Open from the 3rd of January the 2017 entry form with terms and conditions is open to be downloaded now.
Find the entry form here: http://text-publishing-production.s3.amazonaws.com/text-publishing/assets/39/0bee20164011e6bd695593dbaaab7f/TextPrizeEntryForm2017.pdf
Good luck with your submissions.
Thursday, 29 December 2016
2017 WRITING COMPETITIONS
Voiceworks
Voiceworks is for the first time in recent history seeking submissions for long-form short stories. For more information click on the link below:
http://www.voiceworksmag.com.au/2017/03/longform-fiction-submissions/
Lord Mayors Creative Writing Awards 2017
This competition has a prize pool of $12,000 and is now open to Victorian writers it closes on the 31st of August, for more information, click on the link below:
melbourne.vic.gov.au/writingawards
Voiceworks is for the first time in recent history seeking submissions for long-form short stories. For more information click on the link below:
http://www.voiceworksmag.com.au/2017/03/longform-fiction-submissions/
Lord Mayors Creative Writing Awards 2017
This competition has a prize pool of $12,000 and is now open to Victorian writers it closes on the 31st of August, for more information, click on the link below:
melbourne.vic.gov.au/writingawards
Prize: US$2000 will be awarded the winner of each genre
Open to writers of fiction, nonfiction, and poetry who have yet to
publish a book.
Entries open on 1 March and close 15 May.
Raymond Carver Short Story Contest
First prize is US$1500
Open to writers from around the world and the guest judge for 2016
was Caitlin Horrocks.
Entries open on 1 April and close on 15 May.
Prize is US$1500 and publication.
Dedicated to recognising and supporting the work of emerging writers
whose fiction has not yet achieved success. Entries must be less than 3500 words
and the competition is open to writers based anywhere is the world. The Lorian
Hemingway Short Story Competition first ran in 1981.
Entries close on 15th May
Website: http://shortstorycompetition.com/
Prize: The authors of the two winning manuscripts will receive US$1000
and publication by the University of Georgia Press under a standard book
contract.
Flannery O’Connor Award for Short Fiction is a competition for unpublished manuscripts of between 40,000 and 75,000
words. Long stories or novellas may be included. Writers must be residents of
North America.
Entries close on 31 May.
The winner of the fiction section receives $1500 and publication in the
magazine; second place receives $500 and publication. Prizes are also offered
for non-fiction.
Run by December magazine, a magazine whose many accomplishments include
being the first to publish the work of Raymond Carver.
Open to stories up to 8000 words in length.
Entries close 15 June.
First prize of $2000.
Only open to writers who have not published a book and submissions may
be up to 6000 words. This contest is held multiple times throughout the year.
Summer entries close on 15 July.
First prize is €2000 publication in the literary journal Southword, and
a week-long residency at Anam Cara Writer’s and Artist’s Retreat.
Open to writers from around the world the Seán Ó Faoláin International Short Story Competition
is an annual short story competition.
Entries close 31 July.
First prize of US$1000 and publication.
Writers can submit up to three pieces of writing of up to 500 words. There
are no genre or form restrictions.
Entries open on in July and are expected to close on 15 August.
Website: https://indianareview.org/contests/
The world’s richest short story competition, with the winner receiving £30,000
The 2016 prize was won by Jonathan Tel for his story ‘The Human
Phonograph’. The six stories shortlisted for the 2016 prize are available
here.
Entries for the next prize are expected to open at the end of June and
close at the end of September.
The winner receives a cash prize of £10,000 (US$15,000).
A major international literary competition open to anyone aged 16 or
over. Stories can be up to 2500 words in length. The organisers also offer a
Manchester Poetry Prize.
Entries will open in February and close in September.
A first prize of US$1000
This contest is aimed at seeking out and encouraging talented writers. The
winning and runners-up entries will be forwarded to leading literary agents. Stories
can be up to 5000 words.
Entries open on 1st July and close 1st October.
The overall winner of the Commonwealth Short Story Prize will receive
£5000 and the remaining four regional winners receive £2500.
Continues with its aim to bring stories from new and emerging voices,
often from countries with little or no publishing infrastructure, to the
attention of an international audience. Open to all citizens of the 53 Commonwealth
countries, the prize covers the five Commonwealth regions: Africa, Asia, Canada
and Europe, Caribbean and Pacific.
One winner will be selected from each region, with one regional winner
to be selected as the overall winner.
Entries for the 2018 are expected to close on 1 November.
The winner of the John Steinbeck Short Story Award receives a cash prize
of US$1000 and all entries are considered for publication
One of three prizes offered by Reed Magazine, this award is for a work
of fiction up to 5000 words.
Entries open on 1 June and close 1 November.
Website: http://www.reedmag.org/submit
Prize: US$1500 and the story will be published in the magazine.
Competition is open writers who have not yet published a book of
fiction, poetry or creative non-fiction with a nationally distributed press.
Stories may be up to 8000 words and must be previously unpublished.
Entries close 31 December.
Wednesday, 23 November 2016
Captains Report 23rd November 2016
Melton Library
23rd November 2016
23rd November 2016
Hello Wordsmiths
Sonia, Kristen and Terry were apologies today. A great pity
because it was quite a vibrant session and I’m sure they would have enjoyed it.
We had critiques for today. From Terry, Kevin and me:
Terry fled the field of battle, preferring to live and fight
another day – Next Wednesday in fact.
Kevin’s chapter rolled up in an immaculate, light green Ford Prefect. It stopped beside a
bright red telephone booth and our intrepid storyteller jumped out with his
caped crusader costume under his arm and dived into the booth. Sadly, as he
slammed out of the small edifice yelling, ‘Up. Up and Away,’ he tripped on the
undies still around his ankles and fell on his face.
Kevin now
has a little work to do on his chapter: A few dents, scratches fixed, and a new
muffler will see it back on the road again, as gooderer (special word for
Joleen) as new.
As my chapter was presented for critique and the air raid
sirens began to wail, I grabbed my helmet and waited in terror for the shot and
shell to pound my position.
With Captain, Please B. Gentle at the helm, HMS ICBO sailed
into a hell storm of fire, taking massive hits to her stout timbers (and a huge
Huuumf from Judy). Most bounced off harmlessly, and after replacing and
reconfiguring just about everything I’ve written, she’ll be even better than
when she was first launched.
On behalf of both Kevin and myself, I’d like to thank the
Wordsmiths for once again, helping to improve our stories.
Next year’s calendar is done (attached). I’ve put a fun day
after every five critique weeks. Except for July. I’ve jumped a week there, as
the fun day would have landed on the school holidays. As the fun day is Sonia’s
baby and she can’t be there during school holidays, I’ve put it on the
following week.
Don’t forget lunch at Golden Fleas Hotel, 12.00 on Wednesday
the 14th December.
As always, a fun and helpful day today.
See you all on Friday night to watch and support our
victorious Wordsmith Warriors - Sonia, Kristen and Judy.
Les
Wednesday, 16 November 2016
Les's Weekly Roundup
MELTON LIBRARY
23rd November 2016
Melton Library
23rd November 2016
Hello Wordsmiths
Sonia, Kristen and Terry were apologies today. A great pity
because it was quite a vibrant session and I’m sure they would have enjoyed it.
We had critiques for today. From Terry, Kevin and me:
Terry fled the field of battle, preferring to live and fight
another day – Next Wednesday in fact.
Kevin’s chapter rolled up in an immaculate, light green Ford Prefect. It stopped beside a
bright red telephone booth and our intrepid storyteller jumped out with his
caped crusader costume under his arm and dived into the booth. Sadly, as he
slammed out of the small edifice yelling, ‘Up. Up and Away,’ he tripped on the
undies still around his ankles and fell on his face.
Kevin now
has a little work to do on his chapter: A few dents, scratches fixed, and a new
muffler will see it back on the road again, as gooderer (special word for
Joleen) as new.
As my chapter was presented for critique and the air raid
sirens began to wail, I grabbed my helmet and waited in terror for the shot and
shell to pound my position.
With Captain, Please B. Gentle at the helm, HMS ICBO sailed
into a hell storm of fire, taking massive hits to her stout timbers (and a huge
Huuumf from Judy). Most bounced off harmlessly, and after replacing and
reconfiguring just about everything I’ve written, she’ll be even better than
when she was first launched.
On behalf of both Kevin and myself, I’d like to thank the
Wordsmiths for once again, helping to improve our stories.
Next year’s calendar is done (attached). I’ve put a fun day
after every five critique weeks. Except for July. I’ve jumped a week there, as
the fun day would have landed on the school holidays. As the fun day is Sonia’s
baby and she can’t be there during school holidays, I’ve put it on the
following week.
Don’t forget lunch at Golden Fleas Hotel, 12.00 on Wednesday
the 14th December.
As always, a fun and helpful day today.
See you all on Friday night to watch and support our
victorious Wordsmith Warriors - Sonia, Kristen and Judy.
Les
Melton Library
16th November 2016
Hello Wordies,
Be still my beating heart - A full house yesterday, with
even the sun tanned, rested and relaxed Terry in attendance. Kristen’s husband
tried to stop her from coming by stealing her car, but we foxed him and picked
her up – Ha, ha, ha (maniacal laughter). Point scored for the good guys.
Julee’s chapter was the only piece under the spotlight
today, sent in with a flourish and a terse, ‘Do yer worse.’
Once I was able to bring our rioting crowd to some semblance
of order, we attempted to present our critiques. Easy you might say, but all I
can say is, ‘Hmmmm?’
Julee’s sleek armour-plated limousine (model Chapter 28),
floated down Critique Road with hardly a pothole to spoil the ride. With only a
scratch or two at the finish, a tire change and cut and polish will bring it
back to showroom condition. Well done Julee, another great offering.
As always, it was a great, fun session, with everyone
joining in.
The NaNoWriMo writers - Judy, Tracey and Terry - are all
doing well and if not lighting the world on fire, are well on the way to it.
Lunch has been booked at the Golden Fleas Hotel (257-263 High St, Melton) for 12.00 on Wednesday
the 14th December. Mathew will be there.
Lastly, I’d like to congratulate our three victorious
Wordsmith Warriors - Sonia, Kristen and Judy - for receiving a well-deserved
place in the Melton Writing Competition. I’m humbled in your presence and will
be there Friday week to bask in the limelight of your win.
See you all (except the ones I won’t) next week.
Les
Monday, 24 October 2016
Five Challenges When Shifting FromTraditional to Self Publishing
This link came into our inbox today and it makes good reading for writers unsure of which type of publishing works best for them.
https://www.chatebooks.com/blog-5-Challenges-When-Shifting-from-Traditional-to-Self-Publishing
Please leave a comment with what has been successful for you.
https://www.chatebooks.com/blog-5-Challenges-When-Shifting-from-Traditional-to-Self-Publishing
Please leave a comment with what has been successful for you.
Friday, 21 October 2016
Offset Sixteen Launch - by Les Stillman
Julee
and I attended the Offset Sixteen
launch last night. Both she and Matthew had their stories published in the
book.
Matthew
was already there looking quite dapper dressed in chinos, shirt and jacket. He
was standing aloof and intelligent his head cocked slightly to the side. Well,
we thought he was aloof, but in reality he was waiting for the bar to open,
listening for the tinkle of glasses – more shattered illusions.
We
had a great chat and a drink with Matthew before we separated to mingle.
Matthew was in his element and it was fun watching him flit
around meeting old friends and colleagues. As Yoda, would say, ‘Hmmm, popular
our young Matthew is.’
Once the crowd poured in and we had a drink in our hand we
started to mingle.
Julee’s shoes hurt her feet, so she had to sit down and wait for
visitors. Of course, they flocked to her in abundance and she had a great time
chatting with some interesting people. Jessi, the young girl we’d dealt with
throughout, swept Julee away introducing her to the other girls on her team,
all who wanted to tell her how much they loved her story.
I, on the other hand, had no restrictions. I slipped amongst the
crowd looking for interesting people, forcing them to talk to me so I could
bore them to death.
It was a most interesting group, full of very colourful
characters. I must say, everyone I spoke to was delightful. I had a lovely chat
with a girl who sported bright blue hair and dark blue lipstick. She was very
nice.
Anyway, back to the crowd. My favourite was a little lady who
looked like a lollipop stick. I say this in the nicest way I might add. She was
dressed in the colours of a rainbow, with leggings over her pants, a neck scarf
and a bandanna holding back a bird’s nest of hair with things sticking out of
it. She had a bright, intelligent face with huge glasses and she also carried a
walking/sitting stick, equally colourful as her dress. Somehow, it all came together
and worked. I had a great long chat with her and she was a delight. An artist
of course, who had one of her pieces on display. It was modernistic and
stimulating.
Anyway, having said all
that. It was a great night, we had fun and more to the point, I’m very proud of
both Julee and Matthew for winning and grinning.
Thursday, 8 September 2016
Local writer in the news
Local writer Christine Mackley is featured in a story by Sumeyya Ilanbey in this week's Star Weekly.
Christine, a multiple City of Melton Short Story Competition winner gave her views on what it takes to make a story stand out. She is proud that her work, Fair Fight, will be published in this year's Award Winning Australian Writing 2016.
Christine made a point of saying different things had helped her writing. One was being part of a writing group, this had helped because she had other like minded people to read and critique her work. She advised writers to use all of the five senses to put the reader into the story, so they can see, taste, hear and feel what the writer is saying.
Every word has to count in a short story so the writer needs to ask if it has a reason to be in your work.
Fair Fight took weeks of work to get it into shape before she submitted it.
Award Winning Australian Writing was launched at the beginning of Spring and should be available from a bookstore near you.
Christine, a multiple City of Melton Short Story Competition winner gave her views on what it takes to make a story stand out. She is proud that her work, Fair Fight, will be published in this year's Award Winning Australian Writing 2016.
Christine made a point of saying different things had helped her writing. One was being part of a writing group, this had helped because she had other like minded people to read and critique her work. She advised writers to use all of the five senses to put the reader into the story, so they can see, taste, hear and feel what the writer is saying.Every word has to count in a short story so the writer needs to ask if it has a reason to be in your work.
Fair Fight took weeks of work to get it into shape before she submitted it.
Award Winning Australian Writing was launched at the beginning of Spring and should be available from a bookstore near you.
Les' Report 7th of September 2016
Captains Log 7th of September 2016
It was Mathew’s day on Wednesday – as per normal,
interesting and helpful. We discussed our individual writing progress, short
story writing and competitions in general, then finished up with a discussion
on the Melbourne Writers Festival and its motivational implications. Everyone
joined in the discussions and as usual, it was frenetic and jolly, with a dozen
different conversations going at once. Of course, I tried valiantly to get
everyone on track and of course, as usual, I was completely ignored. Still, it
was all good natured, lots of fun and I think we achieved quite a bit.
Then Mathew pulled out a punctuation exercise (cue dramatic
music – Da, da, da, daaaa). It was, interesting to say the least and
caused an interesting differing of opinion and quite a bit of discussion.
Which, of course is exactly what we want.
Please remember that entries to the Melton competition will
close on the 7th October. It would be nice if we could all put in
entries.
Wednesday, 7 September 2016
City of Melton Short Story Competition 2016
The long running Melton Short Story competition is now open to entries copy and paste this address into your browser to access terms and conditions.
http://www.melton.vic.gov.au/Out-n-About/Libraries-and-learning/Libraries/Short-Story-Competition-2016
Thre are three categories again this year and are as follows
Adult Section (18 years and over)*1st Prize: $500
2nd Prize: $200
3rd Prize: $100
2nd Prize: $200
3rd Prize: $100
Teenage Section (13–17 years)*1st Prize: $250 (plus $250 for their school)
2nd Prize: $100 (plus $100 for their school)
3rd Prize: $50 (plus $50 for their school)
2nd Prize: $100 (plus $100 for their school)
3rd Prize: $50 (plus $50 for their school)
Junior Section (up to 12 years)*1st Prize: $250 (plus $250 for their school)
2nd Prize: $100 (plus $100 for their school)
3rd Prize: $50 (plus $50 for their school)
2nd Prize: $100 (plus $100 for their school)
3rd Prize: $50 (plus $50 for their school)
Entries are open to any medium: print, illustration, video, verse, voice or combinations of any of the above. Each entry should be no more than 1500 words and, for other story formats, something that takes no more than 5 minutes to experience.
*First time entry encouragement award
*Prizes for all finalists in each section
In case of two winners in any category the first and second prize will be added together and divided equally between the two winners and there will be a third prize.
Read the conditions of entry before submitting your story
Get some writing tips from a pro!
Find out who's judging.
Saturday, 3 September 2016
WHAT IF? by Les Stillman
I love this
place. It’s simply enchanting. So exotic. Palm trees and potted plants
everywhere, and the blue of the sea, it’s simply divine. The staff look
wonderful in their lovely native costumes and they cater to one’s every need. No
radios or papers to disturb the tranquillity, a shield from the worries of the
outside world, this place is just heaven. Hmm, the pool looks so cool and inviting.
‘I
say Dickie, what about a quick dip before drinkies?
Hate this place. What a disaster. Damn trees and
spiked shrubbery everywhere, and the glare off that bloody ocean is giving me a
headache. The staff look like clowns in those bloody awful costumes, constantly
bothering me. Cut off from civilisation. No radios or even a newspaper, this
place is a nightmare. God she wants to go for a swim, not likely after all
these yokels have been in there, never know what you might catch.
‘What’s that you say, old girl?
Drinkies? Rather.’
What
a splendid idea they have, asking the guests to dress for dinner in these wonderful
outfits they’ve given us. ‘It’s so romantic, wearing these pretty costumes.
I love this veil, it’s rather seductive don’t you think?’ I wish Dickie
would put his outfit on, instead of wearing his suit. He’d look like a foreign
prince, instead of a stuck up, pompous Englishman.
Couldn’t believe it when they gave
us these ghastly costumes to wear to dinner. No, no, no. I have my suit, and
that’ll do me just fine.
‘I say old girl; must you wear that
bloody veil. Makes you look like some sort of harem girl don’t you know. And before you ask – no, I will not wear that bally
clown outfit.’
Horrible
beast, if it wasn’t for the scandal, I’d chuck him out. Hmmm, still, he can be
charming at times and I do make him look good when I’m on his arm.
Silly woman. By God, if it wasn’t
for her money, I’d divorce her on the spot. Hmmm, still, not a bad set of pins
on her, if you know what I mean.
I
do love it here, so tranquil. Or it would be without Dickie. Now all I have to
do is convince him to go and leave me here. ‘Dickie my love. What if…’
Writing Exercise: CORFU by Julee Stillman
From her point of view
I saw him when he checked in; Ralph Lauren
bag and attaché case, and a swagger of confidence.
He let the porter take
his bag but kept the attaché glued to his side. What secrets were hidden in
there? What was so important that he wouldn’t let it out of his sight? I hoped
it was five-hundred-thousand dollars.
As soon as I could I took
a peek at the register. Mr Roger Butterworth was in a suite on the second
floor. The suite next to mine. No connecting door, but that was not going to be
a problem.
We met for dinner. Two
perfect strangers on a perfect Corfu night. Our conversation was teasing. Furtive glances, coy smiles. The clink of
crystal. His silent acknowledgement that he would follow me anywhere. My
ambition hidden behind my silk tangerine scarf.
My flight was booked. My
suitcase packed. In five days’ time Roger would head back to his boring job in
Melbourne and I…Well, I would be flying in the opposite direction,
five-hundred-thousand dollars richer.
Men are so easy to bait
and I already have another one on the hook.
And from his perspective.
Crisp white
shirt, striped blue tie and a navy sports coat with gold buttons. That’s what I
wear almost every day. That or something similar. It’s what my job as a general
manager of one of Melbourne’s largest banks demands – something that says I’m
dependable, trustworthy and it’s safe to leave your money in my hands.
However, I’m not dependable, nor am I trustworthy and it’s definitely not
safe to leave money in my hands. At least not money I can embezzle. By all
means put it in a safe deposit box, turn it into bonds or shares, but don’t
leave it in an account where I can get my hands on it. Especially if I’m
desperate to impress a pretty girl.
That’s why I’m sitting on the terrace of a five-star hotel in Corfu.
Attentive waiters, good food and excellent ouzo. My eyes wander over a cobalt
blue ocean and then back to the terrace with its terrazzo tiling. Then on to a
corner table and the girl I stole five-hundred-thousand dollars for.
Thursday, 1 September 2016
The Meeting By Kevin Drum
I nervously brush the lint from my jacket,
withdraw a cigarette from the silver embossed case, tap it on the cover and light
it. I exhale and through the smoke haze scan the poolside bar and surroundings
The
relaxed murmur of the guests enjoying evening drinks soothes me. Diamond Head
is aglow in the background flaunting its evening dominance in the setting sun. As
if in applause I hear the huge crashing waves of the Pacific Ocean on the
nearby foreshore.
Where is she?
I’ve travelled half way around the world to meet her. Surely she won’t let me
down. Surely?
From the
first moment I saw her I was transfixed by her beauty and quiet assurance. I
was drawn by her eyes, dark liquid pools, mysterious as an Arabian night. The brief
contact as we were introduced, her exotic fragrance, the feigned fall, and her quiet
but forceful words. ‘I want you more than life itself. Help me to get out of
here.’
There’s some movement, bustling, just near the
entrance. Shouting. I am adrenaline charged prepared for anything. I move quickly
towards the commotion, and there she is. A large swarthy man has hold of her
arm, dragging her. ’Let me go! she cries. ’Let me be.’
I drop to
one knee, aim the Glock and fire. At that precise instant they stumble. I see
the bullet hole to the forehead, deadly and final.
I am blessed as part of a wealthy family. I
want for nothing. What more could my heart desire?
Until that
fateful day.
I see him
and know it is meant to be. He isn’t an important emissary or leader. Just part
of one of the many retinues my family entertain in pursuit of their business.
With that fluid movement I find so attractive, he works the room.
Secluded
beyond my chador, I can only watch in breathless admiration.
Now he is in
front of me, takes my hand and with a slight bow, ‘enchanted I’m sure.’ I trip and
he stoops to help. ’I want you more than life itself,’ I whisper, ’get me out
of here.’
He answers.
‘I’ll leave a note with the doorman. On it will be numbers. They are
coordinates and a date. Go to the travel agent, near the clock tower, he will
understand.’
‘Madam you are indeed fortunate, here is your
passport, first class ticket to Honolulu, accommodation at the Chevron
Surfrider Waikiki, and ten thousand dollars.’
We are on
final approach into Honolulu. My anticipation is beyond belief.
The cab
ride from the airport takes forever, until at last we have arrived. I jump out and
call to the driver,’ leave my bags with the concierge, he will pay.’
I hurry to
the poolside area, push open the doors and rush inside. I see him walking
towards me.
‘Madam one
moment please,’ the doorman grabs my arm and I lose balance.
Something
is wrong he is down on one knee. Has he fallen?
Pilots log Wednesday the Thirty-first of August, 2016.
Pilots log Wednesday the Thirty-first of August, 2016.
This morning, I climbed aboard my shiny craft, the Mark I
Ego, and flew into what I thought would be a warm welcome at the Wordsmiths.
Little did I know. Warm? Warm indeed.
As I entered the controlled space of the library, a dark
shadow flitted above my craft and opened fire. The rat-a-tat-tat
of cannon and bursts of, ‘More like homework – More life homework – More
like homework’ exploded around my ears as it tore holes in the Mark I
Ego.
In a sweat of panic, I took evasive action and escaped, only
to fly into heavy artillery fire from below. ‘Not fun - Not fun - Not fun’
burst around my intrepid craft, ripping into the Mark I Ego’s fuselage and
sending it into a death spiral.
As the flames crackled and blinding smoke billowed from the
doomed craft, I bailed out.
Landing in front of my attackers, I held my hands high in
surrender and cried out, ‘Don’t hurt me, I’ll do better next time. I promise
I’ll make it fun.’
I was let off with a dire warning of extreme punishment if I
mucked up again. ‘Next time, it will be fun.’
It was a full crew today, except for Kristen who is on a
temporary sabbatical.
Everyone put the two pieces together (except for Terry who
was away and didn’t get a chance to put pen to paper this time). We all
read out our stories and there were some cracking yarns, most of which would
make good competition entries.
If you would like your story put up on our blog, please send
it direct to Terry. However, if you want to send it into a competition, don’t
put it onto the blog.
After that, we tried a progressive story, based on a picture
of a bride in a tractor with the groom running behind. With each person, in
turn, adding a few lines to the yarn, the story stumbled ahead, weaving and
jerking its progress. Chaos reigned and it sounded like a chicken pen at feed
time.
At the start, before anyone else could move, Joleen grabbed
the best job – scribe. She scrawled away furiously on the white board. In
constant motion, she wrote comments, rubbed them out, changed them as the crowd
roared their advice, until at last we had a rather good, totally disjointed
story about a failed wedding, death, and mayhem.
After that, it was general chit chat time until, one by one,
we limped away ready to re-charge our batteries ready for next week’s session
at the Wordsmiths.
See you all next week
Les
FUN DAY EXERCISE - - JUDY RIGBY
WORDSMITHS EXERCISE FOR OUR FUN DAY WEDNESDAY THE 31 AUGUST
JUDY RIGBY
͠
My heart soars when I see his face. I have him.
He stands as if frozen in my open doorway. His lips are parted and his eyes are blinking as if dazed in the headlights.
I resist the urge to reach out and smooth the furrow that has formed between his eyebrows. I allow a smile and the skin tightens and moves around my eyes. He registers the movement and, with a tiny shake of his head, rearranges his face. He drops his eyebrows and tries to return my smile, but only manages something between a grimace and a grin.
‘I’m sorry,’ he says, ‘where are my manners? You surprised me. I didn’t expect—’
‘You didn’t expect me to dress up?’
‘No, well, yes. I did expect you to dress up, but not like this.’
‘You don’t like what I’m wearing?’
‘I love what you’re wearing, but I—’
‘It’s too showy?’
‘Oh, no, it’s…’ he pauses and colour begins to rise in his cheeks. ‘I’ve only seen you in black before, and—
‘You think I’m immodest for abandoning black?’
He opens his mouth as if to protest and I allow myself to laugh. His eyes widen and now he smiles a smile that transforms his face and dances in his eyes.
Yes, I have him, I tell myself as I step towards him and shut the door behind me.
‘Shall we go?’ I say to him, ‘You lead the way.’
͠
I feel her presence behind me as I walk down the corridor. The fabric of her dress sighs and beads clink with each step she takes. I confess that the sight of her, backlit by lamplight in the open door of her luxury penthouse suite, did startle me. She looked otherworldly, a diaphanous being, and for a moment I wavered under her spell, drawn into those brown, languid eyes and aware of her siren call in the deep recesses of my brain.
Don’t be a chump, I tell myself, now. Remember who she is and why you’re here. Don’t let yourself get side-tracked.
I mentally check my pocket with its holstered Glock 27 and ignore the itch in my fingers to touch it. I try to focus on my breathing. Too fast and too shallow.
Breathe in, one, out two, in three, out four—
‘You haven’t said where we’re going,’ her voice sounds breathily close to my ear.
My heart skips a beat and the vision of her in the doorway rises into view. I gulp in more air and turn my head towards her voice.
She’s almost at my shoulder. I catch a waft of her perfume and recognise it, Hypnotic Poison. She laughs, a melody of dancing notes that seem to swirl around my head. Sweat prickles on my brow, my mouth feels dry and my tongue won’t move.
‘Are you all right?’ her voice is barely a whisper.
No, I think, I don’t think I am.
Wednesday, 31 August 2016
The Victorian Writer, October-November Submissions
Check out the pitch page of Writers Victoria, for all details of their upcoming themes.
For the next edition, the theme is: Popular / Genre Fiction
For December - January the theme is: Beyond the Page.
More details can be found on their website: https://writersvictoria.org.au/node/311
For the next edition, the theme is: Popular / Genre Fiction
For December - January the theme is: Beyond the Page.
More details can be found on their website: https://writersvictoria.org.au/node/311
Publishing opportunities and competitions for September:
As more competition notices come to hand the site will be updated and included on our Opportunities & Competitions page.
- Glen Phillips Poetry Prize
CLOSES: October 21st 2016
Sunday, 28 August 2016
Josephine Rowe wins the 2016 Jolley Prize
Date: 27 August 2016
From: Progressive PR and Publicity on behalf of Australian Book Review
(03) 9696 6417
arabella@progressivepr.com.au
At a ceremony during the Melbourne Writers Festival, Australian author Josephine Rowe was named the overall winner of the 2016 ABR Elizabeth Jolley Short Story Prize for her story ‘Glisk’. She receives $7,000.
Josephine Rowe is the author of two short story collections and the novel A Loving, Faithful Animal (2016). Her fiction and essays have appeared in McSweeney’s Quarterly Concern, Best Australian Stories, The Monthly, The Saturday Paper, and elsewhere. She was a recent recipient of a Stegner Fellowship in fiction from Stanford University. Her story ‘Suitable for a Lampshade’ won the Reader’s Choice Award in the 2010 ABR Elizabeth Jolley Short Story Prize.
www.australianbookreview.com.au
Anthony Lawrence, a New South Wales-based writer, was placed second and receives $2,000 for his story ‘Ash’.
Jonathan Tel, a UK-based writer, was placed third and receives $1,000 for his story ‘The Water Calligrapher’s Women’.
All three stories appear in the August 2016 Fiction issue of Australian Book Review. Three other stories were commended: ‘Help Me Harden My Heart’ by Dom Amerena, ‘Window’ by Cate Kennedy, and ‘Slut Trouble’ by Beejay Silcox. The commended authors each receive $750 and their stories will be published by ABR.
This year the prestigious ABR Elizabeth Jolley Short Story Prize (now worth a total of $12,500) attracted almost 1,400 entries from thirty-eight countries. The judges were Amy Baillieu (Deputy Editor of ABR) and authors Maxine Beneba Clarke and David Whish-Wilson.
Further information More information about the Jolley Prize and Australian Book Review can be found on the ABR website.
Jolley Prize winner Josephine Rowe is available for interview and comment. Please contact Progressive PR and Publicity on (03) 9696 6417 or arabella@progressivepr.com.au
ABR gratefully acknowledges Mr Ian Dickson’s generous support for the Jolley Prize.
From: Progressive PR and Publicity on behalf of Australian Book Review
(03) 9696 6417
arabella@progressivepr.com.au
At a ceremony during the Melbourne Writers Festival, Australian author Josephine Rowe was named the overall winner of the 2016 ABR Elizabeth Jolley Short Story Prize for her story ‘Glisk’. She receives $7,000.Josephine Rowe is the author of two short story collections and the novel A Loving, Faithful Animal (2016). Her fiction and essays have appeared in McSweeney’s Quarterly Concern, Best Australian Stories, The Monthly, The Saturday Paper, and elsewhere. She was a recent recipient of a Stegner Fellowship in fiction from Stanford University. Her story ‘Suitable for a Lampshade’ won the Reader’s Choice Award in the 2010 ABR Elizabeth Jolley Short Story Prize.
www.australianbookreview.com.au
Anthony Lawrence, a New South Wales-based writer, was placed second and receives $2,000 for his story ‘Ash’.
Jonathan Tel, a UK-based writer, was placed third and receives $1,000 for his story ‘The Water Calligrapher’s Women’.
All three stories appear in the August 2016 Fiction issue of Australian Book Review. Three other stories were commended: ‘Help Me Harden My Heart’ by Dom Amerena, ‘Window’ by Cate Kennedy, and ‘Slut Trouble’ by Beejay Silcox. The commended authors each receive $750 and their stories will be published by ABR.
This year the prestigious ABR Elizabeth Jolley Short Story Prize (now worth a total of $12,500) attracted almost 1,400 entries from thirty-eight countries. The judges were Amy Baillieu (Deputy Editor of ABR) and authors Maxine Beneba Clarke and David Whish-Wilson.
Further information More information about the Jolley Prize and Australian Book Review can be found on the ABR website.
Jolley Prize winner Josephine Rowe is available for interview and comment. Please contact Progressive PR and Publicity on (03) 9696 6417 or arabella@progressivepr.com.au
ABR gratefully acknowledges Mr Ian Dickson’s generous support for the Jolley Prize.
Wednesday, 24 August 2016
New Pages
Check out our new pages.
We have included a calendar, another page where our monthly facilitator Matthew Naqvi will offer his writing tips. To get away from critiquing every week, we wanted to include a challenge or exercise that would stretch every member's ability and improve our spontaneity to be creative. Click over and check out this coming week's challenge on our Writing Exercises page.
We have included a calendar, another page where our monthly facilitator Matthew Naqvi will offer his writing tips. To get away from critiquing every week, we wanted to include a challenge or exercise that would stretch every member's ability and improve our spontaneity to be creative. Click over and check out this coming week's challenge on our Writing Exercises page.
Saturday, 13 August 2016
SD Harvey Short Story Award
|
http://www.austcrimewriters.com/content/announcing-2016-sd-harvey-shortlists
Thursday, 11 August 2016
This week's stats
13/08/2016
We are getting visitors to our blogsite Wordsmiths, I have copied and pasted some interesting data that is displayed on the administration side of the site.
This map shows the countries our visitor live in, dark green for the most visits and lighter as the source information deletes. So we have had people from the USA France and Germany drop in. Not bad for a little website that has only been up for a month.
This graph shows how many hits and when our site has been visited.
As we want to grow our site and make it relevant we need more posts on writing and ask more people to share on their social media accounts.
Let's make writing great again.
We are getting visitors to our blogsite Wordsmiths, I have copied and pasted some interesting data that is displayed on the administration side of the site.
This map shows the countries our visitor live in, dark green for the most visits and lighter as the source information deletes. So we have had people from the USA France and Germany drop in. Not bad for a little website that has only been up for a month.
This graph shows how many hits and when our site has been visited.
As we want to grow our site and make it relevant we need more posts on writing and ask more people to share on their social media accounts.
Let's make writing great again.
This week's stats
13/08/2016
We are getting visitors to our blogsite Wordsmiths, I have copied and pasted some interesting data that is displayed on the administration side of the site.
This map shows the countries our visitor live in, dark green for the most visits and lighter as the source information deletes. So we have had people from the USA France and Germany drop in. Not bad for a little website that has only been up for a month.
We are getting visitors to our blogsite Wordsmiths, I have copied and pasted some interesting data that is displayed on the administration side of the site.
This map shows the countries our visitor live in, dark green for the most visits and lighter as the source information deletes. So we have had people from the USA France and Germany drop in. Not bad for a little website that has only been up for a month.
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