Highlighting Members Recent Releases

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

Today's blog will highlight some of the recent releases of our members from November 2023-August 2025

Recent Releases

Historical Fiction

River Song

River Song

by Jeanette Grant Thomson

  

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

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

Stones of Wrath

Stones of Wrath-The Twins 

by SJ Ratcliffe

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

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

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

Hearts Unknown

Hearts Unknown

by Dienece Darling

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

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

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

First Fleet Convict Era Trilogy 1788-1800

by Sara Powter

Gentle Annie Soames

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

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

Long-listed in the Historical Fiction Company Competition 2024

https://mybook.to/GentleAnnieSoames


The Emancipated Potter

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

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

Paternity Unknown

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

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

YA Speculative Fiction

Keeper of the Archives

Keeper of the Archives
by Lynne Stringer

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

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

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

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

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

Signal Erased

Signal Erased 

by Adele Jones

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

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

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

For more visit www.adelejonesauthor.com

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

Kingdom of Longing

Kingdom of Longing (Prequel to Bethloria series) 

By Elizabeth Klein

26th March, 2024

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

Elizion Fractured Books 2 & 3

Elizion Fractured book 2 

by Elizabeth Klein

Published 22nd Jan. 2024

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

Elizion Conspiracy book 3 

by Elizabeth Klein 

Published 5th September 2024

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

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

Stepping Sideways

Stepping Sideways: Stories of Steampunk and Dystopia

Editors Emily Larkin and Lynne Stringer
Rhiza Edge

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

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

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

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

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

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

Memoirs and Biographies

Unravelling: loving my parents through dementia

Unravelling: loving my parents through dementia

by Claire Belberg (aka Claire Bell)

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

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

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

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

Treasure Island

Treasured Island: Exploring the Delights of King Island

by Josephine Petrovic 

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

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

Holdfast Books / jopetrovic.author@gmail.com


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

Christian Life and Reflection

Swansong

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

by Jo-Anne Berthelsen, 

Authentic Media UK 

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

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

www.facebook.com/joanne.berthelsen

Buy link: www.jo-anneberthelsen.com

God Moments: 101 little lessons for life’s journey

God Moments: 101 little lessons for life’s journey 

by Jo-Anne Berthelsen, Authentic Media UK 

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

Buy link: www.jo-anneberthelsen.com

Messages from the heart of God - Volume 3

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

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

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

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

10 Blessings of God You Won’t Want to Miss

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

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

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

https://www.facebook.com/susanannebarneswriter

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

From the Prison to the Palace

From the Prison to the Palace
by Karen Roper 
August 2024

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

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

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

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

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

Comfort Zone: A 40-day Devotional

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

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

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


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

 

Congratulations to all our members for your milestones and achievements.

Jeanette O'Hagan

Writing goals when you’re nearly 80

by Barbara McKay

My story

Since my husband died from metastatic cancer in 2014, learning to write creatively has been therapeutic.


‘Don’t you think I’m too old to be writing?’ I was speaking with a lovely author, Anne Hamilton at a Writer’s weekend in Brisbane early this year. She answered me ‘No’ she said,

‘You are showing cognitive plasticity’. I could have jumped for joy at those words, but I couldn’t because I’d broken my leg


My creative writing journey began when I saw an ad ‘Write your Memoir’ course by Cecily Anne Patterson. In 2018, I was 73, and a widow coping with grief and loss. I contacted
Cecily, and slowly worked through every session. Lots of new terminology, and eventually, I wrote my first chapter, getting to about 80,000 words.


In 2022, Vanessa Vankcom said ‘Why don’t you send 10,000 words into Omega Writers for the CALEB Unpublished Adult Nonfiction section? I did. I received an email to say ‘You are a finalist’. I cried all day. What was God saying to me?


I was 77. I faced my fears, and decided to go to the conference at Kingscliff. I met Cecily, and many other amazing authors. They weren’t scary, but normal human beings, fun and developing their writing to bless others.


After that weekend, Nola Passmore, the encourager who specialises in nagging us to write, invited me to join the Toowoomba Omega Writers – again, a scary experience but exciting. I told the group ‘I’m in Year 3 doing a subject titled ‘Creative Writing’. Some of them told me off. ‘No, you cannot say that. You are on a creative learning curve, just like all of us.’ Mazzy even said that with my life’s experience, I’d have plenty to write about from a mature perspective.’ She’s a great encourager.

Some Writing Tips

Tips for organising your writing goals when you’re nearly 80, when you feel you’ve left it too late. Why did I ask that question?


Firstly, the ageing process does bring deficits with chronic illness, hospitalization, loneliness, and discouragement. Those of you who have older members in your families see their decline.

Secondly, our lives do have an expiry date. I do feel a sense of urgency with my writing because none of us know when that time will come. What creative work is a priority? What do I leave undone? What stories do I tell? I am in the final season of my life. I’m in my 80th year – unbelievable. To think that I’m learning at this age is surely a gift from my loving Heavenly Father. I do lose heart and that’s why I love it when the apostle Paul says ‘Do not lose heart. Though outwardly, we are wasting away, yet inwardly, we are being renewed day by day.’ 2 Corinthians 4:16 NIV

Thirdly, the gift of encouragement. Why is it that many of us become discouraged and long for words of affirmation? How do I finish my life with few regrets?

What makes me a feisty nearly 80-year-old who feasts on life?  Many of your comments bring the sparks that light up my life.

1. Meredith said ‘my mother finished her memoirs at the end of last year. She was 85. She passed away four months after she finished writing them. ‘What a wonderful story, and no doubt Meredith gave her loads of encouragement. We need to get a rough draft down, even if it isn’t published.

2. Nola mentioned a lady who died at the age of 96. ‘She was writing a monthly column into her 90’s. She turned in her last column on the day she died.’

3. Sue Jeffrey is the one who said ‘you inspire me’ and called me ‘feisty’

4. Christine O’Malley said ‘build yourself a group of praying supporters who will laugh with you, cry with you…and keep on asking how the writing is going to make sure you don’t give up.’ Let’s do it. That’s not easy for some of us who live in rural places, but it is do-able. We have ‘zoom’ and a ‘mobile’.

5. One young author, Stephanie said ‘I want to keep on encouraging others. The gift of encouragement is such a kind, generous gift.

6. Anusha mentioned ‘I make writing goals each year’.

7. Recently, I read a letter from my aunt, Hilda North. She was writing to me to give instructions on organising her 90 th birthday’. God nudged me. ‘Look at that aunty of yours – cognitively, as sharp as a tack. She lived until she was 101.

8. I have learnt not to compare myself with others. The more I learn about creative writing, the more I realise there is so much that I do not understand. People have said to me ‘you have to start somewhere’.

Finally 

This year, I suffered, I broke my left leg badly – hospitalised for 77 days, moon boot for 11 weeks, and transition care for 12 weeks. ‘What was God trying to tell me?' 

Again, God placed wonderful people on my radar, surprising me with heavenly hugs. I wrote two stories about my suffering, and I’m pleased they are being published in Stories of Life - His love to me during the tough times.


Now I want to hear from you, stories about those who persevere when tempted to give up – stories from those who are in their 70’s and 80’s. What legacy are you leaving?

Brought to you by Barbara McKay 

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.

CWD Highlights - July to Sept 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 July to Sept 2021

Awards and Recommendations

OWBF Writing Competition

Congratulations to the winners or the inaugural writing competition

Helen Bishop with her poem Hope (Unpublished Writer), 

Warren Brooks with his short story Christmas Hope (Unpublished Writer), 

Joy Mal with her poem Waiting (Published Writer) and 

Hazel Barker with her short story Hope Springs Eternal (Published Writer)

And a big thank you to Helen Bishop who donated her prize towards the next Omega Writers Book Fair (most likely in May 2022). 

CALEB Prize Finalists

Congratulations to all the finalists of the CALEB Prize in the different categories. Many are CWD members -Kathy Hoopmann, Cecily Paterson, Jenny Glazebrook, Kristen Young, Nola Lorraine, Meredith Resce, Hazel Barker, and Rosanne Hawke.  You can see the full list of finalists here.

The winners will be announced at the on 9 October 2021 as part of the Omega Writers Zoom conference (see below for details).

Events

While the last three months seem to have been quieter on the new release front - there has been a flurry of activity when it comes to Book Fairs and Writers Festivals. Rather refreshing after the 2020 drought. 

Omega Writers Book Fair (Brisbane)

After all the planning and high hopes, the 2021 Omega Writers Book Fair (Brisbane) went ahead on the 31 July 2021 even as the announcement of a lockdown for South-East Queensland was being made.

This year the OWBF had a smaller number of author tables - with sixteen authors with works ranging for memoirs, biography, devotional theology, diversity and difference, to works of fantasy, science fiction, historical romance and crime fiction (written by a paramedic). The workshop by Anne Hamilton and Panel on Marekting and Promotion for Authors were both well attended.  Scavenger hunts and door prizes were given out and the winners of the inaugural OWBF Writing Competition were announced. All it all, it was a good time of networking, interaction and, indeed, sales. 

CWD members present  included Anne Hamilton, Judy Rogers, Ruth Bonetti, Nola Passmore, Naomi Eccles-Smith, Lynne Stringer, Jeanette O'Hagan, Hazel Barker (who won the published short story prize), David Bennett, Sally Eberhardt, Raelene Purtill, Rebekah Robinson, Ray & Sue Woodrow and Marion Kilchester

Read more about the 2021 OWBF here.

Cooparoo Presbyterian Book Fair

Some weeks later, on 28 August 2021, the Cooparoo Presyterian Church held their inaugural Book Fair with a number of stall holders, including CWD members David Bennett, Lynne Stringer, Ruth Bonetti, Jeanette O'Hagan, Jeanette Grant-Thomson, Hazel Barker and Rebekah Robinson. It was fantastic seeing a local church get behind Christian writers not only in holding the event but in in making purchases from the wide variety of books present. 

Inaugural Logan Writers Festival

And there was more. A small contingent of CWD writers were present at the inaugural Logan Writers Festival on 9-10 September.  Nola Passmore (aka Nola Lorraine) presented a workshop on the first day, while Ruth Bonetti, Naomi Eccles-Smith, Lynne Stringer and Jeanette O'Hagan all had book tables. The event was held outdoors which presented some challenges. Workshops and presentations were held in a pavilion throughout both days. Live music added to the festival atmosphere and on the first day four or five buses with students from local schools arrived and checked out the workshops and the books. And, breaking with the OWBF tradition (which the last two years seem to have preluded a lockdown) this time a lockdown was avoided. 

Other News

Ruth Bonetti is gratified that her recent release The Art Deco Mansion in St Lucia drew the attention of the books editor of The Weekend Australian–and a par review in the Review column of 18-19 September, 2021.

A charming look at one man’s post-war dream to build a mansion in the Brisbane suburb of St Lucia, which was in the 1950s mostly open kangaroo paddocks. Most astonishing for a private home in the 1950s, it had an elevator, which made Bonetti something of a celebrity at her local primary school as “the granddaughter of the man who had a lift in his house” she writes, with warmth and pride.

 

Who says that Indie published books can’t attract mainstream press reviews? With features in QMag Courier Mail and Toowoomba Chronicle, this makes a trifecta.

 
The take-out memo: Be persistent. Be confident and determined.

 

Coming up - Don't Miss Them

The Omega Writers Conference is now an online Retreat

With the logistical challenges of lockdowns and border closures, the Omega Writers Conference has pivoted from a retreat at Peppers Kingscliffe to a Zoom Conference in a living room near you.  The sad thing is that we will not be able to meet face-to-face, the plus is that anyone can attend regardless of their ability to travel.  If you haven't participated in an Omega Writers Conference before, maybe now is the year. 


THE 2021 OMEGA CONFERENCE IS AN ONLINE RETREAT
DATE: 8-9 OCTOBER
VENUE: YOUR PLACE, ON ZOOM
COST FOR THE SATURDAY PROGRAM: Omega Members: $50 Non-Members: $70
CALEB AWARDS PROGRAM IS FREE

The Conference will feature:

Collett Smart (Psychologist)
Nicole Partridge – Creative Writing
Genre and Breakout Groups
Two Panels – Pathways to Publication, Pathways to Promotion,
And the CALEB Awards Dinner

Find out more information here.

Omega Writers Conference and the Toowoomba Chapter

The Toowoomba chapter of Omega Writers has booked a venue in Toowoomba where we can attend the Omega Retreat Zoom day together on Saturday 9 October. 

Taking daylight saving into account, the Toowoomba sessions will run from 8-4 (and we can continue to watch the CALEB awards from our own homes later). 

In order to come, you'll have to register for the conference on the Omega site first. We'll have an additional small door fee of about $10 in Toowoomba to cover the room booking. 

If you're interested in coming, please write a comment below (or in the CWD Facebook group post) to  Nola Passmore. The Toowoomba chapter will need to firm up numbers ahead of time in case it's necessary to alter the booking.

South Australia Chapter

Contact Meredith Resce (on the CWD Facebook post) if live in Adelaide and are interested in getting together to watch the Conference on Zoom.

Rendered Realms at Supanova and Oz ComicCon

Rendered Realms (Lynne Stringer, Jeanette O'Hagan and Adele Jones) plan to be at SupaNova Brisbane November 6-7, 2021 and Oz ComicCon Brisbane in December 11 - 12. 2021, both at Brisbane Convention & exhibition centre. Please drop in and see them at these fantastic events.

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 December.

Congratulations to all our members for your milestones and achievements. 

CWD Member Interview - Susan Barnes

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: Susan Barnes 

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

 

1. I was born in England and migrated to Australia with my parents in 1964 as Ten Pound Poms

2. I’m a writer and short-term interim pastor. I’m working towards getting my first book published

3. I’ve always been an avid reader, but I didn’t grow up dreaming of being an author

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

I write to teach, disciple and encourage Christians. Mostly I write devotional thoughts based on Bible verses but I’ve also written book-length manuscripts. My manuscript, 10 Blessings of God You Won’t Want to Miss, recently won the CALEB unpublished non-fiction award. Currently, I’m working on a manuscript where each chapter is a Bible character. I particularly like to write about obscure characters or difficult stories. For example, Priscilla, Lydia, Jephthah, Jonathan, Nebuchadnezzar, Abraham sacrificing Isaac etc. 

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

A lot of my devotions are online and I don’t get a lot of feedback. I know from the statistics that my website has always attracted more Americans than Australians, but I have no idea why. Perhaps because there are simply more of them. In the last 12 months, I’ve had a surprising increase in the number of hits from the Philippines. 

Of course, I’d like everyone to read my blog/website! But realistically, I hope my work is found by those who need a word of encouragement, challenge or hope. Link to my website.

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

Initially, my process for writing devotions was random but these days it’s highly structured. As part of my devotional times, I write about a verse that stands out to me. This means I have exercise books full of thoughts on Bible verses. When I want to write a series of devotions from a particular Bible book, I find the exercise book where I’ve written about that book of the Bible. At the moment, I’m writing devotions on Luke from notes I made in 2017.

When I’m writing a book-length manuscript, I look for a theme that I can break into ten chapters and as I approach each chapter, I look for one overall idea with three points.

My biggest challenge is not to rush. I’ve come to accept that it takes as long as it takes. If I rush the process the standard of my writing suffers. I loosely aim to write or edit 4,000 words a week for three weeks of the month. (The fourth week I write articles for my blog.) I hold this goal lightly and if it doesn’t happen, that’s okay. 

It helps me to have a routine. Most mornings I write or prepare sermons (which is quite similar). In the afternoons, I shop, exercise, read, socialise, do housework etc. It’s been difficult to explain to my hairdresser why I don’t like appointments in the morning!

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

My favourite writing craft book is Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott, not because it was brilliantly insightful but because it was so funny, despite the bad language. However, she did also share some useful thoughts, particularly about not taking yourself too seriously as a writer. I have trouble finding craft books that address the genre I write which is Christian living, but not creative non-fiction. I enjoy reading about other authors’ processes. The first one I ever read was Stephen King’s On Writing which was helpful, again, despite the bad language.

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

I like to give a shout-out to some writers I met at the beginning of my connection with Christian Writers who are still part of CWD particularly, Jenny Glazebrook, Jo-Anne Berthelsen, Nola Passmore and Penny Reeve. These writers have inspired and encouraged me by their faithfulness and persistence over many years. In the early days of Omega Conferences, I remember their willingness to run workshops for a pittance, yet they always came fully prepared. They shared not only their talents but their love of words and their heart for God. They have been good role models for me.

Question 7: What are your writing goals for 2021? How will you achieve them?

I have been given a place in the 2021 Graduate Certificate in Creative Writing and Communication course run by Tabor College. So my goal for next year is to complete the course! I also want to keep writing three articles a week for my blog. Every other writing project is going to be put on hold.

I’m looking forward to doing this course and curiously, I only felt confident to undertake it because of receiving the CALEB Award this year. In about June I received feedback on my CALEB entry from the first-round judges, which was mostly positive and the few negatives were things I could easily fix. When I received the feedback from the second-round judges, there were again lots of positives and a few negatives. However, this time I wasn’t sure how to fix the negatives yet I also knew they were things that needed to be fixed. Still, there were enough positives to give me the confidence to pursue further study. 

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

Without my faith, I would have nothing to write about! 

I started writing regularly when my husband became a pastor and he asked me to write a devotional article once a fortnight for the church newsletter. At the time, I thought it was a huge commitment and how would I ever find enough to write about? Three years later, we moved to a church that had a newsletter every week, but at least by then, I could recycle a few thoughts from the previous church. 

Over the years, I’ve felt a growing sense of my writing becoming a ministry rather than just a hobby.

Susan Barnes likes to write devotional thoughts on Bible passages, book reviews and inspirational articles. She loves to challenge people's thinking and regularly posts on her blog/website. You can receive her free ebook, 10 Things My Children Taught Me About God when you sign up for her newsletter.

The Art of Acknowledgements

Do you read the acknowledgements page/s in books? It’s easy to skip over these sections, but they can contain interesting information. How else would you know that the author received free accommodation at an Hawaiian hotel while researching her book? I actually came across that snippet and made a mental note to set a novel in a location I’d like to visit! The acknowledgements can also give you insights into the author’s world and even provide you with some tips you could pursue for your writing (e.g. names of publishers, editors, agents in your preferred genre).

However, there is an art to writing good acknowledgements. It’s not something to be dashed off in five minutes before your book goes to print. Here are some suggestions that will help you to craft an acknowledgements section that people will want to read.

Who Do You Thank?

The list is endless, but here are some people you would typically thank:

• Those who helped you brainstorm ideas.
• People who helped with any research you did for the book (e.g. experts you interviewed).
• Readers who gave you feedback at various stages of manuscript development, such as editors, your critique group, or beta readers (i.e. readers who gave your book a ‘test run’).
• People who helped with the production of the book (e.g. publishers, in-house editors, cover designers).
• People who supported and encouraged you through the process, such as family and friends, writing groups, and readers who have embraced your writing and spurred you on.

 

Keep Track

Every time you start a new book, also start an acknowledgements file and update it regularly. You may think you’ll remember everyone, but it’s easy to forget that Guinevere gave you the idea for the fabulous twist and Renaldo checked all of your fascinating info about the migration of sea turtles. There’s nothing worse than remembering a key person after the book’s in print. Jot down points now and avoid those awkward moments later.

Do You Need Someone’s Permission to Acknowledge Them?

You don’t usually need permission, but you might want to check in some cases. For example, if you’ve consulted experts working in sensitive areas (e.g. police officers, child protection officers, medical personnel, psychiatrists), you might want to check whether they’re happy for their names to be used. If you’re using people’s personal stories in a non-fiction book, you might also want to check whether they are happy for their names to be used or whether they would prefer a pseudonym.

If you paid someone to work on your book (e.g. an editor), you’re not obligated to thank them, though it is a nice gesture. However, ask how they would like to be acknowledged. As an editor myself, I appreciate it when people thank me for my help. Rather than being acknowledged as the editor, however, I usually prefer a more generic reference such as thanks for my feedback on an earlier draft of the book. The reason for this is that I rarely see the author’s final version, and don’t know what they’ve actually done with any of my suggestions. If in doubt, it’s a good idea to check with the person.

 

How Much Detail?

This is a bit like, ‘How long is a piece of string?’ It will differ depending on how many people you’ve consulted, how much research you had to do, how complicated your manuscript was and so on. However, avoid doing the catch-all list of everyone who’s ever helped you with anything to do with your writing. Do you really need to thank the Grade 3 teacher who gave you a good mark for your first story? Probably not, unless that person really encouraged you to pursue your dream when everyone else made you feel worthless.

I had to think about this issue when writing the acknowledgements for my debut novel Scattered. It took me more than seven years to write and there are so many people who’ve helped me hone my craft. If I’d thanked every workshop instructor, writing teacher, blogger, colleague and fellow writer who’d inspired me or taught me something, it would have been a very long list. So I opted for something more generic:

I’m grateful for the many creative people in my life who have provided friendship, instruction, support and inspiration over the years, especially my friends in Omega Writers, Christian Writers Downunder, Australasian Christian Writers; the Creative Writing staff at Tabor College, Adelaide; and the facilitators and fellow students in QWC’s Novelist’s Boot Camp and Year of the Edit. You’ve all helped more than you know.

 

Be Specific

I’ve read some acknowledgements sections where the author says something like, ‘I would like to thank the following people for their help’, and then rattles off a list of 50 people. I don’t know what any of these people did and I tend to skip over that whole paragraph.

I know space can sometimes be an issue, but it’s often better to say something specific about the key people who’ve helped you where possible. For example, I named four people who’d helped me ‘hone the synopsis and/or some sections of the novel’; and I mentioned a Canadian friend who’d given me advice regarding ‘horses and all things Nova Scotian’.

 

Take Care with Your Writing

Although readers wouldn’t expect your acknowledgements to be written as creatively as the rest of your book, you’re still showcasing your writing. Can you add things that reflect your personality, such as humour or heartfelt insights? Can you mix up the writing so that it’s not boring? Instead of repeating ‘I would like to thank’ a dozen times, intersperse your prose with gratitude, appreciation, indebtedness and so on. If you’re not sure what to write, check out some books in your genre and read their acknowledgements sections to get a feel for how different authors handle this task. The acknowledgements say more about you than you think, so it’s worth the effort to get it right.

 

The God Factor

If you’ve written a book that is overtly Christian or has a Christian worldview, you may also like to thank God. Afterall, He’s the one who has given us our creative gifts. Whether you do that in your dedication or acknowledgements section is up to you. For some ideas on that, you might like to see my recent post about book dedications.

There is also an obvious connection between our relationship with God and the overflow of thankfulness in our lives. As we acknowledge all He has done for us, we will want to pour out that gratitude to others who have helped us along the way:

I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus (Philippians 1:3-6, NIV).

Let's show our appreciation to all those who have helped make our books the best they can be, and so bring glory to God.

Do you read acknowledgements sections? What makes you read all the way to the end and what makes you skip?

Author Bio

Nola Lorraine (aka Nola Passmore) wrote her first mystery story in primary school. She used the word ‘suddenly’ five times and Mr Cuskelly circled every one of them. She’s come a long way since then, with more than 150 short publications, including fiction, poetry, devotions, true stories, magazine articles and academic papers. Her debut novel Scattered was released in October 2020. She is also the co-editor of the Christian charity anthology Glimpses of Light, with Jeanette O’Hagan.

When she’s not tinkering with her own writing, she’s assessing and editing other people’s manuscripts through The Write Flourish, a freelance business she and her husband Tim run from their home in southeast Queensland, Australia. She has a passion for faith and social justice issues, and loves weaving words that inspire others with courage and hope.

Website: www.nolalorraine.com.au

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/nolalorraine1

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com.au/nolalorraine1

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20499007.Nola_Lorraine

 

Scattered can be purchased through Amazon and Book Depository. Within Australia, you can also purchase it from Koorong and Breath of Fresh Air Press.

Photo Credits

Featured photo by Gerhard G. on Pixabay.

Checklist by Deedster on Pixabay.

Author photo by Wayne Logan from WRL Photo.

What Makes a Good Book Dedication?

 

Photo by congerdesign on Pixabay

Over the last few weeks, I’ve been giving out gift copies and review copies of my debut novel. Some readers have told me they really enjoyed the book. However, a few people have also said they loved the dedication. I’m glad they liked it, because I put a lot of thought into it, but it got me thinking about other dedications I’ve read. What makes a good one? What things do you need to consider? Do you even need one?

First, let me make a distinction between a book’s dedication and the acknowledgements. The acknowledgements page is usually the place where you thank people who have helped with the book (e.g. beta readers, editors, publishers, experts you consulted, supportive family and friends, and the nice people who let who stay in their 5-star hotel while doing research on the beach—I wish!).  A dedication sometimes includes a vote of thanks, but it is something more. In a dedication you’re saying, ‘This person is important to me and this book is my gift to them.’

Do You Need a Dedication?

Not necessarily. If you’re a podiatrist and you’ve written a book on treatments for tinea, would your loved ones want you to dedicate the book to them? Maybe, but it could give mixed messages. If you’re a prolific author and you’re up to Book #40, it might be difficult to think of something new to put in a dedication. The choice is yours. Don’t sweat it if you really don’t have a burning desire to dedicate it to someone.

To Whom Do You Dedicate Your Book?

Of course there are no right or wrong answers. Many authors dedicate books to family or friends. Some write dedications to thank people who were particularly involved in the development of the book. Sometimes the content of the book itself may give you some ideas about possible recipients of your dedication. For example, if your heroine has had to overcome a lot of obstacles to succeed in the world, you might like to dedicate it to Aunty Dot who also overcame a lot of barriers in her life. Other times, a more generic dedication might be warranted (e.g. to readers in general or to those who have had to grapple with the issues discussed in the book). Some Christians also dedicate their books to God, but I’ll say more about that a bit later.

Do You Need to Ask Permission to Dedicate a Book to Someone?

It depends. You might want to keep it as a nice surprise. That was the case with me. I wanted to dedicate the book to my parents, so I kept it secret until they could hold the book in their hands and read the dedication for themselves. However, I was also confident that my parents would be pleased. It might be worth running your dedication past the recipient ahead of time if (a) you don’t know them very well, (b) you consulted them in a professional capacity, (c) the book contains sensitive material, or (d) you’re thinking of putting some personal information in the dedication that may not be public knowledge.

Should Dedications in Christian Books Be Different?

We could have a big discussion here about what makes a book ‘Christian’. Some have obvious Christian content, while others may have a more subtle Christian message or worldview. It’s not my intention here to open that whole can of worms, but one issue of difference might be that a Christian author has to think through whether they include God in their dedication or not.

Terri Blackstock typically dedicates her books to ‘the Nazarene’, which of course is a reference to Jesus. Carolyn Miller dedicated The Elusive Miss Ellison to Joshua and ‘the Giver of the Ultimate Gift’. Karen Kingsbury also combined family and God in her dedication to Someone Like You:

 

Dedicated to my husband, David, and our beautiful family. The journey of life is breathtaking surrounded by each of you. And every minute together is time borrowed from eternity. I love you more than words. And to God, Almighty, who has—for now—blessed me with these.

Some authors also include a scripture. For example, Jeanette O’Hagan dedicated Akrad’s Children to her husband, but concluded with a paraphrase from Song of Songs 8:6-7: ‘Drenching rivers love’s flame will not quench.’

I thought long and hard about this question when I was writing my dedication, but I decided to thank God in my acknowledgements instead.

And finally, I would like to thank my Heavenly Father, who planted the first seed of an idea and watered it as it continued to grow. ‘You are He who took me from my mother’s womb and you have been my benefactor from that day. My praise is continually of You’ (Psalm 71:6b, AMP).

Tips for Writing a Dedication

It can be short and sweet, but think about the wording. Apart from the cover and title, this is the next impression someone will have of your book. I always feel a little disappointed if I read a beautifully-written, well-plotted book, but the dedication just says something like ‘For Anne’. Really? After 80 000 words of beautiful prose, you couldn’t think of anything better to write?

Think about the mood you want to convey. Humorous? Heartfelt? It’s often a good idea to match the mood of the book with the tone of the dedication. If you’ve written a gut-wrenching book about childhood trauma, it’s probably not a good idea to write a flippant dedication. However, a touch of humour can also show the reader something of your personality. What do you want readers to think or feel when they read your dedication?

Can you somehow tie the dedication to the themes in the book? This isn’t always necessary, but it’s a nice touch if relevant. For example, in her book Unnoticed, a revisioning of the Cinderella story in an Australian historical context, Amanda Deed dedicates the story ‘to lovers of fairy tales and of happy ever afters’.

Don’t leave it until five minutes before your deadline. A good dedication takes some thought. Put the same effort into it as you would a beautiful passage in your book.

Finally ...

Do you write dedications for your books? What dedications have you read that left an impression on you? I’d love to hear your examples. Here’s what I wrote in my inspirational historical novel Scattered:

For my parents, Lex and Dawn Wildermuth, who’ve nurtured me from infancy; 

and my English birthmother, Monica Hope Sewell (Monny), who died ten years before I started searching for her. 

You have all helped make me the person I am today, and I am forever grateful.

Author Bio

Nola Lorraine (aka Nola Passmore) wrote her first mystery story in primary school. She used the word ‘suddenly’ five times and Mr Cuskelly circled every one of them. She’s come a long way since then, with more than 150 short publications, including fiction, poetry, devotions, true stories, magazine articles and academic papers. Her debut novel Scattered will be released on 20 October 2020. She is also the co-editor, with Jeanette O'Hagan, of the Christian charity anthology Glimpses of Light. When she’s not tinkering with her own writing, she’s assessing and editing other people’s manuscripts through The Write Flourish, a freelance business she and her husband Tim run from their home in southeast Queensland, Australia. She has a passion for faith and social justice issues, and loves weaving words that inspire others with courage and hope. 

To find out more, please visit her author site: https://www.nolalorraine.com.au

She’d also love to connect with you on social media:

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

Twitter:           https://twitter.com/nolalorraine1

Pinterest:         https://www.pinterest.com.au/nolalorraine1