CWD Highlights - July - September 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 July - September 2022

New Releases

Amelia's Island by Jeanette Grant-Thomson

Amelia’s Island relates beautiful Amelia’s journey from being vain, spoilt, and lost in fantasy
to finding real love, life and The Truth.
An island,
an author friend,
an outspoken doctor,
an obsessive muso
are all part of her story, while in the background the great ocean gleams and murmurs.

Title: Amelia’s Island
Author: Jeanette Grant-Thomson
Published 26 th July 2022
Published by Jeanette Grant-Thomson with the help of InHouse Publishing

This book cannot be purchased in shops but is available at:
www.facebook.com/jeanette.grantthomson
Its RRP is $23 but it sells for less during sales.

Licence to Die (GRUnGE.001) by Mazzy Adams 

Three shattered people. Two cutting-edge technologies. One licence to die. This time, the spy game is real. 

‘A total stranger knows my thoughts? Oh, my God! I’m gonna die. For real.’

When fledgling ASIO agent and tech guru, Benjamin Alejandro, takes over a top-secret ‘mind-reading’ software project, he inadvertently exposes Mac, an unwitting participant who’s embroiled in a dodgy witness protection scheme.

The mysterious Mac unravels Ben’s altruistic comfort zone quicker than a cat attack. With a criminal consortium poised to pounce, is Ben the only one who gives a bandicoot’s patootie whether the audacious teenager lives or dies? Stuck for options, Ben enlists hotshot game developer, Christopher Darnell, but Chris’s own demons surface to drag them all under.

Integrity and emotions collide as Mac’s thoughts—brilliant, spirited, and irresistible—dance across Ben’s computer screen. With a killer closing in, time running out, and Chris out for revenge, must Ben pay the ultimate price to save the intriguing stranger whose thoughts have captured his heart?

Bleeding hope and humour through cracks at the edge of reality, Licence to Die is quirky, raw, and redemptive; a unique blend of intrigue and inspiration with an upmarket Down Under vibe.

Mazzy Adams' entertaining, genre-bending fiction offers a thought-provoking word feast for New (and not-so-new) Adults alike, with deeper allegorical and metaphysical mysteries to intrigue upmarket readers and book club connoisseurs.

Title: Licence to Die (GRUnGE.001)

Author: Mazzy Adams

Publisher: Zest N Zenith Creative & Academic Group (CIPA/CAN member)

Release Date: 14^th September 2022

Purchase Links:

Via Booklinker:  https://mybook.to/licence-to-die-mazzy-adams

Via Books2Read: https://books2read.com/licence-to-die-Mazzy-Adams

Or follow the arrows to both links from her website: https://mazzyadams.com/

Book launch will be held at 2:00pm Saturday 24th September at the Danish Flower Art and Cafe Complex, 10347 New England Hwy, Highfields, Qld (just north of Toowoomba).

The Case of the Missing Moggies by Debra Clewer

Expert Australian Persian cat detective, Ah-Fur, is called upon to investigate the cat-napping of two expert rat-catching cats from the English Prime Minister’s office and country residence. He suspects that the perpetrator is a slippery rat villain who has escaped his capture in Australia and is now in London. But is he right? Will good triumph over evil?

Debra Williams's new Junior Fiction Chapter Book released by Morris Publishing Australia in August 2022, under her pen name of Debra Clewer.

The book launched was on Wednesday the 21st of September in her local library. It is a fun cat detective mystery for 7-11-year-old children and is titled The Case of the Missing Moggies. The book is available to purchase as a print copy n:

Debra Clewer is the author of 3 Middle-Grade fantasy fiction novels and short stories, published in print and online. Her websites - http://www.clewerpuppets.com and http:/www./clewerbooknook.com

Title: Ah-Fur, Super Sleuth - The Case of the Missing Moggies
Author: Debra Clewer

Publication Date: 26 September 2022 (on Amazon).
Publisher: Morris Publishing Australia
You can buy it through Morris Publishing Australia, bookstores and through Amazon here.

Once a Jolly Swagman by Sara Powter

1870s Parramatta and Kent - An old black Billy Can contain the secrets of an incredible life.

Rick Lockley’s life is seemingly taken from his hands by his family. At seventeen he’s not too keen about being told what to do so he runs away and becomes a swagman. Years pass, still heart sore he returns home, arriving wiser, engaged and broke. He has collected some valuable friends, including Jack, a jolly swagman. 

Rick knows little about the old man who protected him during his years on the road. He understands Jack has secrets, but Rick trusts him. The old man comes to live with Rick and his new wife, and some of his story unfolds. On his death Jack leaves Rick his precious Billy Can, the contents reveal Jack’s identity. Stunned, Rick finds he must travel to England to finalise Jack’s wishes. There he uncovers Jack’s life of love, betrayal and a link to his own family. Rick finds there is much more to learn about this enigmatic man.

The story was inspired by twenty of THE SEEKERS songs.

Sara Powter lives in Australia and a descent of four convicts. Her stories are inspired by them. Two years ago she started writing during a covid shutdown and now have fifteen books done. ( 1.8 million words all up)

Title: Once A Jolly Swagman 

(Bk 5 in Lockleys of Parramatta series)

Author: Sara Powter

Release Date 26 September 2022 (on Amazon).
Printed by Pacific Wanderland Publications & distributed by both Amazon and Woodslane Press in Sydney Australia.
You can buy it here.

Readings Stones

The end of July saw the launch of the book, “The Old Gympie Bakeries and their Families” written by John Stark. It was our pleasure to assist this wonderful Christian man in his venture.

Helen Brown's“ You’re; Healing Broken Hearts in Huntersville” will officially be released on 8 October. 2022  The book was inspired by Helen's story, “Casey’s New Life” (which made it into the top ten entries of Power to Change’s short story competition earlier this year). 

Title: You’re; Healing Broken Hearts in Huntersville
Author: Helen Brown

Release Sate 8 October 2022

Publisher: Reading Stones

Acceptances

Hazel Barker's short story, ‘The Hand of God,’ has been selected for publication in the Stories of Life anthology which will be published in November. http://hazelmbarker.wordpress.com

The full list of stories to published in the latest Stories of Life anthology will be announced in October. Prize winners are announced at the launch of the anthology in November. For more information check out the Stories of Life website.

Awards

CALEB Awards 

The winners will be announced at the CALEB Awards Dinner at the Omega Writers Conference Kingscliffe.

Events

Coorparoo Presbyterian Book Fair

In August several authors attended the Coorparoo Presbyterian Church Book Fair, facilitated by David Malcolm Bennett.  CWD Authors at the event David Malcolm Bennett, Lynne Stringer, Jeannette O'Hagan, Rebekah Robinson, Hazel Barker, Ruth Bonetti, Helen Brow, Wendy Wood.  

 Helen and Wendy report " a wonderful time of fellowship withother writers and family members."

Reading Stones go North

After the Coorparoo PC Book Fair, Reading Stones editors, Helen Brown and Wendy Wood travelled to Gympie to spend a day with Helen’s father and Wendy’s grandfather, before continuing on to Proserpine to take part in the Liberty Whitsundays Church's Book Extravaganza.

The results were very successful, making a considerable number of sales, new contacts with prospective authors, artists, and other Christian members of their community.

Rendered Realms

Rendered Realms was at Oz Comic Con last weekend. While Adele Jones was unable to be there for the weekend, both Jeanette O'Hagan and Lynne Stringer were present. Lynne dressed as Missilina, the main character in her latest release, The Verindon Conspiracy while Jeanette was dressed as Kupanna Marra, one of the characters in the Akrad's Legacy series.  While a little quieter than other years, crowds of enthusiastic spec fic fans streamed through the doors, many in cosplay, interesting conversations were had and books signed by the authors were sold :) 

Lynne Stringer, Jeanette O'Hagan and Adele Jones will be at Supanova in November at the Brisbane Convention Centre. This year one of the special guests will be Alex Kingston, known to Doctor Who Fans as River Song. 

Omega Writers Conference 2022 Kingscliff

The Omega Writers Conference 2022 Kingscliff is fast approaching. 

Are you going? Conference registration and afternoon tea are at Peppers from 3pm NSW time on Friday 7 October. ie. Conference registration opens at 2:30 at Peppers, and afternoon tea is at 3:00pm.

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 2022.

Congratulations to all our members for your milestones and achievements.

Jeanette O'Hagan

The End of Another Year: News from Omega Writers for December 2021

2021 has been a year.

Apart from the obvious, things have happened, especially here at Omega Writers.

• We celebrated the best of Christian writing from Australasian authors with the 2021 CALEB Awards. Click here to find out more.
• We hosted our first online writing retreat (after being forced to cancel the in-person retreat for the second year running). Click here for the highlights.
• We have an excellent monthly member newsletter sharing tall the news and newly released books from members. Join us to make sure you don't miss out!
• Our regional chapters have held a range of in-person and online meetings (and shout-out to Tasmania for inviting everyone).
• The 2021 Omega Writers Book Fair did go ahead as planned (the day a snap lockdown went into effect). This included announcing the winners of the Book Fair writing contest. Click here to find out more.

All things considered, it's been a great year.

So what's the plan for 2022?

Our plan is for more of the same:

• A monthly member newsletter
• The CALEB Awards (the 2022 Awards will focus on unpublished authors, so get writing and polishing those manuscripts!)
• More meetings - hopefully in-person (online is better than nothing, but in person is better).

We may even get our planned writing retreat at the beautiful Peppers Salt Resort & Spa, Kingscliffe in northern New South Wales.

Those are our plans. They have been prayerfully considered, but they are still our plans.

God may well have different plans.

Our job is to be open to listening to Him and adjusting our plans accordingly. No matter what comes, we can have confidence that God is in control.

Meanwhile, on behalf of Omega Writers, I'd like to wish everyone a safe and healthy Christmas, and a restful summer with plenty of time to meditate on God's plans and our plans.

What plans do you have for 2022? How is God part of those plans?

CWD Highlights - April to June 2021

 

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 to June 2021

New Releases 

Rebekah Rodda

Rebekah had a devotional published in the book ‘Pandemic Devotionals: How the World Overcame Fear by Faith” edited by Alisa Hope Wagner and Holly Smith released on the 27th April 2021.

This is an anthology of how people found strength through their faith in God despite the pandemic. Available here. 

Meredith Resce

Meredith has released Book in the Luella Linley – License to Meddle series - All Arranged.

After being jilted, Luella Linley’s 35-year-old son, Pete, is alone and broken-hearted. But he’s not likely to respond to Luella’s usual matchmaking method that was so successful with his sisters. This calls for something special – like in her Regency novels. A parent-arranged marriage where there is no risk of rejection. What could be easier than to place an ad?

Carrie Davis is dedicated to her career. She had not considered that she might even like a relationship, but now thoughts of loneliness are stalking her. Carrie’s sister, Ellen, knows and when she sees an odd advert in the classified ads, she begins to wonder if this is a prank or an opportunity sent from heaven. “Wanted. For a social experiment. A family arranged marriage.”

“If you love marriage of convenience tropes, you’ll love this modern-day twist. Realistic characters, laugh-out-loud moments, and a deep emotional journey making “All Arranged” a satisfying read. A stellar novel from Meredith Resce and the perfect ending to the series.”

Lisa Renee - Author of the ‘Single Again’ series

Available as both paperback and eBook on all platforms here.

Elizabeth Klein

Elizbeth's short story, Zac’s Terrible Idea, was published in Short Tales 7 on 11th May, 2021 by Storm Cloud Publishing. 

And her Self-published ebook: Mists in Time was released on 14th June, 2021 on KDP. 

A car crash on the lonely English moor. But that's not Fran Gilbert's only problem. One of the caretakers at the Perilous Lands, the creepy estate where she's recovering, is a serial killer who preys on anyone that wanders through the mist. Will she be his next victim? And how will she return to her own time of 2021?


Mists in Time is available here.  

Reading Stones 

At Reading Stones, we have again been busy this year. Our first book, Fireside Stories, was released for Helen’s father’s 90th birthday in February.

This quarter got off to a flying start with the release of Arnah Leigh’s children’s book, My Family, on April 5th. ‘Explore the many different kinds of families in this book by Arnah Leigh. Beautifully illustrated, this book demonstrates that, while the make-up of our families might be different, we all have one thing in common - Love.’ She is currently our top-selling author.

We published three more books by Olwyn Harris, the Guthrie’s Lot Series. It is another three-part series. Book One, A Spacious Place was released on April 8th. ‘In this first instalment of the Guthrie's Lot series, set in the late 1800s, we meet Irvin Guthrie, a practical, no-nonsense man with a sick wife and a small child to care for. When his wife's doctor suggests they move to a warmer climate, he spends everything he has on a property that ends up not being what he expected.’ Book Two, A Level Path, is to be released on July 8th with Book Three, The Crying Tree, to be released on September 7th. We look forward to publishing another six-part series of hers in 2022.

Helen also managed to complete her first novel. After five devotional books and one poetry book, this was a real change for her. Christmas Journeys was released on June 16th. It is a complete trilogy in the one book. ‘A successful devotional writer, Helen Brown's debut novel takes her characters on a journey through time - to the past, and the future. This book gives us three stories in one. Mary, an 86-year-old has become stuck in her ways. A journey to the past gives her a new perspective on life and faith. Her granddaughter suffers a tragedy and then embarks on a journey of her own which gives her a new hope, and mission for the future of both her family and her country.’

Wendy Wood & Helen Brown

Marion Kilchester

Marion's book - Book: Though the Storms Rage yet Will I Dance - was released in print on 21 May 2021 (first published 11 Nov 2020), Date of Publication: 11-11-20 (first published) by Dusruptive Publishing

With no memories of her mother and brought up by an abusive stepmother, her life journey took her through many storms. These storms included the death of her daughter, rejection, false accusation, attempted suicide, the death of her husband and learning to dance solo again. Though the Storms Rage is about dancing through those storms of life. This book is a gentle guided tour through her life. The stories are humble; the reactions real and honest. Storms batter and often bruise her, but she hangs on and we find her feet dancing again. This is real life.


Available here. 


Bio: Marion Kilchester, now in her seventies, a mum and grandma, has been a school teacher, piano teacher, music examiner, composer and counsellor.

Jeanette O'Hagan 

Jeanette has released the second book in her Akrad's Legacy series - Rasel's Song on 26 April 

The discovery of would-be assassins dead in their prison cells puts Prince Mannok and his friends in increasing danger and threatens the stability of the realm. The arrival Rasel, a mysterious stranger with hidden abilities, causes further turmoil. Will Rasel bring peace or conflict to Tamra? Will the elusive mastermind behind the assassination attempts be unmasked before someone else dies? Picking up from where Arkad's Children finishes, Rasel’s Song is the exciting second book in the kingdom fantasy, the Akrad’s Legacy series.

Available here.  

And until the end of the month - the first book in Jeanette two series - Akrad's Children & Heart of the Mountain are reduced to $1.30 for ebooks. Check out her other books here.

Events

Writing Competition

Get those entries in - the Omega Writers Book Fair (Brisbane)'s writing competition cut off is 1 July. For more information check out here.

Book Fair

Omega Writers Book Fair (Brisbane) will be held on Saturday, 31 July 2021 at Hills Church, Queens Road, Everton Hills. The Book Fair will have author stalls, workshops, book readings, and prizes. A great opportunity for Christian authors and readers in southeast Queensland to get together and celebrate books and writing.

Anne Hamilton will be running a workshop of overcoming the deadly duo -  rejection. Sally Eberhardt, Jeanette O'Hagan and Lynne Stringer will be on a panel on Marketing and Promotion for Writers.

Mark you diaries - 31 July 2021  For more information check out the website or the event page.

Coming up

Omega Writer Conference and CALEB Prize in October. For info check out here.

Congratulations to all our members for your milestones and achievements

From tiny seeds...Omega Writers grew – by Ruth Bonetti

Once upon a time, back in the past millennium, a publisher scattered seeds amongst Brisbane writers. Offering a free seminar–with lunch– to attract new authors, Open Book’s John Pfitzner was swamped by responses. Intrigued by familiar faces there I wondered: What if we got together on a regular basis to encourage and support each other? I sent an open invitation to meet in my garden and discuss.

This 1991 mustard seed of Omega Writers has rooted and bourgeoned strong branches.

A dozen in a monthly circle shared writing to encouraging nods. We photocopied a scissors and glue newsletter. Guest speakers enlightened but the prime focus was support.

Our recurring plaint: ‘How do we find a publisher?’ was answered. Publisher Rochelle Manners rose through our ranks, while other Christian houses faded.

In 1994 God gave another vision: performances to showcase members’ words coloured with dance, rap, my husband’s Brisbane Symphony Orchestra. Pro Hart sent paintings for an adjacent art exhibition. I illustrated my poem with a slide show in the dark ages before Power Point. Two performances Gallery attracted 1000 people. Nail biting? Yes. Faith? Yes.

In 2000, God sent another vision. Help people into print with an anthology Seasons of Giving. It came to pass. As did my energy.

Lyn Hurry took over. She and Anne Hamilton mounted another visionary exploit: Alpha2Omega Conference of Literary and Dramatic Arts drew authors across Australia, to present knowledge, experience and books across multiple rooms.

Next president Annie Hamilton urged authors to review each other’s books on Goodreads.com. Her visions initiated a digital magazine Zaphon, CALEB book awards and conferences.

STILL TIME! Apply NOW for Omega WritersConference in Sydney 27-29 October.

“A great place to get together with like-minded people for learning, sharing, networking and encouraging.” – Nola Passmore

Initially Omega’s only local writing group was based in Brisbane. but expanded to Toowoomba, Gold Coast, other capitals and New Zealand. Locally based and genre specific online writing groups budded.

President Simon Kennedy updated the website to small screen friendly with capacity to pay memberships, advertise and process events online–like Toowoomba Chapter’s caring, infectious annual weekend retreats and a Book Fair.

“Last year’s Book Fair was made possible with bookings done online and covering the event with insurance. We hope to repeat it in March 2018.”–Jeanette O’Hagan.

Enterprising and passionate Australian authors have produced quality books, ranging from children to school children and young adult, romance, historical novels, memoir, theology and devotionals, drama, poetry and illustrations. write in a wide range of genres, suitable for all your Christmas shopping–and Mothers’ Day, Fathers’ Day and birthdays.

They live similar lives to ours: snatching time to write between nursing the baby or toddler naps or home schooling teenagers or minding the grandchildren. Professionals juggle deadlines to cadge windows of writing time.

“Omega Writers has encouraged me to see my writing self as part of a bigger picture with a greater reach. One small puzzle piece does not a picture make. One brick does not a building make. But stacked and fitted together, we strengthen the integrity and impact of the Ministry of Christians as writers.”–Cathie Sercombe

 “I didn’t know I could write until I joined OMEGA. The friendship and nonjudgmental critiques give me confidence to develop my talents.” –Judy Rogers.

When output shrivels in desert times, groups like Omega Writers support and encourage. Branches online encourage many members (as well as Omega’s groups, CWDU has 935; Australasian Christian Writers 540).

We’re heartened and inspired to see how the Head Gardener nurtured small seeds sown in 1991 to a thriving community of Christian authors who are published or developing skills towards that goal, clear in their vision to use their God-given gifts to further the kingdom.

After a dozen publications in her primary field of music and performance practice, Ruth Bonetti was especially challenged by memoir/historical biography. She values support of Omega Writers friends to see into print her recent books "Midnight Sun to Southern Cross" and "Burn My Letters" (shortlisted for CALEB nonfiction award). 

Website: http://www.ruthbonetti.com/burn-my-letters/

Face book: https://www.facebook.com/RuthBonetti/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/boniruth
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/dashboard
Blog: http://ruthbonetti.musicabonetti.com