CWD Highlights - October to December 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 October to December 2021

Jeanette O'Hagan & the Admin Team

Awards

2021 Omega Writers CALEB Awards

The winners of the Omega Writers CALEB Awards for published books were announced at the Omega Writers Dinner conference in October 2021 and included CWD members. The winners were:

Adult Non-Fiction - Sinned Against: Exploring the Scriptures by Valerie Wressell

Adult Biography of Memoir - On the way: an Australian Doctor in Yemen and Pakistan by Michael Babbage

Children’s Picture Books - Grandma’s Treasured Shoes written by Coral Vass and Illustrated by Christina Huynh

Early Reader and Middle Grade - How Not to be Popular by Cecily Paterson

Young Adult Fiction - Apprentice by Kristen Young

Adult Fiction - The Silk Merchant of Sychar by Cindy Williams

Barnabas Award  (which recognise a writer who has gone out of their way to support and encourage other writers.) - Elaine Frazer

Encouragement Award (for writers Omega Writers would like to recognise and encourage) - Jeannie Wood and Raewyn Elsegood

New Releases, Pre-orders & Cover Reveals

The Craving by J F Saxby

The Craving is a split-time YA Christian romance, by J F Saxby. What happens when two people long to be together but are worlds apart? A music concert accident results in a coma and a breath taking journey. With themes of isolation, hardship, and a search for meaning in life, this is a novel for today.

Winner of 2020 CALEB Award for unpublished YA, The Craving J F Saxby was published by Ironstone Press November 18, 2021. 

Watch the book trailer HERE and you can buy a copy HERE  


Bio: Jean is a teacher, blogger and award-winning author of fiction and non-fiction, including inspirational stories and well-being content.

https://towardsrecovery.com.au

https://jeansaxby.com.au
https://thefangs.com.au

Mirror by Elizabeth Klein

Where there’s always darkness; never daylight.

Does magic still linger in the mist-shrouded places of Scotland? With his aunt’s untimely death, Ash Wood inherits her cottage and becomes the next custodian of a mirror she always claimed belonged to Snow White’s evil stepmother.

The truth about his aunt soon becomes far darker and more tangled than anything Ash is prepared for. The hidden world of faery waxes very real and terrifying when fae creatures invade the cottage and he becomes trapped inside the mirror’s shadowy world with no way back. Who can he trust when each decision could be his last?

Mirror was published on November 9th and paperback on November 10th.

You can buy it HERE 


Elizabeth Klein also has a short story, Dragon Gift, by Storm Cloud Publishing in their anthology Christmas Tales 6 - A collection of Christmas stories for kids 8 – 12 years. Christmas Tales 6 was published on December 1st 2021

Elizabeth Klein has written 20 books and countless short stories, plays and articles, and lives in a caravan with her husband.

Poetica Christi's Silver Linings

Jeanette O'Hagan was thrilled to have two poems published in Poetic Christi's latest anthology, Silver Linings. 

Time’s Lathe reflects on the her dad's journey with Alzheimer's while Time Reformed is a palindrome on the revolution of time. 

Silver Linings has many other wonderful poems from a wide range of fabulous poets.  It was launched on 12 December 2021. You can order a copy HERE. 

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. Jeanette lives in Brisbane with her husband and children.

Facebook |Jeanette O'Hagan Writes | Twitter | Instagram 

The fabulous cover image for Silver Linings was taken by CWD member  Eric Skattebo.

Grace Across the Miles by Christine Dillon

How can you belong when you don't know who you are?


Gina Reid is surrounded by people getting married or having babies. She's under pressure to settle down but how can she do that when she doesn't even know where she came from? Since the startling revelation that she was adopted, it's felt like there is something missing. But fear has kept her from searching for her biological parents.

What if learning the truth is worse than not knowing?


Now an overheard comment has propelled her into action. Can Gina find out who she truly is? Or will she discover that some secrets are best left undisturbed?
Grace Across the Miles is Book 6 in the Grace series (final)

Released 15 December 2021. Links in the Chain Press.  You can buy it HERE.

Christine Dillon is a Bible storyteller and trainer who works in Asia and Australia. Her book, Telling the Gospel Through Story: Evangelism that keeps hearers hungry for more (IVP, 2012) has inspired many to start telling the greatest story of them all.

Blinding Revelation by Donita Bundy

What if the Unseen was more blinding than the Seen?

The crew have survived the chaos and hardships of Sodom to arrive in Laodicea’s lap of luxury. A city ahead of its time: beautiful, pristine and enemy-free. It is the perfect place to rest, recover and regroup.

But all is not what it seems.

Something sinister lurks beneath the sterile exterior of the golden city.

How will the refugees from Sodom adjust to life in this foreign city?
With no common enemy to fight, what will hold them together?
Is this place heaven on earth, or is it the threshold of hell?

Blinding Revelation by Donita Bundy is Book 2 of the Armour of Light series. Published 12 December 2021.

Donita Bundy lives in the Somerset Shire (Queensland, not England) with her husband, two boys, her socially inappropriate cat and irrepressible red dog.

Find out more at https://www.donitabundy.com/books/

Untruth: Exploring truth in a post truth world by Ruth Embery

This book comes with a warning. If you are looking for answers or proofs for set positions, either theologically or socially, you may not find them here. Rather, the purpose is to prompt the questions we often fail to ask; to create a place where aspects of faith and culture we take for granted as truth, or are prescribed to us as truth, are opened up for discussion and examination to determine whether they actually stand up to close scrutiny.

We live in an era where many seem to be throwing out much of what we have believed as truth or culturally acceptable in the past in exchange for something new and progressive. When there are so many voices shouting that their way is the only right way, it is vitally important that we reassess our foundations. Are we really standing on what we think we are? And are these foundations actually stable or sufficient for the way ahead?

Untruth explores these questions and others to help open the way for conversation, greater understanding and increased certainty around what we do believe is truth and, more importantly, why we believe it is truth.

Publication Date: Dec 2021
Publisher: Voice in the Dark Publishing

You can buy it HERE

Ruth has a background in teaching and is passionate about shalom healing, wholeness and restoration in individuals, communities and the world as a whole.

New releases and pre-orders for Carolyn Miller

Reclaiming Hope by Carolyn Miller

“Opposites can attract, but can they last?”

Reclaiming Hope, published December 7 by Celebrate Lit, short blurb:  You can buy it HERE

The Breakup Project by Carolyn Miller

“What happens if her personal Mr Darcy is her twin brother’s off-limits best friend?”

The Breakup Project, published December 29.  You can buy it HERE 

Carolyn Miller's Pre-orders

Love on Ice, out January 27

“She wants gold; he wants to lose the player tag. Can a fake relationship come something real?” 

You can pre-order it HERE

Checked Impressions, out February 24

“Sparks fly when a hometown hockey hero meets a classy art-loving museum guide hiding a secret…”

You can pre-order it  HERE

Carolyn Miller lives in the beautiful Southern Highlands of New South Wales, Australia, with her husband and four children. Together with her husband she has pastored a church for ten years, and worked as a public high school English teacher. A longtime lover of romance, especially that of Jane Austen, Georgette Heyer and LM Montgomery, Carolyn loves drawing readers into fictional worlds that show the truth of God’s grace in our lives. Her contemporary romance series includes the Original Six hockey romance series, and the Independence Islands series, and her historical series include the Regency Brides and Regency Wallflowers series.

Diamonds in the Dirt by Sara Powter

Sara Powter has a new release coming up in January, on 26th, currently available on pre-order. Diamonds in the Dust is book 3 in her Lockleys of Parramatta series.
This one covers the discovery of Diamonds in NSW, but is also more about the growth of the town of Parramatta and how one family of faith can change a town.

 

DIAMONDS, LOVE AND MONEY

but there’s much more to life.

Luke, the youngest Lockley son, has completed University, and his life has no direction. No job, no money and no love. Desperately alone, he prays for guidance, and his brother Wills turns up with a suggestion. Reverend William Clarke needs assistance on a Government Mineral Survey. Would Luke be interested in joining the expedition? The challenge, adventure and their finds are life-changing for many. However, it gives Luke meaning, purpose and direction.

 
How can Luke trust God has a plan for him if he can’t even work out how to get a job? He does the only thing he can… he prays.

Within a week, life has changed... oh how it has changed! The condition of his heart problems also takes a turn. Can he walk away?

Diamonds in the Dust is available for pre order on Amazon and for order in all good bookstores in Australia from Woodslane Press. ($20)

Available on pre-order HERE

Author of two new Australian Colonial Series all set in Parramatta from 1792 to 1902.
Born and raised on NSW Central Coast, Sara loved learning about the faith of her ancestors and now weaves them into these delightful stories.


Sara Powter  spowter@bigpond.net.au

Other News

Power to Change Short Story Competition

Power to Change Australia has a vision to help people encounter Jesus today, impact Australia tomorrow and reach the nations for eternity. In a rapidly changing nation with such rich diversity this vision finds many different expressions.

Power to Change Australia is asking writers to enter a compelling short story into their 2022 Short Story Competition. The judges are looking for a fiction or fictionalised story with a link to Christian mission in contemporary Australia that reflects the theme “power to change”.

Theme: “Power to Change”

Closes: 31 January 2022

Word Limit: 3,000

Entry Fee: Free

Prize: $1,500 for first place. Writers will receive $150 for each story selected for publication.

Winners will be announced in Power to Change Australia’s ChangeMakers email, and contacted directly. First place and nine other stories will be published by Power to Change Australia in an anthology.  Find out more HERE.

Rhiza Press Short Story Submissions

Rhiza Press is looking for interesting explorations of biblical fiction, including aspects of historical fiction, and encourage participants to write about the more ‘unusual’ parts of biblical history to create unique stories.

What do you have to do?

Write a creative and exciting story that engages with our theme. Word count to be between 2000 and 5000 words.

These stories are to be fictional and appropriate for teens through to adults to read (12+ stories). This means limited swearing, stories that will be able to sell to schools. Please age and voice your characters appropriately.

Up to 17 stories will be shortlisted and included in the anthology Through Their Eyes. Successful entrants will each receive a complimentary copy of the book at publication and a $50.00 credit with Wombat|Rhiza.

Entry fee: there is none!

This year’s Rhiza Press Short Story Submissions are free entry. All we ask is that you please adhere to our requirements and terms and conditions. Entries for the Biblical Fiction theme close on September 1st, 2022. You can find out more HERE.

Congratulations to all our members for your milestones and achievements and wishing you all a Blessed Christmas and a Joyful New Year.

Exploring Genre | Christine Dillon Introduces Women's Fiction

We're continuing our series of joint posts with Christian Writers Downunder. Today, author and missionary Christine Dillon is discussing Women's Fiction (which, despite the name, isn't just for women).

Introducing Women's Fiction

According to Wikipedia, Women's Fiction includes layered stories about one or several characters, often multi-generational that tackles an adult character's struggle with world issues resulting in emotional growth. It may include elements of mystery, fantasy, romance or other subgenres, but is not driven by these elements.

The Women's Fiction Writers Association says:

the driving force of women's fiction is the protagonist's journey toward a more fulfilled self.

When I started writing fiction I hadn’t yet heard of women’s fiction. I called my books ‘contemporary inspirational’ or ‘issues-based Christian fiction’ (a label I invented).

At the same time I was reading a lot of Christian fiction and getting frustrated at the huge number of romance stories out there which just weren’t my thing (with a few exceptions). I started asking around, saying, “You know, books like Francine Rivers writes, tackling an issue like abortion or divorce. Issues that people face in their daily lives.”

“Oh, you’re looking for women’s fiction,” I was told.

My thoughts on Women’s Fiction

My initial response was lukewarm to having my books labelled ‘women’s’ fiction because I hoped men would read them too. There doesn’t appear to be an equivalent genre for men.

When people ask me about my books I still use my own definition of ‘contemporary Australian Christian fiction that tackles issues that Christian’s face in their daily lives.’

Women’s Fiction tends to be contemporary but some historical stories have women’s fiction elements. Think Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers, or biblical fiction—Pearl in the Sand or Land of Silence by Tessa Afshar.

Elements Found in Women’s Fiction

• A crisis issue like abortion, divorce, spouse having an affair, accident, or unemployment, that triggers emotion and eventually life change.
• A focus on the emotional and thought-life of the character. It is a spiritual (if it is Christian fiction) and emotional journey for the lead character(s).
• Nil or minimal romance. If there is romance, it is not the focus of the story. After all, it is pretty hard to avoid any romance if you’re writing about real people.
• Women’s fiction doesn’t need a ‘happily ever after’ ending, which is something romance readers seem to expect.
• Character-driven stories rather than action driven.
• The main characters are often women, but in my opinion don’t have to be. Otherwise my third and fourth books in my ‘Grace’ series are not going to be the same genre as the others.
• Readers can often say, ‘I’ve experienced that’ or ‘I wonder what I would do in that situation?’ These stories often prompt discussion.
• The book often ends with a reflection from the main character about what they’ve experienced and how their life will change.

Women’s (Christian) Fiction I’ve enjoyed:

• Deborah Raney - she specialises in putting people in situations
• Ginny Yttrup - especially Words
• Brenda S Anderson
• Catherine West
• Francine Rivers - I especially like And the Shofar Blew
• Ann Tatlock

Here's a question for men:

Have you read books that are labelled ‘women’s fiction’ - what did you think? What did you like or not like?

So which stories have you enjoyed that could possibly fit into this genre?

P.S. Christine has been delighted that many men love her books and she even has younger teen boys who can’t wait for the next.

About Christine Dillon

Christine never intended to become an author. She started with non-fiction but is currently publishing a series of contemporary, Australian Christian novels. In daily life she is a Bible storyteller and trainer working mostly in Asia and Australia. Besides reading, Christine loves the great outdoors especially hiking and cycling. You can find Christine at http://www.storytellerchristine.com

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.

Meet Our Members: Christine Dillon

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 Christine Dillon

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

Although born in Australia, I went off to Asia when I was two months old. My parents worked in Taiwan until I was seventeen. I did most of my schooling in Malaysia and the Philippines and returned to Sydney for my final two years.

After studying physiotherapy and working for a few years I attended Sydney Missionary and Bible College. Those were two of the best years of my life. In 1999, I returned to Taiwan with OMF where I have the best job in the world as a Bible storyteller and part of a church planting team.

Question 2: Tell us about your writing.  What do you write and why?

The non-fiction came out of my daily life and training of others. 1-2-1 discipleship (Christian Focus, 2009) and then Telling the Gospel Through Story: Evangelism that keeps hearers wanting more (IVP, 2012). I wrote about discipleship because people kept preaching the ‘make disciples’ passage (Matthew 28:16-20) but didn’t tell me how to get started in a way I could understand. The storytelling book was written out of an excitement at what an amazing tool it is. Both books were written to allow me to reach a wider audience with what I was learning.

I never expected to write fiction and God really had to force me to do it. I knew it was going to be a hard slog and I was right. My first novel took me four and a half years. Fiction allows me to deal with issues that those I disciple struggle with but in a different format - a story package that challenges the way they see the world. I hope it is ‘life changing’ and inspires them to follow Jesus more.

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

The non-fiction has been read by anyone who wants to meet up with another believer one to one in order to grow in a maturity or for anyone wishing they knew how to tell their friends about Jesus. Storytelling is a method that increases the likelihood that non-Christians will become hungry for more. Of course, it also challenges and teaches believers. It is no surprise that ‘Jesus never said anything without a story’ (Mark 4:34).

Officially my novel is ‘women’s fiction’ which means that the book is focussed on the daily issues that women face and that romance isn’t the primary focus. Think Francine Rivers and Deborah Raney. However, I have been greatly encouraged at the number of men and teenagers (from age twelve) who have read it and enjoyed it.

Grace in Strange Disguise looks at the issue of ‘what is God there for?’ We know people disappoint us but what happens when God does too?

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

Non-fiction is relatively easy for me because I’m an ISTJ and so organisation is my middle name. I brainstorm all the topics I want to cover in the book and then organise them into a logical flow. Then I just start writing. I’m helped too that most of the content of my non-fiction has been taught to others first.

With the novel, I started with the ‘Snowflake Method’. It was something I found online that made sense and broke the planning process into small bites. Good for a beginner. But towards the end of the editing process I was introduced to Story Genius by Lisa Cron. I went back immediately and did her planning writing segments. Some of them made it into the finished book. I now always start with the four scenes she suggests you write for each character.

The rest of the process? For novel two I had two main characters so I bought two sets of index cards (small) in pink and green. On each card I’d write an idea for a scene. Then I got a cork board and worked out a logical flow and added any missing cards. Then I wrote (not always in order), using Scrivener. Scrivener has some marvellous features including a daily word count that you can set the target. Eventually I increased that to five thousand words as that was possible in a day if I’d done some thinking beforehand (which I did while swimming).

Once the draft is finished I let it sit and have a few weeks break. Then on to edits. Edits happen over and over but the most useful one is the read through out loud. I record each chapter, as this forces me to keep doing it out loud. My ear is able to catch un-natural dialogue (a weakness of mine) and many other mis-rhythms.

Then beta readers and more edits and finally to the paid editor (s) once it is the best I can make it. The editors have taught me so much (thanks Cecily and Iola). Yes, having two is expensive but I want my books to be the best possible.

Finalising title and cover and proofreading and then on to pre-marketing. It has been so much to learn, especially after I made the decision to go with independent publishing.

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

At the moment it is Understanding show not tell by Janice Hardy. Cecily recommended it (so I listened). You might not understand all the details but if you simply search for all her ‘red flag’ words like thought, realised, felt, considered, hoped … you can eliminate them. In the process you decrease the narrative distance between the reader and your character (thus increasing deep point of view and allowing the reader to go on the ride with the characters). It was the best $6 I’ve spent so far as immediately afterwards it saved me $1000 on the editing quote I’d had!

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

A tough question but it has to be the editors because without them I’d be sunk (and Joy Lankshear, my cover designer isn’t in CWD). Cecily Paterson, as well as being an excellent YA general market author, also has a speciality in ramping up emotion (or telling you to do so) and writing natural dialogue. She forces me to know my characters and makes sure they’re all distinct. These are my areas of weakness and as almost the completely opposite personality type to me she is always saying, “Stop thinking! Your character should be feeling.”

Iola Goulton is a master of structure and copy editing and many other things. Both these women somehow get me to write much better than I believe is possible.

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

I have a very full-time job and so this year I’ve set aside Saturdays to write and kept myself to it. I turn off the internet and listen to suitable music (classical or Lord of the Rings). My goal is to get the sequel to Grace in Strange Disguise published. I’d also like to complete the planning for book three and even start writing.

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

Without it I wouldn’t be writing. The non-fiction directly flows out of my daily ministry and what God has taught me along the way.

I was only willing to write fiction if it was aiming to be ‘life changing’. That means that God first ministers to me through the research and writing process. There have been many, many times when I’ve wanted to quit because writing is painfully difficult. Without Jesus it would be impossible.

My faith also informs my marketing and promotion … the values behind what I am happy to do and why. The Holy Spirit is great at yanking me back into line.

Christine Dillon was born in Australia but grew up in Asia. She now works in Taiwan as a Bible storyteller. Her book 'Telling the Gospel Through Story' was voted 2013 Outreach Magazine's Resource of the Year in Evangelism and continues to inspire innovative and engaging Bible storytelling. Believing in the beauty and power of story prompted her jump into fiction. Grace in Strange Disguise was runner-up in the Athanatos Christian Writing Contest. Christine loves reading and keeps sane by cycling, swimming and hiking.

Website | Facebook (Page) | Facebook (Group) | Pinterest

CWD Highlights November 2017--February 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 July-October 2017

Awards

Congratulations Nola Passmore

Nola Passmore's debut novel Scattered was the fiction runner up in the 2017 FaithWriters Page Turner competition. She has also signed a contract for the novel with Breath of Fresh Air Press. You can read more about it at the following link

New Releases

Jeanette Grant-Thomson

Jeanette's short anecdote, Amazing Gracie, is included in the Stories of Life anthology, The Gecko Renewal.  Jeanette says, 'My story is the account of how our car broke down in New Zealand on a cold evening and God came to our rescue.'

The Gecko Renewal is an anthology of true short stories about how God intervenes in our lives. It consists of the long list selected from entries.

Published by Morning Star Publishing October 2017

Jeanette Grant-Thomson has been an author most of her life and currently lives in the Moreton area.

Christine Dillon 

Grace in Strange Disguise

Christine Dillon's Grace in Strange Disguise was released in October 2017

Physiotherapist Esther Macdonald is living the Australian dream, and it doesn’t surprise
her.

After all, her father has always said, “Follow Jesus and be blessed.” But at twenty-eight, her world shatters. Everyone assures her God will come through for her, but what happens when he doesn’t? Has she offended God? Is her faith too small? So many conflicting explanations.

Will finding the truth cost her the people closest to her heart?

Grace in Strange Disguise won a Gold star for cover design from Joel Friedlander Coverdesigner competition (October 2017)  You can find how to get a copy from here.

Christine Dillon is an Australia author working in Taiwan as a missionary since 1999. She writes non-fiction (traditionally and indie published) and this is her first novel. 

Stories aren't just for kids

Christine also re-released Stories aren’t just for kids: Busing 10 myths about Bible storytelling (indie published, Oct, 2017)

In a world increasingly anti-Christian, how can you communicate in a way that slides under listener's defences? How can you leave them hungry for more?

Stories are God-designed way to impact hearts. But many Christians reject stories as just for kids. Christine Dillon has trained thousands of people in storytelling. 10 myths come up over and over again, and they block Christians from using this life-changing ministry tool.
MYTH 1: Adults won’t listen to stories
MYTH 2: Stories are only for non-literate cultures
MYTH 3: Men won’t listen to stories ...
MYTH 6: Storytelling won’t grow mature disciples
MYTH 8: Storytelling will lead to heresy ...

Using stories from around the world Dillon tackles each myth and challenges you to master this tool. 

This book is currently a free download: http://www.storytellerchristine.com/blog/stories-arent-just-kids-busting-10-myths/

Christine Dillon is a Bible storyteller and trainer who works in Asia and Australia. Her book, Telling the Gospel Through Story: Evangelism that keeps hearers hungry for more (IVP, 2012) has inspired many to start telling the greatest story of them all.

Mixed Blessings: As Time By Go By

This delightful collection with one-hundred-and-one perfectly bite-sized stories, articles, devotions, and poems, on these ten time-related topics: Minutes, 24-Hours, Weeks, Seasons, Years, Centuries, Era, Time-Consuming, Once in a Blue Moon, Eternity...

Mixed Blessings—As Time Goes By is filled to the brim with fun, encouragement, food for thought, and inspiration. You may find yourself chuckling one moment and shedding a tear the next. In fact, it is the perfect mix of blessings for your daily reading enjoyment.

Includes stories by Christian Writers Downunder members:
Nola Passmore

Jeanette O'Hagan

Kirsten Hart

Rachel Timms

Debbie Roome
Helen Curtis
Noel Mitaxa

18 November 2017

Published by Breath of Press Air Press

Available on Amazon  or at Breath of Fresh Air Press.

Wonderment edited by Leigh Hay and Maree Silver

WONDERMENT – a poetry anthology – Grand themes do have their place in literary works, but good poems are more often the result of carefully observed ‘spots of time’, to use Wordsworth’s term. Being attentive to these moments in our lives, moments when we see the wonder of God’s creation in the world around us, is an aptitude that gifted poets develop. They observe what many often miss, divine glory revealed in the small things of life. This collection contains many such poems.

Including poems from Christian Writers Downunder members Valerie Volk, Nola Passmore, Jeanette O'Hagan, Rachel Timms and Pamela Heemskerke.

Poetica Christi is running the next competition - on the theme of Interludes - deadline 30 April 2018.  You can download an application form here.

Published by Poetica Christi

2 December 2017

May-Kuan Lim - Fish in the Well

May-Kuan Lim with Hen Chin Lim and Penne Lim, have relaunched Fish in the Well: A memoir of faith and aspiration. 

In his memoirs, Lim Hen Chin, born in 1940, recalls his early years around Ipoh and his search for a way out of poverty. His journey is described against enormous socio-political changes: Malayan independence, war against Communism and birth pains of a new nation, Malaysia. It tells of a young man's determination and his sister's unwavering belief in him. In later years, success brings its own troubles. Resigned to the life that fate has dealt him, peace remains illusive until he makes a decision that changes his life.

First published in 2013, relaunched as eBook on 16 Feb 2018. Available on Amazon. 

May-Kuan is the administrator of the 2018 Stories of Life faith-writing competition and a freelance writer, who blogs on migration and crossing cultures as The Curious Scribbler.

Jeanette O'Hagan - Ruhanna's Flight and Other Stories

Jeanette O'Hagan's Ruhanna's Flight and Other Stories (By the Light Books) is currently available for pre-order on Amazon for 6 March release.

Tales of wonder, romance, adventure - dip into the world of Nardva with this collection of stories.

* * *Ruhanna's Flight - Ruhanna’s father is coming for a rare visit from the capital. When everything goes terribly wrong, she discovers a mysterious gift that could save her --- if it doesn’t kill her first.

* * *Heart of the Mountain – When shapeshifter Zadeki slams into the mountain side, he finds himself trapped in a strange underground realm. Can he escape or is he there for another reason?

* * *The Herbalist's Daughter - Anna has her heart set on an burly guard at the palace, but the antics of the young Prince could jeopardise both of their futures.

* * * Rendezvous at Alexgaia - In her last mission, Space operative Dana secured the Infinity Cube at the cost her partner's life or at least his humanity. Will Neon's sacrifice be for nothing or will Dana be able to retrieve the key to the mysterious cube's use?

Also Anna's Dilemma, Lakwi's Lament, Moonflame, Withered Seeds, Space Junk, Rookie Mistake, Inferno and other stories.

Ruhanna's Flight and other stories includes Nardva tales previously published in a range of anthologies plus some new stories. While mostly set in the southern hemisphere of Nardva, the adventures range across the ages - from early days on the Lonely Isles to the space age of Nardva.

A delightful introduction to Jeanette O'Hagan's fantasy world of engaging characters and stirring adventures.

Jeanette spun tales in the world of Nardva as a child. She enjoys writing fantasy & poetry. Her stories span continents, time & cultures in another world.

Release date; 6 March 2018

Publisher By the Light Books. 

Preorder now for low price of 99cUSD at Amazon US or Amazon AU

Other News

Hazel Barker 

- Sides of Heaven Friday 23 February 10-11 am

Safe Harbour

Congratulations to Simon Kennedy. SBS is presenting a Four-Part Drama, Safe Harbour developed from Based on an original concept by Simon Kennedy and Phil Enchelmaier. https://www.sbs.com.au/programs/safe-harbour

Old secrets come to light, relationships are shattered and lives are put in danger. One question hangs over it all – who cut the rope?

Friends on a sailing holiday discover a struggling fishing boat overloaded with asylum seekers. Deciding to tow the refugees, they wake the next morning and find the fishing boat gone. Who cut the rope between the two boats? 

Did they know it would end with tragic consequences?

Simon Kennedy is an award winning writer who loves discovering stories that will move people's hearts and challenge their minds

Safe Harbour count premieres on SBS, March 7th at 8.30 pm. You and watch the trailer here. 

Missionary Biography

David Bennett has a new release, his latest missionary biography -  Hudson Taylor and China
Published by Rhiza Press in March 2017

 Book Fairs, Conventions, Events

Rochelle Manners will be running an online Rhiza Celebration on Tuesday, 6th March - 3-8pm (Brisbane time) here.

Omega Writers Book Fair (Brisbane) - a number of CWD authors will be at the Omega Writers Book Fair (Brisbane) 10am-2:15pm 10 March, 19 Queens Road, Everton Hills.

Several CWD authors, publishers and editors will be there - including Rochelle Manners, Deb Porter, David Bennett, Lynne Stringer, Anne Hamilton, Victoria Carnell, Nola & Tim Passmore, Adele Jones, Hazel Barker, Jeanette O'Hagan, Jan Morris, Ruth Bonetti, Raelene Purtill. If you are in or around Brisbane - this will be a great opportunity to meet up with other Christian writers, do a fantastic workshop with Gary Clark (creator of Swamp) and/or have a table to display your books.

To find out more look at the Omega Writers Website - or the FB event page.

Lynne Stringer, Adele Jones and Jeanette O'Hagan will have a stand at Gold Coast Supernova from Friday 27 - Sunday 29 April. We'd love you to drop and say hello and talk to us about our books :)

Towoomba Writers Retreat - Bookings will soon be open for the Omega Writers May Retreat in Toowoomba from 4th-6th May 2018