CWD Highlights - July - September 2022

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

Today's blog will highlight some of the achievements of our members from July - September 2022

New Releases

Amelia's Island by Jeanette Grant-Thomson

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

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

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

Licence to Die (GRUnGE.001) by Mazzy Adams 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Title: Licence to Die (GRUnGE.001)

Author: Mazzy Adams

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

Release Date: 14^th September 2022

Purchase Links:

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

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

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

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

The Case of the Missing Moggies by Debra Clewer

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

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

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

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

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

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

Once a Jolly Swagman by Sara Powter

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

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

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

The story was inspired by twenty of THE SEEKERS songs.

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

Title: Once A Jolly Swagman 

(Bk 5 in Lockleys of Parramatta series)

Author: Sara Powter

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

Readings Stones

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

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

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

Release Sate 8 October 2022

Publisher: Reading Stones

Acceptances

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

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

Awards

CALEB Awards 

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

Events

Coorparoo Presbyterian Book Fair

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

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

Reading Stones go North

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

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

Rendered Realms

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

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

Omega Writers Conference 2022 Kingscliff

The Omega Writers Conference 2022 Kingscliff is fast approaching. 

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

Did you have a new release or event or brag point that didn't make it to the Highlights Post? Keep an eye out for the next call for information from members - the next Highlights post will be in end of December 2022.

Congratulations to all our members for your milestones and achievements.

Jeanette O'Hagan

CWD Highlights - April to June 2021

 

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


Today's blog will highlight some of the achievements of our members from April to June 2021

New Releases 

Rebekah Rodda

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

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

Meredith Resce

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

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

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

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

Lisa Renee - Author of the ‘Single Again’ series

Available as both paperback and eBook on all platforms here.

Elizabeth Klein

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

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

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


Mists in Time is available here.  

Reading Stones 

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

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

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

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

Wendy Wood & Helen Brown

Marion Kilchester

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

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


Available here. 


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

Jeanette O'Hagan 

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

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

Available here.  

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

Events

Writing Competition

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

Book Fair

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

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

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

Coming up

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

Congratulations to all our members for your milestones and achievements

CWD Highlights - April to June 2020

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

Today's blog will highlight some of the achievements of our members from April to June 2020

New Releases, Acceptances & Cover Reveals

Lynne Stringer

Lynne Stringer released a new science fiction novel, The Verindon Alliance on 1st May 2020 (Published by Rhiza Edge). 

As Princess Vashta of the Vendel finishes her combat training, she hopes she will lead their forces into battle against her race’s deadly enemy, the Verindal. But when Brandonin, the heir to the Verindal throne, comes to see her father, it’s clear he desires peace, not war.

When a new enemy arises, striking at all who call their planet home, each race blames the other, even though the princess is sure this danger comes from somewhere new. She seeks Brandonin’s help in fighting this menace, but what can they do when both Vendel and Verindal refuse to work together? Can they defeat this deadly threat themselves or will it mean the end of life on Verindon?

The book (a prequel of the Verindon trilogy) is available here

Lynne Stringer is the author of the Verindon series of young adult science fiction romance books and Once Confronted, a contemporary drama.

Melissa Gijsbers

Melissa Gijsbers has released the first 4 ebooks in a series of writing prompts. The series is called LitPrompts.

Each ebook has 10 writing prompts on a different topic, starting with toilet paper!

The first ebook was published on April 23, with the other ebooks going live on Amazon during May.


All the details of the ebooks can be found here -  and more are on their way.

Olwyn Harris 

Reading Stones released the first of a 3-part Homes of Healing series by Olwyn Harris in April. 

The first book, Beachside Cottage is followed up with 2nd part, Petrea Downs, to be released on the 25th June.

These stories following the lives of Eliza-Beth and her sons and how they find healing through their connections to people, places and God.

Beachside Cottage is available here and Petrea Downs here.

Helen Brown

In May Reading Stones also released the 2nd Edition of Helen’s Book, Turning Water into Wine and the Revised Edition of 365 Glasses of Wine.

In Turning Water into Wine, Helen Brown takes 100 ordinary "water" moments and describes how God has used these to teach her valuable lessons about life and His love for her. Available here. 

365 Glasses of Wine from Helen Brown gives a daily "sip" of inspiration and encouragement. Each story is taken from her real-life experiences of walking, with God, through farming, drought, hardship, family life, and depression. Each story is designed to encourage others as they walk with God.  Available here.

June will also see the release of the 2nd editions of More Water into Wine and Conversations with Myself, by Helen Brown, these both being available after the 30th June.

Congratulations to our authors for their exciting new releases, revision and for all who have been working on their stories during the upheavals and challenges of the last few months.

Events & Opportunities

Omega Writers Conference Now 2021

A reminder that the Omega Writers Conference has been postponed to October 2021 due to Covid restrictions.

Due to the current Corona crisis, the 2020 Conference committee (Raewyn, Andrea and Narelle) have announced the postponement of the Omega Writers conference from Oct 2020 to Oct 2021 with no loss of funds.

Peppers Kingscliff is now rebooked for 8-10 October 2021.

Everything stays the same. Susie May Warren is happy to reschedule for 8-10 October 2021.

The next highlights post should be at the end of September. 

CWD Highlights - October-December 2019

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 2019

Awards

Congratulations Kathy Hoopman for being short-listed for the ALCS Educational Award (UK)

Name: Kathy Hoopmann
One sentence bio: Author of 22 books with translations into 19 languages
Book: All Birds Have Anxiety (2017; Jessica Kingsley Publishers) 

Short blurb: This simple yet profound book validates the deeper everyday experiences of anxiety, provides an empathic understanding of the many symptoms associated with anxiety, and offers compassionate suggestions for change.
Details of highlight: Shortlisted for ALCS Educational Award (UK)- the UK's only award for educational writing which stimulates and enhances the learning experience. I didn't win, but shortlisting was wonderful :)
https://www.alcs.co.uk/news/2019-alcs-educational-writers-award-shortlist-announced-for-the-uks-only-award-for-creative-educational-writing

Book Releases 

Hannah Currie's Heart of a Royal

Hannah's debut YA novel, Heart of a Royal, was published 15 October 2019 by WhiteFire Publishing.

Blurb:

Brought to the palace as a newborn, the royal life bestowed upon Mackenna Sparrow was never meant to last forever. With Princess Alina engaged to be married, Mackenna’s presence as companion is no longer required and, like it or not, she must return to the birthright which should have been hers – that of a commoner.

But not everyone at the palace wants her gone. When the truths she’s based her life on start crumbling as fast as her future, will she find the courage to trust, both herself and the prince she’s fallen in love with?

Link to read first two chapters: http://whitefire-publishing.com/read/heart-of-a-royal/

Purchase link: https://www.koorong.com/product/heart-of-a-royal-01-in-daughters-of-peverell-series-hannah_9781946531537

One sentence bio:
Hannah Currie loves God, family, people (in small numbers, let’s not go crazy here!) and escaping into other worlds through stories - both those she writes and the hundreds of books gracing her shelves at home.

Helen Brown - New releases from Reading Stones

This last quarter has been a busy one for Reading Stones, after the launch of Matt’s Boys of Wattle Creek, we then prepared a second book Maggie & Minotaur, by Olwyn Harris, released on the 5th December. 

Currently we are preparing a workbook, designed by Wendy Wood, for those who work in School Age Care services. The intent of this workbook is to try and make the critical reflection involved in the task of looking after children interesting, and therefore, more productive. We have included some inspirational spots and some clean jokes to help make it interesting. 

We are also working on a new project, a book for younger readers, also by Olwyn Harris, which will be released on the 3rd February 2020. It will be the first of six books, where two girls, through time travel, discover some things about our Australian History and how God works even in the worst of times.

Events

Rendered Realms

Rendered Realms - Lynne Stringer, Adele Jones & Jeanette O'Hagan had a wonderful time at Brisbane Supernova in November 2019.  We're looking forward to more events in 2020

Omega Writers Book Fair 

Omega Writers Book Fair  Saturday 14th March 2020 at Everton Hills, Brisbane

There will be author displays, author readings, a scavenger hunt, prizes and a colouring in contest for kids.

Workshop by Simon Kennedy on Script Writing
Panel on Writing Diversity, disability & difference, featuring Kathy Hoopman, Jenny Woolsey & Adelen Jones.

Attendees don’t need to pre-book and there is no entry fee (but a gold coin donation will help to cover costs), so come along, bring some friends, and peruse the wonderful books, chat to the authors, listen to readings and enter the scavenger hunt.


Registrations for author tables open soon.  Follow the facebook page to keep up to date. 

Bushfires

Bushfires - our hearts go out to all those that have been directly affected by the bushfires in Australia over the last few months.  Cliffton Creek Primary School in Gippsland burnt to the ground. There is an opportunity to donate new children's book to help them rebuild. For more information here.

Writer's Retreat

Penny Reeve and Cecily Paterson are running a virtual writers' retreat this January. Not too late to join here.

Congratulations to all our members for your milestones and achievements and wishing you all the best for your 2020 writing goals.

CWD Highlights - July to September 2019

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 to September 2019

Awards

Christie Awards:

Congratulations to David Rawlings - Christy Award finalist for The Baggage Handler in the First Novel category. See more HERE

CALEB Awards:

Congratulations to the CALEB Award finalists including our CWD members - Kirrily Lowe, Katrina Roe, Nikki Rogers, Rosanne Hawke, Penny Jaye, Cecily Anne Paterson, Phillip Cook, Christine Dillon, Hazel Barker, & David Malcolm Bennett. 

  Winners will be announced at the Omega Writers Conference Oct 11-13, Edward Rice Centre, Mulgoa (near Sydney)

Check out the full short list here HERE

New Releases & Cover Reveals:

Christine Dillon - Grave in Deep Waters

Christine's Dillon's third book in the Grace series -  Grace in Deep Waters - was published in August.

Blurb:

William Macdonald is at the pinnacle of his career. Pastor of a growing megachurch and host of a successful national radio programme. Clever and respected, he’s a man with everything, including a secret. His wife has left him and he can’t risk anyone finding out.

Blanche Macdonald is struggling. Her once rock-solid marriage is showing cracks. She promised to love her husband for better or for worse, but does loving always mean staying? Blanche desires to put God first. Not William. Not her daughter. Not herself.

When is a marriage over? When do you stand and fight?


You can buy it HERE

Bio:  Christine is from Sydney but lives in Taiwan where she squeezes in writing novels around her telling of Bible stories to anyone who will listen.

Leanne Woods - The Belonging

Leanne Woods has published a Christian novel The Belonging on 1st August, 2019

Blurb:  

The Belonging is a story for adults and young adults. It’s a journey of understanding that deals with issues most can relate to; death, confronting personal problems and coming to understand yourself.

You never know who, or what, will change your life until it happens. 

After the death of his wife, home health care worker Robert Jackson must re-evaluate his life in Sydney. Facing an uphill battle with grief, he contemplates suicide. 

However, his wife’s best friend Shirley won’t let him give up. But how well does he really know this caring neighbour? And what about the eccentric recluse and the pretentious middle-aged woman whose path he is destined to cross? Appearances can be deceiving. 

The Belonging is a story of four broken souls thrown together by chance and one man’s journey to discover the truth and meaning of his own existence. 

You can buy it HERE.

Bio:
Leanne Wood is a poet, an avid reader and the author of five novels, with an extensive background in business, law and psychology, Leanne said goodbye to her corporate career and has spent the last five years devoted to writing stories about life and on subjects’ people can relate, stories that evoke emotion and take readers on a journey.

Cate McKeown - Memphis Grace

Novel: Memphis Grace by Catriona McKeown
Releasing October 2019 through Rhiza Edge
Available in all good bookstores or through the publisher at
https://www.rhizaedge.com.au/memphis-grace


Memphis Grace is the second Young Adult novel by Queensland author, Catriona McKeown.

Graceland was named after the King of Pop’s mansion by her Elvis- obsessed mum. But she’s not rich, not famous and definitely not noticeable.

She’s always just been Mikaela’s best friend.

That is, until Mikaela leaves school without explanation and Graceland finds herself noticed by Cooper Dally. Popular boy and Mikaela’s ex-boyfriend. Now she’s the centre of attention: big parties, new dresses and girlfriend to Cooper. Graceland is finally changing her stars.

But Cooper has expectations Graceland can’t meet. And when the truth behind Mikaela’s leaving comes out, Graceland realises Cooper might not be the guy she thought he was. Worse, it could cost Graceland more than she’s willing to give to be noticed.

  

Hannah Currie - Heart of a Royal

Hannah Currie's debut YA novel, Heart of a Royal, will be published by WhiteSpark Publishing (a division of WhiteFire Publishing) 15 October 2019. 

Blurb:

Brought to the palace as a newborn, the royal life bestowed upon Mackenna Sparrow was never meant to last forever. With Princess Alina engaged to be married, Mackenna’s presence as companion is no longer required and, like it or not, she must return to the birthright which should have been hers – that of a commoner.

But not everyone at the palace wants her gone. When the truths she’s based her life on start crumbling as fast as her future, will she find the courage to trust, both herself and the prince she’s fallen in love with?

You can buy/pre-order it HERE.

Bio: Aussie author, Hannah Currie, loves God, family, people (in small numbers, let’s not go crazy here!) and writing. She and her husband live with their three adorable kids in Queensland, where it really is beautiful one day and perfect the rest. Except during heatwaves. They're not so fun.

Other

Also, Faith Oxley's book “Blessed is. Psalms of faith” will be release on Amazon next month 

 

And Jan Morris has a beautiful new release coming next month. Heaven's Journal's has poetry from my book Heaven is all about Him as well as places to write with special areas for your prayers and wonderful scriptures tying it all together....all on a background of meadow flowers.
 

Events & Opportunities:

Wombat Books Conference

CWD members Penny Reeve, Rosanne Hawke, Katrina Roe, Kathy Hoopmann & Cecily Paterson will be among the speakers with other Wombat Children's authors & featured author Kate Forsyth at the Wombat Books Conference this weekend (26-27 September 2019). Find out more HERE

Other News:

Rendered Realms at Oz Comic Con

Rendered Realms - Lynne Stringer, Jeanette O'Hagan & Adele Jones - had a fabulous time at Oz Comic Con (Brisbane) this year - interacting with fans, selling books & enjoying the cosplay.  

(Top photo taken by Wayne Logan).

David Malcolm Bennett

David Bennett has had Catherine Booth: Form Timidity to Boldness, a biography of Catherine's Booths early years and ministry, accepted for publication. Due for release in 2020

Helen Brown

Helen Brown, Wendy Wood and Olwyn Harris recently formed a great team to publish and release a book “Matt’s Boys of Wattle Creek”. 

Olwyn has been writing for over 20 years and has finally taken the plunge into publishing. Helen Brown and Wendy Wood have started an Author support business called Reading Stones Publishing. Matt’s Boys of Wattle Creek was released on the 4th September and is available on Amazon in both Paperback and Ebook HERE.

Boys of Wattle Creek  tells of the spiritual journey of Matt’s three boys as they enter into adulthood and how the rest of the small town gets to learn about the grace of God.

Helen also had a phone interview with Cooloola Christian Radio which can be accessed on her Still More Water into Wine page at her website. www.hbrown1956.wixsite.com/helenjeanbrown/still-more-water-into-wine

Elizabeth Klein

Elizabeth Klein is celebrating a number of wins over the last couple of months:


1) In July, Five Senses Education contracted Elizabeth for four more non-fiction textbooks titled:

Comedy Theatre for Lower Primary Teacher's Resource Book,
Comedy Theatre for Lower Primary Student Book,
Comedy Theatre for Lower High School Teacher's Resource Book,
Comedy Theatre for Lower High School Student Book

Elizabeth says, 

"Having taught in the classroom and as a tutor for almost three decades has taught me that children enjoy humour. From libidinous references to belches and farts, to wicked names that conjure up ridiculous characters and situations, children love surprise and shock. What’s more, they like to express humour in their own flamboyant exuberance.

The purpose of this book is to provide children with a collection of quirky, nonsensical plays which they can read and perform in the classroom or as an end-of-year activity. As an educator, I have seen even the most reluctant child blossom in confidence through drama. My hope is that teachers utilize these plays to motivate and encourage their students in creativity and reading skills."

2) Storm Cloud Publishers included Elizabeth's short story titled Max's New Book in their Open House 3 Anthology also on Monday 22nd of July.

Blurb: Max the mouse is writing another book after being rejected (yet again) by Sally Squeaker, publisher of Grey Whiskers Publishing Hole. His new story is called Mouse in Boots and sounds even quirkier than a pirate grandmother going to sea with a crew of meerkats which has nothing to do with the story whatsoever! However, this time Sally Squeaker enjoys Max's tale so much she is pleased to publish it. It's the story of a writer's travail and failed attempts to find the perfect home for their novel, ending in success.

3) Elizabeth did a book signing at Collins Bookshop in Sale, Victoria on Saturday, 7th September.

Bio:  

Elizabeth Klein:

Writer

Daydreamer

Reader

Intrepid explorer

Seeker of wondrous realms

Wanderer and sky gazer

Eater of chocolates

Lover of God and life

You can visit Elizabeth at bethloria.com.au

Save the Date:

Omega Writers Book Fair 2010 - Save the Date

Save the Date: Omega Writers Book Fair 2010 will be on Saturday, 14 March 2020 Along with a range of local authors, scavenger hunt, book readings and a colouring competition, Simon Kennedy will present a workshop of Script Writng & Kathy Hoopman, Jenny Woosley & others will be on a panel Writing Difference and Disability. 

Congratulations to all our members for your milestones and achievements

Meet Our Members: Helen Brown

Most Thursdays in 2019 we will be interviewing one of the members of Christian Writers Downunder – to find out a little bit more about them and their writing/editing goals.

Today's interview is with Helen Brown

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

My parents were Salvation Army Officers until I was 10 years old. My dad then returned to his first employment love, farming. Moving around as many times as we did, means that I don’t really feel like I came from anywhere in particular. I was born in Mt Isa, North Queensland but I always felt that my roots were in Inverell, New South Wales, because both my parents spent a good part of their childhood there. This is where my parents met and fell in love. My dad’s parents lived there all their lives. Having such a rich spiritual background means that I have always known the love of God in my life and my relationship with Him as developed slowly over the years from birth to now.

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

My writing career started almost accidently, except that God doesn’t do anything by accident. I started out doing the occasional Newssheet article for our Church bulletin at the request of our minister. After about a year I realised that I could turn it into a book, that was my first book, Turning Water into Wine. These articles are where God has challenged me with something ordinary that has a spiritual lesson for me, and through my six books, others as well.

Over the last couple of years, I have been writing my first novel, but I have to say I’m not sure what God wants to do with that. It may be that it’s just a stepping stone to another venture. I have discovered that my sister is a very talented fiction writer and we, my daughter, Wendy Wood, and I are planning on releasing that one of her books on September 4^th. This date is significant as it’s the anniversary of our Mother’s arrival in Heaven and it’s a way to acknowledge the importance that she had to both of us.

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

I know very few people who have read my work by name; however, I know one gentleman found that one of my stories about looking up in Turning Water into Wine, helped him while he was changing a light bulb. It doesn’t seem like a great big spiritual thing but even such small things are important to God and He can use whatever He likes for whatever purpose He deems necessary. It seems it was important enough for this man to mention it to my mother.

Who would I like to read my work, Oh, my goodness that is such a loaded question? My articles were, initially designed to encourage Christians each Sunday, and that is the main purpose of my work but it would also be great if God enabled those outside the church to at least start asking questions about their relationship with God through my books.

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

The process of writing for me is usually when I am inspired by some small incident, comment, question or when the devil has a real go at me over something I’m struggling with. So, there is usually quite a lot of prayer before and during the thinking stage. The biggest challenge I face is finding the time to write. Like most people in regional Australia we are in the middle of the biggest drought this country has seen since records started and as we live on a farm that means that I have to be a hands-on partner. The work is never ending, thankless and discouraging. You could say that most of what I write is messages to myself, reminding me of the faithfulness of God when everything looks dire.

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

I don’t have one, sorry.

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

Jo’Anne Griffiths, I had the real privilege of meeting Jo some years ago while I was at a church conference in Sydney and we have been trying to make it an annual event. Sadly, neither of us could make it happen this year but we will try again next year. Jo has been a great encourager for me and edited by latest book, Still More Water into Wine. She did an amazing job and is currently looking at the first part of my novel. I’m am so grateful that God bought this wonderful woman into my circle of friends. 

Question 7: What are your writing goals for 2019? How will you achieve them?

This year I am trying to get my novel finished, as previously stated its been in the pipeline for a couple of years now, however, I’m not sure where God wants to take it yet. With the grace of God, I pray that I will be able to publish more of my sister’s stories but the year is so close to the end that I’m think we will run out of time. Yes, just blink and Christmas will be here.

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

My writing would not have even started without my faith, so it goes hand in hand. The challenge for me is to make sure that I am writing for the right reasons, not personal or financial. This last motivation is very difficult for me as having a second income that is not animal or drought affected is very important for us at present. There are no other jobs going around in the bush now.

Born in Mount Isa, the eldest of five children of Salvation Army officers, Helen Brown lived an almost nomadic life until she was fifteen years of age. However, she discovered books as a preteen and read a lot, well into the night and occasionally all night. Two stories that captured her imagination were “Anne of Green Gables” and Little Women”. Just like the heroines in these stories she wanted to write. A learning disability, which was not corrected until she was in her thirties, meant that schooling was a real struggle. It also meant that her dream seemed to be a distant mirage. The struggles of raising five children and being a wife to a shearer/farmer in a small town taught her a lot about life and the grace of God. During this time, she also completed her teaching degree and worked many casual jobs in order to ensure that the farm was viable. Today, she still lives on the farm in the Northern Tablelands of New South Wales.

CWD Highlights - April to June 2019

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

Today's blog will highlight some of the achievements of our members from April to June 2019

Awards:

Ruth Bonetti

Congratulations to Omega to Ruth Bonetti. 

Ruth was presented with the 2019 Queensland Family History Book Award by the Queensland Family History Society for her second biography/memoir/family history Midnight Sun to Southern Cross. It was a great night and well deserved award.

(If you have a published family history, you could consider entering for this Award for 2020 – entries close on 30 November.)

Submissions & Acceptances:

Elizabeth Klein

Elizabeth Klein's short story "Hidden" was accepted for inclusion in the anthology Short Tales 5 by Storm Cloud Publication on 16th April.  She is also running a writing workshop on 15th June.

New Release & Cover Reveals:

David Rawlings

David Rawlings' The Baggage Handler (released in March 2019 - see previous highlights) is being translated into Dutch (late 2019) - with the Dutch cover shown below.

Title: The Baggage Handler
Publication Date: March 5
Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Blurb:

When three people take the wrong suitcase from baggage claim, their lives change forever.

A hothead businessman coming to the city for a showdown meeting to save his job.

 A mother of three hoping to survive the days at her sister's house before her niece’s wedding.

 And a young artist pursuing his father’s dream so he can keep his own alive.

When David, Gillian, and Michael each take the wrong suitcase from baggage claim, the airline directs them to retrieve their bags at a mysterious facility in a deserted part of the city. There they meet the enigmatic Baggage Handler, who shows them there is more in their baggage than what they have packed, and carrying it with them is slowing them down in ways they can’t imagine. And they must deal with it before they can leave.

In this modern-day parable about the burdens that weigh us down, David Rawlings issues an inspiring invitation to lighten the load.

Available HERE

Bio: David Rawlings is a based in South Australia, with a 25-year corporate writing career behind him and stories that look deeper into life in front of him.

Ruth Amos' Challenge Accepted

In January 2019, author R. J. Amos challenged herself to write a short story every day for thirty days. Using prompts found online, R. J. pushed her creative powers to the limit, writing a full story with a beginning, middle, and end, every day.

She presents a collection of weird and wide-ranging, fun and fantastic stories. Also included are the story prompts that R. J. used so that you too can stretch your imagination.

A challenge for you, should you choose to accept it. Available HERE 

Helen Brown

Helen Brown has published her latest inspirational book Still More Water into Wine.

"Sometimes the encourager needs to be encouraged. People in ministry, regardless of its type, give of themselves. There comes a time, however, when they need to be refreshed, for them to continue to give. "

Helen gave an interview last year HERE.  Her book is available HERE

Jeanette O'Hagan

Caverns of the Deep - Jeanette O'Hagan has released Caverns of the Deep, the fifth and final book in the Under the Mountain series (which started with Heart of the Mountain).

Title: Caverns of the Deep
Publication: 17 June 2019
Publisher: By the Light Books

Blurb:

Seven Gates, locked and warded, stand between life and starvation.

As belts are tightened notch by notch, Watcher Retza and Lady Zara seek to find the seal and open the Gate.

Meanwhile, Delvina, shapeshifter Zadeki and Danel race to return to the Caverns in time to help their friends.

Danger and betrayal stalk the tunnels and shadows grow darker in the deep caverns beneath the mountain. Will Zadeki, Zara and the twins (Retza and Delvina) find a way to save the Glittering Realms and secure a better future?

Join Delvina, Retza, Zara and their friends on their quest to save the Glittering Realm under the mountain.

Available HERE

And the series starts HERE

As part of the Caverns launch, you can win a e-copy of Caverns of the Deep (or one of the earlier books) on the ICFW blogsite. Open up until 29 June 2019 HERE

Wolf Scout in Tale of Magic and Destiny - Also, Jeanette's story Wolf Scout is included in the latest Inklings Press anthology - Tales of Magic and Destiny, currently available on pre-order for a early July release.

Title: Tales of Magic and Destiny

Publication: July 2019
Publisther: Inklings Press

Blurb:

Inklings Press has released it's latest Anthology - Tales of Magic and Destiny. including Jeanette O'Hagan's story Wolf Scout.

Take a trip into worlds of fantasy - where magic and destinies collide.

Twelve stories. Twelve authors. Twelve worlds of fantasy.

The adventure begins here mybook.to/MagicDestiny.

Events & Opportunities

Toowoomba Omega Chapter Workshop - Avoiding Literary Speed bumps. 

The Toowoomba Omega Chapter put on a informative and practical workshop on Avoiding Literary Speed bumps by Nola Passmore. at the Canvas Coworking space on 27 April. 

Topic: ‘How to Avoid Literary Speedbumps’ with Nola Passmore

A literary speed bump is anything that disrupts the flow of your writing and makes your reader go, 'Huh?' It could be an unfamiliar word, a convoluted sentence, an ambiguous pronoun, an unintentional tongue-twister, to name a few. In this workshop, writer and editor Nola Passmore will give plenty of tips and hands-on exercises to help you edit out those glitches that stop readers having a smooth ride through your prose. In will be fun and informative.

The event was well attended and much appreciated.

Toowoomba Omega Writers Retreat

Participants enjoyed another inspiring weekend at the Toowoomba Omega Writers Retreat at the James Byrne Centre near Highfields June 7-9. 

A firelight talk with Jo-Anne Berthelsen on Friday night, Jo-Anne's presentation on Writing Fiction for Non-Fiction Writers (and vice versa), and the Panel of Anne Hamilton, Ruth Bonetti and Jeanette O'Hagan on Indie Publishing were all much appreciated. Jessica Kate did an impromptu fireside chat reprising her workshop on How to Break into the American Market.  And there was plenty of time for relaxing, writing and networking over the weekend. A worship service with prayer for each other ended what was another great program from the Toowoomba Omega Chapter. A big thank you to Nola Passmore, Mazzy Adams, Adele Jones, Pamela Heemskerk, Kirsten Hart, Janelle Moore & Ro. 

Omega Writers Conference

Registrations are now open for the Omega Writers Conference Oct 11-13, Edward Rice Centre, Mulgoa (near Sydney). Steve Laube - an American Christian Literary Agent, a veteran of the bookselling industry with nearly 40 years of experience - is the keynote speaker.

If you've always wanted to go but have never been able to afford it - check out the sponsorships on offer.

Find out more HERE

Wombat Books Conference

CWD member Penny Reeve will be one of the speakers along with other Wombat Children's authors & featured author Kate Forsyth at the Wombat Books Conference (26-27 September 2019). Find out more HERE

Other News:

• Birdcatcher Books Adventure Stories for Children Competition closes soon on 30 June, 2019 - find out more HERE
• Entries for Stories of Life are still open until 31 July 2019.  You can find more about it HERE

Congratulations to all our members for your milestones and achievements.