Spreading Christmas Cheer by Ruth Bonetti

‘Tis the season to be jolly. 

Define jolly:
"Someone who is happy and cheerful in their behaviour. Synonyms: bright, funny, lively."

Let's celebrate the season...

Rather than focus on the day. After all, December 25 owes some poetic license to monks and Roman calendars. Let’s value and enrich time with loved ones, whatever the date. 

Lifeline help calls peak over the festive season. Credit cards max. Many over-indulge and over-imbibe. 

Hair fractures can split relationships. Split families haggle over time—quantity amid hopes for quality. Trying to prove and outbid love by choosing ideal gifts, aided by Chinese sweat shop imports.  As families scatter across the globe, offspring spread their wings into their own nests, Christmas can become fraught with in-law negotiations. 

This time last year I told how such scattering of dates meant we shared our home on Christmas day and dinner with four unattached, grateful people. Thank God for prompting me to ask my son “Can you think of anyone at a loose end who’d like to come?” Indeed, he did. Glad you suggested it. 

He brought his mate –let’s call him Jack—who was alienated from his family, whose colleagues didn’t understand his offbeat wit. Shunned by peers jealous of his formidable musical genius. 

We invited another lonely soul who struggled to form and keep friendships. Again an exceptional talent, but given little credit or encouragement for that. Bad experiences had recycled, spiralled to trigger action fight or flight responses that further alienated others. We’d done our best to support him through workplace bullying, not too overt for the boss wielded the cutting word axes.

Jack could talk for hours on any topic; philosophy, physiology, ornithology, religion (and misuse of it), the state of the world. After-life or nothing-after. His sharp mind played with ideas, his nimble fingers played anything that made sounds. In rehearsals Jack’s deadpan black humour sometimes got people off-side. Why should he care? He didn’t fit into institutions, didn’t want to. No boxes could contain him.  Jack spoke his mind–too well. Just as that sharp tongue slashed through staccato riffs. 

And six months later he died.
How tragic that Jack’s alienated family didn't organise a funeral to farewell friends, to celebrate his life and gifts. They didn’t give him the time of day, even one hour. But we gave him his day. 

Reflect before we point fingers

What phone calls could we make, to reconcile with others? Before it's too late? Rather than see them next over--or in--a coffin, before it's to late?

Don't we all bring some pocket sized-ones demons to our festive gatherings? Submissive ones? Do we dodge that argument (green/left vs. deplorables, anyone?) by activating our mouths with more pavlova or alcohol?

Do we skirt around loved ones who refuse eye-contact, unable to a risk a debacle by ramming through decades’ long impasse? Another drink, anyone? Do we wound with criticism (veiled of course), judgments, directives? 

Grant us Thy peace.  

One discordant note is enough to jar interpersonal harmony. 
Be the one to resolve discord with a healing cadence. 

May your Christ-mas time be blessed with God’s love, joy and understanding. 

And may you pass His peace to all you meet.

RUTH BONETTI wrote about her wintry Christmas experiences in Sweden and Finland in Burn My Letters, winner of the 2017 CALEB Nonfiction award. She sends love and prayers to all who battle fire in this tough summer season.

Follow her blog and FaceBook pages: http://ruthbonetti.musicabonetti.com
https://www.facebook.com/RuthBonetti/
http://www.ruthbonetti.com
https://twitter.com/boniruth

Omega Writers | Announcing the 2019 CALEB Finalists

The results are in!

The books have been read. The score sheets have been completed. The scores have been totalled, and Omega Writers are delighted to announce the finalists for the 2019 CALEB Award.

First, a big thank you to our first-round judges. No writing contest can operate without judges, and we appreciate the time and effort you've contributed.

Published Awards

Picture Book

The finalists in the Picture Book category are:

• The Invisible Tree: Goodness, written by Kirrily Lowe and illustrated by Henry Smith
• Lily's Balloon, written by Katrina Roe and illustrated by Helene Magisson
• Wilbur the Wooly, written and illustrated by Nikki Rogers

Sponsored by: Simon Malcolm Productions

The Picture Book winners will receive their choice of a $400 voucher from Simon Malcolm Productions, or two $200 manuscript appraisals from a children's book specialist.

Young Adult Fiction

The finalists in the Young Adult Fiction category are:

• Finding Kerra by Rosanne Hawke
• Out of the Cages by Penny Jaye
• Being Jazmine by Cecily Anne Paterson

Sponsored by: Christian Editing Services

The Young Adult Fiction winner will receive a $400 voucher from Iola Goulton at Christian Editing Services.

Adult Fiction

The finalists in the Adult Fiction (General) category are:

• Under a Blue Moon by Phillip Cook
• Grace in the Shadows by Christine Dillon
• Iscariot by Mark Worthing

Sponsored by: Fire Wheel Press

The Adult Fiction winner will receive a $400 voucher from Cecily Paterson at Fire Wheel Press.

Biography or Memoir

The finalists in the Biography or Memoir category are:

• The Sides of Heaven by Hazel Barker
• Hudson Taylor and China: A Dramatic Biography by David Bennett
• Hidden Thorns by Marie-Rose Fox

Sponsored by: Apricot Editing

The Adult Fiction winner will receive a $400 voucher from Shona Weston at Apricot Editing.

Unpublished Adult Fiction

The finalists in the Unpublished Adult Fiction category are:

• Catherine Murray
• Claire Steel
• Carmen Thornton

Sponsored by: Book Whispers

The Unpublished winner will receive a $400 voucher from Rowena Beresford at Book Whispers.

Congratulations, everyone!

These entries are now on their way to the final-round judges—I don't envy their jobs!

The winners of the CALEB Awards will be announced as part of the 2019 Omega Writer's Conference. The keynote speaker this year is Christian agent Steve Laube, of the Steve Laube Agency.

Omega Writers Conference

The conference will be held from 11 to 13 October  2019 at the Edmund Rice Retreat Centre, Mulgoa. Transport is easy, as there will be a bus transfer to and from Sydney Airport.

Sign up now—earlybird registration closes on 15 July.

Click here to find out more and register.

Conference Scholarships

Omega Writers have been able to offer are offering one full and two partial scholarships to the 2019 conference. To apply, email president@omegawriters.org with:

• 500 words of your best writing.
• 25-100 words telling us what you hope to achieve by coming to the conference, and why you haven’t been able to come before.

Click here to find out more.

Applications close on 11 July 2019, so get in fast!

Rest in Peace by Ruth Bonetti

What a month! Many poignant emotions touched our hearts as Easter terrorism shattered once safe havens of worship, followed by ANZAC remembrances.

What a long first term! After 10 weeks, we craved rest! What better than a seven-night cruise from our nearby port?

My husband is wary of waves and crowds. But stabilisers and ginger tablets curbed queasiness. Moi? I have Scandi blood and welcome waves. We so enjoyed our first cruise that we booked a 4-nighter to the Whitsunday Islands in July. (Hey like-minded friends, do join us.)

CELEBRATING 45 YEARS' MARRIAGE
As many grieve lost relationships, no one can be complacent. Like other couples, we weathered occasional turbulence. We're grateful for being sustained through those valleys. And give credit where it's due.

THANK YOU, GRANDAD

A few weeks before our wedding, my grandfather wrote us memories of his 1908 marriage to Christina. His letter described how he surprised his bride with the gift of a piano—her family were musical—and he’d phoned to engage a teacher. They knelt at the bedside and asked God to protect and guide and bless them through their lives.

"And we certainly asked for some material blessings that in the eyes of the Lord were very small and he blessed us with very much more than ever we contemplated or asked for. If you take God into your partnership I am sure it will be even better than what you anticipate."

Grandad presided amongst his prolific family, said grace before our smorgasbord. He died two weeks after our wedding. Out of range on our honeymoon, we missed the funeral.

[Excerpt from Burn My Letters]


Term 2 is busy playing performances of the musical, Strictly Ballroom and Mendelssohn's Oratorio Elijah with Brisbane Symphony Orchestra at St John's Cathedral and Caloundra. When do I find time to write, you ask. So do I. Can I submit a short story end of April? Write 9000 words on NaNoWriMo? Just two days. If not, some gentle goals are preferable to none. And in rehearsals I note how composers paint emotions, scenes and characters in music, as writers do with words. How dialogue carries action forward. 

Elijah's prayers for rain were answered; the drought broke. Pagan false prophets of Baal were executed. Then he crashed from his Mount Carmel pinnacle into burn-out, anti-climax and depression. When vengeful Queen Jezebel threatened to kill him, Elijah fled to the desert, huddled under a tree and wished to die. He needed rest. Angels provided food and drink. Then came the gentle whisper of the Lord's direction.

Enjoy the Aria "O rest in the Lord" as sung by Kathleen Ferrier.

Feeling rushed, frazzled, overwhelmed? Tick.
This resonates with me:

"...We become slaves to our to-do lists and become doers instead of be-ers. We give ourselves little or no time to feel, to more fully experience much of our lives.We forget that the essence to feel is the very essence of our vitality...When we're operating on the proverbial fast track, our brains will only do what which they have already done before...There is no room for the new...Slow is how we discover what it is to feel and be vital and alive, to fully participate in the dance of life." 

                             [Anat Baniel, Move into Life, pp. 135-6.]

                                                         Slow down. Rest. Refresh.

RUTH BONETTI will share self-publishing panel tips at Toowoomba Omega Writers Retreat June 7–9. This year she has been invited to judge the Lutheran Education Young Stories of Life.

Burn My Letters won the CALEB Nonfiction prize in 2017. Midnight Sun to Southern Cross is Ruth Bonetti’s second book in her historical biography/memoir saga of local stories. In the tradition of great family migration stories, it continues the saga of the Back brothers’ flight from Russian-occupied Finland to Australia as the nineteenth century turned into the twentieth.
Available: Amazon, Bookdepository etc. Autographed copies from  ruthbonetti.com and http://www.ruthbonetti.com/burn-my-letters/ Ruth’s blog is http://ruthbonetti.musicabonetti.com

Earlier books are in her primary field of performance–of words and music–and education. Ruth founded Omega Writers in 1992.

Meet Our Members: Raelene Purtill

Each Thursday in 2018 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 interview:

Raelene Purtill ( writes as R.A.Purtill)

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

I have been married to Steve for 25 years. We have three children in their twenties at home which is in the northern suburbs of Brisbane.

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

I have written all my life and I’ve written everything – journals, poems, plays, shorts stories, blogs and I’m now dipping my toe into the longer form of the novel. I am drawn to speculative fiction and love the imagination on which these stories thrive. As a Christian, I am aware of something greater, more than just this world and I enjoy the ability for these stories to explore the human condition. But I also like real stories too about real people and while I don’t write them, they are the stories I like to read.

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

Nobody and everybody!

Seriously, my editors and mentors and the members of writing/critique groups. My short stories have been selected for anthologies, so I must be doing something right!

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

I like to write longhand in pencil first. This gets it all out of my brain. I also make scrapbooks with images of places and people and things, and research. This is my reference tool. Then I type up what I’ve written – I use Scrivener. I do the following edits in the same document. I don’t keep various versions until I am well into late drafts, then I print them out and work on the hard copy. I share with my writing group before sending it to a professional editor.

My challenges are that in the real world, I care for our son and my creative time is limited. I overcome this by getting up early and making the most of the ‘edge of the day’ as someone has called it.

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

Zen In the Art of Writing by Ray Bradbury. He was my first author. He introduced me to sci-fi.

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

I must acknowledge the input of our Omega chapter members who have nurtured and supported my writing and the lovely Christian editors who have given me advice and feedback. It’s a wonderful community and nice to know we are not only fellow creatives, but sisters in Christ too.

Question 7: What are your writing goals for 2018? How will you achieve them?

I achieved a long-time goal in 2018. I entered and was shortlisted in the CALEB prize for unpublished manuscript with my fantasy story ‘Asteros Rising.’

For 2019 I plan to continue writing my next book. An historical story based around the pearling industry of north Queensland at the time of Federation. Another ambitious project and through which I have had to deal with much Resistance – but at least the house is tidy!!

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

It keeps it clean. I am sure that I could easily slip into worldly thinking and writing if I did not have it. ‘Asteros Rising’ deals with a number of Christian themes: what it is to be human – there are android characters; healing and where the power to do that comes from; people of faith vs those with pagan views.

I pray and journal as part of my writing process.

----

Raelene enjoys all sorts of creative writing and she loves connecting with other writers at conferences, retreats and workshops.

She facilitates a local writing group and is a member of the Writers Anthology Group which produces an annual anthology.

She lives with her long-suffering husband and three millennial offspring in the northern suburbs of Brisbane.

CWD Highlights June-September 2018

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 March to May 2018

Awards

Valerie Volk

Congratulations to Valerie Volk for a number of achievements.

She was

• was short-listed in August for the Australian Catholic University (ACU) Poetry Prize 2018, with a poem titled Via Dolorosa, which will now be included in the forthcoming anthology 
• won the Adelaide Hills Poetry Festival’s Open Section in August with Midnight at Tromso
• had two short poems included in the current Transport Poems distributed in Melbourne’s public transport vehicles.
• three poems: The Guest, The space beside us and Dissonance in the Friendly Street Poets new anthology. "Dream-water Fragment", September 2018

CALEB finalists

Congratulations to our members (and other authors) listed as finalists for the 2018 CALEB award:

Published Fiction - Carolyn Miller, Amanda Deed, Meredith Resce,
Published Non-Fiction - Jen Gibbs, (Harriet Conner, Rosie Bloom)
Published Children's Literature - Katrina Roe, Jen Gibbs, (Penny Reeve)
Unpublished Manuscript - Susan Bruce, Raelene Purtill, (Alisha Walkerden, Jarrod Stackelroth)
. 
The winners will be announced at the Omega Writers Conference (see below).

We wish you all the best.

http://www.omegawriters.org/uncategorized/caleb-prize-finalists/

Pieces Accepted 

Elizabeth Klein

Elizabeth Klein has also had a busy few months with a number of pieces accepted for publication.

Her Comedy Theatre for Upper Primary book of ten quirky plays, teacher's notes and loads of student worksheets was accepted for publication by Five Senses Education on June 8th, 2018. It will be made into two textbooks this coming December.

Blurb: Comedy Theatre contains ten humorous plays for busy teachers that eliminates the challenges and frustrations associated with creating and organising scripted plays within the classroom. This book incorporates quirky plots involving modern-day detectives and super heroes, fictional historical characters as well as Santa Claus just to name a few.

Short story, Spaceman, was accepted by Storm Cloud Publishing for inclusion in their Open House 2 anthology on Friday 13th July, 2018.

Blurb: When a spaceman named Signus Magnamus asks you to see the stars with him and then proposes, you go of course, and become a singer at Alpha Detour.

Bio: When Elizabeth Klein is not writing, she is often travelling about in her caravan or house sitting with her husband.

New Releases

Christine Dillon

Christian Dillon  has released the sequel to Grace in Strange Disguise.

Grace in the Shadows (Book 2 in ‘Grace’ series) (31 July 2018, Links in the Chain Press)

BLURB:

Physiotherapist Esther has survived cancer, but wounds within her family remain unhealed. Is her revived faith the reason for the rift or could a simmering secret be the root cause?
Cosmetics consultant Rachel buried her past - and her father's God - but the past refuses to stay buried. Will she continue to run or is confronting her pain the way to freedom?

Two women. Two different lives.

One collision course with light and truth.

Can God's grace shine even in the darkest of shadows?

https://www.books2read.com/u/4AYj20

Bio - Christine is an author of both non-fiction and fiction who spends her life telling Bible stories in Asia and Australia. This is her second published novel.

Other News

Omega Writers Conference

Omega Writers Conference is fast approaching and with a great line up. This year it is in Adelaide. 

When - 26 – 28  October, 2018
Where - The Monastry, Adelaide

Find out more here.

Omega Writers Book Fair

Omega Writers Book Fair (Brisbane) will be on again next year. A great opportunity for readers to find  new books and authors, and authors to connect with readers.

Mark the date - Saturday, 9th March at Hills Church, 79 Queens Road, Everton Park Qld 4053


More information to come.



Congratulations to all our members for your milestones and achievements.

All for One, One for All

by Jeanette O'Hagan

Remember the image of a lonely, starving artist struggling in the garret, unknown and unrecognised until after his or her tragic death? Okay, some of you will, and some will be saying, 'What's a garret?'

According to that wise source of the hive mind, Wikipedia, 'A garret is a habitable attic or small and often dismal or cramped living space at the top of a house or larger residential building. In the days before lifts (elevators) this was the least prestigious position in a building. In this era, the garret often had sloping ceilings.'

So most of us don't live in garrets and most of us are not literally starving - though we might be if we tried to feed ourselves from our royalties (if we get royalties). And being seen and heard in a noisy, crowded book market can be daunting. So the struggles of artists and creatives maybe haven't changed that much over the decades, but one thing we don't have to be is lonely.

But, but ... we all know artists, particularly writers, are introverts (mostly). And writing is after all a solo pursuit - right? We sit down in our cave (or garret) with the door firmly closed and tap, tap, tap away at our keyboards composing masterpieces, engaging with our recalcitrant characters, patching up plot holes or wrestling with section headings, or daydreaming (hey, that's working) or reading, researching, (w)riting. Unlike musicians, scriptwriters and dancers - we do things alone and are responsible for set design, costumes, lighting, tempo, special effects, make-up, music, camera angles, and the gaffer's boy (whatever he or she does?!)- and also refreshments.

Well, yes, true the actual writing is often a solitary pursuit (though few strange writers like me don't mind writing in cafes and public places). Even so, it takes a team to bring a book into the world --- not just all the writers that have fed your imagination and inspired you to write, but also critique partners, beta-readers, editors, proof-readers, formatters, cover artists, publishers, printers, street team, reviewers and promoters. So yes, even writing is a team effort.

But what I really want to say today, is that we don't have to do this by ourselves. We don't have to be isolated and alone. We don't have to feel like we are stranded on a coral island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.

For one thing, God understands. And chances are, if He has placed the passion in your heart, He has a purpose for it - maybe not always exactly how we envision it, but for something even better than we can imagine.

And in addition to that - you are not alone.

In fact, you are part of a crowd. And it's in banding together, in helping each other, in lifting each other up that we can flourish.  And how is that done?

• Groups like Christian Writers Downunder (and Australasian Christian Writers, Faith Writers and Omega Writers) can provide encouragement, support, advice, inspiration. 
• Critique groups and chapter groups.
• NaNoWriMo  through buddies in November and cabins in April and July (we are forming one now), or Month of Poetry or other writing challenges.
• Conventions, camps and retreats.
• Courses, workshops.
• Giving feedback, reading and reviewing others' works (though be wary of review swaps on Amazon). 

And if you are at the start of this journey or anywhere along the way - there are four events coming up that may be of interest:

Omega Writers Book Fair (Brisbane)

This Saturday (10 March).  We have over 25 local authors, editors and publishers with their books, plus a great workshop by Gary Clark on Inspiring Humour and - we praying for a big crowd of book fans :) FB Event page here.

Omega Writers Retreat (Toowomba)

4th-6th May
Week-end retreat with great seminars and a relaxed program - time to network and to write. Read more here.

CALEB prize

Opportunity to receive feedback as well as recognising the talents of aspiring and established authors. Read more here.

Omega Writers Conference

This year run in conjunction with Tabor College in Adelaide with fantastic guest speakers, workshops and networking.  This October 2018. Read more here.

And then there are smaller more focused groups.

Omega Writers chapter groups - as well as some online groups (check the webpage). 

Brisbane group - meets first Sunday of each month (2 pm) at St Francis College, Milton (next one in June - due Easter & May Retreat). Contact Judy Rogers.
Toowoomba - meets on the third Thursday of each month for some writing (7-9 pm), but also have other events on through the year.
Sydney group - next meeting is 7th April, from 2.30pm to 4.30pm at St Joseph's Centre for Reflective Living, Baulkham Hills. Contact Raewyn Elsegood.
Wangaratta group.  Meet every second month. Contact Susan Barnes.
Screenwriters group - Screenwriters meets via Skype on the third Monday of the month. People can join the FB group to stay up to date on the areas covered.
Sci-Fi/Fantasy group - meet via Skype once a month.

Other groups are in the Gold Coast, Toowoomba, Geelong, Adelaide, New Zeland - or include special interest groups in Writing for Children and Young Adults (COWS group) and non-fiction group.

There is sure to be other groups around - both Christian and secular - and if not, why not start one up yourself?

I wrote in isolation for some time - until I enrolled in a Master's Course on writing and then, almost by chance, went along to an Omega Writers Conference (it was run by Rochelle Manners and called World Word Fair at the time). That lead to me joining Christian Writers Downunder and then, in time, Omega Writers. I can't tell you how much the encouragement and inspiration of other writers -- like Paula Vince, Anusha Atukorala, Nola Passmore, Adele Jones and so many others -- has meant to me. I love being part of the Omega Writers Sci-Fi/Fantasy group - with a monthly Skype call. I'm also a member of a secular Spec Fic group and Month of Poetry.

When burning coals are scattered the flames go out. Bunched together and they can set the world on fire.

Jeanette has just released her latest book, Ruhanna's Flight and other stories, a collection of short stories in the world of Nardva. She started spinning tales in the world of Nardva at the age of eight or nine. She enjoys writing secondary world fiction, poetry, blogging and editing. Her Nardvan stories span continents, time and cultures. They involve a mixture of courtly intrigue, adventure, romance and/or shapeshifters and magic users. She has published numerous short stories, poems, two novellas and her debut novel, Akrad's Children. Find her on Facebook or at her webpages Jeanette O'Hagan Writes or Jenny's Thread.

CWD Member Interview - Adele Jones

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

1)      I grew up on a farm on Queensland’s Darling Downs.  As such, I spent a lot of time fencing, horse riding and handling cattle as a girl.

2)      As a young reader, I loved animals, especially horses. Many of the books I read for years were horsey stories, both fiction and non-fiction. (And I still love a good horsey story, like those by CWD members Cecily Anne Paterson and Jenny Glazebrook.)

3)      As a young person, my career goal was to either become a vet or a professional musician. I did neither of these. 

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

My interest in writing stems from being raised in a family that valued stories. Presently, I’m primarily writing young adult novels, and have published a technical thriller YA trilogy (Blaine Colton trilogy). Many years ago I was focussed more on writing historical fiction and I also write poetry. My coming release, Porcelain Dream, a time-slip YA science fantasy, brings together the historical and YA genres.

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

My YA novels have a fairly broad readership, but the scientific elements tend to attract readers who have an interest in sci-fi. It's probably useful to note I write near science fiction, so my stories are written in the real world, in Australia, and the technology seems like it could be feasible in our current age. (Based on the 'What if science could?' premise, some readers expect something quite different.) I aim for a target age of 13+ though the youngest readers I know of are 11 and the most mature 'young adult' reader I know of is 98. 😊 As any author can attest, the best compliment is when a reader contacts you to say how much they loved your work, and to ask when the next book is being released. My aim is to share my stories with a broader readership, and I’m currently working through a variety of online features via my blog to showcase the different aspects of my novels.

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

I used to say a lack of quality writing time was the greatest challenge to my creative process, but lately I’ve had a great deal happening in my world. My head is overflowing with many things, few to do with writing, and when I do get those mini-writing opportunities, it’s much harder to generate purposeful creative thought to make the most of those times. Just like any other area of life, writing is also subject to seasons of change (like this current one!). For this reason I think it’s important to have a flexible approach to writing, and even if you can’t get actual writing done for a few days … weeks … keep jotting down ideas and engaging the imagination in story development. That way when an opportunity does arrive to get writing, it’s much easier to get back on track.

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

I’ve read quite a number of quality writing craft books, and I found those by Writers Digest, Kate Grenville, James Scott Bell particularly good, but based on the conversations by other writers, there’s one book I’m SUPER keen to read: Story Genius by Lisa Cron.

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

That’s a really hard question! There are so many amazing writers in CWD, with diverse gifts and writing styles. That said, if I were to base my criteria on the active encouragement and promotion of other writers, there are some stand out authors, including Jeanette O’Hagan, Anusha Atukorala and Nola Passmore. Not only are they talented writers, but these gorgeous humans also have a generous heart for seeing other writers succeed. I'd also love to give the 2017 Omega Writer's CALEB prize finalists a shout out. This names some fabulous writers and CWD members, including long term advocates of Australasian Christian writers (speaking of gorgeous humans seeking the success of other writers), Anne Hamilton and Ruth Bonetti. It's definitely worth checking out the authors in the 2017 prize finals. (Seriously, this shout out list could go on all day!)

Question 7: What are your writing goals for 2018? How will you achieve them?

2018 holds some exciting opportunities, including release of my next novel. Porcelain Dream, through Rhiza Press, is due out mid-year. It's been a long-term project, rewriting a story I penned over a decade ago. Much editing and revision has been needed, but it's  been satisfying finally seeing the novel come together. There are also some exciting Omega Writers events in store: the Toowoomba Chapter Writer’s Retreat in May; the annual Omega writers conference in October; and the Omega Book Fair in March. I’m also hoping to attend another pop-culture festival as a stall holder with fantasy/sci-fi authors, Jeanette O’Hagan and Lynne Stringer. We had a blast at our first ever pop-culture event, it would be a shame to not make the effort again in 2018.

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

Faith shapes our perception of the world, our values, and our responses to each situation we encounter in life. If a person is living out their faith, I think it’s impossible to separate those beliefs from who we are, even in our creative pursuits. Personally, my writing probes some pretty key issues of life, including self-worth, the value of life, bioethics, relationships, faith and more, and these perspectives are intrinsically informed by whatever belief system we hold. I try and put a face to these issues through my characters, and let the reader journey with them as they try and work out what they think/believe, and why.

Adele Jones is an award-winning Queensland author. She writes young adult and historical novels, poems, inspirational non-fiction and fictional short works, along with juggling family responsibilities and a ‘real job’ in the field of science. Her first YA novel Integrate was awarded the 2013 CALEB Prize for unpublished manuscript. Her writing explores issues of social justice, humanity, faith, natural beauty and meaning in life’s journey, and as a speaker she seeks to present a practical and encouraging message by drawing on these themes. For more visit www.adelejonesauthor.com or contact@adelejonesauthor.com

It's Conference Time!

Omega Writers Australasia will be meeting this coming weekend for their annual conference, and it is set to be a great weekend meeting our writing friends from around Australia and New Zealand, and engaging in some first class learning with our conference speakers.

We are thrilled to have had a number of businesses join us as partner sponsors, and as a result we have been able to bring in a couple of sought after speakers who I know will bring another level again to those of us who have been writing in Australia for many years.

Added to this, we will have the CALEB Prize awards evening, where we will recognise Australasian Christian writers in different genres. Our partner sponsors have generously contributed towards the prizes that will be awarded to our winners.

I would like to take a moment to mention some of our partner sponsors, and ask that you would consider them if you are in need of this sort of service:

Tabor College – Education in creative writing

Ingram Spark – Self-publishing and Print on Demand specialists

Book Whispers – Writing and self-publishing assist specialists

Finesse Writing Services – Writing and self-publishing specialists

Breath of Fresh Air Publishing

Cam Print – Screen print and embroidery for t-shirts, corporate wear and caps

Simon Malcolm Productions – Video production specialist

Rosanna White – Graphic designer specialising in book covers

Christian Super – Superannuation specialists

Christian Editing Services – Professional and respected editor

Details for all these partner sponsors can be found on OmegaWriters website 

I hope to see many of you at the conference, and that you will enjoy the workshop streams that are being offered. If you have been unable to make it this year, the good news is that it has already been booked in again for next year. This time we will be headed to beautiful Adelaide, South Australia, and now would be a good time to make a plan to join us in twelve months time.

I have only just finished up a skype session with our Omega Screen Writers group this evening, and we have talked about trying to introduce a new stream to next year’s conference especially for writers of screenplay.

Don’t forget that there are writing chapters functioning around the country, so if you’d like to get together with other writers and can’t wait until October next year, look up the groups that may be functioning in a place near you.

http://www.omegawriters.org/meet-other-writers/

As always, I like to remind members of Australasian Christian Writers and Christian Writers Downunder that Omega Writers continues to function because we have financial members. If you believe in the work that we do, and the services we provide, I would encourage you to consider becoming a financial member. There are benefits to be had. More information on this is on our website.

I would like to take this opportunity to bless you in your writing journey, and pray that you will continue to grow in God and as a writer.

Best regards

Meredith Resce

President

Omega Writers Australasia

www.omegawriters.org

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