CWD Highlights - January to March 2020

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

Today's blog will highlight some of the achievements of our members from January to March 2020

New Releases, Acceptances & Cover Reveals

Elizabeth Klein

Elizabeth has a number of releases to announce.


She has republished her YA Fantasy books, Firelight of Heaven (15th February) and Greenheart of the Forest (21st February) with brand new covers through Amazon.

Firelight of Heaven:

When an assassin infiltrates a secret meeting and people are killed, brothers Robbie and Dougray are plunged into a fast-paced journey of discovery. Through their mutual hardships, the brothers discover they have a common destiny with an Elf maiden named Belle, one that involves searching for seven lost crystals that will heal Bethloria.

Greenheart of the Forest:

Two brothers and an Elf girl uncover dark secrets that drive them into another perilous land. Joined by an elemental, the journey takes the trio to an abandoned, underground city infested with giant, flesh-eating arthropods. Escaping that danger, worse awaits when they are captured by an evil tyrant and taken to Wychwyre.

Dreamscape: Rescuing Pancrates

Elizabeth will also be releasing in late March -  Book 2 of Dreamscape series called Dreamscape: Rescuing Pancrates

.
Sam Flynn’s life is about to change forever in this fast-paced adventure that uniquely blends the real world with the enchanting realm of traditional fairy tales. Through a portal that exists in a mysterious chest, he is transported back to a peculiar place full of fairy tale characters known as Dreamscape. But there’s a darker side to life in this idyllic world where evil has once again risen. Will Sam be able to stop the sorcerer's apprentice and save Dreamscape from being invaded by his army of brooms?

Elizabeth Klein grew up in a small village in NSW, trained as a teacher and now travels full-time in a caravan with her husband.


All of her books are available at Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B07ZBTVVX4

Jeanette O'Hagan

Jeanette O'Hagan released Under the Mountain Boxed set in March 2020. This boxed set included the first three novellas of the five-novella series, with a special March price of 99c USD (about $1.50 AUD)

YA Epic Fantasy Adventure in the lost realm deep under the mountain.

Caught in a mountain blizzard, Zadeki, a young shapeshifter flies into the mountain side. Injured and alone, his only thought is to escape home to his kin. Twins Delvina and Retza's greatest desire is to be accepted as prentices by their parents' old crew when they stumble across the stranger.Little do they know that grave peril stalks the deep caverns. Will the three youngwuns pull apart or work together to save the underground realm? And where will the journey take them?

Set in the World of Nardva, Under the Mountain Boxed Set includes the first three novellas of the 5 novella series: Heart of the Mountain, Blood Crystal & Stone of the Sea.

Jeanette 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 span continents, millennia and cultures. Some involve shapeshifters and magic. Others include space stations and cyborgs. She has published over forty stories and poems. Jeanette lives in Brisbane with her husband and children. 

Available on Amazon

Miriam E. Miles 

Miriam released Phoenix: an abstract poetic autobiography on 5 March 2020

She says:

"Phoenix is an abstract poetic autobiography chronicling my journey through mental illness, fighting the battle and coming out into a new awakening of who I am through the intersection of faith, mental health support and self-management practices. It was written after an unexpected redundancy in November 2019 and I decided to do something positive with my time. The result was a poetry book that revealed itself very organically from a collection of drafts written over about 15 years.

Phoenix is designed, not to share the details of what I have been through, but to reveal the inner workings of a mind, will, and emotions that have been given the chance to fight and overcome many battles and reveal a person’s capacity to be medically long-term stable.

Phoenix is accessible, written in a none-threatening and non-judgmental style. It allows the reader free and open access to embrace God’s direction and follow his guidance in order to win the mental wellness battle, and live and succeed in-spite of your particular mental health journey."

Miriam E. Miles is based in Sydney, Australia, has a passion to see the conversation around mental illness and faith open up in churches, schools, community groups and businesses and is available to share with your group, run a workshop or speak at your event.

Buy link:

www.miriammiles.com/buy-phoenix

Published March 5th 2020 on Amazon as eBook. Paperback coming April 2020.

Janelle Moore

Janelle Moore is delighted to announce that her devotional book - A Month of Hugs for Mums - 30 days of Encouragement for Tired Mummies has been accepted for publication by Deb at Breath of Fresh Air Press.

Janelle is married with two teenagers and lives in Toowoomba, Queensland. She is passionate about the playgroup she runs and enjoys mosaicking, aqua aerobics and walking around the family farm. She is a valued member of the Toowoomba Quirky Quills.

Nola Lorraine

In anticipation of the release of her debut novel, Nola Passmore has just launched her author website under the name Nola Lorraine. Her inspirational historical novel ‘Scattered’ will be published later this year by Breath of Fresh Air Press. 

In the meantime, why not check out her website: www.nolalorraine.com.au

Events & Opportunities

Omega Writers Conference Now 2021

Omega Writers Conference has been postponed to October 2021.

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

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

Other News

Omega Writers Book Fair 2020:

An enjoyable day for those who ventured out to the Omega Writers Book Fair 2020 (Brisbane).

Emmy-award winning, Simon Kennedy have a hands-on workshop, followed by a popular panel on Writing Disability, Difference and Diversity. Award-winning authors Kathy Hoopmann, Jenny Woolsey and Adele Jones answered a number of curly questions, facilitated by the lovely Mazzy Adams.

Overall,  twenty-three authors presented readers with an array of books from theology to picture books, fantasy to inspirational. Readings attracted willing listeners and door & scavenger hunt prizes given at the end of a enjoyable day. We are looking forward to the next Book Fair in March 2021.

Words of Encouragement

Last Thursday - in the midst of the rapidly developing Covid-19 pandemic - the Admin Team of Christian Writers Downunder gave some heart-felt messages of encouragements. Members also shared their much valued scripture and quotes that give then inspiration and encouragement in difficult times.  While the path a head looks dark and difficult and we may not know what the future holds, we do know who holds the future and we knows who walks beside us.  Stay safe and centred and remember to breathe. 

Omega Wrtiers Book Fair 2020

Just over four weeks away, the Brisbane chapter of Omega Writers will be open the doors to the fourth Annual Omega Writers Book Fair. We are hoping for another day of networking, displaying a wide range of books, connecting with readers and fun.

What happens at the Book Fair?

Each year we've had a different mix of authors with some perennial favourites. There really is something for everyone - from picture books to deep theological tomes. Books for children and teens, books for adults, books that celebrate disability and difference. We have memoirs, biographies, church history, self-help, fantasy, science fiction, mystery and romance.

While the majority of our authors come for South-East Queensland (Brisbane, Toowoomba, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast), in previous Book Fairs some have travelled from further north in Queensland, northern New South Wales, even from Sydney or Victoria.

Not only is there an opportunity to get signed books by the author, but also to hear the authors reading excerpts of their works.

It's also a great opportunity to meet up with CWD & Omega Writer members such as Anne Hamilton, David Malcolm Bennett, Kathy Hoopmann, Lynne Stringer, Adele Jones, Nola Passmore, Jenny Woolsey, Judy Rogers, Raelene Purtill, Ruth Bonetti, Jeanette O'Hagan, Naomi Eccles-Smith, Nikki Rogers, Wendy Wood, Sally Eberhardt and many more.

In addition, this year we'll have a Colouring Contest (12 years and under, resident within Australia).

Simon Kennedy (co-creator of mini-series Safe Harbour) will give a workshop on Scriptwriting while a Panel with Kathy Hoopmann, Jenny Woolsey and Adele Jones will tackle Writing Disability and Diversity.

We'd love to see you - whether to browse the books, stock up your to-read pile, listen to book readings, join the scavenger hunt, learn more through the workshop or panel - or even have a display table of your own.

It's free to attend the event and to browse. Workshop & panel are $20 each.

Registrations are still open. Don't miss out.

Where and When?

Event Title: Omega Writers Book Fair 2020

Date & Time: Saturday March 14, 2020. 10am-2.30pm

Location: Hills Church, 79 Queens Road, Everton Hills

Script Writing Workshop with Simon Kennedy (10.30 – 11:15 am)

Movies, television, plays, and other dramatizations are a major channel for storytelling today. Have you ever wondered how writing a script is different from writing a novel or a memoir? Are you interested in finding out the tricks of the trade? Experienced script-writer and co-creator of the award-winning Safe Harbour TV min-series (screened in Australia in 2018) will share his experience and wisdom in his workshop On Screen Writing.

Simon Kennedy

Simon Kennedy is an experienced screenwriter, story consultant and writer for TV and film.

Simon Kennedy was the co-creator of International Emmy winning mini-series Safe Harbour (Australia in 2018 on SBS). He also co-wrote the story and several scripts on the upcoming TV show, Interface, a 10-part action series set in the near future, for Red Empire Productions. Currently, he is working with several Australian production companies to develop TV narrative and factual concepts for both adult and children audiences.

Simon's You-tube channel, Songs with Simon, has over 100 million views. Simon lives in Brisbane with his wife and children.


Find more about Simon https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonkennedywriter/

Panel: with Kathy Hoopmann, Jenny Woolsey & Adele Jones (11.30-12:15 pm)

Would you like to see more characters with disabilities included in the books you read? As a writer, would you like to include strong and engaging characters with a disability or who do not fit the norm, but are not sure of the best way forward? What trope and clichés should be avoided, what things should you keep in mind?

Three great writers will answer questions on writing disability and difference drawn from their practice as writers and personal experiences.

Kathy Hoopmann

Kathy Hoopmann is best known for her photo illustrated books dealing with Asperger Syndrome, ADHD and anxiety. The simplicity, charm and insight of these books has made them must-haves for children and adults worldwide.

She has also written over twenty books for children and adults, many of which have young heroes and heroines with ASD. Her books have been translated into seventeen languages and her work sells widely in Australia, the UK, the US and the Middle East.

She has won, and been shortlisted for many literary awards, including the Children’s Book Council of Australia Award and has four times been awarded a silver Nautilus Award (US) which is given to books that make a better world. Discover more at www.kathyhoopmann.com

Jenny Woolsey

Jenny Woolsey is a children’s author and motivational speaker on the theme, Be Weirdly Wonderful! Embrace your difference. She is an educator, blogger and advocate for disability equality, facial differences, Down syndrome and inclusive education. Jenny visits schools and speaks on diversity, facial differences, bullying, mental health and being kind to others. She encourages children to be their true selves. Jenny was born with a rare craniofacial syndrome and is visually impaired, and her children have disabilities. Diversity and difference are her life.

Jenny has written five children’s/YA novels and been included in six anthologies. Her stories have been sold internationally, received honourable mentions and been longlisted in competitions.

For more information visit https://jennywoolsey.com/ or jenny@jennywoolsey.com

Adele Jones

Adele Jones writes young adult and historical novels, poems, inspirational non-fiction and fictional short works, along with juggling family responsibilities and her job as a microbiologist (it’s the little things that count). She’s had a selection of short works and poems published, and in 2013 released YA novel, Integrate. This was the first story in the Blaine Colton trilogy: Integrate, Replicate, Activate, a series about a young man with a disabling genetic disease that permeates his life and challenges his perceptions of self and the world around him.

Adele’s writing explores issues of social justice, humanity, faith, natural beauty and meaning in life’s journey, and as a speaker she seeks to present a practical and encouraging message by drawing on these themes.

For more visit www.adelejonesauthor.com or contact@adelejonesauthor.com



Spaces for both workshop & panel are limited. Book now at https://www.trybooking.com/BHVHW

For more Information:

For details about the Book Fair, Colouring Contest or the Workshop & Panel, Check out https://www.facebook.com/Omega-Writers-Book-Fair-927852450757367/ , or email OmegaWritersBookFair@gmail.com

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


Omega Writers Book Fair Committee

Jeanette O'Hagan
Judy Rogers
Raelene Purtill
Ruth Bonetti

Omega Writers | Welcome to 2020 from Meredith Resce

Hello, all Australasian Christian writers.

I hope you’ve had a restful Christmas break, and that you’ve found the time to recharge your batteries.

There’s no doubt Australians have had an emotionally charged Christmas and New Year with the devastating bushfires across most states, and the disastrous fires the subject of news and social media conversation.

Along with the expected outpouring of concern and offers of help, unfortunately the situation also became the catalyst for a massive political fight. Sadly, this unusual situation has strained more than one friendship.

I hope the bulk of our attention during this time can be turned towards being a positive agent of relief and encouragement.

If you are one of our writers from a fire-affected area, please let us know if there is anything you think we can do to help those communities, beyond the obvious praying and giving.

Events in 2020

Our network of leaders in Omega Writers, while in holiday mode, have continued to keep our finger on the pulse of a number of up and coming events in 2020:

• The group in Brisbane are preparing for their annual book fair, coming up in March. 
• A small group of us in Adelaide are making some plans to hold an Omega Writers day in early May. 
• The Omega Conference Committee have got the conference machine in motion, and I expect we will hear more soon of what’s coming up for our conference on the Gold Coast.
• The 2020 CALEB Awards will be open for entries from 2 March to 30 April. 

Meanwhile, Omega members, Cecily Paterson and Penny Reeve, have coordinated an online initiative designed to encourage, motivate and connect Australasian writers over the summer holidays. 2020 Summer Writer’s Refresh has popped up in my daily feed all through January.

We have our bi-monthly management committee meeting in a few weeks’ time, when we will begin to put more body to the skeleton plans already in place.

As we enter into a new work/school/writing year, here is a personal thought from me:

I have a voice and considering I have a well-developed skill in communication in writing, I should be aware that there are other places to share insight, encouragement and ideas other than through the traditional publishing platforms.

Social media is an obvious place to start. 

However, given the propensity of users to vent with no thought to how their rant might affect relationships, nor any idea of how their words may be misinterpreted, I encourage patience. Social media is not the place to blow off steam, or take a quick shot. (Well, that is how it is sometimes used, but I recommend against it).

However, we can make thoughtful and considered use of social media. By thoughtful, I personally sit on an idea for days, weeks, months before I put it onto a page. I write when I’m in the heat of the moment, but I write on a closed document.

This writing may end up being completely discarded, or it may become the frame upon which I write something deeper. I have found the less I post, the more likely the post will be read when I finally feel confident to put a thought forward.

You have a voice, but you can do damage by using it without care and thought. I have a saying I go by at the moment:

Wisdom builds the house (read Proverbs 24 1-4)

I pray that each of you enter this year with a courage to persist in the face of difficulties and rejections, a grace to continue to write with passion, and a wisdom to use your voice to build up others.

God bless

Meredith Resce, President, Omega Writers Australasia

About Meredith Resce

South Australian Author, Meredith Resce, has been writing since 1991, and published non-fiction and Christian fiction, including period drama romance, contemporary romance, time-travel adventure, crime drama (under pen name EB James) and murder mystery.

CWD Highlights - October-December 2019

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

Today's blog will highlight some of the achievements of our members from October to December 2019

Awards

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

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

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

Book Releases 

Hannah Currie's Heart of a Royal

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

Blurb:

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

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

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

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

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

Helen Brown - New releases from Reading Stones

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

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

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

Events

Rendered Realms

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

Omega Writers Book Fair 

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

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

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

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


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

Bushfires

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

Writer's Retreat

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

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

CWD Highlights - July to September 2019

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

Today's blog will highlight some of the achievements of our members from July to September 2019

Awards

Christie Awards:

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

CALEB Awards:

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

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

Check out the full short list here HERE

New Releases & Cover Reveals:

Christine Dillon - Grave in Deep Waters

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

Blurb:

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

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

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


You can buy it HERE

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

Leanne Woods - The Belonging

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

Blurb:  

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

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

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

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

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

You can buy it HERE.

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

Cate McKeown - Memphis Grace

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


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

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

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

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

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

  

Hannah Currie - Heart of a Royal

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

Blurb:

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

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

You can buy/pre-order it HERE.

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

Other

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

 

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

Events & Opportunities:

Wombat Books Conference

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

Other News:

Rendered Realms at Oz Comic Con

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

(Top photo taken by Wayne Logan).

David Malcolm Bennett

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

Helen Brown

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

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

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

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

Elizabeth Klein

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


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

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

Elizabeth says, 

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

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

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

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

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

Bio:  

Elizabeth Klein:

Writer

Daydreamer

Reader

Intrepid explorer

Seeker of wondrous realms

Wanderer and sky gazer

Eater of chocolates

Lover of God and life

You can visit Elizabeth at bethloria.com.au

Save the Date:

Omega Writers Book Fair 2010 - Save the Date

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

Congratulations to all our members for your milestones and achievements