Highlighting Members Recent Releases

 

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 recent releases of our members from Aug 2025-Feb 2026

Historical Fiction

The Hunter fo Macquarie Collection

The Hunter fo Macquarie Collection - 1795-1822

by Sara Powter

This collection of stories offers insight into life in the colony during the early days of settlement, as seen through the eyes of the governors and trusted convicts. Of the first ten governors, seven were recalled to face inquiries, and all were later exonerated.

Book 1 When Upon Life Billows
Book 2 The Saddler’s Song
Book 3 Tuppence to Pass
Book 4 His Majesty’s Pageboy
Book 5 A Fist Full of Holey Dollars

Sara Powter worked with her mother, Sheila Hunter, to research their family history. Through this, they discovered many wonderful Australian Colonial stories from the four Convicts they found in their tree.

https://www.sarapowter.com.au/ 

Universal buy link to collection:-https://mybook.to/CbMaqV

Romance

A Heart to Treasure

A Heartto Treasure

by A Heart to Treasure by Dienece Darling

The vicar’s son and the draper’s daughter have fought against all odds to be together, yet both are ignoring the cracks in their relationship. And a storm is coming. One that will shatter everything. Can two hearts torn apart by pride find their way back to each other?

Dienece Darling is a former Georgia Belle who calls Melbourne home these days. She writes first person inspirational historical romance, and her first name is a variant spelling of Denise.

Find Dienece on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063748350005

Buy link:
https://books2read.com/ahearttotreasure

Not Running Away

Not Running Away

Melissa Gijsbers

Gemma Duncan isn’t running away — she’s running towards something new. A temporary job in Sapphire Bay was meant to be a quiet escape, but friendship, community, and an unexpected connection with Adam make her question everything. When a permanent opportunity arises, she must choose familiarity… or the life that feels like home.  

Author Bio: Melissa Gijsbers is a late-diagnosed AuDHD woman and Gippsland-based author who can't stick to one thing. She has written picture books, middle grade books, novellas, and more. You can find more about her on melissagijsbers.com or https://www.facebook.com/MelissaGijsbers (feel free to leave out the Facebook link if you only want one link).

Buy link: https://www.amazon.com.au/Not-Running-Away-Melissa-Gijsbers-ebook/dp/B0GHJ1JBH6

Holly Hartmann Romances

One Cabin For Christmas: A forced proximity, second chance, fade-to-black, holiday romcom with rescue horses and a gassy beagle (Christmas in Vermont Book 1)

By Holly Hartman

One job. One cabin. One second chance at forever.
☃️Expect:

• Small-town Christmas magic
• Forced proximity
• Second chances
• Found family
• Veterinary workplace
• Rescue horses
• Heart and humour
• Swoony, fade-to-black chemistry and guaranteed HEA

Buy: https://books2read.com/u/mVJa5r
Or get it free: www.hollyhartmanbooks.com/bonus-Christmas-romance

Running from Christmas: A Grumpy-Sunshine, Snowed-In, Christmas Romance with Heart (and Paws) (Christmas in Vermont Book 2)

By Holly Hartman

She hates Christmas. He lives for it. One rescue dog thinks they're perfect for each other.

☃️Expect:

• Small-town Christmas magic
• Reverse grumpy-sunshine
• Aussie veterinarian fish out of water
• Snowstorms with great timing
• A huge rescue dog
• Widower finding love again
• She’s leaving town (ticking clock)
• Swoony, fade-to-black chemistry
• Guaranteed HEA

Buy: https://books2read.com/u/boJazp

A Very Merri Christmas: A Second-Chance, Snowed-in, Holiday Romance About Brave Love and Finding Home (Christmas in Vermont Book 3)

By Holly Hartman

She's marrying the safe choice. He's the deputy who never stopped loving her. One blizzard means there's nowhere left to hide.

☃️Expect:

• Small-town Christmas magic in snowy Vermont
• He’s always loved her / she’s been playing it safe
• Animal rescue
• Snowed-in survival intimacy
• Poignant and funny
• Swoony, fade-to-black chemistry & guaranteed HEA

Buy: https://books2read.com/u/b5LG7k

Bio: Holly Hartman writes contemporary, small-town romance, with warmth, wit and swoony fade-to-black chemistry. Her stories are filled with longing glances, emotional misfires, and love that feels like coming home.

https://www.facebook.com/HollyHartmanBooks/

Contemporary

Spiralling Solo

Spiralling Solo (book 3 of the Spiralling Trilogy)
by Michelle Dennis Evans

Stephanie is determined to stand alone, juggling finances and past trauma while her friendship with Tabbie fractures. Tabbie faces heartbreak in her final school year. The girls drift apart just when they need each other most, both drawn to the newly confident dancer Joey. Navigating loneliness, loss, love, and temptation, they must discover their true selves before their bond breaks.

Podcaster and YA contemporary author exploring life’s challenges, victories and the joy of hope. Michelle Dennis Evans balances her writing by empowering others to live with health, vitality & freedom.

MDE link:https://michelledennisevans.com/

Buy link: https://www.booktopia.com.au/spiralling-solo-michelle-dennis-evans/book/9781923533073.html

Paint the Walls Red

Paint the Walls Red
 by Suzie Peace Pybus

Meg has carried the weight of one devastating choice for forty years. Now as strange events unfold in the hospital where she works, she senses they are tied to her past. With her memory failing, she must race to uncover the truth before she forgets completely.

Suzie lives on a small fruit and vegetable farm in Tasmania. She writes distinctly Australian stories about courageous women facing social challenges, each threaded with mystery.

Suzie's website: https://www.suziepeacepybus.com/

Buylink: https://tinyurl.com/y3u4s9nv

Restoring Hope

Restoring Hope

by Philippa Cleall

After escaping harm, Hope returns to Wombat Valley to rebuild her life. But when a charming, dangerous figure from her past returns, can she stand firm in the new faith and friendships that she’s found? Restoring Hope is a heartfelt story of resilience, rediscovery, and finding a safe place to call home.

Philippa Cleall is a Children’s and Family Counsellor and volunteer Court Chaplain. She has a heart for seeing faith communities become more trauma informed so they can care for those hurting with greater wisdom, compassion, grace, and truth. www.philippacleall.com

Bu link: www.amazon.com.au/Restoring-Hope-Philippa-Cleall-ebook/dp/B0F4H6WWY4/

Speculative Fiction (Sci-Fi & Fantasy)

The Wells of Callystra

The Wells of Callystra Book 8 (published 31st October, 2025).
by Elizabeth Klein

A perilous journey to the mountains of Karakor is undertaken by elf prince, Aeron Bregolas. Once there, he manages to unite his elven tribe with the largest dwarf kingdom in Bethloria. But at a terrible cost. To save both himself and his men, he is forced to activate an ancient talisman with devastating consequences to himself.

Elizabeth Klein lives and writes in a caravan and has over 100 published works. She enjoys writing YA fantasy and fairytale retellings.

Website https://www.elizabethkleinauthor.com/

Buy Link: https://www.ama:zon.com/-/e/B07ZBTVVX4

Flare Up

Flare Up: Adventure with Jett Faraday, much loved character from the Blaine Colton trilogy 
by Adele Jones

Eighteen-old, Jett Faraday is pushed to the limit when gym manager, Luca, discovers his interest in a bodybuilding competition and pressures him to take an illicit performance enhancer to accelerate his gains. When Luca makes physical threats, and he grows increasingly erratic. Jett digs deeper, unearthing a high-tech operation formulating ingestible products for engineering mind-manipulable super-humans. When that technology is turned on him, Jett faces a fight for survival that may cost him everything.

Adele Jones writes fringe and near young adult "Science fiction for the real world". Fuelled by her passion for family, faith, music and science, she tackles complex teen issues including self-worth, disability, loss, domestic violence, youth crime and more. To learn more visit: www.adelejonesauthor.com

Buy link:

Rise of the Consortium

Rise of the Consortium

by Jeanette O'Hagan

A young blind woman, an ambitious math genius, a rejected splice clone, a cynical detective, an angry post-doc student, or an agent trying to correct the mistakes of her father?

Nine interwoven stories that stretch from the seat of Nardvan power in Pelinor to the far reaches of the sun-system. Ten different and diverse people forced to face their own demons and overwhelming power, privilege and corruption. A growing band of rebels fighting against the might of Endira Corp.

Will their courage, choices and resolve save Nardva or will they die trying – or worse – be transformed into one of Endira’s mindless cyborg slaves?

Find out in Rise of the Consortium, a thrilling collection of sci-fi short stories by Jeanette O’Hagan, set in the future of the world of Nardva.

Jeanette O’Hagan began spinning tales in the world of Nardva from the age of eight or nine. Her Nardvan stories span continents, millennia and cultures. Some involve shapeshifters and magic. Others include space stations and cyborgs.

Buy link: https://books2read.com/u/47ow8A

Christian Life and Reflection

Stories of Life - Turning Ten 

Turning Ten

Edited by Claire Bell (Editor), Pete Court (Editor), Esther Cremona (Editor)

The Title Story (Jenny Woolsey): Explores a child's ordeal with major surgery, featuring themes of comfort, support from adults, and faith during a challenging time. Turning Ten is, appropriately, the title story of this tenth annual Stories of Life anthology. Once again, ordinary people have sent in wonderfully varied stories of how God met them in everyday situations readers can identify with. Some stories span many years, others a single afternoon. Some are a little sombre, and some are laugh-out-loud funny. Many, like the title story, recall childhood experiences of God’s comfort and provision in difficult times. Other writers drew inspiration from road trips, hospital trips, family life, and walking in nature. But one theme shines through them all. No matter how small or large our need, God always watches over us in love, to guide, protect and equip us.

CWD members include authors Karen John Roper, Jenny Woolsey & Barbara Jean McKay & editors Claire Bell, Peter Court and Esther Cremona.

Alternative:

Buy link: https://storiesoflife.net/product/turning-ten/

Congratulations to all our members for your milestones and achievements.

Jeanette O'Hagan

Highlighting Members Recent Releases

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 recent releases of our members from November 2023-August 2025

Recent Releases

Historical Fiction

River Song

River Song

by Jeanette Grant Thomson

  

Shy Claire braves university and befriends flamboyant Vivien. The girls hope to find husbands – but what is wrong with Viv’s boyfriend? And will Mark ever make that commitment? Amid the cultural revolution of the sixties, shadowed by the Vietnam War, relationships become tangled. Will a calamity sort it all out?

Jeanette Grant Thomson is a Moreton-based author who has had all sorts of writing published since her childhood. This is her seventh published book-length work. You can find her books at www.facebook.com/jeanette.grantthomson

Stones of Wrath

Stones of Wrath-The Twins 

by SJ Ratcliffe

Professor Mikkel Jacobsen smuggles an ancient artefact from England to Argentina. It is now 1943, and the Nazis hunt the artefact in Argentina, putting Mikkel and his twin daughter Ruby in jeopardy. Meanwhile, Christian, Ruby’s twin, is in Denmark helping the Jews escape across the sea to Sweden.

SJ Ratcliffe is a christian fiction author. ‘Stones of Wrath’ won the 2025 Pencraft Award. In 2024, she appeared on BBC Radio, US podcasts and was recognised by the NSW parliament.

Social Link: https://www.facebook.com/sjratcliffeauthor?
Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com.au/Stones-Wrath-Twins-Book-Two/dp/B0F7Y8Q45D/

Hearts Unknown

Hearts Unknown

by Dienece Darling

After this London season, not the boy next door. Clarence has loved Edith for as long as he can remember. What will it take for Edith to notice him? One bird, one ball, and a pesky street preacher.

Dienece Darling is a former Georgia Belle who now calls Australia home with her husband and two sons. She writes inspirational historical fiction, and her first name is pronounced Denise. https://www.dienecedarling.com

Buy link: https://books2read.com/heartsunknown/

First Fleet Convict Era Trilogy 1788-1800

by Sara Powter

Gentle Annie Soames

Her dreams lead to unexpected outcomes. An Australian First Fleet story with the descriptions taken directly from the Journal of Doctor Arthur Bowes Smith was the doctor on board the Lady Penrhyn.

Annie Soames is a girl beloved by the community but not afraid to voice her desires. That leads to trouble, illicit love, and transportation to New South Wales as a convict. When her former employer, Oliver Quilpie, recently widowed Marquess, goes searching for her, will nAnnie want to see him?

Long-listed in the Historical Fiction Company Competition 2024

https://mybook.to/GentleAnnieSoames


The Emancipated Potter

Not all felons are convicts, and not all convicts are felons. 

Colin Osborne’s serene life as a talented potter is crushed by a self-important peer. A single punch sends Colin across to the other side of the globe. Aggie Gibbs is a young convict girl being hunted by a wayward soldier. The two find themselves in a town of criminals and lecherous men but an unlikely mentor. Can they build a decent life for the convicts destined to live out their lives in the penal town? 

Paternity Unknown

Connie Waterson is attacked and traumatised when the convict women were landed in the colony. She finds herself expecting an unwanted child. Along with her friends, she must learn to cope with the challenges of their new environment while protecting the life growing within her. Can those who attacked her? 

https://www.sarapowter.com.au/
(with an online store)

YA Speculative Fiction

Keeper of the Archives

Keeper of the Archives
by Lynne Stringer

After their home burns to cinders, Eden Fittell gets work in the government’s Archives to support her family.

But the city is being stalked by a crime boss who is using a freak to kidnap people off the street. And he usually snatches government employees.Is Eden safe?

Lynne Stringer began writing professionally as a journalist and was the editor of a small newspaper (later magazine) for seven years, before turning her hand to screenplay writing and novels.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lynne_stringer_author/

a buy link: https://www.amazon.com/Keeper-Archives-Lynne-Stringer-ebook/dp/B0D7W7314J/

Signal Erased

Signal Erased 

by Adele Jones

Anna Faraday’s carefully ordered world comes crashing down when her gift of singing is turned against her. After a reckless car drive ruins a night of romance, her gifted voice is then exploited for a secret frequency-based experiment that alters her atomic state.

As time is running out, she seeks help from the last guy she ever thought she’d ask—a guy who has been all but invisible to her, until now. Will he, or anyone, understand what’s happened before she disappears forever?

Adele Jones is an Australian author of "Science fiction for the real world". Writing YA fringe and near sci-fi stories, she tackles complex teen issues including self-worth, disability, loss, domestic violence, youth crime and more, drawing inspiration from her passion for family, faith, friends, music and science.

For more visit www.adelejonesauthor.com

Buy Link: https://wombatrhiza.com.au/signal-erased/

Kingdom of Longing

Kingdom of Longing (Prequel to Bethloria series) 

By Elizabeth Klein

26th March, 2024

When Mistrelle Evanspay is overtaken by a storm and her frightened horse throws her, she is discovered by the enigmatic Ewarn Skylander, Morgran’s Chief Mage and councillor. Her head warns her not to get involved, but her heart yearns for a different life than the one her parents have in mind for her. Will she follow the check in her heart, or the wild romance Ewarn can offer?

Elizion Fractured Books 2 & 3

Elizion Fractured book 2 

by Elizabeth Klein

Published 22nd Jan. 2024

The story explores the challenges of surviving in a hostile environment. The plot follows the lives and destinies of Freya, newly crowned queen, the earth-born Fin, and several key sky-born characters as they face increasingly difficult challenges on Tara’s surface.

Elizion Conspiracy book 3 

by Elizabeth Klein 

Published 5th September 2024

Memories of the aliens have faded and life is good for the sky-born, until the day a group of mercenaries come looking for a fugitive. Queen Freya wants to locate him before the mercenaries get to him, clearly an impossible task. But when he locates them first and issues a dire warning, Freya realises they have all been asleep to the perils still lurking on Tara.

In 2015, Elizabeth and her husband left Sydney to travel in a caravan full time. Besides having written many short stories, articles, plays and poems, she’s also authored YA and junior fiction books, as well as educational books and has 100 published works to date. You can find out more about her books here:
https://www.elizabethkleinauthor.com/

Stepping Sideways

Stepping Sideways: Stories of Steampunk and Dystopia

Editors Emily Larkin and Lynne Stringer
Rhiza Edge

A circus is not all it seems. A monster… and opportunity… waits in ocean mists. A friendship is out of time. A group of kids escape scavenger dogs in a brutal world. A water sprite is far from home. And a machine generates romance. These stories and others await in this steampunk and dystopian anthology by Australian authors, sure to transport you into worlds of danger and wonder.

Authors include Lynne Stringer, Emily Larkin, Annaliese Hudson, Linsey Painter, Shaye Wardrop, Andreas Katsineris-Paine, Adele Jones, Elizabeth Klein, Jeanette O’Hagan, Rachel Denham-White, Jennifer Horn and Bianca Breen.

Time’s Key by Emily Larkin, shortlisted for Best Young Adult Short Story in the 2024  Aurealis Awards.

In a League of Her Own by Jeanette O’Hagan, winner of the Best Young Adult Short Story in the 2024 Aurealis Awards

Buy Link: https://wombatrhiza.com.au/stepping-sideways-stories-of-steampunk-and-dystopia/

Jeanette O'Hagan has spun tales in the world of Nardva from the age of eight. She enjoys writing fantasy, sci-fi, poetry, and editing. Her Nardvan stories involve shapeshifters and magic. Others include space stations and cyborgs. She has published the Under the Mountain Series (5 books) the Akrad's Legacy series and numerous short stories, one of which recently won the 2024 Aurealis Award for YA Shorty story category.

Memoirs and Biographies

Unravelling: loving my parents through dementia

Unravelling: loving my parents through dementia

by Claire Belberg (aka Claire Bell)

Unravelling is the story in prose and poetry of a daughter accompanying her parents on the journey of dementia. It’s raw, honest, sometimes disturbing. This book was written for those who want company on a similar journey, and those who want to gain understanding of those who travel this way.

Claire Belberg personal story of her parents' dementia was released in September 2024.

Claire Belberg writes to understand, which typically includes reflections on nature. She has published poetry, fiction and non-fiction. She blogs occasionally at The Character Forge (clairebelberg.wordpress.org).

Buy - e-book at https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/unravelling-claire-belberg/1146288051 and print book direct from author (cheapest option!) at bellwriting@gmail.com (postage within Australia only)

Treasure Island

Treasured Island: Exploring the Delights of King Island

by Josephine Petrovic 

An armchair traveller’s delight, this little brightly coloured book relates how our family ‘discovered’ King Island in Bass Strait, Tasmania, lived and worked there, and shared our experiences. It is well researched and includes numerous fascinating backstories, a gallery of amazing photographs and an extensive visitor’s guide.

Josephine Petrovic is finally an author, two years off eighty! Happily married, she’s Mum to five, Nanna of nine, and a born storyteller who loves to inspire and bless others.

Holdfast Books / jopetrovic.author@gmail.com


Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com.au/Treasured-Island-Exploring-Delights-King-ebook/dp/B0FHWZPB49/

Christian Life and Reflection

Swansong

Swansong: start creating your legacy of life-giving words today 

by Jo-Anne Berthelsen, 

Authentic Media UK 

In Swansong, Jo-Anne Berthelsen issues a gentle challenge to consider carefully how God’s words and the words of others have impacted us and how the words we in turn speak and write on a daily basis can best honour God and build others up.

Jo-Anne Berthelsen is a Sydney-based author of seven novels and four non-fiction works. She holds degrees in Arts and Theology and has worked in teaching, editing and local church ministry.

www.facebook.com/joanne.berthelsen

Buy link: www.jo-anneberthelsen.com

God Moments: 101 little lessons for life’s journey

God Moments: 101 little lessons for life’s journey 

by Jo-Anne Berthelsen, Authentic Media UK 

In God Moments, Jo-Anne Berthelsen shares personal experiences of how apparently mundane events in daily life have created unexpected ‘God moments’. Grounded in Scripture, these 101 uplifting devotions will encourage you to open your heart to God and look out for him as you go about your daily life.

Buy link: www.jo-anneberthelsen.com

Messages from the heart of God - Volume 3

Messages from the heart of God - Volume 3
by David Hollis

Messages from the heart of God – Volume 3” is a collection of 40 short devotional chapters that lead the reader on a journey of inspiration, encouragement, and hope, especially in the difficulties, trials and uncertainties of our daily lives.

David Hollis lives in the far north of New Zealand on the rocky coastline of East Bay. He’s been writing prose and poetry for five years and published three books.
www.facebook.com/breadonthewaters

Buy link: https://www.amazon.com/author/davidhollis777

10 Blessings of God You Won’t Want to Miss

10 Blessings of God You Won’t Want to Miss
by Susan Barnes

10 Blessings of God will enrich your faith as you embrace the different ways God desires to bless and encourage you to trust him more deeply. His blessings are intended to renew our minds and stir our souls so God’s people can make a difference in the world.

Susan Barnes has thirty years of experience in pastoral ministry and a degree in Christian ministry. She has published hundreds of devotional articles, sharing her experiences of trusting God.

https://www.facebook.com/susanannebarneswriter

Buy Link: Options for print and ebook: https://www.susanbarneswriter.com/10-blessings-of-god/

From the Prison to the Palace

From the Prison to the Palace
by Karen Roper 
August 2024

Have you ever wondered how Joseph in the Bible felt with not only being sold into slavery but being separated and betrayed by his family?

He took the same journey that most of us will take in our lives. What journey am I talking about? Our emotional journey through life.”

Karen Roper is passionate about seeing people live their lives the way God intended and to fulfil the purpose and plans that God has for them.

Instagram link is: https://www.instagram.com/roper.karen/

Buylink: From the Prison to the Palace: A Journey of Emotional Healing : Roper, Karen Faye: Amazon.com.au: Books

Comfort Zone: A 40-day Devotional

Comfort Zone: A 40-day Devotional on the Father of All Comfort
by Nola Lorraine
Armour Books, 2025

In this 40-day excursion into the heart of the Father, Nola Lorraine uses personal reflections and scriptures to show how God comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can then share his love and comfort with others.

Nola Lorraine writes fiction, nonfiction and poetry that weave words of courage and hope. She would love to connect with you through her website: www.nolalorraine.com.au


Buy link - https://koorong.com/product/scattered-nola-lorraine_9781925380859

 

Congratulations to all our members for your milestones and achievements.

Jeanette O'Hagan

CWD Highlights April-October 2023

 

Christian Writers Downunder is a diverse group of writers, editors, bloggers, illustrators. As a group we support each other through our Facebook page and blog.


Today's blog will highlight some of the achievements of our members from April-October 2023

New Releases & Launches

Elizabeth Klein

Dreamscape: Saving Mermaid Lagoon Book 3 

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

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

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

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

Short story, The Invitation

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

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

FREE!

Short story, The Time-Keeper

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

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

FREE!

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

A Glimmer of Uncommon Fairy Tales anthology

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

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

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

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

Ian Blight

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

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

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

Dienece Darling

In Freeing Defeat will be available in December. 

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

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

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

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

Accepted for publication

Stories of Life

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

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

Jeanette Grant-Thomson Piercing the Silence

Jenny Woolsey Dad and Jesse

Jo Wanmer Dagger in the Heart

Jo-Anne Berthelsen Dear friend

June Hopkins A God-Given glitch & Kisses for Me

Steph Penny Kindling

Hazel Barker Help from Heaven

RJ Rodda Praying for Princess

DJ Blackmore Home Remedy

Karen Roper The Voice

Barbara McKay Out of the ashes

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

Esther Cremona The Heart of a Midwife

Kylie Gardiner People Matter

Liisa Grace-Baun No More Tuna Mornay

Roslyn Bradshaw Learning to Ride a Bike and Classic Road Trip

Ruth C Hall Solo with God and Along for the Ride

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

RWR Retreat antholoyg - A Spash of Love. 

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

Awards

CALEB Awards

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

Unpublished Young Adult fiction

The Winner is Julia Archer with  The Drone Guy Project

Unpublished Adult fiction

The Winner is Kate Mackereth with  Tradings Wings

 

Barnabus Award

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

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

Encouragement Award

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

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

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

CALEB 2024

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

Events

May Retereat  5-7 May 2023

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

Brisbane Omega Showcase  6-7 October 2023

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

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

Omega Writers Zoom Conference 6-7 Oct 2023

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

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

Margie Lawson Immersion on the Gold Coast

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

Rendered Realms

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

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

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

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

Congratulations to all our members for your milestones and achievements.

Jeanette O'Hagan