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Writers Update - March 2020

Are you hungry for a Book Feast?

Strathpine Library, 19 March, 6:30 PM
Join MC Jenny Woolsey and local authors to talk about memoirs, reading and libraries at this community event for all book lovers. Bookings required.

March authors:

Dr James Lergessner will share memories about growing up on Bribie Island.
Jacqui Halpin's memoir about her dad, Jack Turner, is titled a A Long Way From Misery, based at Misery Farm where Jack lived as a child.
Hazel Barker's memoirs recall Hazel's idyllic childhood which was torn apart by the bombing of Rangoon, just prior to Christmas 1941.
Martin Kari recounts the bumpy beginnings of his journey: World War II, refuge, childhood in after-war-Germany, exploring Europe, Asia Minor, North-Africa.

WAMB: The art of self-editing

Caboolture Library, 28 March, 1:30 PM
Learn editing essentials, tips for using beta-readers and techniques to take your writing to the next level with local author, writing mentor and editor Carolyn Martinez. Bookings required.

Meet the author: Lian Hearn

North Lakes Library, 4 March, 7:00 PM
Meet Lian Hearn (aka Gillian Rubinstein) on her retirement tour! Lian's new books were launched in January and mark the end of her career. Doors open 6:30 PM. Bookings required.

International Women's Day

Caboolture Library, 9 March, 9:30 PM
Celebrate International Women's Day with Julie Thomson, co-author of the book Celebrating Caboolture Women about those who contributed to the region. Bookings required.

Diane Carter and Kelly Rimmer

Local adventurer Diane Carter writes books which uplift your spirits and will speak at Bribie Island Library on 11 March at 9:30 AM. You can also catch best-selling author Kelly Rimmer at Redcliffe Library at 7:00 PM the same day.

Books, coffee & cake

Enjoy afternoon tea and join a lively discussion of your favourite books and authors. For adults. Bookings required.

Join a group

Writers’ Groups are an opportunity to meet with new and experienced writers to learn from one another. Find a group now.

Opportunities

Find competitions and resources at the Australian Writers' Resource and Queensland Writers Centre.

B.OLD Stories

B.OLD 2020 short stories, 30 March
People, community groups and organisations are proving age is no barrier — and your help is needed to share their stories. Ten grants of $1000 are on offer for story ideas that challenge stereotypes of ageing. The story ideas will be made into documentaries for the B.OLD 2020: be B.OLDer short film series to be screened in August.

Positive Words Short Story and Poetry Competition

Closes 23 April, first prize $100 each poetry and short story
Positive Words magazine holds two major competitions each year, one closing 23 April and the other 31 October.

No theme required for the April competition, which is open to short stories of 2000 words and poetry of 48 lines.

2020 CYA All-Stars Conference

10-12 July, TAFE Qld South Bank campus
The 15th annual CYA Conference caters for writers of children’s, young adult, and adult literature markets across all genres. It is a professional development weekend for new and established writers.

Boonah Writers Festival

2-3 May, Boonah Cultural Centre
Attendees are welcome to display and sell their own books at the Boonah Writers Festival on the May long weekend. Speakers include Ben Allmon, Edwina Shaw and Vicki Bennet.

In the news

FAWQ Readers and Writers Festival - Moreton Bay: Planning continues for the new festival in 2021 to mark the 100th anniversary of the Fellowship of Australian Writers Queensland. Moreton Bay Region Libraries and USC Moreton Bay (Petrie) will host events in June and July, 2021. The theme is “Stories Creating Connection” and expressions of interest will be invited soon from presenters and participants. Details FAWQ website or email FAWQ president Jim Higgins.

Stay in touch: Subscribe to our What's On eNewsletter, liking our Facebook page, or browsing our What's On calendar. We've got something for everyone including events for adults, families, kids and teens.

Submit to publishers

Most of Australia's major publishers now accept manuscript submissions all year round, including:

Allen & Unwin - adult fiction and non-fiction, children's, YA and academic submission accepted
Bloomsbury Spark - fiction eBooks across multiple genres including: romance, contemporary, dystopian, paranormal, sci-fi, mystery, thriller, and more
Hachette - adult fiction and non-fiction only
Pan Macmillan - first Monday of the month between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM only - adult commercial and literary fiction, commercial non-fiction, children's and YA
Penguin Random House - adult fiction and non-fiction; children's and YA literature submissions accepted from February to November annually

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