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Writers Sauce – WWC – MWS 30-August-2019
Writers Sauce – WWC – MWS 30-August-2019
Welcome to Writers Sauce.
Anji, Sue, Dave, Devina, Yolunda, Nick, Stacey, Peter, Ken, Megan and Jay are our newest subscribers. We now have 272 subscribers. You’ve joined a great group of writers 🙂
If anyone would like to invite friends to join us, just forward on this email to anyone anywhere.
You can also become a member and have your own page on the website: https://www.worldwriterscollective.com/wwc
If there is anything you would like to know or learn more about, reply to this email and we’ll either discuss it at our next event, or provide some information within our next email-out.
Thank you,
Mat Clarke
www.worldwriterscollective.com/mat-carke
Contents:
(Look for the *NEW* stamp below for content you haven’t read yet)
- Book Review (more reviews on books wanted)
- Writing competition – we need you!
*3. Flash Fiction *NEW*
*4. Writer Retreat in Olinda BnB 2019 REVIEW *NEW*
*5. Book launch for OUR anthology *NEW*
- Melbourne Writers Social Group upcoming events
- All Write! upcoming events
- We want to hear from you
- Editing your writing
- Essential Information for Writers
- Important links
- Review a book title – It will be posted on the WWC website
READ MORE HERE: www.worldwriterscollective.com/writers-sauce
Are you someone who likes to review books (poems, short stories, movie scripts, blogs, non-fiction, etc.) and give honest feedback on content, interest, characters, structure, or if you think it was just really good reading? Submit your review via this email.
For the end of July please review any book or script or poetry you like (yes, you can submit a review done on your story if you like).
- Current Writing Competition
Short story competition – World Writers Collective
We want you on our website. Check out the next writing competition with the theme THE SADDEST STORY. The word limit is 2,500 and the cost is $5 to enter. And FREE if you become a World Writers Collective member, which helps support everyone in the group as indie writers.
Want to get published or publish your own works and have our members spread the word about your works, book launch, or other? It’s only $20 a year to join which helps pay the few hundred dollars it costs for the domain and host the website each year.
If you are one of the top winners of the competition, you will be included in the 2021 anthology. That’s just one of the great reasons to get involved with the anthology!
We also want to promote you. All you have to do is say the word.
There is a new NEWS section on WWC at the top that will be updated every few days. Hopefully with your help. So check it out. https://www.worldwriterscollective.com
Want to add to our NEWS section? Then send some info through.
3.Flash Fiction
Are you ready for the challenge? It’s true we all love to linger over a favourite novel but if it’s 50, 100, 200, 300 or up to 1000 words, a well-crafted story can pack a mighty punch. Even at 100 words a story can zing. It’s all in the showing (and telling), using the ABDCE structure: action, background/ inciting action, development/rising actions, climax, ending (the characters should be significantly different).
See our previous entries on WWC. If you want to get involved with Magz and the members of WWC, join our group for a small cost of $20 a year.
Flash Fiction submission – August 2019 – 50 words
Topic : Tracked Down – in second person, poetry OR prose
Spacing: 1.5 Helvetica or Times Roman
Font: 12 Helvetica or Times New Roman
Deadline: 31 August
Please forward all stories to: melbournewriters@gmail.com
With the subject: Flash Fiction
Include these details within the email:
The title of your story and your name.
Include the word count of your story.
https://www.worldwriterscollective.com/flash-fiction
- Writer Retreat in Olinda BnB
It was a sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle. Lots of trees and a magical house better than the Far Away Tree.
There was writing and discussions by the large open fireplace. Helpful feedback and support from all attendees.
David Collis, owner of the Treehouse was kind enough to offer up his BnB to a great group of writers so they could spend their time writing and discovering this home away from home.
Mat Clarke hosted the activities and discussions giving everyone a good schedule to follow so that there was very little procrastination, but still time to admire the amazing view and chat to everyone in attendance.
Here is what some of the attendees said:
Janelle Sheen
I really enjoyed it!
The environment was wonderful. The writing opportunity fantastic. Sharing writing was insightful. I loved the opportunity to be away from my normal desk so I could focus on my writing in such a beautiful and nourishing environment, not to mention the welcoming, encouraging and supportive company. I really enjoyed the writing games and listening to others’ writing. It was very inspiring to hear the different styles and approaches. The only not so wonderful thing was the distance I had to travel, but it just added to the pleasure of the weekend. Putting effort in brings more rewards. I will definitely travel the distance again for another such opportunity. I am already looking forward to the next event.
linkedin.com/in/janelle-sheen-033215b3/
Yolunda Walker
I came to the retreat not knowing what to expect and I would like to say a big thank you.
I enjoyed meeting such talented people and listening to their projects along with their informative information and most of all support. As Mat knew, I was nervous when reading out some of my work but I was overwhelmed with the positive feedback. It was so appreciated and has confirmed that I need to continue my dream of writing my book so no more procrastinating – and that I can do this! Even though I only came for the day it was so worth the trip.
linkedin.com/in/yolunda-walker-71806417
Anji Bignell
The retreat was really helpful for me to feel relaxed and get some writing done.
I enjoyed the LinkedIn session we had with Sue, so I think that for future retreats, it would be nice to have one part of a day set aside for a little ‘marketing’ session or brain-storm sharing and using each other’s knowledge in the group. And possibly a word game or creative writing prompt per day (but not too many of course, as some people just want to get writing). So pretty much what you did anyway! I love Dave’s house too. That was a very special part of the whole experience. Look forward to the next one.
Sue Ellson
The Writer’s Retreat at The Treehouse in Olinda was a great opportunity to focus on the structure and format of my fifth book and to continue writing without the distractions of everyday life. It was wonderful to feel a part of a community of writers and have a few prompts for discussion and feedback. I managed to compile all of my existing content and complete 20 poems! I also had a great time on the Saturday evening when we went out for dinner at a local pub and enjoyed hearing some great stories – after all, every writer is usually a very good storyteller! I would like to personally thank Mat Clarke for his excellent facilitation and coordination skills and David Collis for his superb hospitality and welcoming skills. The fresh air and country vibe were very calming on the mind and allowed me to explore various aspects of my creativity. A very worthwhile experience.
- Book launch for our anthology
Our top five writers from the last four writing competitions have brought their winning stories together to entertain you. How nice are they, right!
We have the book launch coming up in October 2019. Stay tuned for the upcoming launch date to take place in Melbourne.
At this momentous occasion we’ll have our first prize winners reading their stories, a raffle to win great prizes and some other fun extras along the way.
There will also be writers reading a story out at our other events leading up to the launch. This will be your opportunity to not only listen to an amazing story being read, but also to learn how the story was created and their creative process.
See you all there.
- Melbourne Writers Social upcoming events
Eastern suburbs meetup: The first Sunday of the month we are running writing Games in Ferntree Gully. This event will be centred on enjoyment. If you enjoy writing, then you should come along. If you haven’t written for a while, then these writing games will help spark you back to life. No experience or skill necessary.
Social Chat Q&A: The second Tuesday of the month we chat about getting published, what is involved, and our experiences. No matter what stage of writing you are in, come along. If you want to read out your work and have it critiqued, please bring a few copies so we can read along with you.
South Bank Write Now: Second Saturday of the month. The venue is generally quiet, opens early, free wifi, good coffee, food and drinks if you need them for later 😉 There is music, and it is a cafe, so bear this in mind and wear head phones if you need them while you write.
City Writer Group: Third Tuesday of the month we have our general friendly chatting and reading out of our work sessions – but only if you would like to read out your work, there is no pressure. Also, we talk about giving feedback on writing, book launches, fun writing tips, and other entertainment industry interests.
As with all our events, please get in touch if you would like to help with running events. The best way to do this is to come to one of our events and chat to the current event hosts about what you would like to do. We prefer to have two event hosts at each event, so where there is an opening we are happy for you to get involved.
There are many other Writing groups in Melbourne that you may be interested as well. Go to them all and see what interests you . . . but then come back to MWS and bring more great people with you. Haha 😉
- All Write! upcoming events
A place where you can write in North Melbourne. That’s it. All you do is turn up and write with others. You can chat to other writers as well if you like and grab a bite or a cuppa.
Most of all enjoy yourself.
- We want to hear from you!
Yes, we really do.
We want feedback in any way shape or form. Even if it is to tell us you love us.
Stuff you may wish to reply about for our next Writers Sauce:
1) A few sentences on what writing means to you.
2) A paragraph or two about how you became a writer (or want to).
3) A great skill you picked up regarding editing, writing, publishing, etc.
4) The best place to write.
5) How chatting to others about writing made you a better writer.
- Editing Your Writing
Free: Put your bio, query letter, or other writing into the Dropbox for people to check over.
Read the Read Me file in the Dropbox for instructions to upload your story (you will need to join Dropbox and supply your email to Mat Clarke to enable upload). Link: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/mx9e9m43ljweh11/AAD3I7-VKOT5XSL8As6k1UOxa?dl=0
We also have professional editors on hand to help with editing and evaluation of your writing at very competitive (low) prices. Check them out here: https://www.worldwriterscollective.com/editing-services
- Essential Information
Sites Authors Should Know
This is an unofficial list I have created as a useful writer’s tool. I receive no royalties, or kickbacks from any sites below. Use as advice only.
-(Dean MacAllister)
SELFPUBLISHINGADVICE.ORG– Before submitting to a publisher or self-publishing I highly recommend you check out the ‘Writers Beware’ section of this site! It has lists of scams to look out for and lists the less-than-reputable companies that have ripped writers off globally. Learn from the mistakes of others.
Smashwords- Creates and publishes E-books in all formats for free.
Takes some getting used to and has to be done properly. For a small fee people on site will convert your file through the “meat-grinder” converter for you.
Kindlepreneur- Writer who joined most author sites to compare.
Links to the best author friendly tools. Marketing advice included. Free website with free manuals. (Highly recommended!)
Goodreads- Author/Reader site. Many discussion forums. Very popular. Good place to find fans, create an author profile and source reviews.
Librarything- Poor-man’s version of Goodreads, but much less commercial.
READ MORE HERE: www.worldwriterscollective.com/writers-sauce
- Important Links
Post news about your writing, book launch, events, or event just a link to your latest blog/post/tweet: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1629658520414716
Important information about writing in general, and the Melbourne Writers Group: https://www.facebook.com/MelbWriters
Discuss anything you like that’s creative: https://www.facebook.com/groups/169777419779168
For people who want to discuss writing on a forum that is for everyone around the world: https://www.facebook.com/groups/570847673015529
Your work edited for free by other writers. Give feedback to other writers to gain more practice editing your own work: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/mx9e9m43ljweh11/AAD3I7-VKOT5XSL8As6k1UOxa?dl=0
Information on writing, writing competitions, professional editing, getting published, and more. Become a member for discounts: https://www.worldwriterscollective.com
Near Melbourne? Come to our group and meet other writers and chat. Everyone is welcome:https://www.meetup.com/Melbourne-Writers
Previous email-outs with great information.https://www.worldwriterscollective.com/writers-sauce
The Story Mint newsletter for even more information. Subscribe here:http://www.thestorymint.com
Writers Sauce – WWC
World Writers Collective
2018 Short Stories – Final
If you’ve come to read the best of the best for free then this is it!
Click on any of the story titles to be taken to all our best stories of 2018.
www.worldwriterscollective.com
Stories of triumph, stories of horror, ones with a twist and some that just make you think. They are yours to read for free (please visit our author’s pages too).
The World Writers Collective was created to give indie writers the opportunity to have their work read by the masses. Please share this site if you think it was worthy your time and you found some unique and flavoursome stories.
When you visit our site you can also:
- Say hi to us by coming along to one of our gatherings if you are visiting Melbourne
- Attend our conferences and writing retreats
- Join in with our writing competitions
- Join as a paying member and have your own writer page and free access to our writing competitions
- Use our professional editing skills (free editing options also available)
- Download our anthology (coming soon)
First prizes:
Kerry Sharp – The Role Model
Jo Stanford – Changing Winds
Dean MacAllister – Not About You
Christie Heart – Sand And Locusts
See you soon 🙂
Mat Clarke
Writer Checks
Do you need someone to read over your work?
Have you exhausted all friends and family and you now don’t think they will be able to give you an objective view?
Would you like a point of view from someone from the other side of the world?
Is your dialogue working?
Is your first sentence going to catch people’s attention quickly enough?
Is the ending great?
Is the sentence structure ok?
Why not drop your story inside here and have someone read your work!
It’s FREE!
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/mx9e9m43ljweh11/AAD3I7-VKOT5XSL8As6k1UOxa?dl=0
Read the READ ME file to find out more 🙂
Publish Your Book or Story
Not sure what to do with your book now that it is complete and edited?
Or maybe you’ve written some poetry or short stories and want to get it out there?
Or you need to establish a presence online as a writer, but creating a blog is getting you no where.
Well, now there is place you can go and join with other writers and attract readers to you!
Become one of the World Writers Collective members and change your status from unknown to KNOWN today!
Writers wanted!
Writers wanted! (click here)
Anthology II 2012
Holiday Season in Melbourne (Australia)
Brought to you by the Melbourne Writers’ Social Group
Sponsored by The Story Mint
Last year we developed a small book of short stories for Valentine’s Day. Some of those stories were sweet and others not so sweet. This year we are kicking off another anthology with all stories themed for the coming holiday season in Melbourne, Australia.
You are not ruled by any genre and you are certainly not limited to just the more merry times over December; feel free to use the horror genre, for example.
You are however limited by word count and time.
Word count for stories (fiction or non-fiction): 1500 words maximum.
There is no minimum. However we would prefer you try and aim for approximately 1500 words.
If you intend to submit a poem, then the word count is different: 500 words maximum.
Start submitting your story to the Writer’s Pad before the end of October so you can receive feedback and act on it before submissions close. Please also make sure it is at least your third draft.
The Story Mint website: http://www.thestorymint.com/writers-pad
For full details and conditions please visit: https://melbournewriters.wordpress.com/2012/10/12/anthology-ii-2012-writers-wanted/
Dark Prints Press Call for Submissions
Australian independent book publisher Dark Prints Press is looking for novellas of 15,000 to 40,000 words within the dark fiction rainbow. This includes:
- Crime
- Thriller
- Suspense
- Mystery
- Horror
- Dark Fantasy
- Dark Comedy
- Adventure
- Any work with a dark or supernatural element
According to their website:
Payment is as follows:
- E-Book Series: AUD$100 advance, 40% royalty on a list price of $3.99
- Print Series: Additional AUD$100 advance, 20% royalty on RRP $7.99
Cancer Council Arts Awards 2012
The Cancer Council Victoria has announced their Cancer Council Arts Awards 2012.
They are looking for short stories of up to 1,000 words and poetry of up to 300 words. Short stories will be short listed by Antipodes and judged by Arnold Zable. Poetry will be short listed by Australian Poetry and judged by Dr. Jennifer Harrison.
The theme for 2012 is Strength. It takes strength to face a diagnosis of cancer. Whether directly affected or by supporting a loved one, many will draw on their inner strength to help them through such a difficult time.
Outstanding entries are awarded $1,000. Highly commended and commended prizes will also receive awards.
The submission deadline is 5 pm, 27 April 2012.
Visit their website for more details and submission guidelines at artsawards.com.au.
Society of Women Writers of Tasmania Short Story Competition 2012
The Society of Women Writers of Tasmania (SWWT) has launched its 2012 short story competition.
They are looking for 1500-2000 word short stories on any topic. Entries must include the word ‘Tasmania’ somewhere in the story. Submissions are open to all writers within Australia.
Winners will be presented with cash prizes:
- First Prize: $250 plus trophy
- Second Prize: $100
- Third Prize: $50
- High Commended Entries: Certificates
The entry fee is $5.00 per entry.
The submission deadline is 1 May 2012. Winners will be announced on the SWWT web page on 3 July 2012.
Visit their website for more details and submission guidelines at swwt.org.au. You can also contact the President/Secretary on 03 6362 2850.
The Voiceless Writing Prize
Voiceless, the animal protection institute, has announced the “The Voiceless Writing Prize,” sponsored by Australian Ethical Investment. There is “a total prize pool of well over $20,000 to writers who compellingly address the relationship between humans and animals, and animal sentience.”
The contest is looking for fiction and non-fiction pieces of 5-10,000 words with a focus on animals raised for food or those found in the Australian environment.
The best work will be published by Australia’s largest independent publisher, Allen & Unwin, in 2012.
“The winner chosen by the judging panel will receive $15,000, while the public will vote for the People’s Choice to receive $5,000. Voiceless Councillor Deborah Debnam together with Peter Debnam have sponsored the People’s Choice for 2012, 2013, and 2014. All writers published in the collection will receive $500.”
The submission deadline is 16 March 2012.
Visit their website for more details and submission guidelines at voiceless.org.au.
melbourne writers' social group 