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Reminder that our next meeting is Sunday 20 November 10am at Mattie's House. 
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Hello Members,


Next Sunday, 20 November, is our last meeting of the year. We don't have a guest speaker, which gives us a chance to chat about our works in progress, discuss any issues we're having, and perhaps work out what we want to achieve over the summer break.

Also, as it's our last meeting this year, it would be nice to have a little celebration of 2016, so bring a plate of food to share, and we can eat as we chat.

Don't forget to bring some of your work to read! (1,500 words is a good maximum!)
Michelle Michau-Crawford joined us for our October meeting, and talked about winning the 2013 ABR-Elizabeth Jolley prize for her short story 'Leaving Elvis', and the breakthrough that gave her. One of the judges for the competition was UWA Publishing's Terri-Ann White, who asked to see more of Michelle's writing, which eventually led to the publication of her short story collection, 'Leaving Elvis' earlier this year. Michelle encourages writers to enter short story competitions, but also to be strategic, and look at who's judging the competition to minimise the risk of rejection. A good short story will always speak for itself, but human subjectivity can't be avoided completely.

Michelle also gave us a couple of writing exercises, which reminded me, once again, that writing and creating are really about giving ourselves license to play with thoughts and ideas.

The questions from the group were thoughtful and probing, and one question in particular has given me food for thought as I'm start Novel #2. The question asked why books that come from a place of shame, or strong emotion, are always good. (I'm paraphrasing because I can't remember it exactly.) I wondered if they appeal because we've all experienced moments of dreadful shame, when we've done something we wish we hadn't, and when we read about others doing the same, it help us feel less alienated. That human connection thing.

Anyway, there was much to think about from Michelle's workshop, and I thank her for giving up her Sunday morning to speak with us.
MEMBERS' NEWS

Good news in abundance this month:

Heather Collins' novel, 'Inside', was one of ten stories shortlisted for the Luke Bitmead bursary for an unpublished manuscript! Heather flew to London for the announcement of the winner. Although Heather didn't win, it's a wonderful achievement to have made the shortlist, and to have affirmation that your book has been read and enjoyed by industry professionals. Congratulations Heather! Read more about the award, the shortlistees, and the winner here.

Ginie Bristowe's book, based on the diaries her grandfather kept on his travels around the globe at the turn of the 20th century, has an interested UK publisher. I'm sure Ginie will keep us informed of progress ...

Margaret O'Brien has spent the last couple of years recording and transcribing the story of an indigenous lady who was one of the stolen generation. Fremantle Press are currently reading the manuscript, and our fingers are crossed. No doubt Margaret will keep us informed of its progress ...  
 
Let me know if you're about to have a story published, or if you've been shortlisted or commended in a competition. Actually, just let me know if you have any writing news at all, so I can share it here.

WHAT'S ON AT THE FAWWA
 

WRITE NIGHT

6-8pm every Tuesday fortnight at Mattie's House. Next session Tuesday 22 November. Bring laptops/writing materials. Cost: $5 members/$10 non-members. Facilitated by Emily Paull, Belinda Hermawan, Mikhalina Dombrovskaya.

For more information, click here.

MEMOIR / BIOGRAPHY GROUP
 
Led by Trisha Kotai-Ewers, this group meets fortnightly on Thursday mornings, 10am-12pm, at Mattie's House. Next meeting 24th November. Cost $5 Members/$10 Non-members.

For more information, click here.
 

GOING 'TROPPO'

Dr Thor Kerr from Curtin University will interview the winner of the 2014 TAG Hungerford Award, Madelaine Dickie, on Nov 26, 7pm, about her novel, 'Troppo'. Audience Q&A will follow. 

$5 FAWWA/reciprocal members, $10 Non-members 
Nibbles and drinks will be provided

Please note that this event will take place at Paper Mountain, Upstairs 267 William St, Northbridge, WA 6000

For full event details click here.

WHAT'S ON IN WA


KSP OPEN DAY
Sunday 4 December, 10:30am-3pm 

Featuring games on the lawn, KSP Cafe with jazz tunes on the verandah, free guided tours of the historic property, treasure hunt for kids, sausage sizzle lunch, poetry and short story readings

The winners of KSP’s three 2016 writing competitions will also be announced.

For more about what's on, click here.

STORIES ON THE STAGE:
Liz Byrski and Will Yeoman will present their In Love and War program.

DATE: November 23, 2016 
TIME: 7PM
COST: $15 all tickets, includes supper
WHERE: Koorliny Arts Centre, Theatre 1

Acclaimed WA author Liz Byrski and The West Australian’s Literary Editor William Yeoman present readings, with music, from Byrski’s book In Love and War and Richard Hillary’s The Last Enemy, followed by an in-conversation. 

For more information and tickets, click here

COVER TO COVER


Cover to Cover is a series of video author interviews produced by writingWA. Meri Fatin interviews authors such as Sam Carmody, Natasha Lester, Michelle Michau-Crawford, Liz Byrski, and many, many more. I've watched a couple and they're always informative. So, if you have a spare 30 minutes ... 

You'll find the list of authors interviewed here.

FROM THE WEB


Click here if you've ever wondered how long some of the most famous books took to write.
And click here for Ten Incredibly Profound Quotes in Children's Literature.
And that's about it for this month!
A reminder that our next meeting is this Sunday, 20th November, Mattie's House, 10am-12pm.
Hope to see you there.

Louise
Our first meeting for 2017 will be on SUNDAY, 15 JANUARY, 10AM-12PM at MATTIE'S HOUSE, Allen Park Heritage Precinct, Kirkwood Road, Swanbourne.
FUTURE NEWSLETTERS
 
If you have any notices or events you'd like included in future newsletters, please forward them to me at: louise@louise-allan.com.
Copyright © 2016 Louise Allan, All rights reserved.


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