Archive
Writers Sauce – WWC – MWS 10-July-2023
Writers Sauce – WWC – MWS 10–July-2023
Welcome to Writers Sauce. We have one new topic for you to check out and it’s all about writing. See CONTENTS below.
Here’s what Christopher Kong said about World Writers Collective:
“Hi Mat – I came across your World Writers Collective site, including your post covering ‘editing tips’.
I’m writing this note to say a big THANKS. I think your site is a wonderful resource, and I really resonated with your comment on the benefit of giving/receiving feedback via writers groups. Despite your evident experience, I appreciate how your sharing comes across as very humble and accessible.
I’ve been working on a piece of creative non-fiction. Look forward to connecting and exchanging more ideas (and writing?) with each other!”
And Sergio about Melbourne Writers Social Group:
Hi Mat, I feel like I should grab you at least a couple of beers and a nice pub meal. It’s the least I can do to say thanks. I have no clue about being a writer and your help has been invaluable.
Kind regards
Sergio
Phil, Joseph, Susanne, Luke, Noel, Prashama, Oliver, Kirk, Giles, Walter, Paul, Laura, Vivek, Artemis, Tim, Paul and Vikki are our newest subscribers. We now have 385 subscribers. You’ve joined a great group of writers 🙂
If anyone would like to invite friends to join us, forward this email to anyone anywhere in the world.
World Writers Collective collaborates together with writers, editors and many other kinds of artists / creatives in all industries. We have actors, directors, illustrators, musicians and screen writers in the one place all eager for you to enjoy their work
Join us as a subscriber or as a writer if you would like your own promotional page on our website. To have a page on our website it costs $20 a year. Included are some minor discounts and the ability to advertise yourself for free to our subscribers.
Everyone who works on this website does so for free.
We would also like to stress that if you can not afford the $20, we would like you as a member anyway. You can pay WWC when you have the money available.
www.worldwriterscollective.com/wwc
If you want to add to this email with your own words of wisdom, please let us know. We can also/otherwise add info to our NEWS section on the WWC website.
It’s all done for free and it’s off our own back. Please get involved if you have the time.
Thank you,
Mat Clarke
www.worldwriterscollective.com/mat-carke
Contents:
(Look for the *NEW* stamp below for content you haven’t read yet)
1. Book Review (more reviews on books wanted)
2. Writing competitions – suspended until a new manager volunteers
3. Promote your blog
4. Vikki Holstein’s talk on getting published *NEW*
5. The Story Mint: Stylefit
6. Writing, editing, predicates, grammar and sentence structure.
7. Writer volunteer Jobs
8. Melbourne Writers Social Group events
9. All Write! upcoming events
10. We want to hear from you
11. Join us and we’ll promote you
12. Essential Information for Writers
13. Important links
–
1. 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 2023 please review any book or script or poetry you like (yes, you can submit a review done on your story if you like).
Here’s a review of ‘The Man Behind the Mask’ by Rachel Martigan – A Regency Romance.
I struggled today and yesterday ���, having to work, when I just wanted to keep reading.
There was unexpected events, times where I was nervous about what the outcome might be, and happy bits.
Such a great read, you’ve done such a great job with both books.
So, when is the next book out?
I’m such a romance junkie, I can’t get enough.
Well done
All three reviews: https://www.amazon.com.au/gp/profile/amzn1.account.AERDMS7R4XWAMTDMWAS7A5C3PAGQ/ref=cm_cr_dp_d_gw_tr?ie=UTF8
Here’s a review by John Christmas and Susan Thorn of Ray C Doyle’s mystery novel, Lara’s Secret:
JC: I greatly enjoyed this tale which incorporated modern history of Cyprus into a thriller complete with action and romance. Pete West is a new investigative-journalism hero not afraid to tangle with the corrupts to uncover the truth!
ST: Fantastic story, halfway through this novel, it had me from the first chapter, mystery and intrigue, it’s gripping, I can’t wait for the next book in the trilogy.
raycdoyle.com
www.fishpond.com/Books/Laras-Secret-Ray-C-Doyle/9781915212047
Here’s a review by Denise Kuchmar of Cecile Ravell’s creative memoir: ravellc.wixsite.com/ravell-the-writer
Review of Dilemmas of a Middle-aged Madonna:
“Traversing the world, from Far North Queensland to Nova Scotia, Canada, and New York City, Jessica tries to work out the cards life has dealt her. A uniquely visual story that sees the main character experience many journeys: physically, emotionally, and metaphorically. Will she overcome the dilemmas in her life?
It’s a hard story to put down.”
Denise Kuchmar, Journalist.
Pre-order autographed copy: ravellc@yahoo.com.au
Here’s an industry review via Books + Publishing of S.D. Hinton’s mystery novel:
THE BROTHERS
‘The Brothers is a masterclass in menacing tension … Atmospheric and moody, the novel chills with its subtle allusions to an unknown enemy that is too close for comfort. Perfect for readers of Garry Disher, Chris Hammer and Jane Harper, The Brothers combines the idyllic Australian surf town setting with unseen dangers – both physical and mental – that lurk in the shadows.’
www.harpercollins.com.au/9781460762578/the-brothers
2. Competitions
Current and upcoming competitions have been suspended for now until we find a manager.
WANTED: competition manager
Short story competitions – World Writers Collective
A. The big one – WWC Golden Pen Award – Win $250 First Prize
Second prize is $100 to spend in a Red Bubble store and one-year membership of Creative Writers Collective. The third prize will be a FREE entry to any one of the competitions for a year and one-year membership of Creative Writers Collective.
All winners will be published in the anthology.
We may need to halt competitions after this latest big prize due to not having a competitions manager. If you would like to become the manager, please let Mat Clarke know.
Coming up (TBA):
The Quick Creative – limited words and limited time. Join us and win cash!
Need help with writing short stories? Go to our competitions tab page 1. We have added hints and tips to help you write the best short story ever. There is a video by Ray Stone, which is a great resource. Our writing competition winners have given their tips and Mat Clarke has added his thoughts. You can also check out our editing tips page.
www.worldwriterscollective.com/writing-competitions
www.worldwriterscollective.com/editing-tips
www.worldwriterscollective.com
Become a World Writers Collective member, which helps support everyone in the group as indie writers and allows you to collect prizes if you win.
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.
www.worldwriterscollective.com/join
If you are one of the top winners of the competition, you will be included in the next anthology. That’s just one of the great reasons to get involved!
We also want to promote you and your writing. All you have to do is say the word. When you are a member, it’s free!
3. Promote your blog
We want to promote your blog. Email us a link of one of your blogs and an explanation of why WWC people would enjoy reading it.
We want to promote your blog. Email us a link of one of your blogs and an explanation of why WWC people would enjoy reading it.
Here’s a few from Magz Morgan and the positive comment she received:
THANK you both, and the writers’ collective for all the moral support. When I get a message like this, I feel like crying. Maggie
“I just read both of these pieces and found them to be exceptional. You really have developed your talent. When I read the article on writing, I felt that I had a tutor sitting next to me sharing her secrets, while the short story was a delicious gossipy tale that I friend might share. I think that the first article gave me an insight into how hard you have worked to hone your skills. I am impressed with the quality of your writing. Don’t stop.”
Linda Douglas
Here’s another by Cecile Ravell
https://ravellc.wixsite.com/ravell-the-writer/blog
4. Vikki Holstein’s talk on getting published
By Mat Clarke for Vikki Holstein
We were very grateful to have Vikki come to our Tuesday night writer meet in the city and chat to us about her experiences and her persistence in striving to be traditionally published. She began with telling us that “The road to getting published is rarely an easy or fast one. On average, writers have a 19 year apprenticeship of learning the craft before their work is ready to query.”
When you think of that kind of lag between when you first decide you want to publish to when you actually snag a publisher who is interested in putting your book on the shelf, you realise that you not only have a long road of hard work in front of you, but you have to keep pushing forward no matter the hurdles set before you.
Vikki went on to say, “For those of us with multiple projects on the go, no one will ever read your unfinished story. Pick one and finish it.”
If your goal is to be published, you need to at least finish a book. It may sound obvious, but if you start your book and never finish it, you will join a long list of people who have done the same.
What about publishers? Well, Vikki had this to say, “Research any potential publishers. How long have they been in business and how many authors they have. Ask writer friends from your writer group if they have had dealings with them. A new publishing house that has contracted too many authors can easily go bust.”
When a publisher is interested in your work, Vikki said, “Be prepared for edits. Rarely will your original story be the one that is published. A good editor will help make your story shine, and their knowledge is invaluable.”
Vikki also touched on the topic of pen names. “Pen names for writing in multiple genres. My White Wattle Creek series is a romantic suspense, and explores darker themes that won’t be appropriate for my soon to be published YA dystopian fantasy series, so a pen name will be a must for me.”
After some questions from our group of writers, which Vikki happily answered, she added, “A published author is a writer who never gave up.”
Thanks Vikki!
Vikki Holstein has been writing for 24 years, has a four book publishing contract with Vulpine Press, and has two books currently published.
Her romantic suspense series, White Wattle Creek, deals with the aftermath of abuse, her characters going from insecure and scared, to finding their inner strength and accepting the trust and love from those closest to them.
Good reads https://www.goodreads.com/vikkiholstein-writer
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/vikkiholsteinwriter
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/vikkiholstein_writer
Amazon https://amazon.com/author/vikkiholstein
WordPress https://vikkiholstein.wordpress.com
5. The Story Mint: Stylefit
Student Writing Competition
Open for participation enquiries and entry submissions
We loved holding last year’s lockdown writing competition, and collaborating with our incredible judges and prize sponsors to deliver students a fun opportunity amidst our national lockdowns. It was wonderful to see the enjoyment shared by both students and teachers throughout last year’s competition!
We hope we can achieve that once more with out 2022 NZ student writing competition! It’s now up and running, so we invite class groups or individual students to participate!
Our two biggest goals are:
– show students that writing (and learning writing skills) can be fun
– improve students’ writing skills by increasing confidence, self-direction and agency
Those participating (as a school, class or you even just a few keen individual students) will have the opportunity to craft their entries with the help of our writing skills tool, Stylefit. We loved hearing about our participating schools’ experiences with the software during the 2021 writing competition – here’s a video snippet on student motivation!
If you’d like to participate, get in touch with anna@stylefit.org. We’ll either extend your current Stylefit licence or open up a trial version for the duration of the competition. You can also find out more about how it works by booking a demo or having a look at the feedback features here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ly7EN53ldRI
6. Writing, editing, predicates, grammar and sentence structure
by Mat Clarke
After an endless string of violent fights with writers and editors which led to blood noses, broken fists and an intervention order, I decided to go in search for some tips on writing and editing so that we could settle this conflict before an unholy war began between the people who believe writing and editing is solely a subjective art, and those who believe writers should should learn all the rules before they can begin bending or breaking them, is settled by the extermination of every living thing on the planet.
This is the most basic writing skill when writing a good sentence:
Start with a subject, then verb, then object.
John played under the setting sun.
John is the subject.
Played is the verb.
The setting sun is the object (yes, setting is a verb too).
The subject is the “who” or “what” of the sentence, the predicate is the verb, and the object is any noun or concept that is part of the action of the subject.
The object can sometimes be a word that is left out and assumed to be “you” or other.
Here’s another way of saying the above:
SVC
An effective sentence structure is often SVC (subject, verb, complement, with ‘complement’ meaning the rest of the sentence). You can use a short phrase to introduce such sentences.
In 2015, the group (subject) met (verb) for the last time (complement).
At other times, you may wish to start a sentence with a dependent clause for emphasis. Such sentences often start with Although or While.
Although the lawyers went through every clause in the contract, the client still had objections.
You can improve your sentence structure by:
Having the main verb near the beginning of the sentence
Starting with a real subject, not a false subject (There is, It is)
Using which and while with caution
It is of utmost importance that… (false subject)
Got all that?
Hang on! What the hell is a predicate, a dependent clause and all that other stuff you said?
Compound sentences
Compound sentences have two or more independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction. The coordinating conjunctions can be summarised by the acronym FANBOYS – for, and, nor, but, or, yet and so.
Use a comma to separate two independent clauses, unless the clauses are short and the meaning is clear without a comma.
Monday was a rainy day and the workers stayed home.
We were about to sign the contract, but the owners changed their minds.
Complex sentences
Complex sentences have an independent clause and one or more dependent clauses (cannot exist independently). They are useful for commenting on your main idea.
Although it rained on Monday (dependent clause), the work continued (independent clause).
Compound-complex sentences
Compound-complex sentences have more than one independent clause and at least one dependent clause.
What is a clause in a sentence?
A clause, like a phrase, is a group of words. But unlike a phrase, a clause is pretty complete. A clause is a group of words that contains both a subject and a predicate.
What is a predicate?
The predicate is what the subject is up to. In other words, the predicate “completes an idea about the subject,” according to Wikipedia. For example: John got out of the ruined car, and he laughed uproariously.
A subject almost always includes a noun (there are some exceptions), but a predicate must include a verb.
Predicates always include at least one verb to represent the action, even if that verb is be.
At the meeting, which was held on Monday, the lawyers drafted the terms of the contract, but the client objected to them.
F: for: The teachers were frustrated, for the school had cut funding for all enrichment programs.*
A: and: In this course, I will write a literature review, a case study, and a final paper.**
N: nor: The students did not complete their homework, nor did they pass the test.
B: but: The study is several years old but still valuable to this study.
O: or: At the end of the class, the students can choose to write an essay or take a test.
Y: yet: The patient complained of chronic pain, yet she refused treatment.
S: so: I have only been a nurse for one year, so I have little experience with paper charting.
Quick note:
(An inexperienced writer uses conjunctions in order to insert multiple thoughts into one sentence. Examples of conjunctions are: and, then, but, however, or, even.)
* “For” is rarely used as a conjunction in modern English.
** When the conjunctions “and” and “or” connect three or more words or phrases, use a serial comma to separate items in the series. Although I have found that many people don’t think a serial comma is required.
Transitional words such as “however” and “therefore” can also function as conjunctions:
The authors agreed on the prevalence of the problem; however, they disagreed on the problem’s cause.
Several employees complained about the new policies, and therefore, the manager held an all-staff meeting to address their concerns.
Sometimes, a comma before or after then is necessary, but it depends on the situation. You should generally only use a comma before then when it connects two independent clauses or when it acts like an interjection.
If the dependent clause is first (again, rather like an introduction to the main clause), it is followed by a comma (like in this sentence and the next). If the independent clause comes first, no punctuation separates the two.
Independent clauses are also called main clauses, and dependent clauses are also called subordinate clauses.
More info but said in a slightly different way:
The subject is what the sentence is about.
The predicate is what the subject is up to. In other words, the predicate “completes an idea about the subject,” according to Wikipedia.
Sometimes, a subject isn’t included in the sentence but just implied. For example, Don’t drive off bridges! Here, there is no subject, but it’s implied by the context.
When you put a subject and a predicate together, you get a clause! (Yes, like Santa.) The fun thing is you can combine clauses together to form different types of sentences.
A predicate is the grammatical term for the words in a sentence or clause that describe the action but not the subject. In other words, the predicate explains what the subject does. For all intents and purposes, a predicate includes all the words in a sentence or clause except the subject (and words that modify the subject).
Predicates are one of the core building blocks of English sentences, so it’s good to understand how they work.
Common Comma Errors
The following constructions do not require commas:
Months. Do not use a comma when referring to a month within a particular year.
Example: I conducted the study in June 2003.
Complex sentences. Do not use a comma in a sentence that joins an independent clause and a dependent clause.
Example: Smith (2001) found that the results were consistent although some details in the approaches differed.
Introducing quotations (seamless). Do not use a comma when an independent clause seamlessly introduces a quotation.
Example: Freud (1900) claimed that “the dreamer…assumes that the dream–even if it does not come from another world–has at all events transported the dreamer into another world” (p. 5).
Comma splices. A comma splice occurs when two independent clauses (complete sentences) are separated by just a comma.
Example: Jessica and I went to the movies, we had a good time.
There are many ways to correct the sentence above. Review the information on run-on sentences for examples of correctly joining independent clauses.
Join sentences using subordinating conjunctions
In addition to coordination, you can also use subordinating conjunctions to connect sentences. The only difference is that subordinating conjunctions link a main clause and a dependent or subordinate clause. Example:
Juliana went shopping – a main clause
she got her monthly salary – subordinate clause
Juliana went shopping as soon as she got her monthly salary.
You can see in the above example that the main clause makes complete sense on its own but the subordinate clause does not. Thus, it needs the main clause to make meaning, which is why it is called the subordinate clause.
Below is a list of some subordinating conjunctions, their functions and examples of their usage.
Subordinating conjunctions
while, whenever, after, etc
where, anywhere
because, since, as
The lobby group opposed all proposed measures after its leader was reprimanded by the lower court for illegal protest.
There is heavy breeding of mosquitoes where the patients live.
Those in the category of non-obese claim to walk briskly every evening because they know the importance of exercise.
Quick note:
A sentence fragment is an incomplete sentence.
Yeah, right.
Here’s some great tips:
Do use a comma before so if it precedes an independent clause.
Don’t use a comma before so if it precedes a dependent clause.
Do use a comma before but if it precedes an independent clause.
Don’t use a comma before but if it doesn’t precede an independent clause.
Do use a comma before and if it precedes an independent clause.
Don’t use a comma before and if it doesn’t precede an independent clause.
Don’t use a comma before because as a general rule.
Do use a comma before and for the sake of clarity.
I love my dogs, Kesha and Bruno Mars.
When directly addressing a person by name, add a comma after the name.
Charlie, have you ever considered a pet tortoise?
Use a comma to separate independent clauses
Rule: Use a comma before a coordinating conjunction (and, but, yet, so, or nor, for) when it joins two complete ideas (independent clauses).
He walked down the street, and then he turned the corner.
You can go shopping with me, or you can go to a movie alone
More tips:
If you can substitute therefore for so in the sentence, then what follows is an independent clause.
The pet store was fresh out of kitten toys; therefore I had to improvise.
Here’s another tip:
If you can add that after so in the sentence, then what follows is a dependent clause.
I scrunched a piece of paper into a ball so that my new kitten could play with it.
Bad Sentence Structure Makes for Weird Sounding Sentences
When you write, you use a different part of the brain than when you speak. That’s why writing can be so hard for many of us. You might communicate perfectly when you talk, but when you write, you stare at the screen for fifteen minutes trying to figure out what to say.
Many people especially struggle with sentence structure. Most of us are taught sentence structure in the third and fourth grade, but we usually forget it just as quickly.
Good writers vary the types of sentences they use. For example, don’t use too many simple sentences. You might sound childish. However, if you use too many compound-complex sentences, your writing might be too difficult to understand.
More on predicates, subjects and stuff:
I ate.
subject: I
predicate: ate
Godzilla roars.
subject: Godzilla
predicate: roars
A predicate can also include other words and phrases that modify the action, such as prepositional phrases or direct and indirect objects.
There are a few different types of predicates, each with its own unique qualities. Let’s take a more detailed look at each now.
ADVANCED LEVEL FROM HERE ON:
What is a simple predicate?
A simple predicate is the most basic form of the predicate. It consists of only the main verb and auxiliary verbs, also known as helper verbs.
The little pig went to the market.
The simple predicate in this example is only the word went.
We have been waiting for hours!
In this example, the simple predicate includes the verb “waiting” and the auxiliary verbs “have” and “been.”
Modal verbs like can, might, will, or must are also auxiliary verbs, so they too are part of the simple predicate.
I might be wrong.
What is a complete predicate?
A complete predicate includes the simple predicate as well as all other words that describe the action. Essentially, the complete predicate is all the words in a sentence or clause except the subject and words that describe the subject.
The little pig went to the market.
Using the example above, “went” is the simple predicate, but the entire phrase “went to the market” is the complete predicate. The modifiers “the” and “little” are not part of the complete predicate because they relate to the subject.
As you can see, the complete predicate can sometimes include nouns like “market” if they’re part of descriptive phrases that do not relate to the subject.
What is a compound predicate?
A compound predicate includes two or more verbs that all share the same subject.
He showered, shaved, and dressed in his finest clothes for his cat’s birthday party.
The verbs “showered,” “shaved,” and “dressed” all use the same subject, “he.” In this example, all the verbs belong to the same clause and therefore to the same compound predicate.
However, be careful with sentences that have more than one clause. In these cases, each clause has its own different predicate.
He showered, shaved, and dressed in his finest clothes for his cat’s birthday party, but the cat never showed.
In this example, there are two separate predicates: the original compound predicate and the second predicate “never showed” that uses a new subject, “the cat.”
What are predicate adjectives and predicate nominatives?
Predicate adjectives and predicate nominatives are special types of predicates used only with linking verbs like be, seem, or become. The action with linking verbs is simply existing, so predicates with linking verbs describe the state of the subject.
A predicate adjective is when the words following a linking verb are adjectives or adjective phrases that modify the subject.
Devaj was happy with the first date.
In this example, the simple predicate is “was,” the past tense of the linking verb be. The adjective “happy” describes the subject “Devaj,” making it a predicate adjective. The prepositional phrase “with the first date” relates to the adjective “happy,” so it too is part of the predicate adjective.
Similarly, a predicate nominative is when the words following a linking verb are nouns or noun phrases, again modifying the subject.
Amirah became the company’s first CEO under the age of 30.
This example also uses a linking verb, this time “became.” Following the verb is a noun phrase centered on the word “CEO,” which describes the subject “Amirah,” making it a predicate nominative. All the words after “became” relate to the noun “CEO,” so they work together as a noun phrase, making them part of the predicate nominative too.
As you can see there is a lot to cover on this subject and many different ways to say/write it. In truth, what you have read is only half of what I found on writing and editing when it comes to sentence structure and grammar. I could include the second half, but you may eventually want to stick forks in your eyes. So instead I will leave you with something other writers have said to me:
Yes, follow the rules of writing, but clarity supersedes all rules.
Good luck and I hope you don’t find editing as laborious as me!
7. Writer volunteer jobs
We would love you to join our network of writers as a creative leader and help you further everyone’s knowledge of writing. No doubt, you’ll learn more about yourself and your writing as well. Have a read below and see what fits your personal skills and lifestyle. Commit to what you can and we’ll see you in the trenches. Most of all, have fun!
Opportunities:
Manager of writing competitions
Website manager
Information officer
Assistant to managers and officers
Writing Competition Judges
Event host – multiple required (Melbourne only)
Further details: www.worldwriterscollective.com/job-vacancies
These are all volunteer positions.
Your position includes free membership, a discount for any events you attend, free access to catering (if supplied) and an allowance for the manager positions (see position details).
Commit for 12 months or longer.
8. Melbourne Writers Social events
Recently we discussed how to win writing competitions and what judges look for. If you would like to learn more, check out our website: www.worldwriterscollective.com/writing-competitions
The previous month we talked about our favourite books to read and linking to each other via Goodreads. We would like to start linking to each other so we can recommend books to each other and promote the few authors in our group. Post up your Goodreads link via comments below, if you are reading this on our blog, or post it via our Facebook groups:
www.facebook.com/groups/570847673015529
www.facebook.com/groups/169777419779168
Mat Clarke – link to me and find others: www.goodreads.com/author/show/6898385.Mat_Clarke
Our main flagship event runs at the Wharf Hotel on the third Tuesday of the month. Please join us – all are welcome, even if you are only thinking of starting out in a creative field.
Click here to RSVP, check time and place of events: www.meetup.com/Melbourne-Writers
We meet online every Monday from 6.30pm and show each other our work and chat about everything creative.
South Bank Write Now: Second Saturday of the month. The venue is generally quiet, opens early, free wifi, good coffee, food as well as drinks if you need them for later 😉 There is music, and it is a cafe-bar, so bear this in mind and wear head phones if you need them while you write.
Melbourne Central: One Sunday a month. We are nestled in the back corner of the upstairs food court near the windows, past the colourful piano, behind the big clock. We meet to write mostly, but you are free to chat with others who would like to do so.
In South Bank each month for the next six or so months we are running a workshop on audio book creation. Please join us for an enjoyable information session. See Meetup for details.
Not currently running: Eastern suburbs meet. Laura, Stephanie and Mat are exploring a cafe in Croydon to meet at, which will be run on certain Sundays. We will get back to you soon on how it will be run and what the format will be. Likely it will involve the return of our writing games event with prompts to get you writing and enjoy yourself.
Not currently running: Writers of the South, let’s write: This is for southern Melbourne, down as far as the Clayton and Mentone area. Anyone can attend and join in and write your heart out (and have ice cream).
Not currently running: Writers Workshop: If you want to work through a piece, then come along to the Eltham Library and let us help you create your best work.
Not currently running: Treehouse Writing: Join us in Olinda for a sanctuary in the hills where we write and relax.
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 in as well. Go to them all and see what you like . . . but then come back to MWS and bring more great people with you. Haha 😉
www.meetup.com/Melbourne-Writers
More links below
9. All Write! upcoming events
A place where you can write in Melbourne Central. 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.
www.meetup.com/Melbourne-Writers
More links below
10. 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.
11. Join us and we’ll promote you
You’re Not Alone
Come take the journey with us
Become a member for $20 per year. We would also like to stress that if you can not afford the $20, we would like you as a member anyway. You can pay WWC when you have the money available.
This is a collaborative group created so that in greater numbers we will be heard rather than forgotten
JOIN
Your $20 helps to pay for the website and member writers platforms
12. 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
13. Important Links
Post news about your writing, book launch, events, or event just a link to your latest blog/post/tweet: www.facebook.com/groups/1629658520414716
Important information about writing in general, and the Melbourne Writers Group: www.facebook.com/MelbWriters
Discuss anything you like that’s creative: www.facebook.com/groups/169777419779168
For people who want to discuss writing on a forum that is for everyone around the world: www.facebook.com/groups/570847673015529
Information on writing, writing competitions, professional editing, getting published, and more. Become a member for discounts: www.worldwriterscollective.com
Near Melbourne? Come to our group and meet other writers and chat. Everyone is welcome: www.meetup.com/Melbourne-Writers
Previous email-outs with great information.www.worldwriterscollective.com/writers-sauce
The Story Mint newsletter for even more information. Subscribe here: www.thestorymint.com
Unsubscribe?
Reply and type in the heading: CANCEL EMAIL-OUT
Writers Sauce – WWC
World Writers Collective
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
Melbourne Writers Festival 2012 Program Launch – Win Passes!
Melbourne Writers Festival 2012 is a destination for the curiously minded. Running from 23 August to 2 September, British actor, writer and director, Simon Callow, will kick off this year’s festival with a celebration of the bicentenary of Charles Dickens in his Opening Night Keynote address. The festival will also deliver a literary coup, bringing an all-star team from the internationally iconic magazine The New Yorker to Melbourne.
To celebrate this year’s festival, we’re giving away two double passes to any regular event of your choice (subject to availability). Simply email your name and details to melbournewriters@gmail.com, with the subject ‘Melbourne Writers Festival’ by 25 July 2012 for your chance to win!
The official program will be launched this Friday, 20 July 2012, but e-bulletin subscribers will have access a day early for those of you who are keen to get a sneak peek. Subscribe to their e-bulletin today!
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.
The Common Thread Short Story Competition 2012
The Common Thread Writing Group has announced their 2012 short story competition.
They are looking for short stories of 3,000 to 5,000 words that are well written and demonstrate a depth of characterisation and attention to story structure. Stories will be judged by author Pippa Kay.
First Prize: $500
Second Prize: $200
The entry fee is $10.00 per entry. There is an optional fee of $15 for those wishing to receive feedback about their story.
The submission deadline is 27 April 2012. Winning stories will be offered publication in The Common Thread Anthology 2012, which will be published in December 2012.
Visit their website for more details and submission guidelines at pippakay.com. You can also download their submission guidelines and entry form here.
The Stringybark Seven Deadly Sins Short Fiction Award 2012
Stringybark Stories has announced their latest short fiction competition and winners of the Stringybark Short Story Award 2011.
The Stringybark Seven Deadly Sins Short Fiction Award 2012
Lust, gluttony, greed, sloth, wrath, envy and pride. Surely all good short stories must contain one of these elements? Here’s your chance to showcase your one or more of your deadly sins in the Stringybark Seven Deadly Sins Short Fiction Award 2012. Stringybark Stories is delighted to invite all writers to enter their best work in this entertaining competition The maximum word length of your story is 1500 words and it must relate to one of the sins. There is over A$600 in prizes available, cash, plus publication for place-getters and highly commended stories. There is an entry fee of $9.95 (discounts for multiple entries)
Closing date 10 June 2012. International entries warmly invited. Details: http://www.stringybarkstories.net
Results of the Stringybark Short Story Award 2011
On 14 February 2012, the judges announced the winning stories in the Stringybark Short Story Award 2011. From floods to dog clipping and from dingo hunting to romantic sailing, the winning entries are now available in a new anthology The Road Home. The book is named after the winning entry, The Road Home, by Victorian writer, Beverley Lello. The story explores the the emotions of the Great Australian road trip and its impact on the travellers.
Second place went to About Time by Kerry Cameron (NSW). What is life and what is death and when does one let go? These big issues are explored in this sensitive story.
The Strong Boy, the third-place getting story, by South Australian writer, John Scholz examines the meaning of courage and compassion in the context of a simple family fishing trip.
A full list of winner and place-getters can be found on our website: http://www.stringybarkstories.net
The Henry Handel Richardson Centenary Writing Competition
The Henry Handel Richardson Society has recently launched their Centenary Writing Competition with Helen Garner serving as judge.
From adults (18 and older) they are looking for short stories or non-fiction essays, up to 5,000 words, with some link to Henry Handel Richardson and /or her work. The winner will take home $1000, plus a boxed set of The letters of Henry Handel Richardson, edited by Clive Probyn and Bruce Steele
From students, years 10 – 12, they are looking for an original piece of writing in any genre up to 1,500 words with some link to Henry Handel Richardson and/or her work. The First Prize is $350 cash, plus a set of text classics valued at over $380. Second Prize is 20 text classics. Third Prize is 10 text classics
The submission deadline is 31 August 2012.
Visit their website for more details, including entry forms and submission guidelines, at henryhandelrichardsonsociety.org.au.
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.
Ada Cambridge Biographical Prose Prize 2012 and Ada Cambridge Poetry Prize 2012
Entries are now being accepted for The Ada Cambridge Biographical Prose Prize 2012 and Ada Cambridge Poetry Prize 2012. The prizes are open to any writers and poets who live, work or study in the western suburbs of Melbourne.
The Ada Cambridge Biographical Writing Prize was named after one of Australia’s finest colonial writers and is now, in its eighth year, a signature aspect of the Williamstown Literary Festival. The Poetry Prize is now entering its fifth year. Both prizes seek to support aspiring poets and writers of the western suburbs by exposing their work to a greater audience.
The competitions are ideal for up-and-coming writers who are looking to gain exposure for their writing, and to get their name out into the highly competitive industry.
Entries are accepted until Friday 2 March 2012 and will be announced as part of the Williamstown Literary Festival, 4 – 6 May 2012.
Entry forms and further details are available via the Williamstown Literary Festival website.
melbourne writers' social group 