is in Denmark helping the Jews escape across the sea to Sweden.

SJ Ratcliffe is a christian fiction author. ‘Stones of Wrath’ won the 2025 Pencraft Award. In 2024, she appeared on BBC Radio, US podcasts and was recognised by the NSW parliament.

Social Link: https://www.facebook.com/sjratcliffeauthor?
Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com.au/Stones-Wrath-Twins-Book-Two/dp/B0F7Y8Q45D/

Hearts Unknown

Hearts Unknown
by Dienece Darling

After this London season, not the boy next door. Clarence has loved Edith for as long as he can remember. What will it take for Edith to notice him? One bird, one ball, and a pesky street preacher.

Dienece Darling is a former Georgia Belle who now calls Australia home with her husband and two sons. She writes inspirational historical fiction, and her first name is pronounced Denise. https://www.dienecedarling.com

Buy link: https://books2read.com/heartsunknown/




First Fleet Convict Era Trilogy 1788-1800

by Sara Powter


Gentle Annie Soames

Her dreams lead to unexpected outcomes. An Australian First Fleet story with the descriptions taken directly from the Journal of Doctor Arthur Bowes Smith was the doctor on board the Lady Penrhyn.

Annie Soames is a girl beloved by the community but not afraid to voice her desires. That leads to trouble, illicit love, and transportation to New South Wales as a convict. When her former employer, Oliver Quilpie, recently widowed Marquess, goes searching for her, will nAnnie want to see him?

Long-listed in the Historical Fiction Company Competition 2024

https://mybook.to/GentleAnnieSoames


The Emancipated Potter

Not all felons are convicts, and not all convicts are felons. 

Colin Osborne’s serene life as a talented potter is crushed by a self-important peer. A single punch sends Colin across to the other side of the globe. Aggie Gibbs is a young convict girl being hunted by a wayward soldier. The two find themselves in a town of criminals and lecherous men but an unlikely mentor. Can they build a decent life for the convicts destined to live out their lives in the penal town? 

Paternity Unknown

Connie Waterson is attacked and traumatised when the convict women were landed in the colony. She finds herself expecting an unwanted child. Along with her friends, she must learn to cope with the challenges of their new environment while protecting the life growing within her. Can those who attacked her? 

https://www.sarapowter.com.au/
(with an online store)


YA Speculative Fiction


Keeper of the Archives


Keeper of the Archives
by Lynne Stringer

After their home burns to cinders, Eden Fittell gets work in the government’s Archives to support her family.

But the city is being stalked by a crime boss who is using a freak to kidnap people off the street. And he usually snatches government employees.Is Eden safe?

Lynne Stringer began writing professionally as a journalist and was the editor of a small newspaper (later magazine) for seven years, before turning her hand to screenplay writing and novels.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lynne_stringer_author/

a buy link: https://www.amazon.com/Keeper-Archives-Lynne-Stringer-ebook/dp/B0D7W7314J/


Signal Erased


Signal Erased 
by Adele Jones

Anna Faraday’s carefully ordered world comes crashing down when her gift of singing is turned against her. After a reckless car drive ruins a night of romance, her gifted voice is then exploited for a secret frequency-based experiment that alters her atomic state.

As time is running out, she seeks help from the last guy she ever thought she’d ask—a guy who has been all but invisible to her, until now. Will he, or anyone, understand what’s happened before she disappears forever?


Adele Jones is an Australian author of "Science fiction for the real world". Writing YA fringe and near sci-fi stories, she tackles complex teen issues including self-worth, disability, loss, domestic violence, youth crime and more, drawing inspiration from her passion for family, faith, friends, music and science.

For more visit www.adelejonesauthor.com


Kingdom of Longing


Kingdom of Longing (Prequel to Bethloria series) 
By Elizabeth Klein
26th March, 2024

When Mistrelle Evanspay is overtaken by a storm and her frightened horse throws her, she is discovered by the enigmatic Ewarn Skylander, Morgran’s Chief Mage and councillor. Her head warns her not to get involved, but her heart yearns for a different life than the one her parents have in mind for her. Will she follow the check in her heart, or the wild romance Ewarn can offer?







Elizion Fractured Books 2 & 3


Elizion Fractured book 2 
by Elizabeth Klein
Published 22nd Jan. 2024

The story explores the challenges of surviving in a hostile environment. The plot follows the lives and destinies of Freya, newly crowned queen, the earth-born Fin, and several key sky-born characters as they face increasingly difficult challenges on Tara’s surface.









Elizion Conspiracy book 3 
by Elizabeth Klein 
Published 5th September 2024


Memories of the aliens have faded and life is good for the sky-born, until the day a group of mercenaries come looking for a fugitive. Queen Freya wants to locate him before the mercenaries get to him, clearly an impossible task. But when he locates them first and issues a dire warning, Freya realises they have all been asleep to the perils still lurking on Tara.







In 2015, Elizabeth and her husband left Sydney to travel in a caravan full time. Besides having written many short stories, articles, plays and poems, she’s also authored YA and junior fiction books, as well as educational books and has 100 published works to date. You can find out more about her books here:
https://www.elizabethkleinauthor.com/


Stepping Sideways



Stepping Sideways: Stories of Steampunk and Dystopia
Editors Emily Larkin and Lynne Stringer
Rhiza Edge


A circus is not all it seems. A monster… and opportunity… waits in ocean mists. A friendship is out of time. A group of kids escape scavenger dogs in a brutal world. A water sprite is far from home. And a machine generates romance. These stories and others await in this steampunk and dystopian anthology by Australian authors, sure to transport you into worlds of danger and wonder.

Authors include Lynne Stringer, Emily Larkin, Annaliese Hudson, Linsey Painter, Shaye Wardrop, Andreas Katsineris-Paine, Adele Jones, Elizabeth Klein, Jeanette O’Hagan, Rachel Denham-White, Jennifer Horn and Bianca Breen.

Time’s Key by Emily Larkin, shortlisted for Best Young Adult Short Story in the 2024  Aurealis Awards.

In a League of Her Own by Jeanette O’Hagan, winner of the Best Young Adult Short Story in the 2024 Aurealis Awards

Buy Link: https://wombatrhiza.com.au/stepping-sideways-stories-of-steampunk-and-dystopia/

Jeanette O'Hagan has spun tales in the world of Nardva from the age of eight. She enjoys writing fantasy, sci-fi, poetry, and editing. Her Nardvan stories involve shapeshifters and magic. Others include space stations and cyborgs. She has published the Under the Mountain Series (5 books) the Akrad's Legacy series and numerous short stories, one of which recently won the 2024 Aurealis Award for YA Shorty story category.


Memoirs and Biographies


Unravelling: loving my parents through dementia

Unravelling: loving my parents through dementia
by Claire Belberg (aka Claire Bell)

Unravelling is the story in prose and poetry of a daughter accompanying her parents on the journey of dementia. It’s raw, honest, sometimes disturbing. This book was written for those who want company on a similar journey, and those who want to gain understanding of those who travel this way.

Claire Belberg personal story of her parents' dementia was released in September 2024.

Claire Belberg writes to understand, which typically includes reflections on nature. She has published poetry, fiction and non-fiction. She blogs occasionally at The Character Forge (clairebelberg.wordpress.org).

Buy - e-book at https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/unravelling-claire-belberg/1146288051 and print book direct from author (cheapest option!) at bellwriting@gmail.com (postage within Australia only)


Treasure Island


Treasured Island: Exploring the Delights of King Island
by Josephine Petrovic 


An armchair traveller’s delight, this little brightly coloured book relates how our family ‘discovered’ King Island in Bass Strait, Tasmania, lived and worked there, and shared our experiences. It is well researched and includes numerous fascinating backstories, a gallery of amazing photographs and an extensive visitor’s guide.

Josephine Petrovic is finally an author, two years off eighty! Happily married, she’s Mum to five, Nanna of nine, and a born storyteller who loves to inspire and bless others.

Holdfast Books / jopetrovic.author@gmail.com


Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com.au/Treasured-Island-Exploring-Delights-King-ebook/dp/B0FHWZPB49/


Christian Life and Reflection


Swansong

Swansong: start creating your legacy of life-giving words today 
by Jo-Anne Berthelsen, 
Authentic Media UK 

In Swansong, Jo-Anne Berthelsen issues a gentle challenge to consider carefully how God’s words and the words of others have impacted us and how the words we in turn speak and write on a daily basis can best honour God and build others up.

Jo-Anne Berthelsen is a Sydney-based author of seven novels and four non-fiction works. She holds degrees in Arts and Theology and has worked in teaching, editing and local church ministry.



God Moments: 101 little lessons for life’s journey

God Moments: 101 little lessons for life’s journey 
by Jo-Anne Berthelsen, Authentic Media UK 


In God Moments, Jo-Anne Berthelsen shares personal experiences of how apparently mundane events in daily life have created unexpected ‘God moments’. Grounded in Scripture, these 101 uplifting devotions will encourage you to open your heart to God and look out for him as you go about your daily life.







Messages from the heart of God - Volume 3


Messages from the heart of God - Volume 3
by David Hollis

Messages from the heart of God – Volume 3” is a collection of 40 short devotional chapters that lead the reader on a journey of inspiration, encouragement, and hope, especially in the difficulties, trials and uncertainties of our daily lives.

David Hollis lives in the far north of New Zealand on the rocky coastline of East Bay. He’s been writing prose and poetry for five years and published three books.
www.facebook.com/breadonthewaters

Buy link: https://www.amazon.com/author/davidhollis777




10 Blessings of God You Won’t Want to Miss


10 Blessings of God You Won’t Want to Miss
by Susan Barnes


10 Blessings of God will enrich your faith as you embrace the different ways God desires to bless and encourage you to trust him more deeply. His blessings are intended to renew our minds and stir our souls so God’s people can make a difference in the world.

Susan Barnes has thirty years of experience in pastoral ministry and a degree in Christian ministry. She has published hundreds of devotional articles, sharing her experiences of trusting God.

https://www.facebook.com/susanannebarneswriter

Buy Link: Options for print and ebook: https://www.susanbarneswriter.com/10-blessings-of-god/


From the Prison to the Palace

From the Prison to the Palace
by Karen Roper 
August 2024



Have you ever wondered how Joseph in the Bible felt with not only being sold into slavery but being separated and betrayed by his family?


He took the same journey that most of us will take in our lives. What journey am I talking about? Our emotional journey through life.”

Karen Roper is passionate about seeing people live their lives the way God intended and to fulfil the purpose and plans that God has for them.

Instagram link is: https://www.instagram.com/roper.karen/

Buylink: From the Prison to the Palace: A Journey of Emotional Healing : Roper, Karen Faye: Amazon.com.au: Books


Comfort Zone: A 40-day Devotional

Comfort Zone: A 40-day Devotional on the Father of All Comfort
by Nola Lorraine
Armour Books, 2025



In this 40-day excursion into the heart of the Father, Nola Lorraine uses personal reflections and scriptures to show how God comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can then share his love and comfort with others.

Nola Lorraine writes fiction, nonfiction and poetry that weave words of courage and hope. She would love to connect with you through her website: www.nolalorraine.com.au


Buy link - https://koorong.com/product/scattered-nola-lorraine_9781925380859

 




Congratulations to all our members for your milestones and achievements.

Jeanette O'Hagan

Thursday, 7 August 2025

Upcoming Omega Online Retreat 2025 by Carolyn Tonkin


 

The Buzz about Writing Groups

I was buzzing!

The year was 2014 and I’d just returned from my first writers conference full of ideas about writing, and publishing, and editing, and marketing, and creating a website, and learning how to pitch my project, and, and… to be honest, I was a tad overwhelmed. But I didn’t give up. My eyes had been opened, and I couldn’t close them. I took a deep breathe and begun my journey of learning.

I read books about the craft of writing, I joined groups of other Christian writers to ask questions and share my journey, I read outside my genre and I entered competitions that provided feedback.

Fast forward ten years later and as I’ve applied what I learnt I’ve seen a few of my stories published in anthologies, my first full-length fiction book was picked up by a small Australian Christian publisher, and I found myself volunteering to be on the organising committee of Omega Christian Writers. Why volunteer? Was I not busy enough? Didn’t I want to spend more time furthering my own writing?

Yes, but as followers of Jesus, we are wired for service, so I felt compelled to ‘give back’ to the groups that had helped develop me as a writer, and I would trust God for the rest … because one thing was clear — trusting Him to direct my paths has never failed me.

Not Just Face-to-Face

2020 saw Covid hit our shores, and the growth of many online platforms where people found they could meet and conduct all kinds of business. Many of us discovered Teams, FaceTime and Zoom, as a way of keeping in touch ‘face-to-face’ rather than using email or phone, and it was in the Zoom space that the Omega Christian Writers online retreat was birthed. It’s interesting to note that in 2025, more people than ever are using this cost-effective avenue to meet, listen and learn.

 

If you’ve never joined an online writing group, can I encourage you to consider it?


The Omega Christian Writers Online Retreat 2025

The Omega Christian Writers online retreat is a great way to start. 

The retreat, held bi-annually since 2021 is on 10-11 October this year. It opens on the Friday night and continues all day Saturday. 




The keynote speaker this year is Lori Roeleveld, an international award-winning author with degrees in Psychology and Biblical Studies. Lori is gifted in helping people face difficult challenges, locate the hidden gold buried in their lives, and then teach them how best to apply it. She will bring a session rooted in the book of Nehemiah that will appeal to both fiction and non-fiction writers, and which fits perfectly with this year’s theme: Transformation: Renewing our Minds, Sharpening our Skills, Writing with Purpose.

The retreat will host numerous sessions and workshops covering:

  • Publishing models
  • The pros and cons of AI
  • A great session on advertising and marketing

plus 

  • Opportunities to gather in your genre groups to workshop your craft, and
  • The Caleb Award presentations, hosted by Dr Pete Court. 

Being online means you can choose to sit by yourself in the comfort of your own home or organise a small group to spend the time together. I’m doing a little bit of both! Either way, I guarantee you won’t regret investing your time into your writing, I believe you’ll leave inspired and with some new tools in your author toolbox.

You may even leave the retreat buzzing!


Registrations are Open!

Registrations are now open. You can find out more and register at the following link. If you are a financial member of Omega Writers, be sure to go into the members' area first for the discount code.

https://omegawriters.com.au/2025-online-retreat/

See you there!


Author Bio


Carolyn Tonkin is the current President of Omega Christian Writers.

She has been writing across a variety of genres since she was a teenager but found God spoke to her about the purpose of her writing after attending her first writer’s conference in 2014.

Carolyn is currently working on the second instalment of her trilogy in inspirational fiction. Her first novel, Nellie’s Child was published in 2021.



Author website: https://www.carolyntonkin.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolyntonkin.author/


Photo Sources

Featured photo from Omega conference 2024 by Nola Passmore; Author pic from Carolyn Tonkin; online graphic by ZedH on Pixabay.