Flourishing Together

 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.

Through a panel conversation with local authors, discover what draws them to their stories, what motivates their writing, and how stories have influenced their lives.

Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/share/16fz9ytyt5/  &  website  

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.

"Building Blocks and Pathways 2026 is here—and bookings are officially open for the Omega Writers biennial conference.

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/

Jeanette O'Hagan has spun tales in the world of Nardva from the age of eight. She enjoys writing fantasy, sci-fi, poetry. Her Nardvan stories span continents, millennia and cultures. Some involve shapeshifters and magic. Others include space stations and cyborgs.

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.

Find out more about Jeanette at:

My Website | Facebook Author Page | Amazon | Books2Read | Goodreads

Lifting the (Writing) Bar by Ruth Bonetti

Confess I’m challenged. After a lifetime writing nonfiction my foray into fiction forces me to explore character arcs and hero journeys. Sure, I’ve long known these concepts, but I’m stretched to action them. To show-not-tell.

 The editor of an anthology has challenged me to lift my game. 

‘Please take onboard this feedback and resubmit.’ 

 

After editing thirty-odd Mosaic of Grace submissions, I hastily resubmitted my rework. It was apparent my brain was fried. But I’m grateful that she sent back my story several times, for objective eyes see what our own misses. 

 

Anne Hamilton had taken the lion share of editing the first two collections, Palette of Grace and Symphony of Grace, even rewriting some stories. As 2-i-c editor, I felt guilty that thus far my easy ride had been to rubber stamp her decisions. Last year Anne returned from an interstate tour exhausted and unwell. So I hesitated to moot a third anthology. 

 

‘Sleep and pray on it first.’ But I couldn’t resist adding, ‘Remember those writers whose confidence blossomed since Palette of Grace publication? Our collections eased them through the pain threshold into print. Isn’t this our goal, to offer such opportunities? Promise, I’ll take the active role to save your time and effort.’ 

 

So many submissions! Thirty contributors, some of whom submitted several pieces. I realised that editing is rewarding but challenging. Sometimes difficult. For some borderline instances, I enlisted second opinions from Rosemary New as beta reader. A few text exchanges directed her to Review>Track Changes, which she embraced. Her insightful responses gave me tactful angles to suggest how writers might improve stories. By the time our tired brains reached final decisions, Rosie had earned her way up to co-editor. Justifiably.

 

‘Sorry, I can’t come to tonight’s service,’ I told a colleague who’d submitted to Mosaic of Grace. ‘I must do another rewrite of a story.’ Did I overwhelm him with a flurry of brainstorming to bring his character to life? ‘What’s the back story? How can you express his culture in senses like taste, smell, clothes? Describe!’ 

 

Subtext: ‘Show don’t tell’. 

Sub-sub-text: ‘It’s not just you—it’s me and all of us! I teach what I needed to learn.’

 

He took a while to respond but his final was far more engaging. 

 

Writers enjoy a wonderful opportunity: expert editing, free publication with no submission charge, an entrée into print with a couple of free copies thrown in. What a great deal! As her ministry, Anne (‘Annie’) shoulders all costs of design and printing. 

 

Each anthology, I buy fifty copies to offer as a fundraiser at church. Birthday, Mother’s and Father’s Day presents are at the ready. Contributors can also support this ministry by purchasing additional copies at 45% off the RRP. This not only defrays the cost of publication, it brings us closer to the goal of being able to release a family of brick-kiln labourers from slave bondage in Pakistan.

 

I’d hesitated to ask friends and colleagues to rewrite, but was encouraged by that anthology editor’s example. She insisted that I cull teenage slang and portray the senses using active verbs—aspects I knew but needed to put into practice. We teach what we need to learn. With the help of my trusted home editor, Rosie. We are blessed to form working relationships with fellow authors!

 

Contributors Rev. Robin Payne, Ruth Bonetti and Terry Hatfield 

By asking similarly of other writers, we encourage fledgling authors to embrace the learning process and lift their game as writers. Together, we can all polish our gifts to greater glory. Working together, we, the fellowship of writers lift each other up. What a blessing!

Mosaic of Grace will launch on May 2, at CASQ Don’t miss it! 

Christian Authors Showcase Qld returns for the fourth year —an inspiring program awaits us! 

ROCHELLE STEPHENS of Rhiza Press is keynote speaker and we look forward to her wealth of experience and insight. As traditional publisher who has gained respect in the mainstream market, she knows the Kids Lit to YA marketplace inside out. 

 

Who could forget Grammar Grinch? His/her cousin Grammar Grouch will return. Speakers will be announced by fanfare but in a tight two-room program, they will be hauled off with the shepherd’s crook. As is the norm in the popular Pop Up ops which means 90 seconds to tout your book(s)—(so start rehearsing NOW) and hope readers look for it on the book table. BOOK NOW!

We look forward to seeing you there! https://www.casq.online/event

RUTH BONETTI 

Ruth’s career in classical music became a passport to the world. Destiny led her to Sweden and Finland where she researched her grandfather's story and those of Finnish relatives, resulting in her award-winning Midnight Sun to Southern Cross trilogy (historical biography/memoir). 

Her passion to chronicle fighters against oppression has opened an exciting new vista, researching Finnish, Estonian and Russian history. Ruth’s vision is to write a series about Musicians Who Changed History, as she resonates with the healing power of music in the lives of those who fought against oppression.

Ruth's many publications (by Oxford University Press and her imprint Words and Music) cover both historical biography, and titles to motivate and inspire confident performance of words and music. 

CWD Highlights April-October 2023

 

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 achievements of our members from April-October 2023

New Releases & Launches

Elizabeth Klein

Dreamscape: Saving Mermaid Lagoon Book 3 

Dreamscape: Saving Mermaid Lagoon Book 3 on August 31st, 2023. Paperback on September 9th 2023.

Against his will, Sam Flynn is sent on a crazy mission by a bumbling fairy godmother to save a colony of mermaids. Instead, a group of pirates capture him and force him to become a member of their crew. To top off his bad luck, he’s snatched away in the middle of the night by a hideous Beast and carried off to its castle.

It’s a story that sounds all too familiar to Sam, except for the part where the daughter of a rose thief promised to the Beast falls in love with him instead. Will he survive the Beast’s wrath long enough to save the mermaids?

Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CH393GDR

Short story, The Invitation

Short story, The Invitation, was published in Short Tales 9 on 5th of May, 2023 by Storm Cloud Publishing.

Miriam accepts a mysterious invitation to a strange tea party in a meadow, along with white rabbits, a ginger cat with a huge smile on its face, an odd, long-necked bird and a man with orange hair and eyebrows that stick out and wiggle as he talks.

FREE!

Short story, The Time-Keeper

Short story, The Time-Keeper, was published in Open House 7 on Wednesday, 16th August, 2023 by Storm Cloud Publishing.

Blurb: Lara is a Time-Keeper and her services are for hire, that is, if you can afford her. She locates people's traumas and then alters them for a different outcome. But if the government finds her, it's over for Lara.

FREE!

Elizabeh Klein: Besides having written many short stories, articles, plays and poems, she's also authored YA and junior fiction books, as well as four educational books and has over 70 published works to date.

A Glimmer of Uncommon Fairy Tales anthology

A Glimmer of Uncommon Fairy Tales on April, the 26th 2023 and paperback on May 4th, 2023.

Edited by Elizabeth Klein - and with stories from Elizabeth and ten other authors, including CWD members Ann Hamilton, Linsey Painter, Sally Odgers, Debra Williams, Jean Saxby, and Jeanette O'Hagan

A collection of unknown, untold and retold stories that will stir the souls of fairy tale lovers everywhere. Each tale is carefully woven together with a silver thread of starlight and a sprinkle of magic, along with the golden melody from the Boy with the Nightingale’s Voice.

Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C3QNLP44

Ian Blight

Book details: non-fiction, title: 'Singleness, Marriage & being God's Family', release date: 17 October 2023

This non-fiction book looks into the contemporary church, at a marriage and family focused culture, with the intent of working toward a better biblical understanding of where singleness belongs in God's family.

Ian Blight is from Adelaide, and has written this book drawing from a lifetime of experience as a single person and motivated by an acute sense of the need to delve into the topic of singleness within the church in Australia.

Dienece Darling

In Freeing Defeat will be available in December. 

In Freeing Defeat (available in December), a socialite and a poor clergyman wrestle with God over the inconvenient appearing of each other in perfectly ordered their lives.

In Pursuing Prayer (available now), a sister grapples with unanswered prayer.

Sign up here to get both of these books for free! Free Story | Dienece Darling

Dienece Darling, an inspirational historical author, is running a 2 for 1 deal. Sign up to Dienece's blog and receive a short historical story now and a historical romance novelette in December. Both set in England.

Accepted for publication

Stories of Life

The Stories of Life anthology is a ollection of true stories of faith will be launched on Thursday evening, 16 November 2023, at Tabor College, Adelaide. At the launch, prize winners in the Open and Short category will also be announced. The event will be live-streamed on Facebook. 

Congratulations on the CWD members whose stories weere among those accepeeted to be published in the 2023 Stories of Life anthology, inclulding:

Jeanette Grant-Thomson Piercing the Silence

Jenny Woolsey Dad and Jesse

Jo Wanmer Dagger in the Heart

Jo-Anne Berthelsen Dear friend

June Hopkins A God-Given glitch & Kisses for Me

Steph Penny Kindling

Hazel Barker Help from Heaven

RJ Rodda Praying for Princess

DJ Blackmore Home Remedy

Karen Roper The Voice

Barbara McKay Out of the ashes

Cherie Love ‘Let the Children Come to Me’ and God is Our Provider

Esther Cremona The Heart of a Midwife

Kylie Gardiner People Matter

Liisa Grace-Baun No More Tuna Mornay

Roslyn Bradshaw Learning to Ride a Bike and Classic Road Trip

Ruth C Hall Solo with God and Along for the Ride

CONGRATULATIONS on all who have had their story accepted. For a full list of stories check out the Stories of Life website. 

RWR Retreat antholoyg - A Spash of Love. 

A number of CWD members have had their stories accepted for the RWR anthology - including Raelene Purtill, Jenny Woolsey and Jeanette O'Hagan - the anthology will be released next year with the 2024 Rainforest Writers Retreat.

Awards

CALEB Awards

Congratulations to the winners of the CALEB Award announced last Saturday.  This year was the unpublished prize, as well as the Barnabus and Encouragment awards

Unpublished Young Adult fiction

The Winner is Julia Archer with  The Drone Guy Project

Unpublished Adult fiction

The Winner is Kate Mackereth with  Tradings Wings

 

Barnabus Award

The Barnabas Award recognises writers who give selflessly to support and encourage other writers in the writing journey. This award celebrates the invaluable impact of such encouragement and acknowledges the often unseen work these writers do to lift others up.

The winner this year was Jo-Anne Berthelsen for her "For for “showing an unserving commitment to encouraging other Christian writers."

Encouragement Award

Encouragement Awards are opportunities to celebrate emerging writers who Omega Members believe are worthy of encouragement and recognition for their commitment, attitude and development of their writing craft.

The joint winners were Jo Wanmer "who is always encouraging others. Keep writing!" and Carolyn Bourke "as she finishes her debut novel."

For the full list and statements about the winners and prizes check out the Omega Writers Website.

CALEB 2024

Entries for the Published CALEB Awards will open in the first half of 2024. Check the Omega Writers Website for or 2024 entry dates in 2024

Events

May Retereat  5-7 May 2023

Toowoomba Omega Writers Chapter Retreat was held in May at Somerset Dam, South-east Queensland, with Guest speaker: Best-selling Australian Author, Meredith Resce, and publisher Rochelle Stephens practical workshops, time to referesh, write and/or network. Thanks for the Toowoomba chapters - Nola Passmore, Adele Jones, Kirsten Hart, Mazzy Adams and others who made this a inspiration time. 

Brisbane Omega Showcase  6-7 October 2023

Omega Showcase was two days of non-stop inspiration and fun with Judy Rogers as compere, a full program on a range of subjects plus some interesting workshops culminating with a dinner on the second day. A great way to network and to get the creative juices going. Big thanks to presenters including Simon Kennedy, Mazzy Adams, Rebekah Robinson, Nola Passmore, Rendered Realms (Lynne Stringer, Adele Jones and Jeanette O'Hagan), Raelene Purtill and especially to the organisers, especially Anne Hamilton, Judy Rogers and Ruth Bonetti.

Ruth Bonetti presented Anne Hamilton At Brisbane Omega Showcase the inaugural Founder’s Award to honour Anne Hamilton for her many decades’ faithful service. She shares my vision and ethos to support fellow authors in sharing Christ through our words.

Omega Writers Zoom Conference 6-7 Oct 2023

Omega Writers Zoom Conference was held online from Friday 6 Oct - Saturady 7 Oct , including the Omega Writers AGM and culminating in the CALEB awards. 

The next Omega Writers conference will be held in 20-22 September, 2024 in Sydney.

Margie Lawson Immersion on the Gold Coast

A number of CWD members including Andrea Grigg, Elaine Frazer, Jeanette O'Hagan, Kate Mackereth, joined in on the Margie Lawson Immersion at the Gold Coast last week. A fantastic of intensive learning and practice on powering up prose hosted by the wonderful host Andrea Grigg. Margie Lawson is awesome with a stack of resources and courses to help improve writing power.

Rendered Realms

Rendered Realms is a trio of Sepc Fic authors  - Lynne Stringer, Adele Jones and Jeannette O'Hagan. This year we've been to Gold Coast Supanova (April), Oz Comic Con (September) and, for the first time, Frazer Pop (July) at Maryborough.

Rendered Realms were invited to present a session at the Omega Showcase. We had fun talking about taking our books to pop-festivals and connecting with potential readers, including cosplaying as characters in our own books. 

Our next event as a team is at Brisbane Supanova on 11-12 November at the Brisbane Convention Centre.

Did you have a new release or event or brag point that didn't make it to the Highlights Post? Keep an eye out for the next call for information from members - the next Highlights post will be in end of December 2023.

Congratulations to all our members for your milestones and achievements.

Jeanette O'Hagan

CWD Highlights - October-December 2022

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 achievements of our members from October-December 2022

New Releases

Core Values: Love by Rebekah Robinson & Anne Hamilton

Rebekah Robinson & Anne Hamilton released Core Values: Love on 28 November 2022

The DNA of God Series, book 1: Galatians 5 describes the growing DNA of God in our lives as a list of attributes, or fruit, emanating from His Spirit. This first volume explores the love aspect of God’s nature, and its outworking in the hearts of believers respective to His other flavours.

Buy link:
https://www.bookdepository.com/Core-Values-Rebekah-Robinson/9780645609004


Rebekah Robinson lives in Brisbane, Australia and loves God and people.
Anne Hamilton is an accomplished, multi-award-winning author of over 20 books.

Lady in Irons by Sara Powter

Sara Powter released book 3, A Lady in Irons in her Unlikely Convict Ladies series was released on November 6th.

Katy is mourning the death of her husband after he dies in a shooting accident. Barely coping, she awaits the birth of their child. If it’s a girl, she must hand the family home over to her husband’s brother. The day after giving birth to a daughter, she and her daughter are literally left on the side of a road. She collapses and is found by someone whom she thought had died in a fire ten years before. Perry, badly scarred himself, nurses her back to health. They marry and move in with her widowed friend, Mary.

After some years, she discovers her husband and friend in each other’s arms. Now living in a love triangle, she flees. Grasping the only straw available, she intentionally gets arrested so that she can be sent to a colony far away. By doing this, her marriage can be annulled. What happens in the Colony is not what she expects. Governor Macquarie comes to her rescue. But what of Perry and her children?

You can find it here

Pursuing Prayer by Dienece Darling 

Melbournian Dienece Darling writes inspirational fiction to encourage and entertain Christians and has released her first reader's magnet to subscribers of her blog.

Pursuing Prayer

Everything should have been Catherine’s and hers alone.


In London 1733, Catherine Fox expects to inherit everything from her father until he remarries just before passing away. With a possible heir jeopardizing their future, Catherine’s husband is furious. Not even the possibility of the babe being a girl soothes him, but surely, sharing her inheritance with a sister must be better than losing everything to a little brother. Perhaps prayer will help. Only, can she trust God to give the right answer?

As time passes, Catherine begins to wonder if the pursuit of prayer ever results in anything more than bruised knuckles against the closed doors of Heaven.

Pursuing Prayer is free to subscribers of Dienece's blog. Sign up via Free Short Story | Dienece Darling

Max Nutt's New Book by Elizabeth Klein

Elizabeth Klein has a short story published Thursday, 1st December 2022 called Max Nutt's New Book in Christmas Tales 7 on  by Storm Cloud Publishing. 

Elizabeth's story is about a mouse who is pressured into writing his second book but has writer's block. When the juices get flowing again, his book turns out to be another best seller.

Awards

CALEB Awards 

The winners of the CALEB awards was announced at the CALEB Awards Dinner at the Omega Writers Conference Kingscliffe.

Unpublished Nonfiction

Stephanie Walters won the Unpublished Adult Nonfiction manuscript prize. She received a Manuscript Review and Feedback from Nicole Partridge, Journalist, Writer and Literary Agent to the value of $400

Published Nonfiction

Emily Maurits won the Published Nonfiction award with Two Sisters and Brain Tumour.

Published Young Adult Fiction

Kristen Young won the Published Young Adult Prize with Elite, the second book in her Collective Underground series

Published Adult Fiction

Meredith Resce won the Published Adult Prize with In Want of a Wife, the second book in her Luella Linley Licence to Meddle series.

Congratulations to Stephanie, Emily, Kristen and Meredith

Historical Novel Awards

In the middle of December, Book 1 of Sara Powter's Unlikely Convict Ladies trilogy has been long-listed for the Historical Novel Awards while Dancing to Her Own Tune is a finalist. The awards are announced on 31 December 2022

Congratulations Sara

Competitions

The Rhiza Edge Short Story Competition for 2022 is now open!

Rhiza is looking for stories for Diverging Worlds: Short stories in dystopian and steampunk worlds, a collection of short stories in steampunk or dystopian worlds. The anthology will be edited by Lynne Stringer and Emily Larkin

Stories (up to 5000 words) need to be clean and 12+ friendly as we sell these books into schools.

Stories need to be in a Dystopian or a Steampunk world.

Entries can be submitted up to May 2023

Interested? Read more here.

Events

Rendered Realms at Supanova

Lynne Stringer, Adele Jones and Jeanette O'Hagan (or the Rendered Realms team) once again had a table at Supanova Brisbane in early November.  It was good to see the crowds back and fun as always to enact with avid Spec Fic fans, especially the book lovers.

Next year, Rendered Realms may explore other events as well as Supanova and Oz Comic Con. 

Sara Powter at Sydney Book Fair

At the end of November, I had a stall at the inaugural Book Fair in Sydney, which she found  eye-opening, having never done anything like this before.

Sara Powter also participated in the NaNoWriMo competition. She completed 50k words done in 2 weeks and the full book completed ( a shade under 90K words). I was so early in submitting my words that they were not even ready for me.

Omega Writers Conference 2022 Kingscliff

One of the highlights of the year was the Omega Writers Conference 2022 Kingscliff. Writers from across Australia and New Zealand attended the three day event in at the Peppers Resort at Kingscliffe. The keynote speaker Stephen James kept the attendees entertained and inspired with his flare for storytelling and games and I can attest to the value of his worships. Lystra gave a challenging and much needed session on the need for respect, consultation, patience and listening when writing about First Australians. With different streams and also connect groups, the long-awaited conference was a great way to refresh, renew and connect with other like-minded writers. 

The next in-person conference will be held from 20 to 22 September 2024. We will hold an online event in 2023.


Did you have a new release or event or brag point that didn't make it to the Highlights Post? Keep an eye out for the next call for information from members - the next Highlights post will be in end of March 2023.

Congratulations to all our members for your milestones and achievements.

Jeanette O'Hagan

CWD Member Interview – Simon Kennedy

 

Most Thursdays this year we will be interviewing one of the members of Christian Writers Downunder – to find out a little bit more about them and their writing/editing goals.

Today’s interview - Simon Kennedy

Question 1: Tells us three things about who you are and where you come from. 

Since graduating from physiotherapy at the University of Queensland in 1998, I’ve had three main careers: physiotherapist, music and film.

I continue to practice physiotherapy, filling in at the army or air force with the odd casual shift. My highlights were working with the Queensland Academy of Sport soccer team and visiting the State of Origin camp (my boss was the Qld team’s physio).

Music took me to some strange stages, including the top of skyscrapers, the back of a semi-trailer, and under the shark tank at Sea World. I was in a rock band while also serving as a worship pastor so would often play in pubs and clubs on Friday and Saturday nights and then in church on Sundays.

Like the Wiggles, I also changed from adult to kids’ performer, and my YouTube channel of kids’ songs, Songs with Simon, now has over half a billion views. That was part of my transition from music to film and has opened up several opportunities to write spec scripts for animated kids shows.

But my biggest success in film/TV so far was to be co-creator of Safe Harbour, an Emmy award winning show.

Safe Harbour

Question 2: Tell us about your writing (or editing/illustrating etc).  What do you write and why?

I often spend more time writing emails and pitch documents than I do on scripts! Meetings with graphic designers, producers and animation studios are also a big part of the process, and though I enjoy it all (usually!), writing the script is my favourite bit. After all the planning and talking, it’s great to see the story come to life on the page.

I’ve been blessed with opportunities to work with wonderful people and have written for factual feature films, kids comedy/adventure, adult thriller and drama TV shows and movies. For most projects, I look for an underlying kingdom heart, even though I tend to work on general market shows and movies. What kind of themes can I explore underneath the surface action?

Question 3: Who has read your work? Who would you like to read it? 

My wife is usually the first person to read my work. She’s not in the industry but I value her encouragement and gentle feedback before sending it out to co-writers, producers and distributors.

One producer I’m excited to be working with is Brian Bird. He made Touched by an Angel and When Calls the Heart and is a perfect fit for a historical adventure/romance show that we pitched to him. Ultimately, I’m looking forward to the audience viewing more of the stories I write but I’ve learned that budgets in the millions tend to lead to a slow development process.

Question 4: Tell us something about your process. What challenges do you face? What helps you the most?

The hardest thing for me is juggling the several projects I have on the go. This month I’ll do a couple of drafts for a kids’ animation show, start pre-production on another series of Songs with Simon, take feedback on my first draft for a medical show set in the outback, and prepare pitches for three or four factual TV shows.

Twinkle Twinkle Little Star

If I have time, I’ll write the first draft of a low budget feature and finish post-production on another YouTube series, but I think they might have to wait till March!

Every morning I pray through the day and ask God for guidance. I have regular chats with other friends in the industry, often to be reminded that they’re facing similar challenges and that I’m not alone. And at least once a week, I check in with my wife, a very wise woman, who helps to keep me on track (and sane!).

Question 5: What is your favourite Writing Craft Book and why? 

The first book on screenwriting I recommend is Save the Cat. It introduces the three-act structure and a fresh take on genre in a light and easy-to-read way. Theme and character aren’t strong points though, so if you want something deeper, feel free to drop me a line.

Question 6: If you were to give a shout-out to a CWD author, writer, editor or illustrator – who would they be?

There are so many! When I started to take writing seriously, Anne Hamilton’s advice was invaluable in helping me to see how superfluous most adjectives and adverbs are. Rochelle from Wombat opened my eyes to how tough a writer’s life can be without scaring me too much!

Anne, Jo Wanmer and Ruth Bonetti graciously welcomed and encouraged me when I joined the Omega Writers committee with big ideas, Amanda Deed helped us to keep everything in the black and Susan Barnes kept everything running smoothly. Raewyn Elsegood runs an amazing conference, and I’m probably most grateful to Meredith Resce for taking over as Omega President!

Question 7: What are your writing goals for this year? How will you achieve them?

I’m prayerfully pondering whether I cut back on writing to put more effort into getting the things I’ve already written onto screens. My first step has been to organise my projects into genres and formats so I can take several similar shows or movies to market at once. Then I need to go to a few markets and meet the money people.

Question 8: How does your faith impact and shape your writing?

God guided me to writing with a few amazing incidents acting as signposts to confirm my inner desires. I started out chasing every opportunity and entering any writing competition I could find until a friend shared a vision with me.

He pictured me in a room full of doors, but instead of considering what was on the other side of each one, I was simply running through them all. From that, I felt God prompting me to ask about the kingdom merit of each concept before chasing after it.

I followed that thought a bit too far and ended up only doing “worthy” projects for a couple of years until He reminded me that joy is meant to be an integral part of our journey. Recently I’ve adopted a Paul Colman album title to summarise my approach: Serious Fun. I’m more balanced and am enjoying my day to day practice a lot more while still feeling like I can contribute to deeper and thought-provoking discussions through much of my art.

Omega Writers Book Fair (Brisbane) and Writing Competition

The Omega Writers Book Fair (OWBF) committee are thrilled to announce that the Book Fair is fast approaching. The event in March last year, held only days before the lockdowns, was such a great day. And we have another exciting program to offer this year, on 31 July at Hills Church, 79 Queens Road, Everton Hills (Brisbane). 

In addition, we excited to announce the inaugural OWBF Writing competition which is open to residents with Australia and New Zealand.

So, what can you expect?

An Opportunity to Network

For readers and booklovers, enjoy a rare opportunity to browse and buy personally autographed books by local authors, ranging from:

👍 children's and young adult books

 👍 adult fiction

👍 nonfiction

👍 special needs

👍 biography, memoir

👍 devotional

👍 genre fiction  

👍 and much more!

 


For Writers it's a great opportunity to connect with other writers and readers.

The fair includes author readings, door prizes, writing contest and a treasure hunt.

Workshop and Panel

A workshop by Anne Hamilton and a Panel on Marketing and Promotion is on offer. 

Workshop 1 The Deadly Duo (and how to defeat them) by Anne Hamilton  ( 10.30 – 11:15 am)

Disappointment and rejection are part of life. When we encounter them—or even when we expect to encounter them—most of us have unconscious habits that are at best unhelpful and at worst self-sabotaging. This session by Anne Hamilton is relevant to the publishing scene as well as life in general.

 

Anne Hamilton was a mathematics teacher for thirty years until she became the editor of Australia’s most widely read daily devotional, The Word for Today. She is the author of over 30 books—ranging from children’s picture books to highly awarded YA fantasy and prize-winning devotional theology.

Panel: Marketing and Promotion for Writers with Sally Eberhardt, Lynne Stringer & Jeanette O’Hagan ( 11.30am-12:15 pm)

For most writers writing the novel is easy compared the seeming insurmountable task of marketing and promoting it. Yet these days, both traditionally and Indie published authors are expected to promote their books. Our panellists, Sally Eberhardt, Lynne Stringer and Jeanette O’Hagan will give their differences perspectives and experiences of promotion and marketing from business, traditional and Indie publishing. Find out what works, what doesn’t work and strategies for the future.

On Our Panel:

Sally Eberhardt helps introverts uncover their superpowers so they can enjoy the many opportunities and benefits that networking brings. Author of 'Pain-free Networking for Introverts', Speaker and Connection Coach, Sally has experience in marketing, business and networking.

Lynne Stringer is a former journalist, an author and an experienced editor. She has five science fiction books in the Verindon universe published through a small traditional press, as well as short stories in a few anthologies. From launches, book signings and bling, Lynne has worked hard to bring her books to potential readers.

 

Jeanette O’Hagan has published ten books through her own imprint, By the Light Books —seven fantasy novels set in the world of Nardva, a collection of short stories and two anthologies. Many of her short stories and poems have been published in a range of anthologies. As an Indie author, Jeanette can vouch that marketing and promotion requires persistence, flexibility and a willingness to experiment.

Bookings for the workshop & panel at https://www.trybooking.com/BRQZA  

Author Tables

Tables are available for authors, editors and publishers to display their books and/or services.  One free lunch will be provided and more can be ordered. 

Bookings for the author tables and lunches available at https://www.trybooking.com/BRQZA  

Where, When & How Much

Event Title: Omega Writers Book Fair

Date & Time: Saturday July 31, 2021. 10am-2.30pm

Location: Hills Church, 79 Queens Road, Everton Hills


The Book Fair is free to attend and browse

Optional workshops cost $20 & include a $5 voucher to be spent at the Book Fair.

Tables are $60 (large) and $40 (regular) with a $10 discount code for Omega Writers members (posted on the Omega Writers FB Members group).

Inaugural OWBF2021 Writing Competition

NEW - This year, in conjunction with the Omega Writer's Book Fair, the Brisbane chapter of Omega Writers is holding a Writing Contest.

Stories (up to 1000 words) and/or poems (50 lines, including spaces) displaying the theme of HOPE.

All entries, whether written for a secular or Christian audience, must reflect language, themes and a worldview that are honouring to Christ.

The Three categories for OWBF21 Writing Competition are:


1. Published Writers –if you have one or more stories or poems published (or is the process of being published) in a print or ebook, enter this category.
2. Unpublished Writers – if your stories or poems have not yet been published.
3. Under 18 years – if you are under eighteen years of age.


Eligibility - People who reside in Australia and New Zealand. Entries must be the original and unpublished work of the author.

The entry fee is $5.00 for OMEGA members and $7.00 for non-members for each work.

You can enter UP TO THREE works (stories and/or poems) but an entry fee must accompany EACH ENTRY, i.e. $7 for one, $14 for two or $21 for three (or $5, $10 or $15 for Omega Writers. Members who can access the code through the Omega Writers Members Facebook page).

Copyright of submitted work will remain with the author.


Entries will close on midnight, 25th June 2021. Late entries will not be accepted.

Winners of each category will receive a prize of $50.00 and a certificate.

Winners will be announced at the Omega Writers Book Fair (Brisbane) on Saturday, 2:15pm, 31 July 2021.

Judges’ decisions will be final and no correspondence entered into. 

Details on how to enter will be posted soon.

More Information

For details and workshop bookings, check out

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Omega-Writers-Book-Fair-927852450757367/

Facebook Event: https://fb.me/e/JQbaKSsf

Webpage: https://owbf.blogspot.com/

Or email omegawritersbookfair@gmail.com



Omega Writers supports and encourages Christian writers in Australia (www.omegawriters.org)