Why Write?

Mazzy Adams

I’ve been a fan of Time Team for many years. Classic episodes from the British television series, which enjoyed a twenty-year run from 1994 – 2014, can still be enjoyed via their new YouTube channel, together with new episodes. As their website states, this ‘ground-breaking history series presented by Tony Robinson helped to popularise the field of archaeology’. While I’ve no doubt that statement is true, it was my father who piqued my personal interest in archaeology when I was little more than knee-high to a grasshopper. 

Cyrus Cylinder (Image by Prioryman)

In the mid 1960s, in connection with his work, my father was involved in a tour of archaeological artefacts and replicas that came through our hometown. I still remember him holding a replica of the Cyrus Cylinder (pictured above) while he explained how those strange markings were an ancient form of writing, called cuneiform. The actual words were commissioned by Cyrus the Great, the same Persian King spoken of in the Bible. I’ve never forgotten the thrill of seeing those 'words' that had been written more than two thousand years before I was born; words that people living thousands of years later had learned to read.

Fast forward a few decades, and I can still remember that same little girl's intense concentration as she wondered which ancient princess had also gazed upon these pretty lapis lazuli beads long ago.

I see that same excitement in the intrepid Time Team experts when they uncover ancient artefacts, or notice discoloured patches in the soil or strata which, to their trained eyes, reveal a wealth of information about the people who occupied the land in centuries, or millennia past. Other experts read the lumps and bumps in the landscape, or old hand-drawn maps, or written records that describe everything from the purchase of land and cost of construction materials and wages to the ideal qualities of a Roman soldier. Satisfaction and certainty grow when archaeological discoveries are confirmed by written records and vice versa. 

I must admit that, while I find the process of Time Team’s explorations fascinating, it is the affable, often mischievous, way host, Tony Robinson, brings the whole story of discovery together that clinches the program’s entertainment value for me. 

Nevertheless, uncovering one piece of archaeological information, no matter how intriguing, does not reveal the entire story; it takes two, three … or many … pieces to bring the stories of our predecessors and their interactions with each other, with creation, and with the spiritual realm, to life.

Image by JamesDeMers from Pixabay

I don’t know about you but, when God shows me something three times in succession, I pay attention. In recent weeks, on three separate occasions, in three different ways, via three different sources, I've been challenged about the importance of leaving a written legacy for future generations. 

On the first occasion, the challenge arrived via a comment from my beloved, who tempered my concern over the monetary cost vs return aspect of writing and publishing by saying, ‘But now your book is out there. You’ve created a written legacy.’ 

Two days later, after a blessed time spent lifting up the Name of the Lord in praise and worship, I sat with a bunch of writers at the recent Brisbane Omega Showcase to listen to an inspirational message by Andrew Stone of Stone Creative. Andrew’s key verse was Psalm 45:1:

My heart is stirred by a noble theme as I recite my verses for the king; my tongue is the pen of a skilful writer.

There, in the midst of the manifold wisdom he shared, God reiterated His message as Andrew spoke of how words could transcend time and space. ‘Your book will outlive you,’ Andrew said. ‘When you write, you’re going to speak to generations.’

Once, twice … I might have missed the subtlety of the third iteration of God’s message, had its impact not already begun to settle deep into my spirit.

It came a few days later, as I watched a dramatic piece of historical fiction which implied King Alfred the Great had a passion for writing things down in English because a written message could not be forgotten, or misrepresented, as easily as a verbal message. 

But … television … fiction … I decided to check out the historical accuracy of the reference.

I found it in the printed pages of my trusty, if voluminous, Norton Anthology of English Literature, which speaks of ‘a king totally committed to, and actively engaged in, learning’ who could ‘see “the footprints” of former lovers of knowledge’ and was ‘determined not to allow recent forgetfulness and destruction to obscure those traces forever’. As a direct consequence of that commitment, I’m able to read a contemporary English translation of King Alfred’s Preface to the Pastoral Care more than 1124 years after his words were first inked onto parchment.  

Unfinished Business 

I’m looking at another page now, one I printed out in 1988. It holds the words of a two-part duet I composed back then, based on Psalm 102:18-22. 

‘Let us record,’ my first verse says, ‘for a generation to come,
Record … what the Lord our God has done,
So that a people yet unborn will know He came,
So that a people yet unborn will know,
And praise His Holy Name.’   

There’s a second verse and a chorus. I can still hear the melody, complete with the interchange of parts and harmonies in my head. I can read the letters I added to indicate which chords to use. But I lack the expertise needed to record the tune in musical notation, or competently play it on a musical instrument. Without that record, as a song, it remains an unfinished project, its melody a fading shadow.

Image by Ri Butov from Pixabay

I hear the words of Psalm 102:3 echo and I ask myself, will I let my words, like my days, ‘vanish like smoke’? Or will I heed verse 18 which says, ‘Let this be written for a future generation.’

On one Time Team episode I watched recently, they uncovered an ‘unfinished pot’. It had softened over time in the damp surrounding soil because it had not been fired. An expert commented that, in all likelihood, the maker of the pot had not bothered to finish it off in the kiln because it was not intended for daily use, but only as a vessel for holding a grain offering to the gods, buried with the dead …

It all makes me wonder …

What kind of literary vessels are we making? Are they filled with the fruit of our experience, with offerings gleaned from the harvest of wisdom and blessing we have reaped during the rich and the harsh seasons of our lives? Will they endure as a legacy for future generations? Or are they temporary? Unfinished? Perhaps discarded because they’re chipped, or broken, or not worth the effort … half-hearted enterprises buried in the ground of failure, sacrificed to the gods of death …

Here's the challenge:

If our literary vessels, filled with the words God gives to us, are to endure as a legacy for future generations, we need to finish them, and dare to submit them to the fiery kiln of public scrutiny. Sure, there’s a risk that some of our vessels might crack in the kiln. The heat may reveal imperfections, but isn’t it worth taking the risk if it means future generations will one day discover the whole glorious story?

What unfinished project is God prompting you to finish so that future generations will benefit? 

 

Mazzy Adams, Author, Genre Rebel
Intrigue and Inspiration with an Upmarket Down Under Vibe

 

A published author with a passion for words, pictures, and the positive potential in people, Mazzy Adams happily identifies as a bona fide genre rebel. Her picturesque, tongue-in-cheek writing style injects a quirky Down Under vibe to intrigue and inspiration alike. Mazzy's debut thriller, Licence to Die (GRUnGE.001) hit the market in September, 2022. Mazzy also employs her think-outside-the-box neural pathways and passion for words, pictures, and the positive potential in people to guide students through the perplexities of English written expression. Best of all, her wonderful husband, amazing children and delightful grandchildren make Mazzy’s otherwise ordinary life most extraordinary. For that, she is eternally grateful. 

Discover more and connect via https://mazzyadams.com

References:

Cyrus Cylinder image attribution: Prioryman, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™

Quotes about Alfred the Great selected from page 109 of The Norton Anthology of English Literature Eighth Edition Vol 1 Greenblatt, S. Gen Ed. published by W W Norton & Co New York

Time Team website: https://www.timeteamdigital.com/

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

Behind the Scenes: Licence to Die by Mazzy Adams

Today we go 'behind the scenes' as Jeanette (Jenny) O'Hagan interviews the marvellous Mazzy Adams about her debut novel, Licence to Die.

Jenny: Congratulations on the release of your debut novel, Licence to Die (GRUnGE.001). What inspired you to write Licence to Die and how long has it been in the making?

Mazzy: I first met Mac, the mover and shaker behind Licence to Die, in 2012, while studying through Tabor College, Adelaide. ‘Mac’ was a mystery, first appearing in a writing exercise prompt as an image of a youth wearing earphones and, later, as a youth holding a mask, with the question, ‘What is your character concealing?’

From then on, Mac regularly visited my dreams and daydreams, insisting I discover and tell my mysterious muse’s story. By July, 2014, Mac had me engrossed in serious background research on everything from cochlear implants and hyperthymesia to ASIO’s Information Technology Traineeship Program—at which point Ben threw his hat into the game and the pair of them convinced me I’d better get on with writing their story.

Cochlear by MazArt Catie J Sercombe

To complicate matters further, Chris rocked up, insisting I include his story too. Suddenly, I had a converging narrative on my hands, a story that would not conform to genre norms, and a steep learning curve ahead. Thankfully, I also sensed God had a plan and a purpose in mind, and Licence to Die was an integral part of that.

Jenny: Our characters often have minds of their own, but it's wonderful to see how it all fits together in then end. Tell us more about the two main characters and their circumstances. What drives them? What keeps them going despite the obstacles in their way? How does this differ from your main villain?

Mazzy: The full cover shot above with blurb gives the basic circumstances. Drivers and differences? As an only son, Ben carries an altruistic notion he should follow in his father’s ‘heroic’ footsteps—be they real or imagined. He soon discovers true heroism demands a hefty sacrifice, with family and friends the first to go. Perhaps that’s why he cannot, or will not, ignore Mac’s desperate ‘need’ to be saved, and his dogged determination to identify and find Mac before it’s too late. Ben’s altruism is both challenged and fed by his growing desire to know, and be known by, Mac.

Mac is both a mystery and a paradox; a kid whose circumstances are horrendous, but whose indomitable spirit will not surrender, at least, not without a fight, which Ben discovers to his shock, amusement, and frustration!

The one thing Ben and Mac have in common, which the story’s villains lack, is the conviction to stay true to themselves, and the things they honour and value most. By contrast, the primary antagonist will sacrifice his convictions for monetary gain and self-preservation yet justify his motivation as upholding a greater good. And Ben, Mac, and Chris (who is busy finding and fighting his sense of self-worth) will all pay a hefty price as a result.

Jenny: Strong characters and high stakes. It makes good reading. Your tagline is ‘Genre Rebel’. What does that mean for you and for your readers? Where would you place Licence to Die in the genre landscape?

Licence to Die Coast Meets Ocean ‘This drown plan is foul.’ Mac (MazArt)

Mazzy: Landscape? Hmm … Combine Aussie big city sophistication, rivalries, and (deadly) underbelly with glorious (occasionally deadly) East Coast beaches, and expansive (deadly) red centre deserts.

While the short answer stems from my propensity to write various types of literature from poetry to creative non-fiction to puppet plays, drama sketches, songs, and short fiction, the ‘rebel’ arises from the way that propensity drove my non-conformist approach when writing Licence to Die. That’s where the long answer arises: 

I began my Creative Writing Degree in my fifties and realised that one legacy of the natural, experiential, and spiritual influences of my childhood, youth, and adulthood was an aptitude for stepping outside the obvious to consider things from a different perspective. I discovered words can have multiple layers of meaning and each layer can reveal hidden treasures.

From a genre perspective, Licence to Die has layers. On the one hand, it’s pure story: covert intrigue in contemporary fiction suitable for adults and senior secondary school-aged young adults, a converging thriller/suspense narrative where the plot and character arcs of three protagonists collide with each other and their deadly antagonists, ultimately inspiring growth and resolution—with a few non-essential loose ends left to power a sequel.

Licence to Die is tempered by my personal faith-based beliefs, worldview, and ethos, resulting in a clean (if slightly edgy) read compatible with Christian Fiction Suspense expectations. It also raises philosophical and ethical dilemmas for readers to ponder, eg how would you respond if a total stranger could read your innermost thoughts? Or you could read theirs? Does the proverb which suggests we are what we think in our hearts ring true? Challenge you? Etc.  

It’s rich with allegory for those who wish to dig deeper. Even the title, which flips a familiar espionage trope upside down, is underpinned by Galatians 2:20, one of many underlying spiritual, biblical, and metaphysical parallels embedded in the meaning of the characters’ names, themes, symbols, relationships, actions, dialogue, and contemplations. As the Holy Spirit revealed this layer, I was reduced to tears of wonder at His grace, and His ministry in revealing Himself through these words. As I wrote and edited, He ministered spiritual healing and restoration to me, and imparted the conviction and courage to publish Licence to Die. It is this realm where the Holy Spirit works that is so fruitful and exciting.

I call it ‘Upmarket’ fiction because there is scope for book clubs and/or Christian study groups to explore the underlying spiritual, allegorical, philosophical, and literary elements. I’m hoping to put together a study guide for such situations. But with its quirky, good-humoured Aussie vibe, it’s more light-hearted and ‘genre friendly’ than classic literary fiction.

Jenny: I love the layers and totally agree (from my peek preview) light-hearted and ‘genre friendly’ as well as fast paced and entertaining. Which authors have inspired you and/or influenced your writing?

Mazzy: I’ve always loved mysteries and spy thrillers—from Enid Blyton to Robert Ludlum. These days I read more Australian authors, especially those who bring Australian characters and settings to life, and I have a refreshing collection of books written by Australian Christian authors. But if I had to name an author/book (other than the Author of Life and His book) who most influenced the direction I took with Licence to Die, I’d choose Madeleine L’Engle’s ‘A Wrinkle in Time’—which I read for the first time in my fifties—and her statement that “You have to write the book that wants to be written.” She also said, “A book, too, can be a star, a living fire to lighten the darkness, leading out into the expanding universe.” Perhaps I got my genre rebel tendencies from her.

Jenny: Good company to keep :) You’ve joined the ranks of enterprising Indie authors. What challenges and joys have you found in the process of publishing your book baby? Any advice to others aspiring to do the same?

Mazzy: 

Challenges: In Licence to Die, one of my minor characters says, “Don’t strain your brain.” That’s not an option if you want to Indie publish!

Joys: You have time to re-evaluate, time to seek wisdom from God and from others with relevant experience, freedom to set your own deadlines—or break them if you need to—and the opportunity to discover God really does do exceedingly abundantly above all we can ask or think.

Advice: Don’t cut corners; if it’s worth committing yourself, your resources, and your energies into independently publishing your book, it’s worth doing all things well both for your own sake and the sake of your readers.

Jenny: Great Advice! What do you know now about the craft and business of writing that you didn’t when you started?

Mazzy:

Craft: Don’t use the word suddenly! (As I did earlier in this interview ;)) Or expect the process of producing a quality novel will be fast or easy. Hire (and learn from) a good editor. Be willing to recognise the gemstones in positive and negative critiques.

Business: Be willing to wear the pragmatist’s hat while daring to pursue the dream.

Jenny: Now that you’ve released your first novel, do you have any plans for other books or projects in mind? Will they be connected to Licence to Die or do you plan to venture forth into a new genre or story?

Mazzy: Yes, yes, and yes. I have a roughly outlined sequel demanding attention and two other standalone thriller/suspense novels outlined, so I’d better get my pen into gear. A potential anthology and several other projects hover in the wings.  

Jenny: Fantastic. More great reads to look forward to. TThanks for giving us a peek behind the scenes, Mazzy.  All the best with the launch of Licence to Die


Mazzy: Thanks, Jenny, for the opportunity.

Images by MazArt Catie J Sercombe

Book Launch Details: Save the Date!

If you’re within cooee of Toowoomba, the Quirky Quills are plotting and planning Licence to Die’s book launch.

When? 2:00pm Saturday 24th September 2022
Where? Danish Flower Art and Café Complex, 10347 New England Hwy, Highfields QLD 4352
(Bonus: that’s the middle Saturday of the Qld school holidays, following Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers week so Toowoomba will still be abuzz with floral beauty.)
How/where can you get Licence to Die (GRUnGE.001)?

Online purchases can be made via the following links to your preferred retailer through Booklinker  or Books2Read . You can also follow the arrows to either link from my website’s landing page at https://mazzyadams.com/

Or ask your local bookstore and/or library to order Licence to Die for you; it’s readily available through IngramSpark’s Distribution network:

Title: Licence to Die
Series: GRUnGE #1
Author: Mazzy Adams
Publisher: Zest N Zenith Creative & Academic Group
Publication Date: 22-07-22
Paperback ISBN: 978-0-6489726-0-0
eBook ISBN: 978-0-6489726-1-7

Mazzy Adams, Author, Genre Rebel -- Intrigue and Inspiration with an Upmarket Down Under Vibe

Mazzy Adams wrote (and performed) songs, Aussie bush poetry, puppet plays and drama sketches for several years before graduating with a Creative Writing Degree through Tabor College, Adelaide in 2014.

With a growing portfolio of published works in multiple anthologies and formats, Mazzy happily identifies as a bona fide genre rebel. Her picturesque, tongue-in-cheek writing style injects a quirky Down Under vibe to intrigue and inspiration alike.

Mazzy also employs her think-outside-the-box neural pathways and passion for words, pictures, and the positive potential in people to guide students through the perplexities of English written expression.

Best of all, her wonderful husband, amazing children, and delightful grandchildren make Mazzy’s otherwise ordinary life most extraordinary. For that, she is eternally grateful.

Discover more and connect via:

Website: https://mazzyadams.com

Email: maz@mazzyadams.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/intrigueandinspiration

One Size Does Not Fit All

Mazzy Adams

I’m drafting this blog on what happens to be my birthday. If you’re old enough to remember the birth of the current millennium, you may also remember the controversy—no, not the one about the Y2K bug, but the debate as to whether January 1st 2000, or 2001, marked the millennium’s actual beginning. While context is needed to decide whether a millennium, or a century, or even a decade begins with a year ending in a zero or a one, let’s just say this birthday’s ability to mark a new decade for me is unequivocal.

Where did the years go? I saw a Facebook post the other day asking people to name something they’d had as a teenager that they didn’t have now. Quick as a flash, I thought, (but did not say) a size 10 figure. The clothes I wore then would not fit me now. Time and circumstances do influence the choices we make.

Likewise, back then I had no idea I’d become a creative writing student decades later, or an author, or an independent publisher; no idea I’d need to research, debate the merits of this option or that (or the other), weigh the benefits of one divergent path over another, appreciate (or baulk at) the wealth of information available to help writers make choices (or confuse them even more). Here's just a few of the choices I had to make:

• Study at a local uni or study online?
• Focus on poetry and creative non-fiction or write a novel, or do it all?
• Adhere to strict genre expectations or write the story that wanted to be told?
• Use a standard narrative structure or tackle a converging narrative?
• Hire an editor or hire an editor? (Simples; no brainer; hire an editor.)
• Follow the traditional submissions route or …

Discover the path to publishing was no more a case of ‘one size fits all’ than my teenage wardrobe choices were compared to those I make now. Back then, I also ‘had’ … 

Absolutely no idea where God would take me in the forthcoming decades. Now I have the benefit of hindsight, the blessing of experiencing his unfolding plan, and a greater measure of confidence that God’s plan is the perfect fit for each of his children—even if his plan leads us along the road less travelled, as it did for me.

Pixabay Image by Woong Hoe

Last night, God reminded me that one of my early tasks as a creative writing student was to write a free verse interpretation of The Road Not Taken, a rhymed and metered poem penned by Robert Frost decades before I was born. I’d forgotten all about that! I searched my old files to find what I had written (over a decade ago) and realised, yet again and to my joy, God not only knew the right direction for me to take, he’d organised signposts for me ahead of time:

All the Difference – Mazzy Adams

Mid trees with leaves of stars and sunshine shades,
Two roads diverged,
Each beckoned and implored I tread their ground.
Regretting I must choose one path
Or tear myself in half, I stood
And vacillated …
Waited, wondered,
Strained to see beyond the bend
Of one that rested ‘neath the ferns,
The other, eiderdowned in moss, appealed
As equal to the first,
Yet it called louder from
Its lonely, cloistered comfort.
‘I need the wear,’ it said.
Perhaps it lied; each claimed emprise with equal flair,
Each offered opportunity …
Apologising to the first,
And promising I’d come again—
‘Your future is unknown!’ my conscience quipped,
‘You cannot guarantee you will return to try again!’
—I took the mossy path and ventured forth.
Future unknown, the present tense,
Yet in the past I made a choice:
Two roads diverged beneath the trees.
I chose
The road less travelled …

What’s the takeaway in all of this? Hopefully, reassurance that God can be trusted to show us the way we should go, and confidence that his plan for each individual is a perfect fit. Why settle for some generic ‘one size fits most’ way of living, when God’s plans for us are so, so good?

What signposts has God organised in advance for you?

Mazzy Adams ~ Author ~ Genre Rebel

Intrigue and Inspiration with an Upmarket Down Under Vibe.

A published author of poetry, fiction, and creative non-fiction with a passion for words, pictures, and the positive potential in people, Mazzy's debut thriller, Licence to Die (GRUnGE.001) has just been released. 

Discover more at https://mazzyadams.com/

CWD Member Interview – Marion Kilchester

 

Most Thursdays this year 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: Marion Kilchester

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

Way back, my heritage includes a convict woman and a soldier from the second fleet. Never knowing my mother, I was blessed by several mothers. Growing up on a small mixed farm in Tamworth, N.S.W. I became a music / piano teacher/examiner/composer. Mostly I am a mum and grandma who loves to garden, travel and take photos.

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

I wrote my first book, Though the Storms Rage Yet Will I Dance, to give hope to people going through tough times. It is my story, a story of hope. My next book is about two strong women who survived great odds to succeed in their lives. I have also published two books of piano music and recorded them, Reflections Books 1 and 2.

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

It has surprised me that a wide cross section- men, women, old, young, and in-between; across denominations and ethnic groups have read and gained from reading my book. I also have a webpage and blogs of encouragement, https://www.leavesofhope.com.au/p/welcome.html 

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

 I use pencil and paper, sitting at my dining-room table, looking out at my garden and birdbath. I write a section, then put it onto my laptop, where I refine it. Technology is my huge challenge.

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

 My favourite writing craft book is a person, Nola Passmore who edited my first book. I wrote all, of her suggestions out and still use it as my check-sheet. I have also built a library of books on similar topics to my writing. 

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

My favourite CWD people who have really encouraged me are Nola Passmore, Anusha, Mazzy and Ruth Bonnetti. Thank you to all of CWD for your deep insights and encouragement. 

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

I have set a goal of 20 hours writing a week. I know that I won’t always achieve that but I figure it is better to aim high. I would like ti complete Ludmilla’s and Charity’s story this byear and keep up with my webpage/ blogs. Will be 75 this year but have just read a book by Eddie Jaku, written in his 100^th year, so it is never too late.

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

Hugely. Everything I write is filled with hope. God is my strength, my motivation and my guide. I couldn’t do it without Him.

Fifteen Great Picks from 2021

Throughout the year, our blog team share their insights and wisdom - it may be inspirational, a story of writerly struggles or triumphs in a pandemic world; tips about the writing life and writing craft, or an interview of one of our members. Sometimes it's moving, or funny or thought-provoking or all three.. Always, it's the result of thought, research, experience, passion, creativity.

The CWD Admin team would like to give our blog team a huge thank you for your contributions throughout 2021 (and over the last decade).

As we near the end of 2021 which felt far too much like a 2020 sequel, we thought we'd honour our bloggers' contributions with a pick of 15 blogposts that have inspired us this year (in no particular order). Out of close to 90 posts, it wasn't easy to choose and there are many other posts equally deserving of notice. We have a wealth of information and inspiration on the blogsite - accessible on multiple subjects and themes.

Jeanette 

1. A Story of Life by Meredith Resce  (Sometimes God has other ideas)

I have a real-life story of my own I’d like to share. It is about the love of God in a difficult situation.

It’s a true story, a little bit funny, a bit sad, but it’s an inspirational story. It started Easter 2015, on Good Friday to be exact.

As is often the case on Good Friday, I found myself part of the Good Friday church service. I was playing the piano, and my husband (the pastor at that time) had arranged, among other things, that I would play the old hymn ‘When I Survey the Wondrous Cross’ as a background accompaniment while three people read pieces of Scripture. I needed to get a scanned copy of the music as I couldn’t find my old hymn books. I had it all sorted and I’d practiced it, and it was all good. The service went along as planned, and it was inspirational and a little bit stirring, as all Good Friday services should be.

 

At the end of the service my husband did one of his special spontaneous moments that he is famous for, and announced to the congregation that he would get his wife (that’s me) to come back to the piano and sing ‘The Old Rugged Cross’. I’m sort of used to these surprise put-you-on-the-spot ideas that pop up from time to time, and I can usually fumble about and make something happen, but I honestly hadn’t played ‘The Old Rugged Cross’ in years. I couldn’t remember half the words, was not sure which key ... Read More Here.

2. Never Give Up On Your Dreams by Nola Lorraine

Sally Funk was one of the Mercury 13, women who trained in the 1960s to for space but never got there.  That is until decades later when something amazing happened, but what has that got to do with writing? Read of Nola's Post Here.

3. Resistance is Futile! by Susan J Bruce

This week I’ve had the Borg catch-cry in my head as I’ve pondered a different, but very futile kind of resistance: resistance to writing.

I suffer from this resistance a lot—even though I love writing. Do you? I know I’m not alone.

To create a world and immerse yourself in the lives of your characters is a thing of joy. You get to know these make-believe people, torture them in some diabolically cathartic way, then cheer them on as they overcome the obstacles you throw before them. What’s not to like? Writing can be so much fun, so why do we resist sitting down and filling empty pages with our words.

Resistance is weird ... Read More Here. 

4. A Bag of Goodies! by Anusha Atukorala

Anusha contemplates the aha moment for using a treasured but unused bag, and the metaphorical bags writers can carry with them, stuffed full of unhelpful or helpful attitudes.  To find out what they are Read More Here. 

5. Feeding the Reservoir (aka Soaking up the View from my Window) by Mazzy Adams

A writer’s inclination to observe people and places is common, if not intrinsic, as it informs the character characteristics and settings we create for our readers. But for months, opportunities to casually watch passers-by while sipping a caramel latte inside a coffee shop, or freely travel to another place just to see what’s there, have languished in the realms of wishful thinking. Whether introvert or extrovert, opportunities to top up our creative reservoirs have taken a hit.

It’s not surprising that, as global conditions have created compelling reasons to stay at home, innovative online groups have created new ways for people to connect and explore the world.

Last year, I joined a group called ‘View from My Window’. Precious glimpses into the daily lived experience of folk from across the globe have broadened my view of the world and the people in it. ... Read More Here.

6. Transformation Stories - Our friends or foes? by Paula Vince

In his book, 'Waking the Dead', John Eldredge makes the following observation.

'The phoenix rises from the ashes. Cinderella rises from the cinders to become a queen. The ugly duckling becomes a beautiful swan. Pinnochio becomes a real boy. The frog becomes a prince. Wretched old Scrooge becomes "as good a friend, as good a master and as good a man as the good old city knew."'

Wow, stories of transformation really are prolific! If we live and breathe this sort of literature, if we were brought up on it, has it really been good for us? Doesn't it convince us, in a very palatable and surreptitious way, that we need to become something completely different in order to be acceptable? ... Read More Here. 

7. The CPU of Marketing and Beyond by Jeanette O'Hagan

We all would love to discover the formula to instant success in becoming a block-buster, best-selling author. Unfortunately, that formula probably doesn't exist - but in this blog, I share three Cs, two Ps and the U that can help us power towards publication and and finding our readers. Read More Here.

8. [Self] Publish or Perish? Pros and Cons – by Ruth Bonetti

Authors trudge rutted paths to print goals. Rejections tempt them to secure incomes selling used cars or real estate. Or they learn to forge their own independent ways.

We polish a manuscript until it gleams, then submit. And wait. Wait. We remind ourselves of big name authors rejected many times by publishers–who now regret that!

 
But...

Do we give up too easily ... Read More Here.  

9. Behind the Scenes: In Want of a Wife by Meredith Resce

Today we go 'behind the scenes' as Jeanette (Jenny) O'Hagan interviews Meredith Resce about her rom-com contemporary romances featuring author and match-making mother, Luella Linley. Read More Here. 

10. Keeping the Joy in the Call by Helen Carr

The process of entering the Caleb Awards had a truly positive effect on me, and not just because it pushed me to finish my novel! Deadlines are something I work well to, and often having the pressure to get something finished is the motivation I need to stop binging Netflix, or reading someone else’s novel, and work on mine. That being said, I do recall having a bit of a chat with God about the awards, after becoming slightly cranky with him about the pressure to get things ready before the first deadline. It was a very short conversation, and went like this…

Me: I don’t know how to fix this part! It’s too hard, God, why did you ask me to enter the awards?

God: I never asked you to, Helen.

Me:….. {awkward silence}

He was right, of course. I had made the choice to submit my manuscript, not once stopping to ask God if it was the right timing or something he wanted. I returned to God, repentant, and humble, and asked him, “Lord, do you want me to enter the awards?”

His answer was so beautiful - “Yes, enter them if you want to, but Helen...do not lose the joy of writing.” Read More Here. 

11. The Story of Us by Shane Brigg

The hero archetype is generally defined as an individual protagonist who is admired or idealized for courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities. A hero protagonist's traits help readers to understand them, connect with them, or follow their actions and understand why they do what they do.

I have been asking myself - like Papa (2016) - if the Hero’s Journey is “the chief organizing story” of human civilization and stories are the most powerful communication technology, to what extent might the Hero’s Journey be responsible for where we are at today?

Where I am at today? (“Gulp”)

How might the conceptualization of the Hero’s Journey be contributing to what we are experiencing on all scales of society, development, world issues, good things, bad things, personal vexes and maybe even sin?

What could happen if we told our hero stories differently?  ... Read More Here.

12. Write Amidst the Storm by Adele Jones

I need not remind Australians that for the majority of us, the past eighteen months have been a period unlike any other in our lives. That includes writers. Bookstores have been shut, many never to reopen. Sales have been down. Libraries have been closed, so no PLR. Publishers have been hit hard. Events have been cancelled, and re-cancelled. Gatherings have been forbidden by government edicts. Homes with children usually at school have been thrust into the realm of home schooling, and a pandemic of fear has seen panic buying and frenzied behaviour uncharacteristic of our usually “laid back” Aussie culture.

What’s a writer to do?


... What can we do when writing gets hard? Here are a few tips from my “Top Ten Block Busters” presentation, shared at a recent visit with the Rose City Writers ... Read More Here. 

13. Can we be in unity in these tough times? Thoughts from Jo Wanmer

As Christian authors and readers we write…not only books and short pieces, but emails, posts on social media, articles and blogs. Are we being known as Christians by our love that's displayed in our words?

In these difficult times, we don’t all agree on theology, politics, vaccines and other topics. How can we walk in unity when we see things so differently?  ... Read More Here.

14. Do We Write on Human Hearts? by Janelle Moore

Who else wants their words, their writing to challenge, inspire and bring life, just as God's words do?

Who else wants their writing to be an extension of who they are, just as God's words are?

2 Corinthians 3:3 tells us that "...you are a letter from Christ...written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on human hearts". Read More Here.

15. Mentors, Godparents and the Writing Thing by K A Hart

‘Me? She really asked if I would consider being her mentor?’


I was flabbergasted. Me. A mentor? I don’t know anything. I’m barely able to work through my own issues in life and someone wanted me to be their mentor? And what was a mentor supposed to do?

Would you believe me if I said I looked up the definition?

A wise and trusted counsellor or teacher. [Pft! Wise? I’ll probably have to look that up in the dictionary too, but I know I’m neither old enough or experienced enough to be wise.]

An influential senior sponsor or supporter. [Ha! I should never be left unsupervised, let-alone influence anyone.]

I checked the thesaurus, maybe there was a better fit than mentor — adviser, coach, guide, instructor, trainer, tutor, counsellor … maybe not. ... Read More Here.

We hope you've enjoyed this selective review of the many great blogs of 2021. And we'd like to thank all our active CWD members and bloggers who interact, comment and support each other and the group - and to wish you all a blessed and joyful Christmas as we celebrate the birth of our Saviour and Lord and a wonderful New Year in 2022.