Opportunities abound!

Hi, everyone,

I've just posted a whole lot of different opportunities that are available at the moment, so make sure you peruse what follows. Some, like the short courses, are intended more for people who aren't currently students, but of course students would be welcome to attend if they wanted. Some of these opportunities are targeted at particular groups, but I've put them all up so you can all see what's around and whether any of these opportunities suit you.

Hope everyone's enjoying the holidays and doing lots of writing!

Tracey

PWE short courses

VU Creative Writing Short Course

The Creative Writing Short Course covers a range of introductory writing topics and gives each student the chance to create and read their own writing in a lively and supportive atmosphere.

This class is the ideal way to try creative writing if you’re not sure where to start. It also offers direction for those who want to continue writing but are unsure where to go next.

The Creative Writing Short Course is an energetic mixture of writing exercises, readings and discussion. It covers several forms of writing so students can embark on writing pieces that are new and satisfying.

Find out about

· Original ideas: finding them

· Fresh words: creating them

· Scenes: the building blocks of story

· Characters: making them real and interesting

· Writing choices: point of view

· Editing your own writing

· What to do next.

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Course length: 2.5 hours every week for 6 weeks

Begins April 10, 2010.

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Saturdays 9.30 am-12 noon at Wyndham Cultural Centre, Werribee

OR

Tuesdays 9.30 am-12 noon at Point Cook Library

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$230 / $210 concession

This Course is run by Professional Writing & Editing TAFE, Victoria University.
For more details, email margaret.mccarthy@vu.edu.au or phone 9919 2681.

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Have you secretly harboured desires to create your own short film?

Are you itching to write a film-script but aren’t sure how to begin?

Do you need help to shape your film-script??

Professional Writing and Editing TAFE, Victoria University

Presents

Write a Short Film Script

VU Short Course

2.5 hours a week for six weeks

Begins April 10^th, 2010

Saturdays 1pm-3.30pm

At Wyndham Cultural Centre, Werribee

See attached flyer for full details.

More information:

9919 2681

Email: margaret.mccarthy@vu.edu.au

Grazie!!! Wave back if you’re interested!!!

Cheers

Bruno

0422 29 86 43

Write a Short Film Script
VU Short Course

This short course is an introduction to the basics of Screenwriting.

Making films is now easier than ever—but shaping a good story is a vital skill. If you’re itching to try to write a film-script but haven’t been sure how to begin, this class will get you on the right track. It will also suit people who have already had some experience, but who would like some guidance on where to go next.

This course will be a lively combination of activities, examples, readings and discussions. You’ll get the chance to explore and shape your ideas for making a short film through a series of six supportive and inspiring sessions.

Find out about

• Understanding mainstream genres: crime, comedy, teen, romance
• Crucial elements: the plot and the premise
• Creating screen characters
• Creating dramatic tension
• Organising your ideas into practical actions to make your film.

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Course length: 2.5 hours every week for 6 weeks

Begins April 10, 2010.

Saturdays 1 pm-3.30 pm at Wyndham Cultural Centre, Werribee

$230 / $210 concession
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Another event at the Writers' Centre

It is important for a new writer to consider all options available to them. When it comes to being published it is not simply a case of bigger is better and very often writers will have far more success approaching a smaller publishing house. Find out more at...

Small Press and Magazine Publishers
With Affirm Press, Wilkins Farrago and Host, Zoe Dattner (SPUNC)
Panel: Join SPUNC general manager, Zoe Dattner, Rebecca Starford (Affirm Press) and Andrew Wilkins (Wilkins Farago), members of the Small Press Underground Networking Community. Small publishers produce award-winning fiction, critical non-fiction, acclaimed journals and magazines and serve as a launching pad for some of Australia’s best known authors. This session will cover current markets out there for new writers and the benefits of approaching small press publishers.
Rebecca Starford is the associate publisher at Affirm Press. http://www.affirmpress.com.au/ She is the former deputy editor of Australian Book Review and writes regularly for the book review pages of The Age and The Weekend Australian.
Andrew Wilkins is the former publisher of Australia's book industry magazine, Bookseller+Publisher, and now the Director of Wilkins Farago (http://www.wilkinsfarago.com.au), publishing both adult and children's books.
When: Wednesday 31 March, 6.30-8pm
Cost: $15, Members $12/$10

More on one of the Writers' Centre events: novel weekend

A Novel Weekend

With internationally acclaimed author Linda Jaivin

Saturday 17 & Sunday 18 April 2010

10am-4pm

Cost: $270, VWC Members: $210 / $190

Ever wanted to write your own novel? Sitting on an unfinished manuscript? Over two days, Linda Jaivin will guide you on a journey from inspiration to creation. Through a combination of lecture, discussion and a vari-ety of short writing exercises, she will introduce the ba-sics of novel-writing. How do you come up with a good idea for a novel? How do you get started? What comes first, character or plot? How to stop telling and start showing? Where will it all end? She will also teach you how to be your own best editor. This course is open to writers of all levels.

Linda Jaivin is the internationally acclaimed author of six novels, numerous short stories and has also produced several plays. Linda’s first novel Eat Me was an interna-tional bestseller and remains a cult-classic. Her fourth, The Infernal Optimist, was shortlisted for the ASL Gold Medal. Her latest is A Most Immoral Woman (2009).

Victorian Writers' Centre

Level 3, The Wheeler Centre

176 Lonsdale Street

Melbourne, VIC

3000

Book and pay via our website:

http://vwc.org.au/what-s-on

Phone: 03 9094 7855

Call for submissions for Cursive Scripts

NMIT Bachelor of Writing and Publishing second year students are completing a one off journal for a publishing assingment and would appreciate if you would pass this email to all students in your classes interested in submitting their work to be published in our Journal, Cursive Scripts. Terms and Conditions are attached below. If any questions you require answering please reply to this email. Thank you for your time, we are looking forward to your reply and submissions from your students Regards NMIT students ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cursive Scripts is calling for Submissions for its first edition. Submissions end 20th April 2010. General Submissions Works Must be Under 800 - 3000 words We are currently only accepting general submissions in English. If you would like to submit in a language other than English a translation must be made available. Please contact us before submission. Non-discriminatory language is mandatory. Defamatory content will not be accepted Words considered a proprietary term or trade mark must use the symbol ® or TM. The author must have copyright of the manuscript/s submitted. Works must be submitted in MS Word format. Submissions must be sent via email attachment Author Copyright, Payment and Privacy Authors will not be paid. All authors selected for publishing will receive a hard copy of the publication. The Author retains full copyright of their work. Authors may be contacted by any member of the Editorial Team regarding their submission. Selection Process All submissions are subject to editing. Manuscripts submitted are subject to full peer review. If your submission is an unrevised manuscript extract please note that substantial editing may be required before it is approved for publishing.

What's on at the Victorian Writers' Centre

176 Little Lonsdale Street, Melbourne

For more information on the courses below and to book online, please visit
http://vwc.org.au/what-s-on

APRIL EVENTS – FACTS ABOUT FICTION

All for One, One for All—Collaboration in publishing.
With Mark Carthew and Kathryn Duncan.
Seminar: Award winning children’s author & editor Mark Carthew and Celapene Press publisher Kathryn Duncan talk about the collaborative process with a range of Australian and international publishers, authors and illustrators. Kathryn will share her industry perspectives as a Publisher member of SPUNC, the Small Press Underground Networking Community. http://www.celapenepress.com.au/ www.markcarthew.com.au
When: Wednesday 7 April, 6.30-8pm
Cost: $15, Members $12/$10

The Short Story
With Paddy O’ Reilly
Weekend Workshop: Idea sparking, exercises, challenges, discussion, and writing. By the end of the weekend you'll have travelled to unusual places and worked with new and exciting characters that you discovered, ending up with plenty of material to take away for sculpting and shaping into wonderful stories.
Paddy O'Reilly is the author of a collection of short stories, The End of the World, a novel and a novella. Her stories have won prizes and been anthologised nationally and internationally.
When: Saturday & Sunday 10-11 April, 10am-4pm
Cost: $270, Members $210/$190

Reading for Writers 2010
With Sarah Myles
Course: Ever wondered what Jane Austen or Ernest Hemingway read? What about Chekhov? Writers often say their best resource is reading other people’s books. This course focuses on the twin experience of reading as a reader and reading as a writer. It asks, how do writers read? And how can you enhance your reading technique? Come and explore facets of writing such as narrative, character, point of view, detail and dialogue by looking closely at the writing techniques of a variety authors including, Michael Ondaatje, Tim O'Brien, Elizabeth Strout, Mary Shelley and Virginia Woolf. Sarah Myles is the author of Transplanted (2002). She is an avid and passionate reader.
When: Tuesdays, 13 April, 11 May, 8 June, 13 July, 10 August, 14 September, 12 October, 9 November, 6.30-8pm
Cost: $175, Members $135/$115

The Author, the Agent and the Publisher
With Meme McDonald, Jenny Darling and Erica Wagner. Hosted by Ann Philpott
Panel: Join literary agent Jenny Darling, publisher Erica Wagner and published writer Meme McDonald, as they discuss the process of manuscript publication, outlining the author, agent and publisher relationship, and what follows on thereafter to make a successful author. Held in conjunction with the Society of Editors (Vic).
When: Wednesday 14 April, 6.30-8pm
Cost: $15, Members $12/$10

Let's Network @ the Wheeler Centre
Event: An opportunity for like-minded writers to get together, form new networks, exchange ideas, and strengthen literary community ties, in a relaxed and informal setting. The events focus on different groups and areas each month - including new and emerging writers, freelancers, non-fiction, genre fiction and editors - and feature special guests from fellow organisations residing at The Wheeler Centre, along with other literary groups and associations. Open to all writers. This month features special guest Lisa Dempster, director of Emerging Writers' Festival.
When: Thursday 15 April, 6.30-8pm
Cost: FREE

Novel Writing
With Linda Jaivin
Weekend workshop: Over two days, internationally published author Linda Jaivin will guide you on a journey from inspiration to creation. Through a combination of lecture, discussion and a variety of short writing exercises, she will introduce the basics of novel-writing. How do you come up with a good idea for a novel? How do you get started? What comes first, character or plot? How to stop telling and start showing? Where will it all end? She will also teach you how to be your own best editor. The course, about the creative process (not publication), is open to writers of all levels.
When: Saturday & Sunday, 17-18 April, 10am-4pm
Cost: $270, Members $210/$190 Booking deadline 2 April.

Research for Fiction Writers
With Arnold Zable
Two part Seminar: So you have an idea for a story but don’t know where to start? The key to any good fiction writing is to ensure your story is credible. Arnold Zable is an award-winning writer, educator and storyteller.
When: Tuesday & Wednesday 20-21 April, 6.30-8.30pm
Cost: $55, Members $44/$36

All About Fiction Publishing

With Penguin, Scribe, and Transit Lounge. Hosted by Melanie Dankel
Panel: Join Kirsten Abbott (Penguin), Aviva Tuffield (Scribe) and Barry Scott (Transit Lounge) who will discuss current market trends, the process of manuscript submission to publication, and the right (and wrong) way to approach a publisher. This is a must-see event for all fiction writers, whether they may be seeking publication for short fiction, essays or novels. Held in conjunction with the Society of Editors (Vic)
When: Wednesday, 28 April, 6.30-8pm
Cost: $15, Members $12/$10

For any further enquiries do not hesitate to contact us.


Kind Regards
Jared Haube
(available Wednesdays)
Tel. 9094 7855
For urgent enquiries please email program@vwc.org.au

Workshop for young writers and editors

Text Camp 2010 is an ambitious evolution of Next Wave’s inaugural and highly successful Text Camp program from our last Festival in 2008.

Text Camp 2010 is a three-stage workshop, mentorship, and digital and printed publication project, which will involve three groups of young and emerging writers and editors, aged 30 and under, being mentored in either critical or creative writing, or arts publishing and editing. Each stream will contain a maximum of five people, with different mentors for each stream.

The three streams being offered in Text Camp 2010 are:

• Creative Responses to Creative Works with Nic Low
• Critical Conditions with Rosemary Forde
• Independent Arts Publishing with Dylan Rainforth

HOW TO APPLY
Next Wave is excited to offer 15 places to young writers and editors from across Australia. Please download and read the details about the project, and fill out the application form

DEADLINE
Thursday 15 April, 2010 (post-mark and email date)

QUESTIONS
For any questions about Text Camp 2010, email Ulanda Blair at Next Wave, or call us on 03 9329 9422.

Regards,

Ulanda.

Call for submissions from queer writers

banQuetpress would like to extend a call for submissions to students at your institution.

We are an Australian publishing firm offering opportunities to queer emerging writers. We are looking for short stories, flash fiction, poetry, graphic narratives and creative essays.

I have attached our call for submissions and further guidelines can be found on our website.

There are very few creative publishing opportunities for GLBTQI writers in Australia and we would love to reach as many potential contributors as possible.

Many thanks for your assistance,

Deanne Carson
Editor & Publisher
banQuetpress

www.banquetpress.com
banquetpress@optusnet.com.au

SEED reminder

Just a reminder to anyone out there who's a VU student that SEED is currently looking for submissions. Remember that those of you who want to be writers should be doing all you can to start building up a writing CV, and the best way to go about it is to start submitting to magazines. Many of our students have been published in SEED in the past -- it's a great opportunity so go chase it down!

Tracey

Novel 2 comes online

This year's Novel 2 class as part of their session this morning have looked at F Scott Fitzgerald's quote: "All good swimming is swimming under water and holding your breath". Here are their thoughts on what this might mean:

You need to be in a state of supsended animation -- holding your breath underwater -- to write well, somehow apart from the rest of the world, but with your eyes wide open, examining it with intense interest.
-- Annie Taylor

Without a struggle to achieve the best you can, you could end up with mediocrity.

Not reworking your chapters is lazy, and you could be missing out on that great novel you always wished you could write.

Start now, reread your chapters as if you were the reader who has bought your book: is it worth the price?

If in any doubt, start rewriting to get out of the mediocrity of just another novel landing on the publisher's returns desk.
-- Marlene Gorman

This could mean that you have to struggle a lot to produce a good piece of writing.
-- Jerry

Writing is always going to be judged; therefore, it is always going to be a challenge, a risk. The difference betweeen what is good and poor is up to the reviewer; therefore, you have no power in how it is interpreted. All you can do is hold your breath -- wait patiently for judgment day and hope for the best.
-- Tom Pinchen-Hogg

If F Scott Fitzgerald was referring to writing as a struggle, then I'm all for believing his words. But there's a subjectiveness to it that makes me wonder, for some people love swimming; it comes naturally for them. But everyone can't hold their breath forever, so, whether it is a struggle or something that comes with ease, writing is something that requires you to "be there" in the water and to know when to let go and breathe before you get back into it.
-- Andrew Roberts

Good writing sucks you into the world of your characters and isolates you -- just like holding your breath under water.
-- Brianna Lund

Writing well is a struggle. And it should be. It is something achieved through practice and perserverance. You hold your breath and push through the pain in the hope that the end result will be greatness. Then you do it again. And again. Great writing is born from the knowledge that you are continually learning new things about your craft.
-- Hayley Ashman

My understanding of this quote is that good writing pulls you away from the real world to your own little world. Sometimes you can feel the rush of excitement. At times the journey can be difficult, but practice makes perfect.
-- Kayla

Writing is like swimming underwater as you often do it in isolation, and you are distanced from the real world, with water blocking your ears, and the only sound being that of your heart beating. You have to get in touch with your memories, dreams and imagination, and this is best done alone and in touch with your senses.

You have to hold your breath waiting for outside approval of your work. You surface, gasping for breath, hoping that your classmates, teachers and others take to your work kindly, and your writing can live in the bright light of day.
-- Donna

Because you don't always produce "good writing". Eventually, you need to surface and have some "bad writing" before you submerge and continue with the "good writing". How long you last just simply comes down to how often you train.
-- Amanda J Wickham

For me, swimming underwater is a precious escape from the real world; it's a chance to immerse myself in "otherness" for as long as I can before I run out of breath and burst back out onto the surface, a new perspective in hand.

This is what writing does for me.
-- Fiona L Browning

An amazing idea.

And yes. So accurate.

To write and write well, one must be fully immersed in the characters and situations. One's normal life must not touch upon skin and eyes, but the place of the pages must totally consume the writer.

But there, above the surface is normality and reality.

And fear.

Oh,yes, fear.

But we must dive under it, refuse to breathe it.

Push through under, away, through.
-- Jennifer

So, what do I think? I think it's about taking risks, about sucking up your courage and taking that plunge into the unknown and exploring; writing is a journey of discovery, but you'll get the most out of it if you are willing to push the boundaries. Others have talked about the struggle, the fear, and these things are there, for sure. These are real things that I, and many other writers, wrestle with at times. But at other times, there are also wonder and intense joy. Writing is a solitary thing, and yet paradoxically, when I do it, I am never alone. And as well of the joy of sometimes getting something right, there's the joy, as Hayley mentions, of learning more along the way, but only if you are open to it -- only if you are out there in that roiling sea, ready to take risks.

Tracey Rolfe