Express Media

EXPRESS MEDIA MEMBERS’ NEWS – NOVEMBER 2008

CONTENTS
1. WORD FROM THE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
2. COMING UP AT EXPRESS MEDIA
3. FEATURE
4. NEWS, EVENTS, OPPORTUNITIES – ALL STATES:
5. NT
6. SA
7. WA
8. TAS
9. QLD
10. ACT
11. NSW
12. VIC

1. WORD FROM THE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

This month, over 20 literary professionals and event programmers from across England and Scotland visited Melbourne as part of a UNESCO Cities of Literature tour. They took a tour of the current Express Media office, went to selected book stores, met publishers and other literary organisations, mingled with writers, attended a slam, drank some Australian wine, educated us about Edinburgh’s rich literary history, and a week later, arrived back at home where they may have just had a chance to breathe. What I was most interested in was how organisations in the Northern Hemisphere work with, and more importantly find young writers. It became apparent that there is no Express Media equivalent in the UK. There’s the very cool ‘Writing Squad’, which is made up of a team of 8 writers chosen each year, but there’s no organisation that gives opportunities and support to lots and lots of young writers and young writers alone. This not only surprised me, but also, it reiterated just how under-represented young people are in the WORLD media, not just in the Australian media. It’s frightening, actually. I’m having anxiety attacks in the office because the voice of young people is so often drowned out the drum and bass of the older generation. Anyway, we’re trying to fix this today. I hope you enjoy the latest newsletter, written and collated by Tess Jaeger – it’s littered with opportunities and information about events that you might like to pop your head into. Go! Submit! Speak! That’s all.

Bel Schenk

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2. COMING UP AT EXPRESS MEDIA

EXPRESS MEDIA WORKSHOPS

After months of preparation and fine-tuned execution, the final Express Media Workshop, ‘Writing Zines with Adam Ford’, will run on Wednesday 26 November.

Adam will talk about the kinds of writing you might like to consider for your zines. He’ll talk about comics, reviews (including tips on how to scam free stuff), creative writing, rants and raves - by the time this workshop is over you’ll have the beginnings of a bunch of stuff that would certainly not look out of place in your new zine. Everyone who attends this workshop will get a free copy of Adam’s zine, ‘Jutchy Ya Ya’.

Adam Ford is a zinemaker, comic maker, novel writer, poet and internet guy. His zines include ‘Jutchy Ya Ya’, ‘Duck Fat’, ‘What Astronauts Wear’ and the zine anthology ‘Chimp Frenzy’. When he’s not making zines Adam writes novels, poetry, comics and short stories, some of which have been published by actual real publishers, and some of which he’s published himself. Ticket cost is $22 for Express members and $25 for non-members. Click here to reserve your place.

VOICEWORKS #76 – BUDGET

Voiceworks is seeking submissions for issue #76, BUDGET. The deadline January 11, 2009, so you’ve got plenty of time to get cracking!

Email Tom Rigby at editor@expressmedia.org.au with any questions, pitches or brilliant ideas.

And check out the Regular non-fiction opportunities section on the Express Media Website for developments on how to contribute non-fiction to Voiceworks.

VOICEWORKS LAUNCH #75 BEAT

7.30pm on Thursday 11 December at Horse Bazaar, Little Lonsdale St, Melbourne. More details soon!

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3. FEATURE

The Buzz: Express Media’s 2008 Buzzcuts Intern, Jodie Kinnersley, sends her regards

Express Media’s eleventh Buzzcuts season has come to a close. An ambitious collaborative arts reviewing project, Buzzcuts is presented annually in conjunction with The Melbourne Fringe Festival, Beat magazine, 3RRR radio, SYN and RMIT. By the end of this year’s Fringe Festival, a total of 54 reviewers had made their stamp on Melbourne’s Fringe performances, with reviews covering a diverse range of genres, including performance, comedy, cabaret, music, movement, visual art, circus and special events. A record 84 reviews were posted on Express Media’s Buzzcuts website, 14 reviews were published in Beat magazine, and 25 radio reviews had been broadcast on 3RRR and SYN.

Since its inception in 1997, Buzzcuts has grown into a well-oiled cross-collaborator machine, and, by the looks of it, the program is set to become an even bigger part the Express Media calendar in years to come. I caught up with the 2008 Buzzcuts Intern, Jodie Kinnersley, to get the skinny on this year’s feats and fiascos, and find out what’s in store for ambitious Buzzcuts Interns to come. Read more here.

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4. NEWS, EVENTS, OPPORTUNITIES – ALL STATES

ABR POETRY PRIZE

In its short life, this competition has become one of the most prestigious poetry competitions in the country. First prize is $4000. Shortlisted poems garner $250 prize money. Poems can be up to 100 lines. Entry fee is $20. Post your entry to ABR Poetry Competition, PO Box 2320, Richmond South, Victoria 3121. Click here to visit the ABR website for further details. Entries close 10 December.

HILL OF CONTENT BOOKSHOP 2008 HAL PORTER SHORT STORY COMPETITION

The Hill of Content Bookshop 2008 Hal Porter Short Story Competition is open for short stories, any style, up to 2,500 words. Prize is $1000. Entry fee is $5.50. Cheques made out to East Gippsland Art Gallery. No entry form required. Mail entries to Hal Porter Short Story Competition, East Gippsland Art Gallery, 2 Nicholson St, Bairnsdale, VIC, 3875. Email further enquiries to pedrom53@bigpond.net.au Submissions close 19 December.

ALAN MARSHALL SHORT STORY AWARD 2009
Nillumbik Shire Council invites writers from across Australia to enter this annual short story competition held in memory of the great writer and former resident of Eltham, Alan Marshall. The competition is to be judged by Sophie Cunningham, editor of Meanjin. $2000 Open Section First Prize; $1000 Open Section Second Prize for stories up to 2,500 words; $1000 Local Writers’ Section Prize for stories up to 2,500 words by writers who live, work or study in the Shire of Nillumbik; $400 Young Writers’ Section Prize for stories up to 1,000 words for writers aged between 15 and 19 years. Click here to visit the Nillumbik Shire Council for further details and to download entry forms. Email artsinfo@nillumbik.vic.gov.au, or telephone (03) 9433 3359 for further information. The Alan Marshall Short Story Award is presented by Nillumbik Shire Council in partnership with the Yarra Plenty Regional Library Service. Entries close at 4pm Friday 20 February 2009.

SOMERSET NATIONAL NOVELLA WRITING COMPETITION FOR SCHOOL AGE WRITERS

The Somerset National Novella Writing Competition for School Age Writers is open to all current Australian secondary school students and is for a novella of between 10,000 and 20,000 words. The winner will be announced at the Somerset Celebration of Literature Festival held in March. Check website or contact organisers to confirm closing date. Prizes awarded to National and State winners. Sponsors have first right option to publication of any of the finalists. Winning entries will also be published on the Somerset College website. Entry fee is $20. Be sure to include a stamped and self-addressed envelope along with your work and entry form and post to Somerset College, Somerset Drive, MUDGEERABA QLD, 4213. Contact the Events Coordinator, Cecilia Robertson by phone (07) 55303777 or fax (07) 55252676. Email to events@somerset.qld.edu.au or click here to visit the website. Entries close 5 December.

2009 IP PICKS AWARDS FOR UNPUBLISHED MANUSCRIPTS

Now in its eighth year, this national competition invites submissions for Best Fiction, Best Creative Non-fiction, Best Poetry and Best First Book. The Awards are open to citizens/residents of Australia, and, for the first time, citizens/residents of New Zealand.

The winners in each category and two of the Highly Commended entrants will be published by IP under royalty contracts. One of the winners and one of the highly commended will subsequently be endorsed by the Literature Board of the Australia Council.

Click here to visit the website for entry forms and conditions, or send a self-addressed stamped envelope to IP, Treetop Studio, 9 Kuhler Court, Carindale 4152. Entries close 1 December.

NATIONAL ONE ACT PLAYWRITING COMPETITION

From a small beginning in 1978, the National One Act Playwriting Competition at Noosa Arts Theatre has become a national festival attracting over 70 entries a year from around Australia and overseas.

Scripts must cater for a performance time of no les than 30 and no more than 405 minutes and be suitable for production on a theatre stage of approximately 30 sq.m with a proscenium width of 8m, stage height of 2.5m and depth of 5m. The Sunshine Coast Regional Council donates prize money of $2,574 to the three finalists and presentations of these awards are made after the final performance.

Entry fee $20. Submissions close 30 November. Guidelines and entry form are available here or via email at noosaartstheatre@hotmail.com Contact Synda Turnbull on (07) 544 999 72 for more information.

THE NEW WRITER MAGAZINE

Annual international competition for short stories, novellas, single poems, poetry collections, essays and articles; offers cash prizes from a total fund above £2,000 as well as publication for the prize-winning writers in The Collection, special edition of The New Writer Magazine, each July.

Separate entry conditions for single poems, collections of poems, short stories and essays. Click here to view the website, or email admin@thenewwriter.com for guidelines and further entry conditions. Submissions close 30 November.

COTTONMOUTH

Cottonmouth is a Perth-based performance and publishing venture that held its first event in February 2008. Held monthly, the Cottonmouth performance project showcases spoken-word artists, poets, sound artists, playwrights, new media practitioners and other emerging and established performers in the field of narrative art. The venture also publishes a monthly zine, which is open for submissions from local, interstate and international writers. Click here for submission guidelines, event information and the word on Perth’s cultural beat.

FAW 2008 NATIONAL LITERARY AWARDS

The Fellowship of Australian Writers is now accepting entries for the FAW 2008 National Literary Awards. The FAW Literary awards are some of the most respected literary awards in Australia. With 20 categories, there's a potential award waiting for you whether you are a novice or an experienced writer, a teenager or an adult. Award sections include: Part one: Book Awards; Part two: Manuscript Awards; Part three: Young Writers' Awards; Part four: Commendation Award. Entries close 30 November 2008. Click here to download full details and the entry form.

CROSSOVER AUSTRALIA 2009

Calling all writers, theatre directors, filmmakers, digital media artists, web developers, composers, and choreographers! Applications are now open for Crossover Australia 2009. Crossover Australia is a residential laboratory where the primary goal is the development of conceptual prototypes for groundbreaking interactive project. This year Crossover Australia is stressing that ‘our definition of cross platform is not solely in the digital area and we are looking for ways to expand notions into crossovers into live performance, visual arts and writing’. Participation is free but places are limited so get in quick. Click here for more information.

If you want to spread the word on news, events or opportunities for writers in new media, mail Crossover Australia at
storyofthefuture@australiacouncil.gov.au.

PARAMOUNT PUBLISHING INTERNATIONAL SHORT STORY COMPETITION

The Paramount Publishing International Short Story Competition is now seeking entries. Cash prizes vary and winners will be announced on the website. Entry Form Required. The entry Fee is $10. Click here to visit the website for further guidelines. Submissions close 28 November.

WET INK

Wet Ink is currently seeking submissions! Wet Ink is a quarterly magazine that focuses on publishing fiction, poetry and non-fiction by new and emerging writers. It is distributed throughout Australia and in more than 40 countries. As well as poetry, non-fiction and literary-style fiction, Wet Ink is interested in high-quality work in all genres (e.g., crime, sci-fi, romance, horror, thriller, speculative etc) and those with light-hearted themes. There are no word count restrictions - extremely short pieces are welcomed and long work will be considered. All published work receives payment. Click here for further details and to view submission guidelines.

RIGHT NOW

Right Now is a student driven publication that stimulates inclusive discussion about domestic human rights law development and implementation in Australia. Right Now takes a unique and dynamic approach to presenting contemporary legal issues in an informal, non-academic way. Right Now publishes visual art that responds to human rights, and it’s now open for submissions. Please click here to check over past editions before submitting.

Right Now prefer articles to be between 600 and 800 words, but if this is too limiting, they can consider publishing an article of up to 1000 words as a feature. Right Now appeals to a wide audience so articles should be non-academic in tone. Right Now does not publish footnotes. Click here to submit articles via email in Word document format.

If you have any questions about the submission process, or are wondering what kind of topics the Right Now Ed team are interested in, please don’t hesitate to contact them at info@rightnow.org.au.

CUTWATER

Cutwater is a NSW based literary journal that publishes writing of various forms, as well as comics, and even zines created by their contributors. The Cutwater team is currently seeking submissions for their next journal publication, under the theme of ‘ratbags’. Submissions should not exceed 5000 words in length. Cut-off deadline is 30 November. Get cracking whilst the floodgates are open! Click here to visit the Cutwater blog for further information.

SKETCH

Sketch is a literary art and design journal currently seeking unsolicited submissions in the form of cartoons, digital art, fiction, graphic design, interviews, journalism, literary reviews, non-fiction, paintings, photography, poetry, sculpture and sketches. Click here for submission guidelines and further information.

RED LEAVES / I

Red Leaves / I is a forthcoming annual English-language / Japanese bi-lingual literary journal based out of Melbourne, Australia. The international publication has secured prospective contributions from and generated the interest of many recognised writers. However, Red Leaves / I essentially constitutes a new channel through which contemporary, new and emerging writers are capable of being published alongside recognised and established authors. The editor is now calling for your best fiction, creative non-fiction and poetry to be submitted for their first issue in 2009, which will be available to purchase throughout both Australia and Japan. Contact the editor for further guidelines or submit to kirk.marshall@wilderness.org.au. Closing date is 1 December 2008.

THE SLOW REVIEW

The Slow Review is an online journal of untimely reviews. It savours details and cultural treasures in an age of hyped promotion and urgent deadlines. If you have any old reviews lying around, or articles that are well past their embargo dates, or just want to revive a forgotten cultural beacon, or a classic album or vintage, then submit your article at Slow Review. Literary reviews and essay-articles on a wide range of themes, with the guiding proviso that the topic be at least six months old, are especially favoured. Slow is More! There is currently no payment for reviews, but there will be T-shirts… Click here for further information.

‘THE TEXTUAL’ ELECTRONIC JOURNAL

An electronic journal of ‘the textual' is an online journal looking for first issue submissions that explore how we interact with the social and cultural worlds around us. This is a broad scope that could include academic papers, fiction, poetry, soundscape, images, or other forms of text. Submissions can cross the boundaries that define academic, literary and popular texts or can sit firmly within them. As a general guide, fiction up to 3000 words; poetry of up to five pages in total; creative non fiction of up to 4000 words; reviews of up to 2000 words; and scholarly articles up to 4000 words. Submit or inquire to submissions@otherterrain.net

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5. NT NEWS, EVENTS, OPPORTUNITIES

CORRUGATED IRON YOUTH ARTS

If you are 18 and over, check out the 18>26 Theatre Ensemble, which includes ‘The Smelter’ - a fortnightly meet-up where participants discuss theatre, make theatre and take over the world! The program involves taking self-devised shows to festivals around Australia and includes guest talks from experts in the field, focusing on different aspects and styles of theatre, and hands-on tuition. Click here to find out more about the 18>26 Theatre Ensemble and ‘The Smelter’… Click here to check out other upcoming CIYA events and opportunities.

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6. SA NEWS, EVENTS, OPPORTUNITIES

2008 FEAST FESTIVAL

The 2008 Feast Festival is running now until 30 November. Feast is South Australia’s annual lesbian and gay cultural festival, usually held over several weeks in November. Click here to visit the Feast website for further details.

SAWC OPPORTUNITIES FOR WRITERS WITH A DISABILITY

The SA Writers’ Centre was recently awarded funding through the ArtsSA Richard Llewellyn Arts and Disability Trust for a writer-in-residence to work with people who have a disability. SAWC pleased to announce that this position has been taken up by Malcolm Walker, author of The Stone Crown (Walker Books, 2008). The writer-in-residence position aims to encourage members with a disability to come in to the Centre to discuss their work on a one-to-one basis with Malcolm, or, if they’re unable to access the city, to telephone or email. For full details of meeting and submission guidelines contact the SAWC via telephone on (08) 8223 7662 or email sawriters@sawc.org.au Click here to visit Malcolm’s website.

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7. WA NEWS, EVENTS, OPPORTUNITIES

FAWWA

The Fellowship of Australian Writers, Western Australia, run various regular workshops and special events. Click here to peruse their website and check out what’s on offer this month.

TOM COLLINS POETRY PRIZE

The FAWWA Tom Collins Poetry Prize is an annual competition. Maximum 60 lines per poem. Prizes include: First: $1000; Second: $400; and four Highly Commended places: $150. Entry Fee is $5 per poem. Contact phone (08) 9384 4771 or email admin@fawwa.org.au Entries close 31 December. Click here to view the FAWWA website for further details.

POETS CORNER AT PAGES CAFE

Poets Union runs a get together at Perth Cultural Centre from 2 to 4:30pm on the 3rd Saturday of each month. Each sitting there is a bevy of invited readers plus spontaneous open mic outbursts. It’s hosted by Frances Macaulay Forde, and entry is free! Contact Frances at admin@poetscornerwa.com for further information.

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8. TAS NEWS, EVENTS, OPPORTUNITIES

POETS ON POETRY

Robert Kennedy, a Sydney based poet wants to produce a book titled Poets on Poetry. It’s to be a selection of 500 word statements from about 150 published poets throughout Australia; covering areas like, what poetry means, how it works, how you came to poetry and what your hopes for poetry are. Connected to each poetry statement you can add one short poem only, and a reference to the poet’s books, but only if relevant. Payment is not envisaged at this point. If you’d like to be involved, write your 500 word poetry statement and attach your poem, then send it along to Robert at rk2000@bigpond.net.au. Submissions close 1 December 2008.

STOCK

Launched in December 2007 by Contemporary Art Services Tasmania, Stock was created to provide a forum for local artists, designers, writers, curators and others wanting to voice their ideas, opinions and questions about their field. It also aims to encourage quality arts writing and to support critical dialogue amongst the Tasmanian literary community. Stock welcomes new ideas for articles and may be the perfect site to launch a project or to try something experimental. Or you can contribute to one of the online discussion topics. Click here to visit the Stock website for more information.

THE TASMANIAN TIMES SEEKS POETRY

Tasmanian poets or those with a Tasmanian connection may send up to 5 poems not previously in print or electronic media and not under consideration elsewhere to peter.macrow@gmail.com There is no closing date for TTT, so you’ve got plenty of time to let the creative sparks kindle…

TASMANIAN WRITERS’ CENTRE REPUBLIC READINGS

Celebrate the launch of Carolyn Fisher’s award winning press chapbook, The Unsuspecting Sky; the Poets’ Republic #27
Presentation of the Hobart Poetry Pot Award Plaque to Liz McQuilkin
Winter, and engage in Open Reading with Literary Prizes. Book in on the day, free entry! Conditions – 5 minute time limit, any genre, must be own work which has not won any prizes/competitions previously

Poetry and prose readings take place at The Republic Bar and Café, 299 Elizabeth St North Hobart. Please contact co-ordinator Liz Winfield at: ewin4692@bigpond.net.au or leggs456@msn.com or phone (03) 62 729 324 with any queries. All welcome, no entry fee, books will be available for sale. 7 December 3 to 5 pm.

And… click here to see the Tasmanian Writers’ Centre website for more local opportunities.

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9. QLD NEWS, EVENTS, OPPORTUNITIES

LOVERS OF GOOD WRITING COMPETITION

Organised through the Fellowship of Australian Writers (FAW) Queensland, this competition caters for poets and short story writers in alternate years. Check with the organiser for current year’s details. First prize $250, second prize $100, two Highly Commended prizes $50. Winners announced in 'Scope', April edition. All entries must be accompanied by an entry form, stamped and self addressed envelope, and a $5 entry fee. Postal Address PO BOX 6338, UPPER MOUNT GRAVATT QLD 4122 Contact the FAW (QLD) Convenor at nancycoxmillner@optusnet.com.au for further details. Submissions close 31 January 2009.

THE JOSEPHINE ULRICK LITERATURE AND POETRY PRIZES 2009

Griffith University’s School of Arts on the Gold Coast administers the prizes on behalf of the Josephine Ulrick and Win Schubert Foundation for the Arts. $40,000 in prize money in 2009! $10,000 First Prize, $5,000 Second Prize, 2 x $2,500 Commended for a 1000 - 3000 word short story and $10,000 First Prize, $5,000 Second Prize, 2 x $2,500 Commended for an up to 200 line poem or suite of poems. Entries close 30 January 2009. Click here for further guidelines and entry forms. All enquiries can be directed to Clare Keys (07) 5552 8093 email: c.keys@griffith.edu.au

QUEENSLAND PRIDE

Queensland’s leading lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender magazine is seeking new writers to contribute feature stories and other columns. If you’d like to contribute, call 3216 0860, or send a sample of your work to Iain Clacher at
editor@queenslandpride.com.au

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10. ACT NEWS, EVENTS, OPPORTUNITIES

ACT WRITERS’ CENTRE

Click here to view the ACT Writers’ Centre website for information on a range of upcoming writers’ groups, workshops and other literary opportunities.

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11. NSW NEWS, EVENTS, OPPORTUNITIES

VIBEWIRE INC ANNOUNCES A GLOBAL YOUTH FUTURES SCHOLARSHIP FOR YOUNG FUTURE CHANGE-MAKERS

Vibewire is looking for young social entrepreneurs who are passionate about a social or environmental issue and want to increase awareness by reaching out to wider audiences and contributing to social change.

Thanks to the generous support of Global Youth Futures, Vibewire is offering two scholarships to an individual, group or organisation with an innovative approach to addressing, highlighting and advocating around issues in their community, drawing people in rather switching them off.

Global Youth Future's vision is to connect and collaborate to co-create new futures – the kind of futures we want to live in. Its mission is to support and provide opportunities for young entrepreneurs to share and develop their skills, to understand the future in its complexity and to explore innovative and sustainable solutions to social and environmental issues.

The scholarship aims to support a young individual or team over the course of at least 3 months by providing them with residency at Vibewire's Hub (sQuareOne) in Sydney/Ultimo. Recipients get mentorship and will have the opportunity to further develop their skills and expertise as well as to build new networks and partnerships through Global Youth Futures and Vibewire.

Scholarship recipients will be required to report back to Global Youth Futures on an ongoing basis or as required, take part in a review process after 3 months and prepare a final evaluation report of their project. They will also be expected to attend a ‘Futures Dreaming’ weekend planning workshops and assist with one of Global Youth Future's events in 2009.

To apply please fill in application form attached addressing the selection criteria and outlining your project plan, motivation, resources etc. Applications are viewed and selected on a rolling basis.

For further info please contact Annie at info@vibewire.net or call (02) 9660 6591. Click here to visit the Vibewire website.

INNER CITY LIFE LITERARY COMPETITION

A writing competition for adults on the theme of ‘Inner City Life’ organised by the NSW Writers' Centre, sponsored by Gleebooks and the Village Voice, and open to anyone from anywhere. The topic is ‘Inner City Life Anywhere Anytime’, whatever interpretation YOU give to the phrase.

Short story: maximum 500 words. Poetry: maximum 20 lines. No entry form required. Entry fee is $15. Post entries to PO Box 1056, Rozelle NSW 2039. Submissions close 28 November. Click here to view the NSW Writers’ centre website for more details.

TAMWORTH POETRY READING GROUP BLACKENED BILLY VERSE COMPETITION

The 2008 Blackened Billy Verse Competition for Bush Poetry is now open. Prizes up to $700! For entry forms write to Jan Morris PO Box 3001, West Tamworth or email janmorris@northnet.com.au Submissions close 30 November.

CLUB TAP PERFORMANCE POETRY

A rewarding night of shared artistic expression. On the 2nd & 4th Thursday of each month Tap Gallery plays host to Club Tap. Club Tap is an evening of Poetry, Songs, Storytelling, Theatre, Comedy and Performance Art. It's a unique and atmospheric event held in an art gallery setting, with guest poets and performers.

Club Tap invites Poets, Writers, Songwriters, Musicians and many Performers alike to present new material. Cost of entry is $5. Tap Gallery is located at 278 Palmer Street Darlinghurst 2010. Phone 93610440 for further information, or click here to visit the Tap Gallery website.

RHIZOMIC POETRY AT GALLERY ADAGIO

On the final Wednesday of every month, RhiZomic Poetry features a new guest poet from amongst the finest wordsmiths that Sydney has to offer, then follows it up with a varied and supportive open mic. Past guests to grace the RhiZomic microphone have included Brook Emery and Judith Beveridge. It’s a poetry party/guest poet/open-mic/poetry slam/spoken word extravaganza! The address is 91 Glebe Point Rd, Glebe, NSW.

For further information email rhizomic.poetry@gmail.com or call Lynette Vellins on 0413 694 018.

THE WHITELEY READING

Queensland Touring Poets Helen Avery, Ross Clark and Nathan Stepherdson are currently running a series of readings open free to the public. Readings will run until November 2008 on the 4th Sunday of each month from 2:00pm to 3:30pm at the Brett Whiteley Studio 2 Raper Street, Surry Hills. The program includes regular featured guests and open mic.

Helen Avery manages her family property near Longreach, Western Queensland, where she has lived for 25 years. Her life has been intimately involved with the Australian outback landscape. Her most recent book of poetry is Seduced by Sky (Nardoo Publishing, 2005).

Ross Clark writes poetry and haiku. The most recent of his seven volumes of poetry is Salt Flung into the Sky (2007). He has published two haiku chapbooks, including At the turn of the Seasons (2003). Ross has performed in city and rural Australia, in Japan, and the USA.

Nathan Shepherdson won the Josephine Ulrick Poetry Prize in 2004 and 2006. He won the Newcastle Poetry Prize and the Arts Queensland Val Vallis Award in 2006, the year his first book Sweeping the Light Back into the Mirror was published by UQP. A chapbook what marian drew never told me about light was published by Small Change Press in 2008. He lives at the Glass House Mountains.

Contact Angela Stretch on 0434 898 578 with any enquiries. Click here to visit the Poets Union website for other poetic opportunities.

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12. VIC NEWS, EVENTS, OPPORTUNITIES

SUNBLIND LAUNCH

Geoff Lemon’s debut book Sunblind is being launched on Thursday 27 November, in the function room of the Dan O'Connell hotel, from 7 pm. The launch is set to double as Geoff’s birthday party, because he hasn't had one yet, so if you hate books, come for the party instead!

The night will include performances from Sean M. Whelan, Josephine Rowe, and Felix Nobis. Geoff will also be doing a set, based around pieces from the book. Turn up any time from 7 pm. The readings will start a bit later, and should be done by 8:30 or 9:00. The function room has a full bar available.

The Dan is on the corner of Princes and Canning Streets, Carlton (between Lygon and Nicholson). RSVPs are helpful, but not compulsory: email Geoff at leffrey@hotmail.com, or call 0401 086 545.

ANNOUNCING THE 2010 NEXT WAVE FESTIVAL THEME!

Jeff Khan, Artistic Director, is delighted to announce the theme for the 2010 Next Wave Festival: ‘No Risk Too Great’

The 2010 Next Wave Festival will explore the role of risk in a risk-averse culture. Under pressure to conform, we have all become experts in micro-managing our own behaviour. But is this self-surveillance distracting us from the bigger risks, the more un-manageable ones which are increasingly – and radically – changing our world? Just what does “risk” actually mean in these volatile times? In a wider culture of risk management, how prepared are we to make decisions that are brave, courageous or transgressive? Where is the line between our own personal, moral and ethical worlds, and the codes and principles which circulate in the broader context of contemporary culture? What is our capacity to draw, hold or cross this line? What are the real risks of our time, what are the risks worth taking, and what is our role as individuals, and as artists, in relation to them? How can we act boldly and imaginatively, in art and in life?

That also means that the call for Kickstart applications is now open. Kickstart is Next Wave’s non-Festival year development program, providing amazing opportunities for artists to realise their most ambitious ideas, all in anticipation of the 2010 Next Wave Festival. Next Wave provide cash, a workshop program and comprehensive mentoring and support. If this sounds like it could be for you, click here to download an application pack from the Next Wave website.

YOUTHGAS HIP HOP, RAP, SCRATCH AND AEROSOL ART PROJECT

If you know a young person aged 15-25 interested in hip hop, rap, scratch or graffiti this project may be for them: Whitelion Presents Wound Up And Wired - Ready To Go Hip hop, scratch and graffiti project, on 8-12 December Monday to Friday 10:30am – 4:30pm. Want to know more? Contact Julie McDonald on (03) 9389 4457, 0425 707 583 or email to julie.mcdonald@whitelion.asn.au (text her and she’ll call you back). Come try it out and use it all to say what you wanna say. Express yourself and your ideas. Get your message out there Meet other young people and make a performance together. The raps and breaks created by young people will be recorded on CD and filmed for you to keep! Whitelion is located at 900 Park Street Parkville Victoria 3052 Phone (03) 9389 4420 Fax (03) 9389 4284 or email whitelion@whitelion.asn.au for further details. Click here to visit the Whitelion website.

JOHN MORRISON SHORT STORY AWARD
The FAW (VIC) John Morrison Short Story Award is for a short story on any theme, max 300 words. One copy of each story required. For writers aged 15-20 years. First prize is $200, and second prize is $100. Winners announced in FAW magazine, on the website and at a Presentation Ceremony in March. Entry fee is $6. Submissions close 30 November. Email Philip Rainford at philip.lifeplan@bigpond.com phone (03) 94315573 or click here to visit the website for further details.

MELBOURNE UNIVERSITY PUBLISHING AWARD
The FAW (VIC) Melbourne University Publishing Award is for a non-fiction work of sustained quality and distinction with an Australian theme, first published in the preceding year. This category includes biographies and autobiographies. Publishers or authors are welcome to submit entries. Two copies of the book are required. Entries will not be returned. First Prize is $1000 and winners will be announced in FAW magazine following the awards presentations in March. Entry fee is $15. Email Philip Rainford at philip.lifeplan@bigpond.com phone (03) 94315573 or click here to visit the website for further details. Entries close 30 November.

COLIN THIELE POETRY AWARD

The FAW (VIC) Colin Thiele Poetry Award is open for poems on any theme, and open to young writers aged between 15 and 20 years. Entries will not be returned. There is no word limit. Sponsored by Michael Dugan. First prize is $200, second prize is $100. Winners will be announced in FAW magazine following an awards presentation in March. An entry fee of $5 and an entry from must accompany all submissions. Postal Address: PO BOX 973, ELTHAM VIC 3095. Contact the awards co-ordinator at philip.lifeplan@bigpond.com or phone (03) 94315573 for further information. Click here to visit the website for further details. Submissions close 30 November.

YOUNG POET OF THE YEAR AWARD

The FAW (VIC) Young Poet of the Year Award is open for poetry on any theme, no word limit. First prize is $200, second prize is $50. Winners will be announced in FAW magazine after the awards presentation. An entry form and $5 entry fee must accompany all submissions. Postal Address PO BOX 973, ELTHAM VIC 3095. Contact the awards co-ordinator at philip.lifeplan@bigpond.com or phone (03) 94315573 for further information. Click here to visit the website for further details. Submissions close 30 November.
MUSE 4: BETTER SORRY THAN SAFE

The University of Melbourne Postgraduate Association is seeking creative contributions in all literary genres from all writers, Australian and international, graduate student or not. They especially want work that teeters on the brink of going too far. Think daring, rather than experimental. When choosing what to submit, keep in mind the golden rule: better sorry than safe. All submissions published will enter the Muse/UMPA Creative Writing Prize. Click here for further details.

VWC SPECIAL EVENTS

TRUTH AND MEMORY

with Patti Miller, Elly Varrenti and Dmetri Kakmi

Meet Patti, Elly and Dmetri as they discuss the endlessly fascinating genres of biography and memoir, and the challenging issues of truth-telling. Patti Miller is author of Writing Your Life; The Last One Who Remembers; Child; Whatever the Gods Do and The Memoir Book. She freelances articles, sometimes reviews, works on manuscript development, and teaches life writing workshops around Australia and overseas. Elly Varrenti is an actress, teacher, broadcaster and author. She writes about families, relationships, parenting and arts-related issues and is well known for her regular ABC Radio National monologue columns. Her latest book, This Is Not My Beautiful Life, a memoir, is published by Penguin and she is a guest at this year's Melbourne Writers' Festival. Elly is coordinator of the Professional Writing and Editing course at Box Hill Institute. Dmetri Kakmi is senior editor at Penguin Books His reviews and essays have appeared in publications around the world. He is the compiler and editor of the celebrated children's anthology When We Were Young, published by Penguin in 2007. His first book, Mother Land, was the co-recipient of the 2007 Peter Blazey Fellowship, awarded by the Centre for Australian Studies, University of Melbourne. The panel will take place on Friday 5 December, 6:30 – 8pm. The cost is $15/$12 for Victorian Writers’ Centre members and $20 for non-members.

All events are held at The Victorian Writers’ Centre, First Floor Nicholas Building, 37 Swanston Street, Melbourne. Bookings for all VWC programs are essential. Phone (03) 9654 9068 to reserve your place.

That’s all for this month… Stay tuned for our December issue. Keep up to date by visiting the Express Media Website