What's New at Omega Writers | July 2021

There is lots of news from Omega Writers this month! We have a winner in the Realm Awards, news about the Omega Book Fair and Retreat (including scholarships), and a call for nominations for the Encouragement Awards.

Realm Awards

Congratulations to Omega Writers member Kristen Young for her double win at the Realm Makers Awards, announced last Saturday.

Kristen's debut novel, Apprentice, won the Science Fiction section of the 2021 Realm Awards, the major awards for Christian speculative fiction.

Even better, Apprentice also won the Book of the year Award. Kristen is the first Australian author to win a Realm Award. As publisher Steve Laube said when collecting the Book of the Year Award on Kristen's behalf, that makes the Realm Awards global.

Click here to watch the ceremony replay. The Science Fiction award is at 45 minutes, and the Book of the Year at 1:25.

Congratulations, Kristen!

ACFW Genesis Award

Mindy Graham is a Romance finalist in the 2021 Genesis Award.

Congratulations, Mindy!

Stories of Life

If you'd like to enter an award, there is still time to enter the 2021 Stories of Life awards. There are three categories:

• Open Stories of Life (1000 to 1500 words)
• Short Stories of life (up to 500 words)
• Young Stories of Life (500 to 1000 words, from writers aged 17 and under)

Entries close on 31 July. Click here to find out more.

Omega Book Fair

Omega Writers members in Brisbane are hosting a Book Fair on 31 July from 10am to 2:30pm at Hills Church, 79 Queens Road, Everton Hills.

The fair includes author readings, door prizes, short story contest and a treasure hunt.

Entry is free.

There will also be two workshops, which are $20 each (including a $5 voucher to spend at the fair).

• Anne Hamilton presenting The Deadly Duo (and how to beat them)
• Sally Eberhardt, Lynne Stringer & Jeanette O’Hagan share a panel on  Marketing and Promotion for Writers

Click here to find out more.

Omega Writers Retreat

Bookings are now open for the 2021 Omega Writers Retreat. Earlybird pricing ends on 15 August, so don't miss out.

This year's event will be a retreat rather than a full conference. While there are two main streams (Pathways to Publication and Pathways to Promotion), the emphasis is connection and fellowship with other Christian writers (and after the last year, don' t we all need that?).

There will be two great keynote speakers:

• Psychologist Collett Smart
• Creative writing instructor Nicole Partridge

We will also be sharing the 2021 CALEB Awards dinner on Saturday night.

Current financial members have been emailed a discount code. If you didn't receive the code, please email membership [at] omegawriters [dot] org.

If you're not currently a member of Omega Writers, click here to join.

Click here to find out more about the Retreat, register, and book your accommodation. Note that accommodation is separate to the Retreat fee. Writers can choose to stay at Peppers Kingscliff (the Retreat venue), at the Mantra (next door), or make their own arrangements in the area.

Scholarships

Omega Writers is offering TWO Partial Scholarships of $300 for members attending the 2021 Omega Writer's Retreat. 

 Applications are open from 20th July 2021 to 8 August 2021. 

To apply for a Retreat Scholarship you must: 

• Be an Australian or New Zealand resident.
• Be a current Omega Member 
• Apply using the Google Form provided 
• Include a sample of your writing, up to 500 words. 

Successful applicants will be contacted by 11 August 2021. 

Any questions: email president [at] omegawriters [dot] org

Click here to apply for a scholarship.

 

Omega Writers welcome donations to the scholarship fund. Click here to find out more.

CALEB Encouragement Award

Nominations are now open for the 2021 Encouragement Awards.

If you’re a current paid member of Omega Writers, we would like to invite you to nominate a fellow Christian writer for an Encouragement Award. This could be:

• A writer who has gone out of their way to support other writers (this will be a NEW CALEB award launched at this year’s Retreat)
• A writer who you believe needs encouragement.

We have three simple guidelines for the writers you nominate for either award:

1. Nominees must be Christian writers currently living in Australia, New Zealand, or the South Pacific.
2. Nominees can be published or unpublished writers in any genre.
3. Nominees do not have to be members of Omega Writers.

Please email caleb @ omegawriters.org and tell us:

• The type of Encouragement Award you would like to nominate a writer for
• Your name and email address
• Up to 200 words explaining why you believe this writer should receive this prize.
• The name and email/website address of the author you’d like to nominate (so we can contact them if they win)

Nominations close on 31 August 2021.

Omega Writers Book Fair (Brisbane) and Writing Competition

The Omega Writers Book Fair (OWBF) committee are thrilled to announce that the Book Fair is fast approaching. The event in March last year, held only days before the lockdowns, was such a great day. And we have another exciting program to offer this year, on 31 July at Hills Church, 79 Queens Road, Everton Hills (Brisbane). 

In addition, we excited to announce the inaugural OWBF Writing competition which is open to residents with Australia and New Zealand.

So, what can you expect?

An Opportunity to Network

For readers and booklovers, enjoy a rare opportunity to browse and buy personally autographed books by local authors, ranging from:

👍 children's and young adult books

 👍 adult fiction

👍 nonfiction

👍 special needs

👍 biography, memoir

👍 devotional

👍 genre fiction  

👍 and much more!

 


For Writers it's a great opportunity to connect with other writers and readers.

The fair includes author readings, door prizes, writing contest and a treasure hunt.

Workshop and Panel

A workshop by Anne Hamilton and a Panel on Marketing and Promotion is on offer. 

Workshop 1 The Deadly Duo (and how to defeat them) by Anne Hamilton  ( 10.30 – 11:15 am)

Disappointment and rejection are part of life. When we encounter them—or even when we expect to encounter them—most of us have unconscious habits that are at best unhelpful and at worst self-sabotaging. This session by Anne Hamilton is relevant to the publishing scene as well as life in general.

 

Anne Hamilton was a mathematics teacher for thirty years until she became the editor of Australia’s most widely read daily devotional, The Word for Today. She is the author of over 30 books—ranging from children’s picture books to highly awarded YA fantasy and prize-winning devotional theology.

Panel: Marketing and Promotion for Writers with Sally Eberhardt, Lynne Stringer & Jeanette O’Hagan ( 11.30am-12:15 pm)

For most writers writing the novel is easy compared the seeming insurmountable task of marketing and promoting it. Yet these days, both traditionally and Indie published authors are expected to promote their books. Our panellists, Sally Eberhardt, Lynne Stringer and Jeanette O’Hagan will give their differences perspectives and experiences of promotion and marketing from business, traditional and Indie publishing. Find out what works, what doesn’t work and strategies for the future.

On Our Panel:

Sally Eberhardt helps introverts uncover their superpowers so they can enjoy the many opportunities and benefits that networking brings. Author of 'Pain-free Networking for Introverts', Speaker and Connection Coach, Sally has experience in marketing, business and networking.

Lynne Stringer is a former journalist, an author and an experienced editor. She has five science fiction books in the Verindon universe published through a small traditional press, as well as short stories in a few anthologies. From launches, book signings and bling, Lynne has worked hard to bring her books to potential readers.

 

Jeanette O’Hagan has published ten books through her own imprint, By the Light Books —seven fantasy novels set in the world of Nardva, a collection of short stories and two anthologies. Many of her short stories and poems have been published in a range of anthologies. As an Indie author, Jeanette can vouch that marketing and promotion requires persistence, flexibility and a willingness to experiment.

Bookings for the workshop & panel at https://www.trybooking.com/BRQZA  

Author Tables

Tables are available for authors, editors and publishers to display their books and/or services.  One free lunch will be provided and more can be ordered. 

Bookings for the author tables and lunches available at https://www.trybooking.com/BRQZA  

Where, When & How Much

Event Title: Omega Writers Book Fair

Date & Time: Saturday July 31, 2021. 10am-2.30pm

Location: Hills Church, 79 Queens Road, Everton Hills


The Book Fair is free to attend and browse

Optional workshops cost $20 & include a $5 voucher to be spent at the Book Fair.

Tables are $60 (large) and $40 (regular) with a $10 discount code for Omega Writers members (posted on the Omega Writers FB Members group).

Inaugural OWBF2021 Writing Competition

NEW - This year, in conjunction with the Omega Writer's Book Fair, the Brisbane chapter of Omega Writers is holding a Writing Contest.

Stories (up to 1000 words) and/or poems (50 lines, including spaces) displaying the theme of HOPE.

All entries, whether written for a secular or Christian audience, must reflect language, themes and a worldview that are honouring to Christ.

The Three categories for OWBF21 Writing Competition are:


1. Published Writers –if you have one or more stories or poems published (or is the process of being published) in a print or ebook, enter this category.
2. Unpublished Writers – if your stories or poems have not yet been published.
3. Under 18 years – if you are under eighteen years of age.


Eligibility - People who reside in Australia and New Zealand. Entries must be the original and unpublished work of the author.

The entry fee is $5.00 for OMEGA members and $7.00 for non-members for each work.

You can enter UP TO THREE works (stories and/or poems) but an entry fee must accompany EACH ENTRY, i.e. $7 for one, $14 for two or $21 for three (or $5, $10 or $15 for Omega Writers. Members who can access the code through the Omega Writers Members Facebook page).

Copyright of submitted work will remain with the author.


Entries will close on midnight, 25th June 2021. Late entries will not be accepted.

Winners of each category will receive a prize of $50.00 and a certificate.

Winners will be announced at the Omega Writers Book Fair (Brisbane) on Saturday, 2:15pm, 31 July 2021.

Judges’ decisions will be final and no correspondence entered into. 

Details on how to enter will be posted soon.

More Information

For details and workshop bookings, check out

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Omega-Writers-Book-Fair-927852450757367/

Facebook Event: https://fb.me/e/JQbaKSsf

Webpage: https://owbf.blogspot.com/

Or email omegawritersbookfair@gmail.com



Omega Writers supports and encourages Christian writers in Australia (www.omegawriters.org)

CWD Highlights - January to March 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 January to March 2021

Awards and Recommendations

Elizabeth Klein

Elizabeth Klein's The Gryphon Key won the ‘Recommended Reads’ Award for 2021 from Author Shout on March 1st, 2021.

Kathy Hoopmann

Kathy Hoopmann's All Cats are on the Autism Spectrum (Jessica Kingsley Publishers 2020) tops The Independent list for World Autism Awareness best books to read!

All Cats Are on the Autism Spectrum is our best buy; it has a universal appeal, is useful as a social story tool, and is a feel-good read." https://www.independent.co.uk/extras/indybest/books/best-books-autism-world-awareness-day-b1817322.html

Touching, humorous and insightful, this book evokes all the joys and challenges of being on the autism spectrum


Link: https://kathyhoopmann.com/all-cats-are-on-the-autism-spectrum/


Kathy has written over twenty books for children and adults, with translations into nineteen languages and is best known for her photo illustrated books dealing with Asperger Syndrome, ADHD and anxiety.

New Releases and Cover Reveals

Jo-Anne Berthelsen

Jo-Anne Berthelsen launched her latest novel, Down by the Water, via Facebook Live in January. The novel is set in south-east Queensland in the early 1900s and follows Meg Porter’s journey, as she deals with the past and comes to understand God’s love and grace, after a family tragedy cuts short her plans to study art. 

For more information or purchase check out  www.jo-anneberthelsen.com



Jo-Anne Berthelsen is a Sydney-based author of seven novels and two non-fiction books, Soul Friend and Becoming Me, has worked in teaching, editing and church ministry and loves encouraging others through both the written and spoken word.

Elizabeth Klein

Elizabeth Klein has released her last book in the Bethloria series called Oracle of the Dragon Book 7 on 22nd January.

 

Blurb: With insurmountable odds stacked against them, the trio attempt to fulfil ancient prophecies and release Bethloria and Galfane from Morgran’s evil grip. But all hope seems lost when Morgran captures Dougray, and Belle and Robbie are under siege. This powerful, fast-paced fantasy series will leave you aching for more.

Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B07ZBTVVX4

She has also released the second edition of The Gryphon Key with new cover on 16th February.

Blurb: For the traumatised mind of 17-year-old Cody Prince, Spells Meadow becomes a mystifying, alternate reality with disturbing outcomes after he discovers a mysterious key. If you love Neil Gaiman’s amazing fantasy worlds, you’ll enjoy Spells Meadow, a place with a twisted past and a bizarre future.

Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B07ZBTVVX4


In 2015, Elizabeth and her husband left Sydney and now 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.

Other News

Hazel Barker Interview 

In January, local celebrity Michelle Worthington interviewed Hazel Barker on her latest book, Count Your Blessings. Colin's Story (Armour Books). 

Count Your Blessings. Colin's Story is the memoir of a young Aussie battler who struggles to fulfill his dreams. His mother has mood swings, and his school mates bully him. The Depression Years cast a shadow on his future, and his studies are cut short, but his plucky spirit carries him through one crisis after another and the unexpected turns up.

Hazel's two books, Heaven Tempers the Wind. The Story of a War Child & The Sides of Heaven have been Finalists in the CALEB Competitions of 2017 and 2019 respectively, and her short stories have won awards in competitions.

Check http://hazelmbarker.wordpress.com for details. Signed copies of Count Your Blessings: Colin's Story are available from the author for $20. Contact Hazel Barker at: candhbarker@bigpond.com

CALEB Awards 2021 now open

The 2021 CALEB Awards are open for entry in the following categories:

Adult fiction
Adult nonfiction
Young Adult fiction
Children's fiction (early reader and middle grade)
Children's picture books

The contest is open to books by Australian or New Zealand Christian authors, or Christian authors living in Australia or New Zealand. Entries must be written from a Christian world view i.e. they must be consistent with the Omega Writers Statement of Belief and not contain objectionable content (e.g. profanity, sexual situations, or excessive violence.)

The 2021 CALEB Awards are for books published in 2018, 2019, and 2020 (as determined by their copyright date), and which were not entered in the 2019 award (as some 2018 books were eligible to be entered in 2018). Books which have previously been entered in the Unpublished section of the CALEB Awards may be entered.

Entries are open from 15 March (today) to 20 April 2021. Read more here. 

Rendered Realms

Rendered Realms - consisting of Lynne Stringer, Adele Jones and Jeanette O'Hagan will have a table in Artist Alley at the  Supernova, Gold Coat - Saturday to Sunday, 17-18 April 2021. If you love all things fantasy and sci-fi, cosplay and great books & you plan to attend the con- we would love you to drop by, say hello and look at books, including some new releases.  

Omega Writers Book Fair (Brisbane) 2021

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

Mark you diaries - 31 July 2021


Congratulations to all our members for your milestones and achievements