Nambucca Valley Writers Group

Food for Thought launch - Lunch with the Writers

2011-10-31T23:48:00.000+11:00

LUNCH WITH THE WRITERS

sunday 13th november

12 noon

Senior Citizens Hall, Princess St, Macksville

ambucca Valley Writers Group has an enviable reputation for serving fabulous food at its functions and so it has put good food together with good writing to produce ‘Food for Thought’, a recipe book that features original artwork as well as new writing. The only way to launch a book like this is over lunch, and the Group invites those who love food and words to come along with their friends. (The book will be on sale at $20 per copy and would make a great Christmas gift.)

TICKETS

ickets are $15 each and are available from Harvey World Travel in Nambucca Heads, Harriet’s Gourmet Provisions in Princess Street, Macksville, and Bowraville Theatre. To assist with catering, please purchase tickets before the event. There will be a MINIMAL number of tickets for sale at the door and you might miss out. Bring your own alcoholic beverages and be entertained by the Group as you enjoy lunch.

nambuccavalleywritersgroup@yahoo.com

PEN and Ink - Gill Chapman

2011-07-03T22:53:00.003+10:00

This will be my sixth year of attending the Byron Bay Writer’s Festival. And yes, I do realise how fortunate I am to be saying that. Each year a clutch of us from the Nambucca Valley Writers’ Group make the not quite-but almost- pilgrimage. We book our accommodation early, wait impatiently for the program to come out and generally look forward to the annual fix of ideas and camaraderie that the festival provides.

Last year, as I was anticipating the pleasures to come, the PEN chair and its presence at the festival came sharply to mind, making me re-examine my feelings about it. I recalled how the marquee falls silent while the chair of the session gives an account of an individual writer’s plight, having been imprisoned for his words. I would struggle to imagine the conditions under which the writer was being held and how ironic it is that words, which liberate us, cause them so much suffering. And then, inevitably, the festival would flow on taking us all with it. For words and the ideas that they create, however they are received in some cultures, cannot be contained. I admired such courage and determination but have always been left feeling that, as writers, we could do something more.

PEN is doing a fantastic job in raising our consciousness and providing a voice for imprisoned writers. To support their efforts our writers’ group has begun to raise funds by having a PEN money box at our meetings. Next to it is our own empty chair which gives a visual reminder of those we are seeking to help. At the end of the year we will send a cheque to PEN. We would encourage all writers’ groups to do the same.
And now comes the challenge…can we go a step further?

If I were a writer locked away from family and friends, living in unthinkable deprivation and not knowing when it would end, what would I fear most? I have thought about this with difficulty, being incredibly privileged to live in a free society. This privilege insulates me from imagining such a scenario; however, isolation must be a terrifying companion. That voice in his head day and night “does anyone still know I’m here, or even care?” How comforting it would be to know that there is.

Writers’ groups abound in Australia and could make a difference by doing what they do best. I challenge every member, each month, to write a letter to an individual writer or otherwise to their government. As writers we all understand the power of words and how they can be used to comfort or implore. So let’s earn our right to read, write and communicate at will. Organisations like PEN and Amnesty do mighty work but let’s use our pens to let these writers know they are not alone or forgotten.

More information available at Sydney PEN - http://pen.org.au/

- Gill Chapman, Vice President

How do you arrange your books?

2011-03-10T20:57:00.002+11:00

Alphabetically?

By colour?

By subject?

Or to music?

Enjoy the video!

Carrolline Rhodes - Life Stories at Camp Creative

2011-02-20T13:13:00.008+11:00

I have been teaching ‘Life Stories’ at Camp Creative for several years now, and it is always an uplifting and exhilarating experience. This year I launched a DIY manual for those who want to write biography, a family history or a researched local history and I am very proud of the result. Its title is ‘LIFE STORIES AT CAMP CREATIVE’ and it contains some of my students’ stories. Beverley Crossley, who participated in the course in 2009, wrote this poem about her experience and I included it in the book’s opening pages.

I’m like the fig tree

in my orchard,

covered with small fruit,

waiting for rain.

The rain I crave

is safety; acceptance.

You helped my fruit

swell and mature

offering rich sweetness.

Beverley Crossley ©

This is the book’s foreword:

Life Stories at Camp Creative’ is unlike any other writing course and for many it becomes a spiritual journey, a profound discovery of self.

Until I began to teach auto/biography at Camp Creative, ‘Life Stories’ was a fairly conventional series of five workshops. Students came along to a community college or writers group for a few hours each week, and while homework may at times have been painful, by the time students came to the next workshop, the masks all of us wear when in the company of strangers were firmly in place.

Learning at Camp Creative is a five-day commitment nine-to-four, and writing is on the fly, with no chance to put in place the avoidance strategies we tend to use when challenged.

As the tutor I was gobsmacked by the intensity that was generated in the first life stories’ classroom and by what was shared between people who had only just met. By the end of day five I realised we had all been given something none of us could have dreamed into existence.

By sharing stories without masks people’s trust expanded beyond anything any of us would have believed possible. The stories being shared didn’t simply resonate, they validated every person in the room.

As students listened to someone else’s struggles and triumphs, they realised that everyone’s emotions are the same. More than that, they saw in everyone else the heroism they failed to see in themselves and they were awestruck.

Awe is ultimately what has come to all of us who have been part of the ‘Life Stories at Camp Creative’ experience. It is a privilege for me to facilitate the group and I am humbled by the trust of the students who have shared the journey with me. The inspiration for this book came from them.

Those who undertake the ‘Life Stories at Camp Creative’ journey through this book will discover it is intense and challenging. The student is expected to put his innermost being on the page - to hazard himself - and be proudly human, for the text celebrates our common humanity, with all of the frailties that being human implies.

‘Life Stories at Camp Creative’ challenges common assumptions and makes provocative statements. It denies that we must transcend our bodies if we are to obtain a state of grace: it asserts that being human is a magnificent privilege.

For centuries mystics have withdrawn from life, lived in caves and fasted. They have subjugated their bodies in an attempt to rise above the every day, to connect with the infinite, but if we have to transcend being human in order to know the unknowable, why are we human at all?

If I had spent my whole life alone on the moon and was then suddenly transported to earth I would be gobsmacked by the oceans, by forests, storms, autumn leaves, snowfall, the iron-filings smell of earth after rain.

The sight of a butterfly would be so beautiful I almost wouldn’t be able to bear it. The smell of gum leaves on a camp fire, the sharp taste of yoghurt, the sensuous slip of satin, the heart-tugging cry of a child, the softness of a lover’s lips, would be so exquisite I would ache from their wonder.

This earthly experience would be influenced by my life on the moon and while I am present in the moment that I first see a butterfly, or slip my naked body into satin, my past experiences are also there – they are a crucial aspect of the wonder - and if you are to find your essential self, you must first realise that nothing can be known by and of itself, not even wonder, for the past always informs the present.

Some New Age gurus would say that the past has nothing to do with the moment and that by being wholly present we always see as if for the first time. That simplistic ideology is flawed: in believing those statements we become the crowd watching the naked emperor walking past and exclaiming together on the cut of his cape, the colour of his clothes.

By discarding our real historical selves as unworthy are we not denying the magnificent people we have become as a result our experiences? As a mystic denying my real self and withdrawing to a cave am I not saying you are unworthy because you remain utterly human?

If there is an omniscient being - God by whatever name you choose - wouldn’t that Being be devastated that we think so little of ourselves and our world that we must sit in caves and reject the awesome wonder before us?

Some years ago I thought I was going to die before too many more years had passed and I couldn’t see the wonder for the why-me lament I exhaled with every breath.

One morning, sleepless yet again, I began to walk along the river near my home. It was freezing, one of those dawns when grass crackles and snaps beneath your feet. The song of a lone butcher bird was so clear and sharp its pitch cut icicles into slivers that pierced my heart and I became nauseous as my heart bled into my gut, pooling with grief and anger, the fear and regret I had carried there since my diagnosis.

All the usual early morning walkers must have rolled over and gone back to sleep that day for there was only me, the lone butcher bird, and a few seagulls beside the mist-covered water and as we shared the razor-sharp air I was suddenly more alive than I had ever been before. A willow was budding, its green tips had the most heart-stopping shine I had ever seen, and I realised that during a winter of dawn-walking I had seen nothing because I had been blinded by why-me instead of gloriously aware of what existed then and there.

It may be argued that I was present in that moment as I had not been before, but what I realised as I strode home was that the grief and anger, the fear and regret, had made the willow’s budding more poignant, more immediate than it could have been before, and I understood for the first time that the past informs the present and that everything – everything - is relative to everything else.

‘Life Stories at Camp Creative’ is a noble quest that takes courage and commitment. At the end there are untold riches, the greatest of all being recognition of how heroic and awesome every journeyman is.

Photograph by Richard Layt - www.richardlaytphotography.com

Life Stories Workshops & Tutoring

IF YOU ARE A MEMBER of a writing group or historical society and would like me to facilitate a workshop for your group using ‘Life Stories at Camp Creative’ as the workshop’s base, I can be contacted at: carrollinerhodes@yahoo.com

PO Box 586, Macksville, NSW, 2447

Workshops can be conducted as one or two full days or a series of shorter sessions. I also offer one-on-one life story tutoring in person, by email or traditional mail. It is an invaluable resource if you are not an accomplished writer but are dedicated to producing a work of merit. Please contact me to discuss your needs and aspirations.

Copies of ‘Life Stories at Camp Creative’ can be purchased from me at $20 each, or $25 packaged and posted anywhere in Australia.

It is a great gift for that person who is always saying that he/she is going to write a life story ‘one day’. ‘Life Stories at Camp Creative’ brings inspiration along with the practical instruction that can turn one day into this day.

- Carrolline Rhodes

Tribe Launch

2010-11-13T09:42:00.002+11:00

On Sunday 21 November, Nambucca Valley Writers Group will launch their literary magazine, Tribe at the Bowraville Theatre, following a literary brunch, featuring readings from many of our members.

Come and join us at Bowraville for the launch and buy a copy of our magazine.

Tickets are only $5 and available at Bowraville Theatre or Harvey World Travel, Nambucca Heads. The event starts at 11 am with finger food provided. What a great way to spend a Sunday!

New Committee

2010-08-04T21:31:00.003+10:00

The July meeting was the first opportunity for the new committee to get together, when Gill returned from jet-setting around Europe.

Back row (L-R): Maggie, Lyn and Gill. Front row: Diane, Lisa

And the winner is...

2010-05-25T18:51:00.006+10:00

On Saturday we all gathered in the Wellington Room at the V-Wall Tavern to find out who had won the honour to display the Founding President's Trophy for the next 12 months.

This year's genre was poetry and our honourary judge was poet Ron Pretty.

Anne Holgate presented the first Highly Commended certificate to Lyn Thiry for her poem 'Mum'.

The second Highly Commended was awarded to Carolyn Peddie for 'Library'.

The last Highly Commended certificate was awarded to Lyn Thiry for 'Pondering'.

3rd prize was awarded to Carrolline Rhodes for 'Feathers, Glass and Perfect Pitch'.

Carrolline also took out 2nd prize with her poem 'Refrains'.

And then came the big announcement for first prize. Who would it be?

It's always fabulous when the announcement comes as a total shock to the winner.

Lisa Milner was stunned to hear her name read out for first prize

for her poem 'Made to Measure'.

But we almost forgot to give her the trophy!

But now she has a firm grip on it.

After the prize ceremony, we held the AGM and a new committee was elected.

The outgoing committee were given yummy chocolates and flowers for their years of service.

Falls Forest: Lyn's Perspective

2010-05-25T13:07:00.003+10:00

Denise gifted her weekend to me as her mothers' health was uncertain.

Another safe drive with Robbie. I shared with Lisa and Gill in a comfortable unit.

5am Sat saw me up and scribbling 8 poems. I also completed a poem for a Memorial Service after Lisa and Gill carefully listened and clarified a word for me.

Walking to the falls was difficult; everyone supportive.

Gill and I played table tennis.

I did a small black and white drawing - getting my eye and hand in again. Something I haven't done for quite awhile.

Robbie and Lisa worked like Trojans and fed us royally.

Meeting Mary White -"Earth Alive" was an unexpected highlight, she gifted me a signed copy of her book.

It began as a gift and it closed with a gift.

Falls Forest Retreat

2010-05-17T20:06:00.004+10:00

by Carrolline Rhodes

Ten members had the most extraordinary weekend at Falls Forest, a sanctuary operated by Mary White, who is the author of THE GREENING OF GONDWANA, among many other works.

This magic place is notable for the diversity of its flora, and we wandered among trees more than three hundred years old as we made our way to a waterfall that plunges down a narrow chasm.

Here, vines and trees grow up the sheer sides, clinging to every crevice as they make their way to the sun and they are awe-inspiring in their tenacity, their determination to flourish no matter what the conditions.

We ate the most beautiful meals, lovingly prepared by our chefs extraordinaire, Lisa and Roby.

We drank wine and ate chocolate – and chips, of course - as we sat around a roaring fire, listening to Sue play guitar while others sang.

As the logs burned, Mary told us about her extraordinary life, and her new beginnings when she purchased Falls Forest at the age of seventy-seven. At eighty-four she is not just an inspiration, but a living treasure.

Our group will undoubtedly return to this extraordinary place for another retreat, but next time we will stay longer: two nights and a day aren’t enough. For those who wished they had joined us, Falls Forest invites you for a night or a week or a month. Take your partner and revel in its serenity, its special magic.

New Toy

2010-03-28T11:58:00.003+11:00

I found a new toy this morning online:

Shape Collage - it makes photo collages in almost any shape you like - and it's free.

Member Spotlight: Karlene Blakemore-Mowle

2010-02-17T19:58:00.006+11:00

Karlene Blakemore-Mowle's debut novel, Fallout is released tomorrow, published by The Wild Rose Press. Here Karlene answers a few questions about her writing and the novel.

You joined NVWG at the beginning of 2009, and then quickly joined Romance Writers of Australia, and now you are a published author. Tell us about your journey to publication.

I guess it started way back when I used to day dream and make up stories as a kid. I used to devour Mills and Boon as a young adult and put pen to paper- literally as I had no computer, when I knew the kind of stories I liked to read and couldn’t find a steady enough stream of them to get my hands on. I upgraded to an electronic typewriter, and then finally a computer a few years later. I undertook a correspondence writing course prior to having my children and entered a few short stories into competitions, but didn’t manage to do any good and then once I started having children, I didn’t have time for writing and gave it away for the next few years. I then discovered it all over again and sat down to finish my first manuscript, submitting it to Mills and Boon and receiving a request for a full ms only for it to be returned with a helpful list (a mile long) of areas that needed improvement. I had no idea what I was doing and can only imagine how terrible the punctuation and formatting must have been back then!
I had more children and once again, my writing took a back seat to real life. I finally got serious again and entered the Valerie Parv competition about five years ago, and then sat down to produce five more manuscripts with no idea what to do with them.
I spent the next few years sending out submissions and getting rejected, developing the tough skin you need to keep going in this business until one unbelievably wonderful morning I opened an email from an editor in America and my life changed over night!!!!

Where did the idea for Fallout come from?

I wrote Fallout with a competition in mind, I can’t even remember what competition it was now.
I’d been talking to a friend who is a police officer, and he was telling me about a near miss he’d had looking into the end of a shotgun as he walked through a front door while on the job and it got me thinking about how these guys lay their lives on the line day in and day out.
I’d always written about military heroes and still have a huge soft spot for them, but then I got thinking what if I had a female hero who did the same kind of dangerous job as a soldier? How would they react to each other? And then I thought, what if they were forced to depend on each other, forced to accept help from each other in order to survive?

Can you give us a sneak peek from your book, maybe something from your favourite scene?

It took a few minutes to get his head around the fact that Tully kept a gun in her kitchen, not something most women did and not just any gun but a Glock 22, 40 calibre, semi-automatic pistol. Even he, who had until recently lived and worked around guns, had never had one just laying around his house like this.

Gently he slid the pistol from its holster and pulled the slide back to check it. He clenched his jaw, irritated to discover it was loaded and ready to fire. Popping the magazine catch, the mag slid easily from the handle and he gave it a cursory examination, noting it was full.

He looked up to find her watching him from the doorway, her eyes focused on the weapon, her body tense and alert.

"Tully, why do you keep a gun in your kitchen?" he asked with a calmness he was far from feeling.

"Do you make a habit of going through your neighbour's kitchen drawers?" Her eyes flashed, although her voice was quiet.

He was not imagining the threat of anger that lay beneath her words. "I was looking for a spoon," he justified, beneath her rapidly cooling gaze.

Taking a step closer, she took the gun from his hand and brushed past him. Retrieving the magazine from where he'd sat it on the bench she slammed it home into the handle with practised ease, expertly checking the chamber before re-holstering the weapon. She shut the drawer with just a fraction more force than was needed.

Holding up his hands before him in a gesture meant to placate, Jake jumped in before she began what he was sure would be another speech about respecting her privacy.

"I wasn't being nosey, but now that we're here I'm really curious as to why you keep a loaded Glock in your kitchen?"

It frustrated him, the lack of respect some people continued to show toward weapons, ignoring the fact that these things were designed to kill. No wonder gun lovers were given such a bad name.

"What part of ‘mind your own business’ are you a bit fuzzy on, Jake?" she snapped.

"The part," he said, leaning close and ignoring the sweet, alluring scent of her, "Where I find my neighbour has a semi-automatic pistol in her house. That tends to make me more than a little edgy."

Any advice for aspiring writers?
Just keep writing. With every piece you write you can see it improving. And keep searching for publishers- the smaller ones seem to have editors who genuinely care about your work and will bend over to help you with it.

How did you find the revision process?
Amazing. I was so lucky that my editor had the patience to help me through it each step of the way. I have worked with her now on two projects and while it can sometimes be frustrating when she points out areas that need a big overhaul, she has always been incredibly supportive and always has the stories best interest at heart- even if at times my ego takes a beating in the process!!! But the reward is that the story comes out looking its very best.

What's next for Karlene Blakemore-Mowle, published author?
Well funny you should ask!! Just this morning I was told of a second book, Operation Summer Storm, I’d submitted to TWRP had been contracted and this time in print!! So I’m over the moon about that. It was my very first completed manuscript I’d written ten years ago, and is my very favourite. I just love these characters and if I never had another thing published after this- I can honestly say I wouldn’t care, this is the book I’ve always dreamt of having in print and I can rest easy now my dream has come true.
I also submitted to the Friday Pitch with Allen and Unwin two weeks ago and received a request for a full manuscript of a rural romance I’d written and am waiting now – almost sick with waiting of any news! But I’m not getting too excited yet, if anything comes of you I’ll let you know!

Fallout is available as an e-book from The Wild Rose Press here.

Camp Creative with Bryce Courtenay

2010-01-20T19:15:00.003+11:00

Two members of the NVWG, Robbie Baer and Maggie Veness, enjoyed an inspiring five day workshop with Bryce Courtenay at Camp Creative.

While this talented story-teller shared countless experiences from his extraordinary life, he held the class in the palm of his hand.

In addition to being a fiction writing guru, Courtenay was a proud, humble, thoughtful, and extremely generous tutor.

- Maggie

NVWG Christmas Party

2010-01-16T23:22:00.002+11:00

For the final meeting each year, we always gather together for a Christmas celebration and this year Elizabeth kindly offered the hospitality of her beautiful house in Bellingen.

First there was food, and more food.

Lots of philosophical discussion and debate.

Much laughter and smiles.

And seconds.

An impromptu meeting where we each stated our goals or wishes for 2010.

And some home-grown song.

And then there was Secret Santa.

Round and round it goes.

Is anyone holding the present they bought? No? Then time to open them.

A fun day, a nice gathering.

And Nancy's photos from the day will appear soon.

Byron Bay Writers Festival 09

2009-10-04T10:27:00.007+11:00

It's been 4 months since I last updated the blog. Oh my, I have been a bad blogger. My personal blog is also in a state of neglect. Instead I have been updating and delegating over at the Romance Writers of Australia blog, in my new role of Social Media Manager. And contributing weekly to the We Love YA blog, which is a bunch of down under Teen Writers.

So what's been happening at NVWG?

We did our usual trip to the Byron Bay Writers Festival, and had a fantastic time as usual though we were less enamoured of the new venue.

Sue and I attended the Nuts & Bolts seminar about the publishing industry which included publishers and agents as guest speakers, representatives of the Australian Writers Guild, Copyright Agency, Australian Society of Authors, Varuna, Australian Writers Marketplace online...the list just went on and on. By the end of the day, our heads were exploding with information and we were feeling very inspired. An excellent start to the Festival.

That evening, we went to the opening night party of the Festival. With wall to wall people, my bat wings were not appropriate attire, and the free-flowing of alcohol and little food before Geoffrey Robertson's opening address meant that many of us were nodding off during his speech. I remember he said something about the Cold War and I realised that he was only up to the fifites and my head and stomach were in big trouble.

But the Festival did get better from there.

Sam Cutler, former tour manager with the Rolling Stones and the Grateful Dead was hilarious, and I could have listened to his accent forever. He said "It's really good to have a hectic mad life until you're fifty or sixty...and then write!" and "There's certain things that decency commands that you don't put in your book. Even though I've lived a debauched life, I believe in decorum."

Don Walker said that his publisher suggested he give punctuation a try. (Hehe...maybe he was emulating e e cummings) while Carl Cleves talked about writing songs as being a distillation process. I could have walked away from the 'I'm with the Band' panel and easily bought all three books but I was on a strict budget for the trip.

Actually, I only bought one book for this Festival (which in 7 years of festival-going is unheard of but that was just the situation this time). So knowing I could only purchase one book, I had to select very carefully, and there were so many temptations, so much I wanted to read. I bought 'The True History of Butterfish' by Nick Earls, and had it signed. Haven't read it yet - book-reading has gone along the way of blog updating but it's towards the top of the To Be Read mountain.

Another highlight for me was Mandy Nolan taking over from Bettina Arndt for the Women and Sex talk, and she opened the panel with a reading from a Judith Krantz novel. The audience was roaring with laughter. Linda Jaivin described some of the more unusual gifts she'd been sent including 'knitted sperm' and chastity belts.

Another favourite panel was Humour on the Page - a session in which I managed to write absolutely nothing down because I was too busy laughing myself silly. Tom Gleeson and Densie Scott were the definite stand-outs of the panel, and Denise's observations of the lady knitting in the audience (I wonder if she was knitting sperm?) were hysterical, along with her story of the 'smoking vagina'. If you missed this session, you well and truly missed out.

In between the days at the Festival, we banqueted at the Curry House. (we have dibs on that top room now). We managed to squeeze 16 people into the top room, and instead of a Lazy Susan in the middle, there was a Lazy Diane. I'd spin around and hand the platters to the other side. Members of the Bellingen Writers Group joined us for the feast.

On the Saturday evening, we went to the Beach Hotel and Roby's publisher shouted us drinks. And then Sunday morning came around way too fast and too soon, it was time to go home.

Apparently the latest trip to Byron Bay has rejuvenated writing mojo in many (just not my blogging mojo) -- and as writers, that's what's it all about.

More NVWG news coming soon.

And the winner is...

2009-06-28T11:54:00.004+10:00

It's been a busy couple of months for the Nambucca Valley Writers Group.

The group took over the publication of the Bowraville Arts Council newsletter under the helm of Editor in Chief, the extremely talented Jennifer Gordon. The newsletter is now in A5 book format and is called BAC CHAT with the first edition (Winter 2009) out now.

An afternoon of radio plays was held Sunday 21 June at the Bowraville Theatre with plays contributed by members of our group. Alas, I was hampered by the rain yet again, so did not manage to see the plays myself or take photos. Our featured playwrights were Carrolline Rhodes, Noel Robertson, Robbie Baer and Karly Blackmore-Mowle. It was a full house, with great support from the writers group, and Prez Caz said she was proud to be a member of our group. Word is that Bowraville is still talking about it, and the afternoon was recorded so some of the plays may feature on community radio.

Our AGM was postponed from May to June due to the floods.

Yesterday, we began the day with a workshop on Dreams and Writing, conducted by one of our newer members Jennifer Albertson.

"A dream is a theatre in which the dreamer is...the scene, the player, the prompter, the producer, the author, the public and the critic."

C.G. Jung (CW, 8, Para 509)

In the workshop Jennifer read us a dream and each of us expanded on it in writing, using random prompts drawn from a hat. Excellent workshop.

Then it was on to the Prize Presentation for the hotly contested Performance Writing competition. Who would take home the coveted Foundation President Trophy this year?

3rd prize was won by our treasured Treasurer, Sue McKinley with a screenplay, Bruno.

Then oh my God, they called out my name for second prize so I had to give camera duties to someone else.

2nd Prize - Diane Curran for Member's Only

1st Prize went to Noel Robertson (the second time he has taken home the coveted trophy) for Boy's Bench.

Here I capture him, moments after the announcement:

And here he is again with Anne Holgate presenting his goodies.

Woohoo, congratulations everybody!

Next year's competition returns to the genre of poetry.

But to my surprise, that wasn't the last of the awards. Turns out some of them had been discussing me behind my back while I was stranded by the last lot of floods.

And decided to give me a gift for being 'the world's greatest secretary' and for my fabulous work online.

Mmm, chocolates. And these ones are truly decadent.

Later, we held the AGM with the following results.

President Carrolline Rhodes
President of Vice Roby Aiken
Secretary Diane Curran
Treasurer Sue McKinley

Well, no surprises there. The old guard take up their positions again.

But we have added several new members to the committee (and I am so pleased with their enthusiasm).

Editor of BAC Chat Jennifer Gordon

& 3 general committee members

Nancy Corbett
Gill Chapman
& newest of the new members Christine Norman

Welcome abroad girls, we're going to have a lot of fun.

As part of the AGM, we also voted for a couple of motions.

Firstly membership is now capped at those who have paid up by the AGM (28 members & 3 Associate members) and entry to membership will not be re-opened until the number of ordinary members falls below 25.

We now have two levels of membership: Ordinary Members & Associate Members (for those who live too far away to attend meetings.) **Waving at Marilyn**

Huge meeting, and we look forward to another huge year.

Next month is our in-group trash and treasure.

The Welleez Book Launch

2009-05-31T18:44:00.008+10:00

What do you need to launch a kid's book called The Welleez?

You need a pair of welleez, preferably in a bright colour, that will stand out amongst the crowd.

You need a friend selling books located close to the door where no-one can escape:

It's a children's book, so you need lots of your target audience:

and some more:

and more:

You need the parents of your target audience to buy your book:

You need finger food, champagne, orange juice, apple juice and lots of fairy bread:

You need a very talented young man to read an excerpt from The Welleez:

You need a Nambucca Valley Writers Group president to officially launch your book when your planned special guest can't be there. (Carrolline Rhodes read Nancy Corbett's launch speech in her unavoidable absence.)

You need a fabulous chair for your reader to sit in:

You need a granddaughter to sit on your lap while you read from your book:

You need a good pen to autograph books:

You need people to line up for your autograph once they've purchased your book:

You need your star reader to have a quick rehearsal while Dad listens before show time:

You need a supportive writers group to cheer you on and toast your launch:

The Welleez by L Arthur was launched at Bellingen Library on Sunday 17 May (despite the date in the photos)

The book was officially launched by president of the Nambucca Valley Writers Group, Carrolline Rhodes, and excerpts were read by Reece Rhodes and the author Elizabeth Arthur.

Coming soon: A member spotlight featuring Elizabeth.

AGM postponed

2009-05-23T09:16:00.003+10:00

Due to the flooding of the Mid North Coast, the AGM of the Nambucca Valley Writers Group has been postponed from May 23 to June 27. Membership fees will now be due at the June meeting

An ordinary meeting will still be held on Saturday May 23 at 1. 30pm for those members who are able to attend. (Lunch preceding at the RSL at 12 noon).

The meeting on June 27 will start at 10 am with the workshop 'Writing and Dreams' given by Jennifer Albertson, followed by lunch, the AGM and the awarding of prizes for the 2009 Nambucca Valley Writers Group Writing Competition.

Please note that all future meetings commence at 1.30pm, unless a workshop is to be held earlier.

Member Spotlight: Maggie Veness

2009-03-11T22:22:00.009+11:00

Our first Member Spotlight features Maggie Veness, who joined NVWG just over two years ago. Maggie has taken to writing like a natural and has discovered a true talent for short fiction and erotica. Though it has only taken two years to amass these amazing credits, Maggie has worked very hard at learning the craft, honing the craft, editing and submitting.

I submitted a few questions of my own to Maggie for this Spotlight feature.

What brought you to the Nambucca Valley Writers Group?

You'd have to call this fate. It began with a decision to attend one of Carrolline Rhodes' 'Writing your Life Story' workshops held in Coffs Harbour a little over 2 years ago. Although I had absolutely no interest in writing my life story, I was unable to find any course for for beginner writers. On the final day of the course Carrolline invited myself and others to consider joining the NVWG. I joined the group in early 2007.

Why do you keep coming back?

That's easy. Besides camaraderie, members generoulsy provide each-other with inspiration, encouragement, support, wisdom, and so much more. I feel like I finally fit somewhere, which I assure you is a very new experience for me.

You have found your writing voice in the short short story. Tell us about your writer's journey that led you to this discovery.

Perhaps I was naturally drawn to writing short fiction due to my desire for the excitement and stimulation that comes with constant change. I suspect my short attention span plus a strong Gemini influence are also factors here. I recall an early writing exercise which showed how almost any piece of writing could be improved simply by cutting superfluous words from the work. That made a huge impression on me. Very short/flash fiction is like cordial before you add water. Strong and bitey. I've come to enjoy the challenge of writing a satisfyingly complete story within the constraints of say, a 500 word limit.

Tell us about your first writing success.

My first writing success came around a year after I began to write, when I won second prize in a competition. It was an incredible buzz. I'd been working so hard at learning the craft. With my fourth (and youngest child) leaving home only last year at age 20, plus having been encouraged by my loving husband to quit work (YAY) I now have the luxury of time to devote to my first ever hobby. And ok, I'm addicted. There. I've said it.

What advice would you offer aspiring writers?

If you're passionate about writing and want your work to improve, you must practise. Every day is best. Ask around within the group 'til you find a more experienced writer who has time to mentor/critique some of your work. Draft and draft each piece 'til you think you might go mad, then begin entering every competition you can find. You'll be pushing yourself to polish each entry to the limit of your current ability, and even though that hoped-for prize might be still a while off, I guarantee your work will continue to improve. This is your reward.

What's next in your writer's journey?

I intend to continue to learn the craft and will keep working hard to improve. For now, considering the occasional competition success I've been enjoying, plus the satisfaction of now seeing my work published in Australia, NZ, the US, Canada, and the UK, I only pray that what's next for me is more of the same. So, can I see my name on a short-story collection? When you've fallen in love with words, anything seems possible.

MAGGIE'S WRITING CREDITS

**click on the links for the emags, and you can read some of Maggie's stories.

Publications

**Neat White Scar - Canadian emag 'The Maynard' - Dec '08 issue

**Letter Under Her Door - Canadian emag 'InMyBed'

**Foursome Parachute - emag The Australian Reader

The Right Notes - Litro (UK Print Mag) - Issue 83

Frozen Tits with Hot Butts - Skive Magazine - Dec '08 issue (buy or download)

On Durham Street - Slice (US Literary Print Mag)

He-She on the Train - Bravado (NZ Literary Print Mag)

The Thing about Waiting - The Erotic Woman E-mag

Competitions

Complimentary with Surveillance - 1st place, FAW Jennifer Burbidge Short Story Award

Pilgrimage -Commended, FAW Jennifer Burbidge Short Story Award

Cocky and the Virgin Space - Highly Commended, Sminks Books Humorous Story comp

One Grape - 1st place, Positive Words end of year Comp

Chattles - Shortlisted, Positive Words end of year Comp

Alcohol with Slugs - 2nd place, FAW Nth Shore Comp

Just Read the Signs - Commended, FAW Nth Shore Comp

Runs for the Phone - Highly Commended, 2008 Scribblers Writing Competition

Blow the Snowbird - short-listed,2008 E J Brady short story comp

The Jump - Highly Commended,R Carson Gold Writing Competition

Chooser - 2nd prize,Victorian Eastern Writers Group

Another chapter....

2009-03-09T23:11:00.002+11:00

Another chapter in the life of Nambucca Valley Writers Group.

Photo constructed on Photofunia

Expect the Unexpected - says Maggie

2009-02-17T11:49:00.003+11:00

Jennifer and Maggie

What can you expect when such an eclectic, creative, exceptional, and bloody gorgeous group of women gather?

You can expect to learn a lot, and you learn to expect the unexpected.

Maggie Veness

Photos and words on the retreat from Nancy Corbett

2009-02-17T11:33:00.006+11:00

Inspiring, delicious, brilliant, fun, enthusiastic, harmonious, exciting,
rewarding, surprising, satisfying, female.

Nancy Corbett

Some words on the Retreat from our members

2009-02-17T10:11:00.003+11:00

Elizabeth Arthur (pictured left)

A smorgasbord of beauty, delicious food, words, discussions, imaginings, truths, laughter, sharing, writing, reading...

Lyn Thiry

Delighted at the professionalism by all the presenters of workshops.
I learnt a lot by listening to everyone reading out their work. It helped me to get the rhythms in my mind. For someone like me all the little hints, about poetry, character and erotica have been absorbed.
The cooks deserve a great big clap. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
I had a great time.

Writing Retreat - the Exotica Feast

2009-02-09T22:11:00.008+11:00

Before I share stories from the recent 2009 Smoky Cape Writers' Retreat, Lisa has agreed to share her fabulous recipes with the group, and decided that the best medium is through our blog.

Our feasts are always a highly anticipated part of the retreat, and Lisa's culinary skills never fail to impress (below, left)

Baba Ghanoush

2-3 medium sized eggplants
1½ tbsp tahini
1 tbsp lemon juice
1-2 cloves garlic
2 tsp salt
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tsp paprika
Parsley, finely chopped
Tomato, finely diced

Grill the whole eggplant over a gas flame, turning with tongs until the skin is evenly toasted. Soak in cold water for about 10 min to cool. When cool, completely peel the eggplants and drain for 15-20 min. Place into a food processor with tahini, lemon, garlic and salt and process again until well combined and creamy. Place the mixture in a serving bowl and make a well in the centre just deep enough for the oil to be poured in. Sprinkle paprika, parsley and tomato on top.

Hommous

500g dried chickpeas
2 tbsp bicarbonate of soda
1½ tbsp tahini
1 tbsp lemon juice
1-2 cloves garlic
2 tsp salt
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tsp paprika
Place chickpeas in a large saucepan. Add enough hot water to cover by at least 10cm (they will absorb the water and increase in size). Add bicarbonate soda and leave to soak overnight. After soaking, rinse chickpeas, return to saucepan and cover with hot water. Bring to the boil and cook for approximately 1 – 2 hours (or until their skins peel off). When chickpeas are soft and the skins are loose, drain and allow them to cool.

Place the chickpeas in a food processor and blend until soft and creamy. Add tahini, lemon juice, garlic and salt and blend again until the mixture is well combined and smooth.

Place the mixture into a serving bowl and make a well in the centre, deep enough for the oil to be poured in. Sprinkle paprika and chopped parsley on top.
Felafel
1 cup dried chickpeas
1 large onion, chopped
2 cloves of garlic, chopped
3 tablespoons of fresh parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon coriander
1 teaspoon cumin
2 tablespoons flour
Salt
Pepper
Oil for frying

Place dried chickpeas in a bowl, covering with cold water. Allow to soak overnight. Drain chickpeas, and place in pan with fresh water, and bring to a boil. Allow to boil for 5 minutes, then let simmer on low for about an hour. Drain and allow to cool for 15 minutes. Combine chickpeas, garlic, onion, coriander, cumin, salt and pepper (to taste) in medium bowl. Add flour.
Mash chickpeas, ensuring to mix ingredients together. You can also combine ingredients in a food processor. You want the result to be a thick paste. Form the mixture into small balls, about the size of a ping pong ball. Slightly flatten. Bake, or fry, until golden brown.

Feta and Ricotta Dip

500g Feta cheese
500g ricotta cheese
6 tbl softened butter
1 x clove garlic, crushed
1 tbl dill, chopped
2 tbl parsley, chopped;
2-3 cups walnuts, chopped

Process feta until finely crumbled. Add herbs and garlic and process. Add ricotta and butter. Blend until smooth. Add walnuts.

TABOULI

2 bunches fresh parsley, finely shredded
Handful of fresh mint leaves, finely shredded
Juice of 1 to 2 lemons
2 tbsp fine burghul
3-4 medium tomatoes, diced
4 green shallots, finely chopped
Salt and pepper
Olive oil

Squeeze lemon over burghul and leave to soften for 30 minutes. You may need to add a little water Combine parsley, mint, tomato, shallot and softened burghul. Season with salt and pepper and mix in olive oil. The best way to mix is to use your hands.

Fattoush

Dressing
4 garlic cloves, crushed
2 tsp salt
3 tsp sweet paprika
4 tsp sumac
4 tbsp olive oil
4 tbsp lemon juice

Salad
Handful of cherry tomatoes
Handful of yellow tomatoes
Handful of finely sliced radish
Handful of lettuce leaves or other greens
2 Lebanese cucumbers, sliced
½ red capsicum, sliced
½ yellow capsicum, sliced
½ red cabbage
½ cup of mint
½ cup flat leaf parsley chopped
3 spring onions, chopped
1 toasted Lebanese bread

Crush the crushed garlic and mix the salt, paprika, sumac, olive oil and lemon juice in a small bowl. To a large mixing bowl add the vegetables and fresh herbs. Add the bread, torn into small, rough pieces. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well.

Kibbeh bil sanieh

Filling
800 grams lamb mince
4 large brown onions finely chopped
1 tsp baharat (seven spice mix)
½ tsp cinnamon (optional)
1 tsp salt
1½ tsp finely ground black pepper
3 tbsp roasted pine nuts
3 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp butter

Kibbeh
1½ cup fine cracked wheat (burghul)
800 grams fat free beef mince
2 tsp salt
3 tsp cracked pepper
1 tsp baharat spice mix
2 large brown onions, grated
1 tbsp olive oil

FILLING: (inner layer)
Place oil and mince into a large frying pan over a low heat. Break it up constantly until it is well separated and loose and the moisture is starting to evaporate. Add the spices, seasoning and chopped onion and keep stirring. In a small pan melt the butter, add the pine nuts and roast lightly. When the pine nuts are starting to brown in the butter, add to the meat mixture. Keep mixing until the onion becomes soft. Set aside in the fridge to cool.

KIBBEH: (outer layers)
Soak the burghul in a large mixing bowl with 1 cup of water for at least 5 mins or overnight if possible. Drain well. Add salt, pepper, baharat, grated onion, and mince and mix well by hand till it forms into a paste. You may need a little water to keep the mixture soft. Set aside in the fridge to cool.

To assemble the dish, use a flattish tray with 2cm sides. Grease the tray well. Dampen hands and layer the tray with the kibbeh by forming small balls in your hand then flattening them evenly in the tray. Add the cool filling evenly across the kibbeh, pressing it down a little to keep the layers tight.

Sandwich with the top layer of kibbeh the same way. Flatten evenly and cut into slices or servings before baking. Sprinkle with a little olive oil and bake for 25 minutes in a pre-heated moderate oven. Serve with yoghurt and salad.

Tomato Rice with Lentils and Beans

3cups rice
1 tbs salt
2 tins of brown lentils, drained and washed
2 large onions, sliced finely
½ cup butter
1 teaspoon turmeric
400ml vegetable stock
3 tablespoons tomato paste
¼ cup warm water
2 cans tomatoes
1 teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
1 tablespoon soy sauce
2 tablespoons lemon juice
500g green beans, cut into small pieces, about ¼ inch in length
¼ teaspoon cinnamon
2 dried limes

Bring a large saucepan of water to a rolling boil; add the rice and salt. Boil for 10 minutes, until only about half-cooked – just like al dente pasta. Drain in a colander; rinse well with cold water to stop the cooking process, and set aside to drain really well.

In another big saucepan, sauté the onions in 4 tablespoons of the butter until golden brown. It’s important to let them go really very dark, for the taste. Stir in the turmeric. Add the green beans, vegetable stock, tomato paste (diluted in the warm water), tomatoes, salt, pepper, soy sauce, cinnamon, dried limes, and lemon juice. Cover and simmer until the beans are tender (about 25-30 minutes).

Now you’ve got the parboiled rice, and the bean stew. It’s time to put them together. Melt the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter in a large saucepan, pour in 1/3 of the rice, then 1/3 of the meat mixture. Alternate layers of rice and meat until the ingredients have all been used up. Cover the saucepan with a lid wrapped in a cloth, to catch the steam, and steam over a medium heat for about 30 minutes. Don’t lift the lid at all until at least 30 minutes – you should be able to smell when the rice is cooked. This dish, when inverted onto a serving platter, will be quite red; it is very decorative as well as delicious.

Thankyou, Lisa. And perhaps Roby will share her recipes from Monday evening.

Now, what are you waiting for? Get cooking!

More 20th Anniversary Photos

2008-11-27T17:47:00.006+11:00

As promised, here are some more photos from our 20th anniversary party and anthology launch. The first five photos are from Maggie.

Musicians brought to us by Lisa Milner.

Please note second from the right, legs and high heels: a very rare sight.

See Sue, we did get a photo of you and your cleavage.

What a great party!

NVWG celebrates 20 years

2008-11-24T13:33:00.008+11:00

On November 15, Nambucca Valley Writers Group had a party at the Bowraville Theatre. This was no ordinary party. This was to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Nambucca Valley Writers Group and to launch the group's third anthology 'The Fourth Saturday'.

All good parties need alcohol, so Jennifer greeted guests in the foyer of the theatre with a glass of sparkly.

Inside the theatre, there was more alcohol flowing with Roby, Michelle and Elizabeth making sophisticated and gorgeous barmaids.

There was also musical entertainment:

Noel looked all dapper in his white tuxedo and Marilyn had flown all the way from Adelaide for the launch.

Maggie, Gill, Roby and Robbie claim their seats in the front row, waiting for the launch to begin.

Noel & Caz before the launch:

The night included readings from the anthology, and film screenings from Verandah Post Films, a fellow sub-committee of the Bowraville Arts Council. These included Sue McKinley's scripted Dear Old Dad, Carrolline Rhode's scripted Outsided the Square, and a history of the Nambucca Valley Writers Group 'The Fourth Saturday' produced and edited by Lisa Milner.

Noel escorts Robbie down the stairs following the reading of one of her stories from the anthology.

Gill looks as if she's sent a message to the Enterprise asking them to "Beam me up Scotty!" Was the reading that terrifying?

All the members of the Nambucca Valley Writers Group are invited on stage for a special announcement:

And our wonderful President Carrolline Rhodes (Prez Caz) is honoured with a Life Membership.

Gillian Helfgott launches 'The Fourth Saturday'

and is presented with a thank you present from Caz's cute grandson Reece.

Diane in glamorous check-out chick mode, flogging the anthology.

Gill in famous author mode, signing the anthology, watched by Robbie, and a 'fan'.

That's not it all, folks. I have more shots on my camera (hopefully not featuring any more attempted abductions by aliens) and I have some shots taken by Maggie. So stay tuned....

Anthology and filming update

2008-09-06T17:47:00.005+10:00

The submissions for The Fourth Saturday - The Nambucca Valley Writers' Group Anthology -have closed, the layout has been done by our wonderful Prez, Carrolline Rhodes, and the pages are now in the hands of our proofreaders.

The Anthology, celebrating the group's 20th year, will be launched at the Bowraville Theatre on Saturday 15 November.

Lisa Milner (below) has been directing and filming (with Tony above) a documentary about the Nambucca Valley Writers Group and we took the opportunity of ex-Prez, Jennifer Gordon's prescence in Nambucca to film a few final scenes.

Sue McKinley (right) interviewed Jennifer (left) for the documentary about her experiences with the group.

The documentary will be screened as part of the launch proceedings.

In other news, my short story Beyond Happily Ever After is now available in the latest edition of Wet Ink magazine. To find out what happened to Cinderella after she married her Prince 'Charming', you can buy a copy of the magazine from Borders or from the Wet Ink website.

Byron Bay Writers Festival Day 2

2008-08-17T23:57:00.005+10:00

Day 2 and we were relieved to wake up to blue sky and sunshine.

I began the day by dropping into the Kids Tent and watched Danny Katz and Mitch Vane in action. Danny read from their new book 'The Little Lunch Games' while Mitch illustrated the story on butcher paper. Kids in the audience were then invited to draw their own characters.

Next I noticed the line-up for a fix, as the caffeine addicts stood patiently waiting to get their morning hit. (I'm a reformed caffeine addict although my poison was Coca-Cola)

I attended a session called First Writes: the Path to Publication. In this session Annette Hughes said 'the hardest thing about memoir is there's no end, you're not dead yet' which is how I felt when I was writing the pizza delivery girl tales - trying to work out where it should end! (these publicaion sessions always get me in because I'm still on that first path).

Afterwards I talked to Lollie Barr, who wrote the young adult novel The Mag Hags. and whose by-line I see every week in the paper.

And I couldn't resist asking Aussie Idol Damien Leith for a photo opportunity as I'm a sucker for an Irish accent.
Morris Gleitzman always draws a crowd and the queue in the background of this photo are his young fans eager for an autograph. Perhaps you don't have to be an Aussie Idol after all?

Next session I attended was 'Talking the Talk: Getting the dialogue right' with Max Barry, Virginia Duigan, Michael Gow and Judy Nunn. Max said 'You are writing a story that is taking place in the mind of the readers' summing up that we need to give our readers space to bring their own experiences to the story.

I bought Max's book Company following the session and told him I was nominated him for Foxy Author of the Week on my friend Natalie's blog. So - of course, had to get a photo with Foxy Max!

Next, I dropped by the kids tents again to see the talented and very young William Kostakis exercising excellent crowd control on the youngsters.

It seems that William has been writing about the same character (Courtney) since 6th grade. That's a long long obsession. You can read the results in his young adult novel Loathing Lola.

The next session was We'll Always Have Paris: celebrity versus literary publishing with the heads of Penguin Australia, Pan MacMillan along with the editor of Wet Ink magazine. I introduced myself to Phillip Edmunds as my story Beyond Happily Ever After will be published in Wet Ink next month.

Back at the cabin after a long and full day, we debated a mystery. How did our cabin key end up on our doormat? Well, it seems that the bush turkey was the culprit.

Saturday night dinner options were difficult and after much searching we ended up with two tables at opposite ends of the balcony at Hogs Breath Cafe. After a group near one vacated, we managed to make it one large table and ended up having an interesting conversation about men. But mostly we were exhausted...ready to retire and prepare for another exciting day at the Byron Bay Writers Festival.

Byron Bay Writers Festival pt 1

2008-08-16T20:51:00.006+10:00

We set off on our annual pilgrimage to Byron Bay Writers Festival on Thursday at noon. I didn't envy Roby's task of driving through the relentless rain, but we stayed optimistic that the weather would be on our side and the sky would clear.

It was not to be...

We burrowed in the cabin for the rest of the afternoon, and as soon as we stepped out of the car in the main drag of Byron, the rain poured down once more. So we stepped into the nearest eatery Fresh and were pleased with our dining experience.

Jen and I tackled the collage poetry on our first evening in the cabin, and we all tried to chase the rain away with the power of our minds.

Not powerful enough...

The next morning after we'd showered and breakfasted and filled ourselves with caffeine, Lyn turned up on the doorstep as we were about to leave the cabin and walk over to the Festival site and told us that the Festival had been cancelled. We reacted with despair and gloom. How dare the gods be so unkind!

Roby and Caz drove over to the site to assess the damage and check out the water-logging, while Jen and I stayed in the cabin to wallow in collage.

When the troops returned, we debated what we were going to do to fill in the day. We rejected the possibility of getting cabin fever while surrouned by pouring rain, and opted for a quick lunch, followed by op-shopping and a trip to the cinema to see Mama Mia.

In town, we almost walked past Vinnies before we realised that it was Vinnies. As Jen had infected me with the collage bug again, I was itching to get my hands on more magazines and more glossy raw words to recycle and transform. The magazine shelf held the usual suspects - the Who Weeklys, the New Weeklys: all the glossy gossip garbage. New Scientist attracts my eye but there is no decent size text, and I finally settle on a couple of New Women magazines and a 'Real Living' magazine.

I scanned the bookshelf - I cannot resist checking out second hand books. The typical tired and wretched paberbacks toppled over each other but nestled amongst them was a copy of Gregory Maguire's 'Mirror Mirror' (the retelling of Snow White). Score! I grabbed it - it's meant to be mine.

The second op shop is too tiny to have a book section but I buy a purple scarf to keep my neck warm for the rest of the weekend.

It seems that many of the misplaced festival attendees have decided to spend the rainy afternoon at Mama Mia -- the foyer is filled with patrons waiting for the cinema to open. This is my second time seeing the musical after seeing it on Cheap Tuesday in Coffs Harbour with a group of work colleagues. The second time is different - perhaps they're more reverential in Byron Bay. The Coffs audience was in hysterics every time James Bond (Pierce Brosnan) opened his mouth to sing but Byron Bay accepts his singing without a titter.

We decide to eat at the Curry House that evening, and are given the room upstairs, all to ourselves except the couple who are stuck in the room next door (it seems more like a store room than an eating area). Thrilled by the tiny enclave to ourselves we dance and talk and chat and feast.

And hope that the rain will go away....

Alice Pung Workshop

2008-06-09T14:58:00.017+10:00

What? You want words too?

Haven't you heard the cliche? - ' A picture paints a thousand words.'

At the moment I'm doing 50ks in 30 days and words on this blog or any other don't count towards the 50k goal.

But today, following the workshop, I wrote 5898 words so I guess that sums up how inspiring it was.

And the winners are.....

2008-05-24T20:20:00.010+10:00

After much anticipation, the results of the Nambucca Valley Writers Group Short Story competition were announced today following the AGM.

The results had been in for quite a while from our honorary judge, Peter Matheson, and the AGM was well attended by the writers hoping to hear their names called out by our Life Member and Founding President Anne Holgate.

Well, it was almost well attended. Except the winner of the 6th Prize somehow slipped through the net and is currently in Greece. Rosemary Nisted won 6th Prize with her short story, 'The Dancer'. Mmm, Greece or Nambucca Entertainment Centre? I know which option I would be choosing.

Thankfully the photo opportunities got better from there.

Our soon-t0-be-famous fantasy author, Robyn Aiken, took out 5th prize with a short story called 'The Final Entry'

4th Prize was taken out by a very surprised Christeen Kaluaat with a short story called 'Bridie Turns Eighteen'. Christeen is our international member from Vanuatu. (Mmm, Nambucca Heads or Vanuatu? - now that's a tough one!)

Our judge had a dilemma when awarding third prize and ended up awarding two equal 3rd prizes.

Michelle Worley was one of the 3rd prize winners with her short story 'Till Death do us Part'.

And Marilyn Pearson also scored 3rd prize with her story 'Another New Beginning'. Incidentally, Marilyn is soon off to her own new beginning when she moves to Adelaide, and we will miss her.

By this stage, anticipation was running very high. Our treasurer Sue McKinley took out 2nd prize with her story 'Remember Joe'.

And finally first prize went to our Prez, Carrolline Rhodes for the short story trophies.

Here Carrolline shows off her certificate....

and is the very proud (and deserving) keeper of the trophy for the next year.

Congratulations to everyone! Now I've got some reading to do.

Ironically, after this wonderful celebration of good writing, we went on to read our homework exercise of bad writing. Some of the readings had the room laughing very loudly (amazing what a well-turned cliche can do) and will definitely appear in our anthology.

Lights! Camera! Action!

2008-04-12T21:31:00.004+10:00

Under Lisa Milner's direction, filming has begun on the NVWG documentary, which will trace the history of the writers' group.

Sue McKinley has the honour of being the interviewer and Roby Aiken was first in the hotseat prior to our March meeting.

And then it was my turn in the hot seat. Aargh! I'm not used to being interviewed. Hope I sounded sane.

Tony, the camera man, then filmed segments of our meeting, and the reunion of the writers and cast of Making Allowances was filmed the next day.

The documentary will be shown at our 20th birthday celebrations in November at the Bowraville Theatre when we launch our anthology.

Stay tuned!

Falls Forest Writing Retreat

2008-03-16T20:22:00.011+11:00

Well, I thought that Newee Creek was paradise but apparently Falls Forest Retreat is even more so.

A weekend surrounded by nature in all its beauty, with like-minded writerly types.

What more could a writer want?

I didn't go to the retreat but by all reports, it was great, relaxing, inspiring and Caz even stepped in as tutor on the Saturday morning when Claire Scobie was ill.

Here is a link to Falls Forest Retreat

February round-up

2008-02-25T21:38:00.006+11:00

We had our first 'official' meeting in 2008, and yet again, it seems that the group is bursting at the seams. Three new members, and a very enthusiastic discussion at to what group members wanted from the group this year. (Winning Lotto is not in the writers' group control but perhaps a group syndicate ticket might be the way to go.)

Our 'program' is summarised in the right-hand column of the blog and we're covering everything from openings (oh no, I can hear Julie Andrews singing in the far corners of my mind...'Let's start at the very beginning...') to that famous oft-repeated phrase 'Show Don't Tell' which can be the bane of the beginning writer's life, to 'grammar and tense', to editing. Phew! It's going to be a big year.

For the first time in three years, we had a deadline for a competition which was NOT extended. Maybe we've learned our lesson from the last couple of times not to make a deadline for January. It seems that the competition was hotly contested with many of our members thrusting freshly-printed manuscripts and entry fees to the receiving officer. The competing short stories have been sent to the judge, and the winners will be announced at the AGM in May. I'm sure that many of the entries will find their way into our 20th Anniversary anthology which will be launched on November 15 at Bowraville Theatre.

Our members are not content just sitting back and waiting for the annual NVWG writing competition to roll around. They are sending out entries to other competitions and collecting prizes! I've started a section on the blog 'Members' Accolades' to celebrate their success. Woo hoo!

Due to the timing of the full moon and - more importantly - Easter, next month, our next meeting has been postponed to the 5th Saturday of the month, March 29th. Same time, same bat channel. Until then.....

Writing in Paradise

2008-02-05T17:29:00.000+11:00

All writing workshops should take place in paradise. Not in a stuffy classroom, on those hard orange plastic chairs, where fearful repressed memories of school are evoked. Writing workshops should be held somewhere beautiful and inspiring such as Noel's place. Noel is kind enough to offer the hospitality of his house for our workshops and the views are stunning.

The workshop was run by Peter Matheson on storytelling and we did a lot of work on character development.

Creating characters from thin air, from photos, from the ether. Determining what the character would do in unusual situations.

As usual we enjoyed each other's company and obtained many new writing tools for our writer's toolkits.

One of the exercises included interviewing each other's characters, which- going in cold - was much harder than it sounded.

Caz did an excellent job of the catering and we have a running booking for all of our workshops to be held at Noel's place.

2008 is a huge year for Nambucca Valley Writers Group as it is the 20th anniversary of the group. We will celebrate this event by producing another anthology comprising our members' writing in all its forms: poetry, non-fiction, short stories. This will be launched in November.

But first its the annual NVWG Foundation President Writing Competition. This year the category is short story and I can guarantee that it will be hotly contested. Each of us will be trying to wrest that beautiful trophy back from Noel. The deadline is the next meeting, February 22nd with no exceptions, so everyone better start scribbling.

The results of the competition will be announced at our AGM in May.

Many of our members will be travelling to Johns River for a writing retreat at Falls Forest Lodge for the first week of March. This workshop is being hosted by Arts Mid North Coast and will be tutored by Claire Scobie.

All photos (except for Peter's) have been taken during the Storytelling workshop on January 27th & 28th.

Next meeting on February 22nd at 2pm at the small hall behind the Nambucca Entertainment Centre (for a change) or find us on the balcony of the RSL for lunch at 12.30 pm.

Trivia Night

2007-11-04T16:50:00.000+11:00

Last night was the Nambucca Valley Writers Group first Trivia Night, held at the Nambucca Surf Club.

As the waves rolled in on the sand, groups of trivia professionals and newbies gathered around their tables to strategise, trick the enemy and trawl the vaults of their memories for the correct answers.

To kick off the proceedings, a couple of 'brains' were auctioned off to join the tables.

Fred was the MC for the evening, firing the questions sometimes at gunshot speed and dropping acerbic comments about the participants.

There was a big turn-out from the Writers Group themselves, eager to demonstrate their own trivial prowess.
Organiser Marilyn and one of the question writers Sue watch the ensuing chaos.

Many of the tables adopted a theme for the night - this was the Gangsters and Molls table, which later won the prize for Best Themed Table.

Another table adopted a fairy and butterfly theme, but were a bit shy of the camera.

This was the Blue Bloopers table.

And the Wacky Racers.

Caz showed the teams the scoreboard between rounds, heightening the tension and the competitive edge in the room.

But it was the Damsels and Devils who proved their combined store of trivia to be the biggest in the room, scoring a wad of cash for the table.

It was a fantastic, entertaining night and we all learned just another bit of trivia. Another round perhaps?

Byron Bay Writers Festival - Diane's report

2007-08-24T15:32:00.000+10:00

Members of the Nambucca Valley Writers Group made their annual pilgrimage to the Byron Bay Writers Festival on July 26 to rub shoulders with the literati, absorb their wisdom and inspiration, and replenish our writing mojo. Interest in this year’s excursion necessitated two cabins instead of one. Still! Eleven women sharing two bathrooms? Somehow we made it work.

Along with the usual suspects, we had several Festival virgins amongst us, and through the filter of their inexperience, the old-handers could experience the Festival with a new wonder.
Although we had no thrilling moments to outdo last year’s discovery that Pan Macmillan were seriously interested in Roby’s fantasy novel(s), there were still potential moments when Caz spoke to a publisher about her work in progress, I thanked Eva Sallis who taught me novel writing in Adelaide 9 years ago for setting me on the path, and we all discovered new talent, new writers and yet more books to add to our growing ‘To Be Read’ piles.

We were also joined by two writers from South West Rocks, and a writer from Grafton, all of whom are threatening to join the group on a permanent basis. With a recent member joining from Taree, the NVWG is extending it reach far beyond the Nambucca Valley to encompass all of the Mid North Coast.

This year’s Festival was a great weekend. Not only were the sessions informative and entertaining, but the company, as always, was superb. Usually I end up creeping back to the cabin some time during the day to make use of the private amenities and to have lunch. This year the Festival was so jam-packed full of stuff I wanted to see, I had to make friends with the portaloos (at least this year they were the Kenny-installed-foot-pedal-flushing-style) and buy lunch at the site. And the weather was mild and sunny – so I had even less reason to want to go and hide back in the cabin.

Next year’s Festival should be even better as we hope that our very own Roby will be a featured author – with the first of her fantasy trilogy due to be released around the time of the Festival.

If our little group and the pilgrimage to Byron continue to grow at this rate, we will need to hire a bus next year. And yes, we may be looking for a couple more Festival virgins to sacrifice.

Following are reports from others in the group:

Byron Bay Writers Festival - Caz's Report

2007-08-24T15:19:00.000+10:00

It was probably the best Festival I have attended. The presenters seemed to be wholly engaged with the audience and there were lively and impassioned discussions. It was wonderful to have so many of us there together, and it was great that Michelle from Grafton was able to join us for a day, compliments of Sue Nicholls. The theatre sports that Diane, Gil and Carrolline attended was so very Byron Bay - streakers with saggy bits wouldn't dream of being seen like that anywhere else.The Festival was fun, stimulating, and I wouldn't have missed it for quids.

-Caz

Byron Bay Writers Festival - Lyn's report

2007-08-24T15:11:00.000+10:00

2 Things stood out for me.

One workshop covering research for fiction convinced me that's the way to go. Intense research. Next day hearing Richard Flanagan's making it up as you go along theory pulled me the other way. (RF's - is how I live my day to day life anyway- great contrast for me to uncover.)

Secondly in Adult Themes, Kate Crawford/Eliz.Farrelly - discussing Y/X gen.Spoke about lack of public housing etc keeping people home longer etc.Kate had read in Hansard in 1955 - Robert Menzies then PM - said we will sell public housing to the "people" so they won't turn to Communism.. I remember at that time the big propaganda threat was Red/Peril. This was the deliberate beginning of the sliding of public housing in Aust. and totally new info for me.

Best wishes, Lyn T.

Byron Bay Writers Festival - Maggie's report

2007-08-24T14:50:00.000+10:00

My virgin status was both daunting and exciting. My favourite speakers were the wonderful Richard Flanagan and clever Garry Disher, Journalist Gideon Haigh, and Cate Kennedy...who`s short fiction book I`m reading.

I was riveted by the young Zahra Ghahramani (Islam and the rights of women) as she spoke about her earlier life and imprisonment in Tehran, the subject of her first book.All the women in our group were wonderful, warm and great fun to be around. Made we 'newies' feel welcome...thanks you lot.

Lastly, a special mention goes to my non member nocturnal companion, Chitty-Chitty-Bang-Bang, otherwise known as the Bloody Fridge, whose cold metal side nudged my pillow and sang to me intermittently each night...making sure I didn`t drop off too much and miss anything.

Maggie

Byron Bay Writers Festival - Gill's report

2007-08-24T14:37:00.000+10:00

Things I Learnt At Byron '07:

that writing is essentially alchemal.

that each writer must find their own way to that point.

that Richard Flanagan is a genius.

that nobody much likes John Howard - were his ears burning or what?

that our group is beyond special .

roll on next year.

We're back

2007-08-22T20:41:00.000+10:00

coming to this space: reviews and anecdotes from the NVWG members who visited Byron Bay Writers Festival 2007.

NVWG Non-Fiction Writing Competition 2007

2007-08-06T14:24:00.000+10:00

Every year the Nambucca Valley Writers Group holds a writing competition for its members and the winner receives the coveted Foundation President's Trophy for 12 months. This year's competition started out as essay writing, evolved into article writing and finally settled into the all-encompassing Non-Fiction Writing.

The prize is presented at our Annual General Meeting which always ensures a good turn up. But this year we were missing a few important people, some of the prize winners themselves.

Anne Holgate presents third prize to Lyn Thiry.

Winner of third prize, Lyn Thiry was on hand to collect her bottle of plonk but second and first prize winners were not present.

2nd prize winner Gill Chapman had a good excuse. She was in England at the time.

But first prize winner, and winner of the coveted trophy, Noel Robertson, had chosen to attend another AGM that afternoon, despite efforts of a committee member in the know to talk him into coming to our meeting.

We don't have the luxury or foresight of the Academy Awards where they pre-record acceptance speeches of actors who are on the other side of the country or even the world. Besides, where's the surprise in that?

But we did have a mobile phone and we knew exactly where Noel was!

Caz and Lisa find the phone number for the theatre.

So Noel received the news of his victory by phone. At first he was surprised by the phone call, thinking Anne was calling him because she'd had an accident or was at the police station. Obviously he'd forgotten all about the prize announcement.

Anne advises Noel by phone that he is the winner of the NVWG Writing Competition for 2007

A month later we were able to make an official presentation of the trophy, and Noel read out his prize winning essay.

President Caz presents Noel with his trophy

What would we do without mobile phones?

And we didn't call Gill in London to advise her she'd won 2nd prize. Our budget doesn't quite stretch that far!

Poet Tree Book Launch - Rosemary Nisted

2007-08-06T10:55:00.000+10:00

I've been a bit slack in keeping up the NVWG blog so today is my chance to make amends. Of course, having a working scanner and a new digital camera makes all the difference. And as Mick Jagger says, 'Time is on my side.' I'm on holidays.

Rosemary Nisted published a book of poetry and short pieces aptly titled, POET TREE, illustrated by her partner Dr Ralph Lilford.

Here are some photos from the launch held at the Innovation Centre at the Coffs Harbour Campus of Southern Cross University.

RADO for Arts Mid North Coast Richard Holloway launches Poet Tree by Rosemary Nisted,

illustrated by Dr Ralph Lilford.

Rosemary Nisted and Dr Ralph Lilford

Book signing

More book signing

And more

And more.

A successful book launch.

The 10 Commandments of Writing

2007-05-10T21:11:00.000+10:00

On Saturday 5th & Sunday 6th May, editor Sean Doyle gave a workshop to the Nambucca Valley Writers Group and several guests on The Ten Commandments of Writing.

The workshop was very interesting and challenged us with a few writing exercises that I hadn't attempted before, including writing a dialogue with another writer, without knowing who their character was. I imagine that would be like going to a party blind-folded, and not being able to tell if the voice speaking to you is male or female.

Now if you want the 10 Commandments, you will need to ask Sean, or if you're feeling truly adventurous, climb Mt Sinai. Wait a minute, I did that. I slept on Mount Sinai, but I wasn't given any more commandments.

I would've taken more photos but my digital camera has taken on vampiric properties. Put the batteries in, and it sucks the life out of them. Must be time for a new camera!

While Sean was giving one to one feedback with writers, Roby told us the story of her eight year journey to publication. Look out for a fantasy trilogy published by Pan McMillan sometime in 2008!

Now this last photo is from the Bruno Bouchet workshop in September 06, as a member of the group has just emailed the photo to me. Instead of posting it in the archives, I decided to post it here.

A picture paints.... Photos from the Writers Retreat

2007-03-28T21:59:00.000+10:00

What?

You wanted words too?

January 2007

2007-01-28T16:20:00.000+11:00

On January 14th, we held a farewell luncheon for Jennifer Gordon, our president since May 2006. Jennifer has left Nambucca for an exciting cultural life in Melbourne and we wish her all the best. She must also remain a long-distance member of our group and stay in touch, and she has been advised that she has to attend the Byron Bay Writers Festival in 2008 with us.

Left to Right: Diane, Jennifer, Carrolline, Roby, Sue.

So there has been a reshuffle of our committee with Jennifer leaving us. Carrolline has moved up to be the President, we will toil on without a vice-president, I remain Secretary, Roby is the publicity officer, and Sue is Treasurer.

Our first meeting for the year was held yesterday Saturday 27th January. We realised during lunch at the Golden Sands Tavern that we didn't have the keys to the normal venue, but within a couple of minutes, we had arranged to meet at Sue's house. (Thanks Sue!)

It was fabulous to welcome five new members, Maggie, Sula, Robbie, Penny and Robert. What an exciting start to the new year. Some of the new members have found us through courses run by Carrolline through Coffs Community College and through Camp Creative.

There are some exciting plans ahead for 2007.

The deadline for the in-house essay writing competition was extended to February to allow our new members a chance to enter.

We discussed the upcoming Writers Retreat at Smoky Cape Lighthouse in March, and worked out a number of workshops for the weekend, and voted that the Saturday night feast be Indian.

We discussed our annual pilgrimage to Byron Bay Writers Festival, with some of the new members showing interest in attending.

And we discussed our big project for the year: the Monologue Project, which will have five peformances at Bowraville Theatre in November.

Lisa asked us to do a ten minute writing exercise to include all of the following words: LUCKILY, CLIENT, CULTURAL, EGGPLANT & OVERHEAD.

The pieces were all very different - it is quite amazing where your brain can take you in just a short amount of time (and I don't think we scared off any new members.)

Note: it is been requested that 'writing' be a part of all our meetings. Sometimes we tend to get carried away with the socialising or the business of the writers group, but we will ensure from now on that everyone has the opportunity to write.

Oh yes, and HOMEWORK was set. Now no-one gets graded. No-one fails if they don't do the homework. We realise that sometimes life does get in the way. But it's yet another opportunity to flex your writing muscles.

So this month's homework is to write a complaint to Telstra in at least three of the following voices (200 words maximum for each)

trendy, young male stockbroker
unemployed young person
a woman who is a month off retirement, who has worked for Telstra for 40 years.
85 year old in aged care accommodation.

By the fun and laughter that was shared at yesterday's meeting, it will be an inspiring, creative and fun-packed year for the Writers Group.

2006 Year in Review:December

2006-12-31T19:01:00.000+11:00

In December, we held a Monologue Writing workshop in preparation for the 2007 group project. We watched and listened to some of Alan Bennett's Talking Heads monologues, discussed why and how they worked, and then went to the local RSL to lunch for 'research.' After that we went to the Sports Club for more research. Monologues are due at our March meeting - it will be interesting to hear the results.

And I slacked off and didn't take any photos on the day.

2006: Year in Review: November

2006-12-31T18:03:00.000+11:00

November was the month we were all anticipating and working towards: the launch of our RANSOM NOTES COLLAGE POETRY DIARY for 2007.

Lyn can hardly see over the box office door.

Gill prepares to sell raffle tickets

The launch was held at the Bowraville Theatre on Saturday 18th November, and featured a recital by the Bowraville Singers, and a performance of Carrolline Rhode's one act play Making Allowances.

Carrolline and Roby ready to sell the diary

The collation of the diary proved to be more difficult than anticipated and took three days work, with every member of the group pitching in.

Our MC and group member Noel introduces Jennifer

But finally we had a product we were all proud of: a 2007 Diary featuring pieces from almost every member of the group including 12 full colour collage poems, ransom notes, haiku, flash fiction, 'Pass the Story' excercises and quotations about writing from authors.

Jennifer launches the diary

The diary was launched by Jennifer Gordon, current president and Collage Poetry Queen, who was the person who introduced the group to the collage poetry concept.

Another successful collaborative project by the Nambucca Valley Writers Group.

2006: Year in Review: September

2006-12-31T17:59:00.000+11:00

Through the Mid North Coast Writers' Association, many of our members attend a Writing Funny workshop facilitated by Aussie author Bruno Bouchet.

We spend the day making up words, fracturing fairytales and having a good laugh.

2006 Year in Review: August - Byron Bay

2006-12-26T17:02:00.000+11:00

In August, ten members of Nambucca Valley Writers Group made the annual trek to the Byron Bay Writers Festival.

Our carload stops at Ulmarra Pub for lunch.

When we arrive at the Byron Bay Beach Resort, Roby discovers that she has missed numerous mobile calls from her husband. She has sent her fantasy novel to a publisher, and the publisher has left a message on her answering machine to find the head of the company at the Festival. This news is overwhelming:

And has to be repeated to the next arrivals.

Things settle down as we attend festival events. Time for nerves to settle and conversations to be rehearsed.

Quiet time at the cabin as we discuss some of the session we have seen.

Roby has her first unofficial meeting with the publisher.

Closing night, and a big farewell to outgoing director, Jill Eddington. Everyone is ready to party.

We get stuck into the collage poetry, as the deadline for our Collage Poetry diary project is looming before us.

Another successful and inspiring festival, and we left with bated breath, waiting for Roby's next news installment.

2006 Year in Review: July

2006-12-26T16:41:00.000+11:00

In July, Lisa conducted a workshop on running a workshop.

Even Sue's cat was impressed.

2006 Year in Review: May

2006-12-26T16:01:00.000+11:00

At the AGM in May, the winner of the inaugural Nambucca Valley Writers' Group Writing Competition was announced and Diane Curran took out both first and second prize with two collage poems, and took possession of the beautiful Foundation President's Trophy for a year. The trophy was donated by Anne Holgate (pictured) who was the founding president and is now a Life Member of the group.

Jennifer Gordon won third prize with a conventional poem (although she is the group's Collage Poetry Queen).

This is the winning poem:

Yesterday, her brain was dead

Toast

- Nothing unusual.

Today, the boss is yelling

On the nose

Out of control

A real tyrant.

She's

haunted by

over-the-top

rumours.

drama,

secrets,

the power clique.

Everyone has had their say.

Blah blah blah.

She's a mess

hiding behind

the nightmare

One mistake could ruin your life.

But

after a month of psychotherapy

she's brainwashed.

Diane Curran 2006

The 2007 Writing Competition is for an essay of 1500 words or less and entries will close at the meeting in January.

2006 Year in Review: March

2006-12-26T15:35:00.000+11:00

In March, the Writers' Group held a Writing Retreat at Smoky Cape Lighthouse, Arakoon, South West Rocks.

Members conducted workshops for each other, and we were all inspired by the company and the spectacular scenery.

On the Saturday evening, Lisa cooked up a Persian feast, assisted by the other gals, and we all dressed up in exotic garb to celebrate.

The weekend was such a hit, we agreed to do it all again in 2007.