Items for May/June 2009 Tascribe



Tascribe

State newsletter: Print Post Number PP 100002061

The Fellowship of Australian Writers Tasmania Inc

PO Box 234 North Hobart TAS 7002

.au

Issue No. 3 May – June 2015

Patron: Wal Eastman OAM

2015 Committee

President Solveig Hamilton, Secretary & Treasurer Robyn Mathison, Committee Members Jen Gibson & John Biggs

Please note that 2015 subscriptions were due on January 1st. If you have not yet paid, this is the last issue of Tascribe you will receive until you have paid the arrears.

Forthcoming Meetings at Friends Meeting House, 395 Argyle Street North Hobart. All welcome.

Saturday, May 9th at 2 pm: Results of the Nairda Lyne Award followed by members’ readings.

Saturday June 13th at 2 pm: Ian Terry, Senior Curator of History at the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery and Vice President of the Tasmanian Historical Research Association, will deliver the Jess Castle History Lecture, ‘The Suspense is Awful: Developing an exhibition about Tasmania and the Great War’. Gold coin donation, please.

Meeting Reports

Saturday March 14: Our guest speaker Jan Colville gave an entertaining talk about the history of the Hamilton Literary Society. Over the years, many FAW members have also been members of the society or its breakaway group, The Itinerants.

There was sufficient time after Jan’s talk for Graeme Hetherington to read his prizewinning poems ‘Point of View’ and ‘A Thank You to a Polish Musician’. We also enjoyed hearing and commenting on readings from John Biggs, Greg Blades, John Owen, Vi Lipscombe, Helayne Short and Jan Colville.

Saturday, April 11: The meeting began with a discussion about writing stories, with particular emphasis on the question of minimum and maximum word counts. These days there are plenty of competitions for very short stories, sometimes described as flash fiction, with maximum word counts of less than 1000 words. (See competitions list.) Most competitions and literary magazines call for short stories between 2000 and 5000 words long. It is very important for writers to observe guidelines when entering stories in competitions or submitting work to journals. There is no point in sending a 12,000-word story to a magazine that only publishes much shorter fiction pieces and stories that exceed the maximum for competitions will simply be disqualified. Two books recommended were Writing Fiction: An Introduction to the Craft by Garry Disher [Penguin, 1989] and Kate Grenville’s The Writing Book: A Workbook for Fiction Writers [Allen & Unwin, 1990].

Following the discussion, John Hale read Alan Williams’ story ‘Snail Shells and Apricots’, which won the 2014 Barney Roberts Award. Greg Blades gave a brief impromptu speech and John Owen, Jim Bashfield and Jen Gibson read work for discussion and comment.

News

* We welcome Anne Kellas. back to the Fellowship and welcome new member Sarah Clarkson.

* Sincere thanks to John Owen for a generous donation to our funds.

* The FAW committee welcomes members’ feedback about our monthly meetings and suggestions for activities you would like to have included. Write us a letter, or fill in a form at a meeting.

* We congratulate NW Branch Life Member, Marjorie Davey, now aged 95, who had her first novel Never to Return published by XLibris late last year. Gordon Brown launched the book at Hobart Bookshop on March 19th. It was wonderful to see such a crowd at the launch and to catch up again with Marj.

The characters in this book are fictional, but the story is based on the mostly teenage boys sent to Point Puer, across the bay from Port Arthur, in the days of transportation. Only three convicts ever escaped from Point Puer and this book tells what might have happened then.

* We also congratulate Jasmine Lawrence, now aged 93. At Hobart Bookshop on April 10th a large crowd of family and friends celebrated the publication of Jasmine’s latest collection of poetry and sketches: Off the Cuff: Volume Two and Jasmine read one of her witty poems. Hobart Bookshop has copies of the large-print book or it can be ordered at

* Jacqueline Lonsdale-Cuerton, now resident in Queensland was elected Vice President of FAW Q at their recent AGM and has three poems included in FAW Q’s latest anthology They Shall Grow Not Old.

* Republic Readings are held between 3 & 5 p. m on the first Sunday of each month, with two invited readers, followed by an open-mic section, when anyone can read for up to five minutes. Invited readers on Sunday May 3rd are Helayne Short and Kathryn Lomer. On Sunday June 7th Liz McQuilkin and Megan Schaffner will read.

* Note that the deadline for submissions to Blue Giraffe 15 has been extended to June 30th. See guidelines under Opportunities.

* The new Moonah Arts Centre at 23 – 27 Albert Road, Moonah opened in March. To follow news of activities at the centre and across Glenorchy, subscribe to the bi-monthly Glenorchy arts e-news at or check on the Moonah Arts Centre Facebook page.

* Pete Hay will be the M C at Fullers Bookshop at 5.30 p.m. on Thursday, May 28th for readings from Birdsong: A Celebration of Bruny Island Birds edited by Anne Morgan, Victoria King and John Cameron. This beautiful book, which includes work by 11 FAW members, was published by the Bruny Island Environment Network Inc last year. All profits from sales go towards conserving Bruny’s birdlife.

The Book an Adventure Festival

Children’s book writers and illustrators from Tasmania, Queensland, Western Australia, Victoria and New South Wales descended on Adventure Bay for the Book an Adventure Bruny Island Children’s Literature Festival from 15 – 18 January 2015.

Festival highlights included screenings of the films Nim’s Island and Return to Nmn’s Island, sponsored by the Tasmanian Branch of the Children’s Book Council of Australia. Nim’s Island author Wendy Orr introduced the films and described the process of turning books into films.

Western Australian creators of the award-winning Last Viking picture books, Norman Jorgensen and James Foley ran three very popular Viking adventures. Tasmanian guests Lian Tanner, Peter Gouldthorpe, Christina Boothm Lindsey Little, Carol Ann Martin, Marion Lucy and Jon Tucker also presented workshops and/or family book talks.

Another highlight was a staged play reading of Anne Morgan’s script Captain Clawbeak and the Curse of the White Spot in the Adventure Bay hall. Wal and Berenice Eastman’s London-based actor and director son John Eastman directed this hilarious performance and also performed the role of Jonah Cannon. Hobart actor Iain Laing read Captain Clawbeak, a loudmouthed salty old macaw. An enthusiastic cast of children aged 4 – 12 joined the two professional actors.

Book an Adventure also aimed to strengthen networks amongst Tasmanian children’s book creators. Susanne Gervay, the Australian President of the international Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) and other guest speakers provided a day of professional development opportunities for practising and aspiring writers. There were also a book fair and an exhibition of book illustrators’ work at Lumeah Gallery with opportunities for sales. Lisa Riley, Associate Publisher, Penguin Books for Young Readers, also conducted manuscript assessments.

Commenting on the outstanding success of the festival, Cygnet author Carol Ann Martin said: ‘How great it was to see so many kids enjoying creativity, nature and outdoor fun, drama, dress-ups and books! Not an iphone or ipad in sight.’

Other welcome feedback came from the interstate book creators and from a 12-year-old volunteer from Queensland, Tallulah Baird. She said: ‘ I met some amazing authors at the festival and made friends with them. They were not just someone who asks your name so they can sign their book. I had long conversations with them, joked with them, and we said goodbye with a hug. I’d rather meet these authors and make friends with them than meet Katy Perry. I wouldn’t trade those four days foe anything.’

– Anne Morgan

Members’ Credits

Karen Armstrong: Read poetry, Adrian’s Attic, Edge Radio, February. Marilyn Arnold: Winner 2014 Tasmanian Poetry Pot. Marj Davey: Never to Return [XLibris, 2014] launched, Hobart Bookshop, March. Graeme Hetherington: 3 poems & Editor’s choice award, Poetry Matters 23; ‘When Anzac Day Comes Around’, 100 Years from Gallipoli Poetry Project; 2 poems, Valley Micropress (NZ) March issue. Leanne Jaeger: Poem shortlisted & published Page Seventeen issue 11. Jasmine Lawrence: Off the Cuff launched, Hobart Bookshop, April. Vi Lipscombe: Stories, ‘The Campbell Street Man’ & ‘Red Dust on Chandeliers’, ABC Open. Jacqueline Lonsdale-Cuerton: 3 poems, They Shall Grown Not Old [FAW Q, 2015]. Liz McQuilkin: Guest Speaker, SWWT, Launceston, March. Robyn Mathison: Windfall 3 launch speech, ; invited reader, Republic, April. John Owen: Invited reader, Republic, April. Jane Williams: Invited reader, Republic, March; reader, Hobart Bookshop, April.

Competitions

May 15th: Dangerously Poetic Byron Bay Writers Festival Poetry Prize is for a poem of up to 40 lines on the theme Change. 1st prize $500 and a 3-day pass to the 2015 Byron Bay Writers Festival, publication in Dangerously Poetic’s anthology (due April 2016), a complimentary copy of the anthology and a chance to read the poem at an offsite Festival event. 2nd Prize $100, 1-day Sunday pass to the Byron Bay Writers Festival, publication in Dangerously Poetic’s anthology, and an opportunity to read the poem at an offsite Festival event. Entry fee: $15 + $5 for each additional poem – maximum 3 per poet. Entry form with full conditions is available from

May 29th: Poetry Matters Annual Competition has two categories: 1. Poems up to 15 lines – 2 prizes of $50 each; 2. Poems 16 – 35 lines – 2 prizes of $100 each. Entry fee: $10 for non-subscribers; 4 x 70c stamps for subscribers; free for life members. Enquiries, full conditions & entry form cherylhoward@.au or with SSAE from Cheryl Howard, 61 Palmer Crescent, Newham VIC 3442.

May 29th: Griffith REVIEW The Novella Project 111 Competition. Winning entries will share a $25,000 prize pool and will be published in Griffith REVIEW 50 in November. Writers are advised that works between 10,000 and 25,000 words are preferable. Word-limit is 35,000. Details: May 29th: University of Canberra Vice-Chancellor’s International Poetry Prize for a poem of up to 50 lines and less than 1000 words. 1st prize $1500; 2nd $5000. Entry fees: $20 open; tertiary students $10. Details: canberra.edu.au/vcpoetryprize

May 29th: Bruce Dawe National Poetry Prize of $2500, endowed by Emeritus Professor Bruce Dawe AO.

Details on usq.edu.au/bruce-dawe-prize

May 31st: FAW NSW Eastwood/Hills Literary Competition 2015. All categories open theme.

Category1: Short Story to 3000 words. 1st Prize $200; 2nd $100.

Category 2: Poetry to 80 lines maximum– all forms except Bush Poetry. 1st Prize $150; 2nd $50.

Category 3: Memoir (an incident from one’s own life) to 1500 words.1st Prize $150; 2nd $50.

Category 4: Pauline Walsh Award Short Short Story to 800 words maximum. 1st Prize $100; 2nd $50.

Entry Fee: $5 per entry, or $20 for five. Cheques, money orders payable to Eastwood/Hills FAW.

A signed entry form, available from hillsfaw., must accompany each entry. Two copies of each entry required. Results will be announced on Saturday, August 1st, 2015. See full guidelines and conditions on hillsfaw.. Send entries with completed entry forms and fees to Competition Secretary, Eastwood/Hills FAW, PO Box 4663, North Rocks NSW 2151. Enquiries: Marilyn Humbert mah53@.au phone 02-9456 1307

May 31st: FAW Q Flash Fiction Competition is open to all writers and is for a story of no more than 250 words. Theme: ‘Harvest’ which must appear in the story, not the title.1st Prize $100: 2nd $50. Entry fee $5 per entry or $12 for three. Entry forms from or with SSAE from FAWQ PO Box 6338, Upper Mt Gravatt Q 4122.

May 31st: Australian Horror Writers Association Flash Fiction and Short Story Competition has two categories: 1. Flash Fiction up to 1000 words and 2. Short Stories with 1001 to 5000 words limit. Winners will receive paid publication in the AHWA magazine Midnight Echo and an engraved plaque. Details on

May 31st: work & tumble’s Chapbook Competition The prize is publication of a 20-page chapbook containing one long poem or a suite of shorter poems that work together. You can submit by e-mail to admin@ with ATTN Chapbook Competition as the subject line.

June 1st: CHASS Australia Book Prize, sponsored by Council for the Humanities, Arts & Social Sciences and Routledge, is for a book that contributes to Australian cultural and intellectual life. Nominations for this close on June 1st. Prize $3,500. For more information contact Chantelle Dobunaba on 03 9925 3826 Monday – Wednesday only; events@.au or chantelle.dobunaba@rmit.edu.au; with SSAE to CHASS, PO Box 12226, Melbourne Franklin Street Post Office Shop, A’Beckett St VIC 8006; or go to the website .au/2015.australia.prizes

June 30th: FAW Tasmania Henry Savery Award for an original, unpublished short story up to 2500 words that has not won a monetary prize and is not on offer elsewhere. 1st prize: $400; 2nd $100. Entry fee: $5 per story, cheque or money order payable to FAW Tasmania Inc. Send to PO Box 234, North Hobart TAS 7002. Normal conditions apply. Details on .au.

July 20th: Yarram Community Learning Centre Literary Competition for open-theme short stories between 1500 and 3000 words and open-theme rhyming or free verse poetry of 18 to 48 lines. Short story 1st prize $200; 2nd $100. Poetry 1st prize $100; 2nd $50. Entry fees: $5 per story; $3 per poem. To request entry form send SSAE to PO Box 212. Yarram VIC 3971 or email yclc@.au

August 14th: Society of Women Writers Victoria Inc Biennial Literary Award for Women 1st prize $400; 2nd $200. Entry fee $7, $10 for 2 entries or $15 for 3. Separate entry forms required for each entry. Forms and full conditions are available from .au

August 31st: FAW Tasmania 2015 Poetry Prize, open to all Australian residents, is for an original, unpublished poem up to 60 lines. 1st prize $150; 2nd $50. Normal conditions apply. Entry fee $5 per poem, cheque or money order payable to FAW Tasmania Inc. Send entries to FAW Tasmania, PO Box 234, North Hobart TAS 7002.

October 31st: Caboolture Historical Village Writing Competition, open to all writers over 18 years of age, is for prose up to 2000 words, open theme, but must mention Caboolture Historical Village at least once. 1st prize $250; 2nd $100; 3rd $50. Entry fee: $10 or $15 for two. Entry forms are essential and are available from .au

NB: Marion Stoneman has advised that writers without home internet are welcome to download competition entry forms at the Tasmanian Writers Centre during TWC Monday – Thursday office hours.

Opportunities

Azuria, Geelong’s new independent literary magazine seeks submissions from Australian and overseas writers of essays, poetry (especially in languages other than English and their translations) and short prose. Further details from the editor Dr E. Reilly at geelongwriters@

Blue Giraffe 15 will be the final issue. Send a maximum of 5 poems that have not appeared in print or electronic media and are not on offer elsewhere. Send with SSAE to Peter Macrow. 6/16 Osborne Street, Sandy Bay TAS 7005 by June 30th.

Eucalypt: A Tanka Journal Submission dates are March 31st and September 30th. Subscription of $A30 (within Australia), $A35 or $US25 (Japan and NZ) for 2 issues per year, in May and November. Send subscriptions (cheques made out to B. M. George), or submissions (with SSAE) to Beverley George, PO Box 3274, Umina Beach NSW 2257. More information:

Inkerman & Blunt invite submissions of unpublished work to be selected by Bruce Pascoe for the Australian Love Letters anthology. No minimum length, maximum 2500 words, 1.5 line spacing in 11 point Arial, Helvetica or Calibri font. Send two print copies with a separate coversheet with name, postal address, e-mail & phone number. Authors whose work is chosen will receive $100 and a copy of the anthology, which is expected to appear early in 2016. Submissions are to be received by May 29th 2015. Send to Australian Love Letters, PO Box 310, Carlton South VIC 3053.

Margaret River Press seeks work by established and emerging writers – fiction and creative non-fiction that explores ecological, intercultural and gender themes. For further information send ssae to Caroline Wood at PO Box 47, Witchcliffe WA 6286 or see

Overland publishes emerging, politically engaged poets, printing their work alongside more established national and international contemporaries. Minimum payment is $100 for poems published in the print journal. Payment for poems published online may be different. Send work to the Poetry Editor, Peter Minter, Overland, VU-Footscray Park Campus, PO Box 14428, Melbourne VIC 8001.

Playwriting Australia has announced that the Erin Thomas Playwright Fund offers support to regional playwrights in the early stages of their careers. The fund offers travel grants of up to $2000 to attend events such as residencies or collaborations on new plays; professional development opportunities including internships, masterclasses and conferences; attending Playwriting Australia’s events such as the annual National Play Festival. For more information email info@.au. For information on how to apply go to .au/erin-thomas-playwright-fund/

Prospect 5 will be a haiku and tanka issue. Send a maximum of 10 haiku and/or 6 tanka (which are your own work, have not appeared in print or electronic media and are not on offer elsewhere) to Guest Editor Beverley George at beverleygeorge@.au or PO Box 3274, Umina Beach NSW 2257 by May 31st.

Prospect 6 Guest Editor will be Pete Hay. Send a maximum of 5 poems, which have not appeared in print or electronic media and are not on offer elsewhere. E-mail Peter.Hay@utas.edu.au or send with SSAE to Pete Hay, 46 St Georges Terrace, Battery Point TAS 7004. Closing date for submissions is October 31st, 2015.

Right Now Magazine is a magazine focusing on Human Rights in Australia and publishes poetry, long and short fiction and non-fiction. It is produced by volunteers and cannot pay contributors. Creative writing is a great way to explore human rights in Australia. See or email Cara@.au

Studio seeks poetry up to 100 lines, short stories, letters, reviews and prose literary articles up to 3,000 words. Payment is a copy of the magazine. Send with SSAE to Studio, 727 Peel Street, Albury NSW 2640.

Uneven Floor is an independent poetry blogzine that publishes poems in text, audio, video and image format. Previously published poems are more than welcome. Read it at unevenfloorpoetry., follow @unevenfloor_po on Twitter, and like unevenfloor Please watch your step.

Writers’ Retreat with Maggie MacKeller at Brockley Estate Heritage Homestead, four days, May 22 – 25. The price of $1499 per person includes all meals, 3 nights’ accommodation, return transfers from Hobart to the Estate and the small-group writing sessions. For more details contact Me Time Experiences at info@.au or phone Sharon 0414 317 950 or Pauline 0427 320 118.

Hobart Bookshop at 22 Salamanca Square has new and second-hand books and gives FAW members 10% discount on all purchases.

At the time that Tascribe was going to print, no dates had been confirmed for May or June Hobart Bookshop events. Check at the shop or on .au for any updates.

Deadline for July-August Tascribe: Friday, June 19th. News & credits to the postal address, please.

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