Omega Writers | Conference Packing Tips

 

Bookings for the 2022 Omega Writers Conference are now closed.

Which means it's almost time to start packing ...

I've done a lot of travelling over the years, both alone (for writer's conferences or business) or with my family. Here are my top tips for packing for a writing conference:

1. Plan Ahead

You don't want to get to the airport and discover your passport has expired (yes, I've seen that) or that you got your flight time wrong and it’s leaving as you approach the check-in desk (guilty). Planning ahead can help avoid these little "issues". I use lists.

Travel List

Travel documents and sundries, including:

• Tickets (I always carry the paper printout even if it’s also on my phone)
• Passport (if required)
• Booking confirmations (e.g. transport, rental car, hotel/s, conference)
• Travel Insurance information

Note the flight time and the check-in time, and remember to factor in travel time to the airport (plus extra time for delays and parking).

If you're flying into Gold Coast Airport, remember the airport is on Queensland time but the conference venue is in New South Wales. Check your departure and arrival times.

Conference registration opens at 2:30pm New South Wales time.

Packing List

My basic packing list includes:

• Toilet bag
• A basic first aid/medicine kit (I never need it unless I forget it)
• Kindle and phone, and the respective chargers
• PC and charger (optional)
• Any non-clothing items I need to remember (like books!)

I try and focus on the things I either won't be able to buy at my destination, or things that will be overpriced. Forget shampoo? No problem. You’re going to a writer’s conference. First, no one will care if you don’t wash your hair. Second, there are dozens of other women around. Someone will be able to loan you some shampoo.

Forget your underwear? That could be a problem.

One thing to remember: Deodorant. Please.

One thing to leave at home: Perfume.

The Omega Conference isn’t designated perfume-free, although many conferences are, for the benefit of people with allergies.

Travel Light

This is the advice "everyone" always gives, but they don't necessarily tell you how to achieve it (I have a couple of suggestions that work for me below). There are two reasons to pack light:

1. It's easier to carry (or drag).
2. It gives you room to buy books. Yes, there is a bookstall at the conference, and you will want to buy books.

A lot of travel advice says not to check luggage if you don't have to. This is an option if you can travel light, although it does depend on what the airlines will allow through security, and what had to go in checked luggage. There was a time when this seemed to change every week …

My top tips for travelling light are:

Save the sample sizes

You know how when you buy makeup or skincare there is sometimes a gift-with-purchase? I save those product samples and put them in my holiday toilet bag. Then I don't need to carry full-sized bottles. It also means my toilet bag is pretty much ready to go.

Watch the Shoes

Shoes are bulky. More to the point, they take a lot of space in your luggage. Sure, you can stuff things inside them, but it’s better to take fewer pairs. The conference is only two nights, so you probably need one or two pairs … and you’ll be wearing one of them as you travel.

When I go on holiday, I take as few pairs of shoes as possible, in the same colour, or coordinating colours.

Choose comfortable, flat shoes. You’ll be doing a lot of standing (and chatting), and a little walking (between your room and the conference rooms).

You may also want a pair of shoes to match your outfit if you plan to dress up for the CALEB Awards on Saturday night.

If you’re flying, make sure your travel shoes are easy to slip on and off, in case security needs to put them through the scanner.

Plan Coordinating Outfits

This goes along with the shoes. I have two basic colour "themes" in my wardrobe: black and navy. When I go on holiday, I take one theme, and I make sure that I have at least two tops to go with every bottom (skirt or trousers), and at least two bottoms I can wear with every top. It adds variety, and helps me not get too bored with limited wardrobe choices on a long holiday.

But this is just a weekend, which is much easier. I’ll pack:

• Something comfortable to travel in. That’s usually jeans, because I tend to get cold on planes. But I’ll have something lighter to change when I arrive, if the weather is warm.
• Something smart but comfortable for Saturday (you want to make a good impression if you’re meeting with publishers or editors).
• Layers (because the weather forecast can be wrong).

I know some people who can wear the same pair of jeans all weekend. I am not that person: if I only had one pair of jeans, you can guarantee I’d spill coffee on them before I even arrived at the venue. I always take one extra top for the same reason. Otherwise, I’m doomed to spend the conference with an obvious stain in an inappropriate place (like my friend who sat on a pumpkin pie. Yes, it looked exactly like you think it looked).

What Else Do I Need?

Pen and paper (or a device) for taking notes. You know you want a new notebook ...

Your Steven James books. You'll want him to autograph them, right?

Something nice for Saturday night (the CALEB Award ceremony). The theme is:

"Going Troppo"

Think florals or Hawai'ian prints (please, no coconut bikinis or budgie smugglers. Actually, let's keep all swimwear in the pool area ...).

Yes, there is a swimming pool, so you might want to bring your togs, cossie, swimwear ... whatever you swim in.

Bring cash or a credit card, for additional meals (e.g. Friday dinner, which isn't included) and for the bookstall. Yes, there is a bookstall.

You can also bring business cards if you have them (don’t worry if you don’t, as most people don’t), and a laptop if you plan on doing any writing (as if you'll have time!).

Finally, bring an open mind, a humble heart, and a teachable spirit.

I don't know what God has planned for this weekend, but I do know you'll get more out of conference if you come prepared to learn, share, and connect with your fellow Christian writers.

Okay, those are my tips for packing for a writing conference.

What tips do you have to share? And do you have any exciting travel plans?

Introducing The 2022 Omega Writers Conference, and The Hub

Omega Writers is delighted to announce that bookings for the 2022 Omega Writers Conference are now open. The conference will take place at Peppers Salt Resort & Spa, Bells Boulevard, Kingscliff, New South Wales from 7 to 9 October 2022.  

Whether you are brand new Christian writer or an established author, a non-fiction writer or a creator of kids’ lit, the 2022 Omega Writers Conference is for you. This year’s line-up of speakers has been deliberately curated to encourage, resource and inspire you on your writing journey. With ample opportunities to network with other likeminded and supportive writers, you will leave with new ideas, new connections, and a renewed excitement for your writing project.

This is a not-to-miss conference for Christian writers!

The keynote speaker will be Steven James, author of Synapse and several books for writers. Others speakers include:

• Collett Smart will present a plenary session on Self-Compassion, Resilience, and Well-being for Writers, as well as a practical non-fiction workshop.
• Lystra Rose, winner of the Black&Write Writing Fellowship will present on The unspoken rules of Indigenous protocols every writer should know.
• Hands-On Workshop Streams for Writers of Fiction and Non-Fiction
• A Marketing Intensive with Lisa Renee
• Tips and Advice on writing for the US Market
• Writing for Children and YA

Click here to find out more, and book before 18 June to save $50.

We will also be offering participants the opportunity to book an appointment in The Hub.

What is The Hub?

The Hub is an opportunity for conference delegates to book appointments with agents, publishers, editors and industry experts to discuss their work in progress, or to pitch a manuscript ready for submission. Writers will gather valuable feedback, suggestions and guidance, as well as increase their understanding of the publishing process. This year, the Hub will include Zoom appointments for the first time. This will give delegates the opportunity to meet with agents and editors from the UK and USA, as well as around Australia.

Appointments are on a first-in, first-served basis and can be made on registration, and are $70 each, or $50 for Omega members.

If you’ve already booked to go to conference, you can book Hub appointments separately. The Omega discount code will be in the same email as your conference discount code. Alternatively, log in to the members section of the website to find the discount code.

Why Should I Book a Hub Appointment?

If you’re newer to the writing world, then an appointment with a Hub professional will give you valuable advice and tips on how to improve your writing. This can save you literally years of editing and revision, because they will give you advice based on current market trends and practices.

Should you meet with an agent, publisher, freelance editor, or publishing professional?

That will depend on what you want to get out of the appointment:

If you want to pitch a specific project, I suggest booking an appointment with an agent or publisher. If you want to be published with a major Christian publisher like Bethany House, book a meeting with one of the literary agents. If you’re looking for a smaller publisher, you could meet Donna Harris (UK), Rochelle Stephens (Australia) and Rowena Beresford (Australia). If you want general information on traditional vs. self-publishing, book an appointment with me or with an author like Meredith Resce or Lisa Renee who has self-published and worked with a small traditional publisher. If you want advice about your writing, marketing, or general publishing advice, then book an appointment with an editor or author offering that kind of advice. Click here to find the professionals you can meeting The Hub, and what they each offer. 

How do I Prepare for a Hub Appointment?

Some professionals will give you the opportunity to submit material ahead of time, so they can review your manuscript and consider their response. This could be a synopsis, your first few pages or chapters, or a one-sheet. Click here for tips on how to write a synopsis.  Click here for how to write a one-sheet. 

If the professional doesn’t require material ahead of time, then how you prepare will depend on the kind of information you’re seeking:

If you want editorial feedback on your writing, come prepared with a printed sample of your writing e.g. a one-page synopsis and your first chapter or two (I suggest one copy for each appointment, and at least one spare copy). If you want to pitch your manuscript to an agent or publisher, prepare your verbal elevator pitch (one to two sentences that give your hook and describe your manuscript). Again, take a paper synopsis and sample chapter for a novel or nonfiction work, or the full manuscript for a picture book. If you want marketing advice, do some advance research and consider exactly what you want to know. Then book an appointment with the expert who will be able to answer those questions. For example:

• I (Iola Goulton) can give you good advice on how to set up an author platform as an unpublished author.
• Cecily Paterson has some great tips on copywriting and blogging.
• Lisa Renee is the excerpt on author newsletters, paid advertising, and book launch strategies.

Our Hub participants are all professionals with years of experience, and we’d all love to share that experience with you. To get the most out of your Hub appointment, know what you want to find out, and ask as many questions as you want. Take advantage of the opportunity.

Leave a comment if you have any questions, and we’ll find the expert to answer you.

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. 

News from Omega Writers: 2020 Conference, CALEB Award, and SA Writer's Day

It's Iola Goulton here, and I'm sharing the latest news from Omega Writers:

South Australian Omega Writer's Day

The South Australian members of Omega Writers are planning their first meetup on 2 May. Christy Award-winning author David Rawlings will be speaking, along with James Cooper, who coordinates the Tabor College creative writing programme.

Time: 9am - 4pm, 2 May 2020

Location: Edwardstown Baptist Church, Dorene St & Rothesay Ave, St Marys SA 5042.

The cost for the day will be $25, which will include lunch, and bookings are essential.

Click here for more information, and to book.

2020 Omega Writers Conference

Plans are still going ahead for conference amid the ever-changing news around the COVID-19 pandemic. Omega Writers President Meredith Resce says:

We hope that we will not have to cancel. We hope that the swift action taken by our health authorities will see a containment of this virus, and that we may continue along as planned.

Our committee are mindful of the situation, but we are not making any calls one way or the other, at present, but will most certainly make a call in good time to reduce the liability as much as possible. Please stand by. Be sensible according to all health advice being issued, and keep in faith.

The original plan was to open conference registrations on 1 April, but this is now likely to be delayed given that both Australia and New Zealand now require visitors to self-isolate for fourteen days after arrival. As Meredith says, the committee are discussing the issue, and we pray they will have wisdom as they think through the issues.

We will profile the nonfiction and other speakers next month.

2020 CALEB Award

The 2020 CALEB Award open for entries on Wednesday 1 April, and entries will close on Thursday 30 April.

As the coordinator of the Awards, I’d like to encourage all members of the Australasian Christian Writers community to get involved. Today I’m going to share three ways you can be involved:

• Entry opportunities
• Judging opportunities
• Sponsorship opportunities

Entry Opportunities

Entry to the CALEB Award is open to all Australian and New Zealand Christian writers (wherever they live), or writers living in Australia or New Zealand.

The 2020 Published Award will have the following categories:

• Fiction (romance and women’s fiction)
• Children’s fiction (early reader to middle grade i.e. 5-12 years, and no picture books)
• Non-fiction excluding memoir/biography

The 2020 Published Awards are open to books with a 2019 or 2018 copyright date, subject to the book not having previously been entered. We will accept entries with a 2017 copyright date only if the title could not have been entered in the last two years because that category was not offered.

The 2020 Unpublished Award is for young adult fiction across all genres.

We will ask entrants to state their genre so we’re able to match them with judges who enjoy and feel capable judging that genre. We don’t want to give a romance title to a judge who loathes romance, or a fantasy title to a judge who hates fantasy.

About the CALEB Award

The CALEB Award is run by Omega Writers although books don’t have to be overtly Christian.

Some of our winners have been “defiantly Christian”. Others have been great books by Christian writers with underlying Christian themes like love, honesty, or the importance of family.

While we do accept entries that aren’t specifically aimed at the Christian market, we do ask that all entrants state their agreement with the Omega Writers Statement of Belief. We also remind entrants that we are judging books based on a Christian world view, so general market titles are unlikely to score well.

Judging Opportunities

Writing contests need entrants, but they also need judges. Some contests require entrants to judge in another category. We don’t, but judging is a great way of giving back to the Australasian Christian writing community.

• If you’re entering the Unpublished award, then we’d love to have you judge the Published award.
• If you write fiction and you’re entering one of the Published awards, then we’d love to have you judge the Unpublished award.

If you’re not entering the CALEB, then we’d love to have you judge whatever category you like!

What qualifications do I need to be a judge?

You need to be a keen reader of the genre you’re offering to judge. That’s pretty much it.

If you’re applying to judge the Unpublished contest, then it would be great if you’re also a writer, editor, or publisher, as we want to give our Unpublished entrants quality feedback.

Also, the CALEB Award is a Christian contest, so we do ask that judges agree with the Omega Writers Statement of Belief. But you don't have to be a member of Omega writers to judge the CALEB, or to enter.

What do judges have to do?

First-round judges will have approximately two months to judge between three and ten entries in the category and genre of their choice (so if you hate reading young adult romance, we’ll do our best to ensure you don’t get any romance entries). If you can only judge three entries, we’ll send you three. If you can judge more, we’ll send you more.

The Unpublished contest is the first 10,000 words of the manuscript, plus a 1,000-word synopsis.

Depending on how fast you read and how much feedback you give, judging should take between 30 and 60 minutes per entry.

Those judging the Unpublished contest will be asked to provide written feedback to support their scores, and this feedback will be given to the entrants. Feedback is one of the main reasons to enter an Unpublished contest, so we do ask that judges give fair, considered, and prayerful feedback. Click here to download a draft score sheet.

The first round of the Published contest is based on the 50 pages (or 25%) of the book for other categories (although you’re welcome to read the entire book). Judges will be asked to complete a score sheet for each entry, but will not have to provide written feedback, and score sheets will not be returned to the entrants.

Second-round judges will have approximately two months to pick a winner from between three and five finalists. They will be asked to read and judge the full book or manuscript (entries are capped at 120,000 words).

If you'd like to judge, click here and complete the form.

Sponsorship Opportunities

If you or your business would like to sponsor a category of the CALEB Award by offering a category prize (of either cash or a service), then please contact the Omega Writers Sponsorship team.

How will you get involved in the 2020 CALEB Award?

Do you have any questions I haven’t answered? If so, please leave a comment.

The Hub at the 2019 Omega Writers Conference

By Penny Reeve, HUB Coordinator

If you’re planning to attend this year’s Omega Writers’ Conference don’t forget to make the most of the opportunities available. Not only are there going to be some fantastic Keynote Talks, Workshops and a Bookstall but there is also an incredible chance to get some professional input on your writing at The Hub!

‘What is The Hub?’ I hear you ask.

The Hub is your chance to book an appointment with a publisher, editor or other industry expert to gain feedback, suggestions and guidance on your work in progress. It can also be your chance to skip the dreaded ‘slush pile’ and pitch your manuscript to a publisher to see if they might consider it for publication.

Typically, a Hub appointment is 30 mins long.

You submit some of your work prior to conference and received personalised feedback during your session. These appointments cost $50 each. A small number of publishers also accept FREE five-minute pitches, where you see if a publisher is interested in your manuscript but you will not receive detailed feedback.

What sort of appointments are available?

This year we have a terrific variety of appointments on offer at The Hub. Whether your manuscript is polished and ready for submission, or you’re just starting out with a head full of great ideas, there’s likely to be something for you:

A Completed Manuscript

If you have a manuscript that’s submission ready we have several publishers happy to consider pitches. Publishers attending conference this year are:

• Rochelle Manners from Wombat Books and Rhiza Edge (children’s/YA)
• Rowena Beresford from Yellow Brick Books (children’s)
• Mark Worthing from Stone Table Books/Morning Star (fantasy, sci-fi and Christian non-fiction)
• Kris Argall from Acorn Press (non-fiction, general fiction, some children’s)

If you have a finished manuscript, but are not sure whether it’s ready for submission or are seeking editorial input to bring it to a higher standard an appointment with one of this year’s editors would be a great idea. Whether you’re writing romance, non-fiction, memoir or children’s books we have experienced editors able to offer constructive, personalised feedback for your work in progress. Seeing a publisher at this stage can also be helpful, especially as you consider the next step for your project.

Self-Publishing

If you’re keen to learn more about self-publishing options available, an appointment with Debbie Lee from Ingram Spark would be great value. She can offer specific advice, suggestions and know-how to get your book to print.

First Draft

If you have a rough draft or a brilliant idea you’d like some feedback on before you go any further, an appointment at the Hub can still be a good idea. Sometimes it’s worth getting some expert advice early on, before you have too many words on the page. It can also be helpful to get some detailed and specific guidance for how to best reach for your writing goals.

How do I book?

Visit The Hub information page here and read about the editors/publishers/experts available for bookings. Then go here to the Conference Registration page.

• If you haven’t yet registered for Conference you can book your Hub tickets as part of registration.
• If you have already registered for conference, just skip the rego sections and go straight to the Hub Ticket booking section and purchase your appointments there.

Got any questions about The Hub? Feel free to list them in the comments below and Penny Reeve (The Hub coordinator) will do her best to answer them!

Going Big, Going Small, Making the Most of it All

By Mazzy Adams

The email lands in my inbox filled with punchy phrases designed to provoke and spread excitement about the next big conference in a major US city. It’s only a plane flight away but that’s a fanciful flight too far for my budget.

I press delete.

The state or national writers centre informs me of upcoming events. All very interesting. But the scheduled times clash with other commitments. There is a webinar but that's not the same as being there ...

Delete.

Incoming: A reminder about the early bird discount period for the Omega Conference in Sydney.

If only ...

I spend several minutes organising, if not holding, a personal pity party because the timing’s all wrong. It’s right in the middle of the crucial final countdown for our year twelve students; for their sake I need to be here more than I need to be there.

I know how valuable that conference will be. I pray blessings and safety for those who can make it.

We’ve all been there, longing to gather with like-minded souls, fellow creatives who understand the word-driven psyche. We desperately want to participate, contribute and make the most of any and all opportunities to connect, learn, promote, celebrate, and, er, commiserate. Let’s face it—there’s a unique blessing that comes when chatting to someone who UNDERSTANDS. When I say to a fellow writer, ‘He says, “Just put it up as an ebook”,’ and her spontaneous laughter tells me she KNOWS there’s no ‘just’ about it. She KNOWS it’s not that simple.

(Image by Aleks Megen from Pixabay)

This past weekend, I’ve enjoyed the enormous blessing of sharing these experiences and more at the Omega Writers Toowoomba Retreat. In terms of numbers, we’re not exactly huge. But in my calendar, it’s super significant. Each year, this gathering has been a wellspring of blessing and encouragement to me in my spiritual walk and my writing journey—even the year I was sporting a plaster cast on a broken wrist.

But if the truth be told, the reason this ‘small’ event is such an enormous blessing to me arises from a plethora of tiny moments when I’ve been able to interact with writer friends throughout the year:

• birthday celebration dinners with fellow Quirky Quills
• gluing thank you cards and assembling welcome packs with fellow event organiser, Janelle Moore
• spending an afternoon cheering on fellow author, Jessica Kate, as she shared her experiences breaking into the US market
• learning ‘How to Avoid Literary Speed Bumps’ at a workshop by fellow author, and editor, Nola Passmore
• the spontaneous encouragement of a monthly writers’ chat n share in Pamela Heemskerk’s cosy sunroom—especially when new-to-the-experience-but-longing-to-learn friends, (now no longer strangers), join in
• or the crying-with-laughter emoji posted by a Facebook sympathiser that makes my day.

A hundred and one little moments and short experiences combine to create a gigantic collective fellowship of encouragement (with the odd nag to get on with the business of writing thrown in for good measure; oh yeah, we should do some of that.)

Whether we're writing a six word short story, a three line haiku, flash fiction, blog, devotion, self-help treatise, novella, memoir, novel, epic saga, or multi-book series, a few moments of mutual fellowship and encouragement can make a HUGE DIFFERENCE.

So next time you feel the disappointment at having to let a grand opportunity pass you by, settle your soul with an engaging moment ...  post an emoji, phone a friend, grab a picnic lunch with a critique partner, post a star rating or book review on Good Reads or Amazon, or read or write an encouraging blog.

Above all, be comforted knowing that your little contribution to mutual interaction goes a very long way to make somebody’s day.

Maybe even your own.

Have you experienced, or imparted, a ‘blessed moment’ recently? Big, small, or minuscule, positive connections strengthen and inspire us all.

Mazzy Adams is a published author of poetry, fiction and creative non-fiction. She has a passion for words, pictures and the positive potential in people.

Website: www.mazzyadams.com 

Email: maz@mazzyadams.com

It's Conference Time

by Meredith Resce

Over the years, Omega Writers conference has continued to grow and develop as a highlight for Australasian Christian writers.


This year we are in Adelaide, South Australia, and there are a host of new South Australian delegates signed up to take part in our offered workshops and presentations.


Writing can be a lonely place sometimes, where our main company comes in the form of imagined characters. Coming back to reality after a day of adventure, danger and romance in interesting places, can sometimes be a bit of a thud. Family members (who do not share the thrill of writing) often don’t understand that sense of satisfaction a writer feels after having crafted a whole scene inclusive of drama, dynamic interaction and magnificent detail. Some non-writing family members might be dismissive of their loved-one’s literary efforts, wondering if it is just a huge waste of time. After all, it is a rare member of our ranks who will break into best-selling status, where their writing is in hot demand and likely to bring in a sensible income. The rest of us write because of our passion to write, and often times it is a glorified hobby that may end up costing us money.


So when we begin to build relationships with other writers, connecting particularly with those who write in a similar genre and medium, it is like finding—in the words of Anne of Green Gables—a kindred spirit.

Some kindred spirits here - Fiction writers and friends

Over the years, I have found those kindred spirits in our ranks of Omega members, and I truly love catching up with them at conference time.


This year, I am super excited to meet some members of a new class—our screenwriters. I have been part of Omega Screenwriters for the last number of years, yet we have never had opportunity to meet face to face. For me it is exciting to see another medium of writing and production finding a place in our conference.


Have you registered yet? Don’t miss out on our once-a-year focus-on-your-gift fest. You will meet new literary friends, and you will get heaps out of the planned workshops. If you write fiction, non-fiction, children’s stories, young adult fiction or if you are a screenwriter, there are presentations designed just for you. Added to this, there are focused sessions on marketing, for those of you who have your product ready to launch. Getting it into the hands of readers is your next big challenge.


For information on all of our presenters and workshops, please visit the Omega Writers’ website:
http://www.omegawriters.org/conference-presenters-2018/


I look forward to meeting you (if you’re not one of my kindred spirit buddies already). If you have not yet registered, now is the time to do it. Register here.


Many blessings


Meredith Resce
President
Omega Writers Australasia


www.omegawriters.org


(Cross-posted CWD & ACW)

It's Conference Time!

Omega Writers Australasia will be meeting this coming weekend for their annual conference, and it is set to be a great weekend meeting our writing friends from around Australia and New Zealand, and engaging in some first class learning with our conference speakers.

We are thrilled to have had a number of businesses join us as partner sponsors, and as a result we have been able to bring in a couple of sought after speakers who I know will bring another level again to those of us who have been writing in Australia for many years.

Added to this, we will have the CALEB Prize awards evening, where we will recognise Australasian Christian writers in different genres. Our partner sponsors have generously contributed towards the prizes that will be awarded to our winners.

I would like to take a moment to mention some of our partner sponsors, and ask that you would consider them if you are in need of this sort of service:

Tabor College – Education in creative writing

Ingram Spark – Self-publishing and Print on Demand specialists

Book Whispers – Writing and self-publishing assist specialists

Finesse Writing Services – Writing and self-publishing specialists

Breath of Fresh Air Publishing

Cam Print – Screen print and embroidery for t-shirts, corporate wear and caps

Simon Malcolm Productions – Video production specialist

Rosanna White – Graphic designer specialising in book covers

Christian Super – Superannuation specialists

Christian Editing Services – Professional and respected editor

Details for all these partner sponsors can be found on OmegaWriters website 

I hope to see many of you at the conference, and that you will enjoy the workshop streams that are being offered. If you have been unable to make it this year, the good news is that it has already been booked in again for next year. This time we will be headed to beautiful Adelaide, South Australia, and now would be a good time to make a plan to join us in twelve months time.

I have only just finished up a skype session with our Omega Screen Writers group this evening, and we have talked about trying to introduce a new stream to next year’s conference especially for writers of screenplay.

Don’t forget that there are writing chapters functioning around the country, so if you’d like to get together with other writers and can’t wait until October next year, look up the groups that may be functioning in a place near you.

http://www.omegawriters.org/meet-other-writers/

As always, I like to remind members of Australasian Christian Writers and Christian Writers Downunder that Omega Writers continues to function because we have financial members. If you believe in the work that we do, and the services we provide, I would encourage you to consider becoming a financial member. There are benefits to be had. More information on this is on our website.

I would like to take this opportunity to bless you in your writing journey, and pray that you will continue to grow in God and as a writer.

Best regards

Meredith Resce

President

Omega Writers Australasia

www.omegawriters.org

From tiny seeds...Omega Writers grew – by Ruth Bonetti

Once upon a time, back in the past millennium, a publisher scattered seeds amongst Brisbane writers. Offering a free seminar–with lunch– to attract new authors, Open Book’s John Pfitzner was swamped by responses. Intrigued by familiar faces there I wondered: What if we got together on a regular basis to encourage and support each other? I sent an open invitation to meet in my garden and discuss.

This 1991 mustard seed of Omega Writers has rooted and bourgeoned strong branches.

A dozen in a monthly circle shared writing to encouraging nods. We photocopied a scissors and glue newsletter. Guest speakers enlightened but the prime focus was support.

Our recurring plaint: ‘How do we find a publisher?’ was answered. Publisher Rochelle Manners rose through our ranks, while other Christian houses faded.

In 1994 God gave another vision: performances to showcase members’ words coloured with dance, rap, my husband’s Brisbane Symphony Orchestra. Pro Hart sent paintings for an adjacent art exhibition. I illustrated my poem with a slide show in the dark ages before Power Point. Two performances Gallery attracted 1000 people. Nail biting? Yes. Faith? Yes.

In 2000, God sent another vision. Help people into print with an anthology Seasons of Giving. It came to pass. As did my energy.

Lyn Hurry took over. She and Anne Hamilton mounted another visionary exploit: Alpha2Omega Conference of Literary and Dramatic Arts drew authors across Australia, to present knowledge, experience and books across multiple rooms.

Next president Annie Hamilton urged authors to review each other’s books on Goodreads.com. Her visions initiated a digital magazine Zaphon, CALEB book awards and conferences.

STILL TIME! Apply NOW for Omega WritersConference in Sydney 27-29 October.

“A great place to get together with like-minded people for learning, sharing, networking and encouraging.” – Nola Passmore

Initially Omega’s only local writing group was based in Brisbane. but expanded to Toowoomba, Gold Coast, other capitals and New Zealand. Locally based and genre specific online writing groups budded.

President Simon Kennedy updated the website to small screen friendly with capacity to pay memberships, advertise and process events online–like Toowoomba Chapter’s caring, infectious annual weekend retreats and a Book Fair.

“Last year’s Book Fair was made possible with bookings done online and covering the event with insurance. We hope to repeat it in March 2018.”–Jeanette O’Hagan.

Enterprising and passionate Australian authors have produced quality books, ranging from children to school children and young adult, romance, historical novels, memoir, theology and devotionals, drama, poetry and illustrations. write in a wide range of genres, suitable for all your Christmas shopping–and Mothers’ Day, Fathers’ Day and birthdays.

They live similar lives to ours: snatching time to write between nursing the baby or toddler naps or home schooling teenagers or minding the grandchildren. Professionals juggle deadlines to cadge windows of writing time.

“Omega Writers has encouraged me to see my writing self as part of a bigger picture with a greater reach. One small puzzle piece does not a picture make. One brick does not a building make. But stacked and fitted together, we strengthen the integrity and impact of the Ministry of Christians as writers.”–Cathie Sercombe

 “I didn’t know I could write until I joined OMEGA. The friendship and nonjudgmental critiques give me confidence to develop my talents.” –Judy Rogers.

When output shrivels in desert times, groups like Omega Writers support and encourage. Branches online encourage many members (as well as Omega’s groups, CWDU has 935; Australasian Christian Writers 540).

We’re heartened and inspired to see how the Head Gardener nurtured small seeds sown in 1991 to a thriving community of Christian authors who are published or developing skills towards that goal, clear in their vision to use their God-given gifts to further the kingdom.

After a dozen publications in her primary field of music and performance practice, Ruth Bonetti was especially challenged by memoir/historical biography. She values support of Omega Writers friends to see into print her recent books "Midnight Sun to Southern Cross" and "Burn My Letters" (shortlisted for CALEB nonfiction award). 

Website: http://www.ruthbonetti.com/burn-my-letters/

Face book: https://www.facebook.com/RuthBonetti/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/boniruth
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/dashboard
Blog: http://ruthbonetti.musicabonetti.com