I am a terrible runner. The only races I ever placed were in swimming. When it came to running, I always came last. In fact, one year (in one of the many schools I went to), someone had the bright idea to put all the terrible runners into the obstacle race. They then asked my Dad to judge it. Guess who came last. Yes, me. Last of the last. My humiliation was complete.
In a race, we compete against each other. Winners mean losers. Your gain is my loss.
Writing is not like that. Together, we are stronger. Remember the Inklings - a writing group that included C S Lewis, J R R Tolkien, Charles Williams and others (and Dorothy Sayers as the unoffical inkling). These writers sparked off each other, encouraging and critiquing. The result -- a richer world and timeless classics.
CASQ
This last weekend, a group of writers got together for Christian Authors Showcase (Queensland) or CASQ. Together we are stronger. Through encouragement, inspiration, good counsel and challeing each other. More than that, we could fellowship together, overcome misunderstandings, pray, listen and laugh together.
The weekend started with a keynote speech from publisher Rochelle Stephens and finished with Adele Jones with a deep dive into what it means to find our tribe. In between, we were treated with heartfelt worship, the green curled grammar grandma grinch, panels and presentations on writing craft (short stories, suspense, spec fic, song-writing, research, hero's journey, changes in writing style etc), and about publishing and different writing groups including CWD. Pop-ups gave authors 90 seconds to present their books, while a number of authors had the opportunity to launch their books - from Mosaic of Grace, to Stephen & the Heroes, El Roi and others.
I especially had fun moderating the Sci-Fiction and Fantasy panel with Lynne Stringer and Donita Bundy as we explored the difference in the spec fic genres, the role and creation of worlds and how our fiction intersects with real life and research.
But best of all was connecting with each other and our Lord, catching up with old friends and making new ones, sharing our stories over dinner on Saturday, lunches and the delicious morning and afternoon teas.
A big thank you to Annie Hamilton, Judy Rogers, Ruth Bonetti, Bek Robinson for organising the weekend and all speakers, panelists, the contributors of prizes, and the wonderful attendees who made this a great weekend. Looking foward to next year.
Stories That Shape Us
In just over a week, on 15 May 2026 at the Gap Uniting Church, Ruth Bonetti, Kathy Hoopmann and I (Jeanette O'Hagan) will be joining with authors Megan Daly, Debbie O'Shea and Claire Nada in the Stories That Shape Us -- an inspiring evening celebrating the power of stories to shape our lives, values, and sense of purpose.
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CALEB
Omega Writers CALEB Award is closing this Friday - for published works. CALEB stands for Christian Authors Lifting Each other's Books. Not only entries - but readers of the different categories are wanted.
https://omegawriters.com.au/caleb-award/
Omega Writers Conference
And finally, registrations are NOW OPEN for the Omega Writers Conference in October. This year's conference is to be held in South Australia.
Join us on October 16–18, 2026 at Nunyara Conference Centre in Adelaide, South Australia, for a weekend designed to equip, encourage, and connect writers at every stage of their journey."
https://omegawriters.com.au/omega-writers-conference-2026-details/
She has published over forty stories and poems, including the Under the Mountain Series (5 books), Akrad's Children and Rasel's Song, the first two books in the Akrad’s Legacy series and more recently, Rise of the Consortium. Her story in Stepping Sideways, 'In a League of Her Own' won the 2024 Aurealis Award for YA Short Stories & 'Anomalies at Prospero Base' (in Rise of the Consortium) was shortlisted in the 2025 Aurealis Awards.
Jeanette has practised medicine, studied communication, history, theology and writing. She loves reading, painting, travel, and pondering the meaning of life. She lives in Brisbane.
My Website | Facebook Author Page | Amazon | Books2Read | Goodreads
Thanks for that wrap-up, Jenny. I like your comparison between sporting competitions and writing. In writing, we can support each other in ways that don't mean one person wins at the expense of others. I really enjoyed the CASQ weekend too. The content was good, but we can't underestimate the value of networking at such events. As you say, the connections are so valuable. I've already booked for the Omega conference. Looking forward to seeing you there.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Nola. That is one of the joys of writing - being part of a community that lifts each other up. Look forward to seeing you at Omega.
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