2014
the news that was...
SEPTEMBER
to DECEMBER
A score and
a quarter of fourWs!
The twenty-fifth edition of fourW was launched with much
fanfare in Sydney, Melbourne and Wagga Wagga during
November.
The honours were preformed by Ron Pretty in Sydney and
Laura Jean McKay in Melbourne. The launch held at Wagga
City Library was a huge success with Jonathon Howard from
CSU officially launching fourW twenty-five and Cathy Edwards
launching Michel Dignand’s first book of short stories, She
Knows How To Look After Herself.
Jonathon Howard commented on how much fourW had
affected him and how very humbled he felt at having been
asked to launch the book.
“I think I am a very average person and if an anthology
should appeal to anyone it should me – and that it did so in
spades. Well done!”
An excerpt from Ron Pretty’s speech:
“This issue is number twenty-five. I know from personal
experience just how hard it is to sustain the energy and
enthusiasm to keep producing a journal year after year, and
to do so for twenty-five years is no small achievement. And
I know, too, that for nearly all of that time David Gilbey has
been at the helm, and he is to be congratulated for that.
featuring
Jane Downing
Rory Harris
Alana Kelsall
Daniel King
Margo Lanagan
Beverley Lello
Rosanna Licari
Laura Jean McKay
Derek Motion
Mark O’Flynn
Ron Pretty
Dorothy Simmons
Les Wicks
Lara S. Williams
+ many more
“At 186 pages, fourW twenty-five is a substantial collection of a consistently high
standard. For that, too, David Gilbey and his editorial team – Claire Baker, Lachlan
Brown, Dinah Lightfoot and Alex Segal – are to be congratulated.”
An excerpt from Laura Jean McKay’s speech:
“So, to anyone who has ever sat listening to the cicada’s calling-in the summer from
the trees, and wondered what a thing that could make that noise could possibly look
like. To anyone who has ever gone out to investigate. To anyone who has imagined
themselves, their lives, the lives of others or a world that doesn’t yet exist onto the
page. To the readers. To anyone who is 9, or 29, or 49 or 79 and still climbs the trees
of their imagination – you will truly love this book. As writers and readers, we just
can’t help ourselves.
“I am proud, flattered, and pleased as punch to declare fourW twenty five launched in
Melbourne!”
$25 each or 5 copies for $100
Booranga Writers’ Centre
McKeown Drive (Locked Bag 588) Wagga Wagga NSW 2678
staff are in every Monday (9.00am-3.30pm), Tuesday (9.00am-11.30am), Thursday (9.00am-2.30pm)
phone: 02 6933 2688 – [email protected] – www.csu.edu.au/faculty/arts/humss/booranga
September – December 2014
|
1
Launch of
fourW at
Wagga Wagga
City Library
David Gilbey
(above) begins
the proceedings
and then
introduces our
official guest
Jonathon
Howard (right).
Claire Baker
Joan Cahill
Louise D’Arcy
September – December 2014
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Derek Motion
Dorothy Simmons
Barrie Walsh
Michel Dignand’s She Knows How to
Look After Herself is $15 and available
from bookshops in Wagga and also via
Wistman Publishing:
www.wistmanpublishing.com/shop
Michel Dignand
Cathy Edwards
Right: Some of the gang enjoying
the launch at Robarta, Melbourne:
David Gilbey, Joan Cahill, Claire
Baker, Michael Crane, Rob Walker,
Laura Jean McKay, and Michel
Dignand.
September – December 2014
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3
Writing from Extreme Places
Workshop with Jesse Blackadder
Another well attended writing workshop was held on 26 July
by the award winning author Jesse Blackadder; Booranga’s
third writer in residence for this year.
Jesse introduced her workshop by quoting from Natalie
Goldberg, a proponent of free-writing and author of many
how-to-write books (including Wild Mind). The following
seven points were highlighted:
1. Keep your hand moving – don’t stop writing –
writing as a physical act.
2. Lose control – say what you really want to say.
3. Be specific – not too many abstracts – increase
the reader’s visualisation.
4. Don’t think – keep that inner critic subdued.
5. Don’t worry about spelling or grammar.
6. You are free to write junk!
7. Go for the jugular.
These helped to “free us up” and to get started with the first
writing exercise – free-writing for a timed period of several
minutes. Ranging from observations to inner thoughts, to
being aware of a late comer entering the room, smells and
sounds, the results that were shared demonstrated how
varied we all are in our writing.
The five writing exercises provided welcome stimulation
to our imaginations. With the first one we were directed
to write about an extreme location which Jesse said could
be anything at all – your mind, a blank page, a weird place
you’ve never been. Having a timed period helped to focus
on the writing, and having been given “permission” to write
rubbish (see point 6 above) pens were flying across the
pages. And when some were shared the results were quite
fascinating.
– and that she is mainly the latter. It gave some hope to us
all to know that although the ideal would be to write every
day, successful writing can still be achieved by a more relaxed
approach.
Research for historic novels can be achieved through
contacting local historical societies, libraries and Goggle to
get a “feel of the time and place”. This is vital to allow the
reader to project themselves into the story and provide
integrity to your story.
I think I can safely say that the fourteen participants
went home tired after being taken through their paces,
but satisfied that the skills and ideas provided by Jesse
Blackadder will be on hand to help with our writing in the
future. Thank you Jesse!
Claire Baker
Another exercise was thinking about
your own body and what it’s like living
in it. Another was physically moving to
a place you would not normally write
(standing up, sitting in a corner, standing
outside), and then writing a piece
starting with the words “I remember”.
Some participants wrote about very
personal experiences, while someone
else had the beginnings of a great
science-fiction type story that had us
all spellbound when he shared it, and
hoping he’ll complete it.
After some more coffee and Tim
Tams, Jesse answered some questions
regarding her personal writing practice
and she revealed that there are two types
of writers – the Plotter, and the Pantser
(as in writing from the seat of her pants)
September – December 2014
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4
Australian Poetry
Slam 2014
The Wagga Wagga heats were held on
Friday 5 September at the William Farrer
Hotel.
Our winners that went on to compete
in the state finals were Zohab Zee Khan
(first) and Zoe Beaumont (second).
Right: Our winners, Zohab and Zoe, with
David Gilbey.
Zohab Zee Khan
Zoe Beaumont
JFC
Harry Doble
Charlotte Egan-Schulz
Louise Egan
September – December 2014
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Lucy Schofield
Claire Baker
Charlotte Egan-Schulz
Maurice Corlett
Otto Egan-Schulz
Tara Lightfoot
Above: Claire Baker and Sandra Treble
looking after the paperwork.
Right: Some of the crowd.
September – December 2014
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6
2014 Australian
Poetry Slam
Champion
is our very own
Zohab Zee Khan!
Zee in action at the Opera
House, Sunday 12 October.
Picture: Chris Peken
Former Wagga man Zohab Khan has
been named the 2014 Australian Poetry
Slam Champion.
Mr Khan or ‘Zee’ perfected his poetry on
Willans Hill and pitted his skills against
15 other hopefuls at the Sydney Opera
House on Sunday night.
“I imagined Wagga was my audience
and Willans Hill was my stage and I just
practised again and again,” he said.
A selection of Zee’s incredible winning
piece includes the lines:
“I write to inspire an internal fire in those
who desire to fly higher for my feet were
never designed for the ground.
“I prefer to walk on the clouds where my
feet make not a sound and can twirl like
a mystic insouciant dervish around and
around.”
The professional spoken word artist said
competitors had two minutes to deliver
a prepared piece and the audience were
the judges.
“In the first round the top five
progressed through to the second
round and in the second round the
highest score won ... it happened to be
me,” he said.
“They find five judges from the audience
and they give you a score between zero
and 10.”
Zee progressed from a heat in Wagga
and the state finals held at the Sydney
Theatre Company on Friday night.
“This is the fifth time I’m representing
Wagga in the Australian competition,”
he said.
On Monday (20 October), Zee flies to
the Middle East for a few shows and his
feet will be off the ground once more
when he flies to The Bookworm Literary
Festival in China and the Ubud, Byron
Bay and Sydney International Readers’
and Writers’ Festivals in 2015 as part of
his prize.
The Daily Advertiser, 14 October
News Flash
We have received funding from Arts NSW for 2015 !
Congratulations to us. We were successful in our application
for the NSW Government’s 2015 Arts Funding Program
Thank you Arts NSW!
September – December 2014
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7
A Lesson in Scriptwriting with Peter Cox
I arrived at Booranga Writers’ Centre early in August, armed with
my latest piece of work tucked under my arm, and expecting one
of our “usual” around-the-table discussions over coffee and the
inevitable Tim-Tams (we really should get some shares in that
manufacturer). What a lovely surprise to find that Peter Cox was
present, and ready to provide an informative peep into the world
of writing for screen and stage.
Peter, of course, is one of the Wagga identities involved in the
writing, production and direction of Backyard Ashes; a quirky story
of mateship and the struggle of the little Aussie guy versus the
arrogant English boss, played out in a backyard game of cricket
to win a Vegemite jar of ashes. (I won’t spoil it by telling whose
ashes they are if you are one of the few who haven’t yet seen
this movie). He and his fellow writer, Mark Grentell, are using the
Writers’ Centre as a place to work on their new efforts.
One of their collaborative works is a movie about the first
Australian soccer team to make it into the World Cup in 1974.
And just to keep things interesting, they are also working on a
children’s outdoor theatre project to be performed as part of the
Australia Day entertainment here in Wagga.
In the hour that Peter was able to spend with us, we were taken
on a journey of how writing for screen is a very visual type of
writing. Writing out short scenes, numbering them, and then
trying to work out where they would best fit to suit the purpose
of the story is carried out by physically having the text on small
pages and sticking them into a sequence. Timing is also important
to ensure that the maximum impact is produced in a coherent
sequence and within the length of the movie.
Because the movie is set around a specific real event, and
has real people involved, the framework for the storyline was
already in place. What Peter and Mark have had to do is research
relationships between the characters, the characters themselves,
and work out the particular angle of the story.
Being flexible and not too “precious” was something that Peter
emphasised as being necessary when working in collaboration,
as sometimes the other person comes up with just the thing to
make a scene work better, or a character more accessible to the
audience.
The writing for the children’s outdoor theatre project is a lot more
flexible in that each of the actors already hired for this event have
extensive musical and acting experience, therefore, they are able
to provide input into their dialogue and actions.
Sketches of the costume designs were greatly admired by the
workshop participants, and the humour and storyline, based on
a well-known children’s story but provided with an Australian
flavour, makes this performance something not to be missed.
Writing for screen and stage is a different way of writing than
poetry and prose, and it was a real eye-opener for us to hear how
it is done. I think we all came away with a greater respect for the
screen writer who not only has to listen to his inner critic, but has
to be open to criticism from his co-writer all for the good of the
finished work.
Claire Baker
September – December 2014
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8
Damian Callinan
Damian is a multi award-winning standup comic, broadcaster, actor and writer.
He is best known to TV audiences for his
roles on Skithouse and Before The Game
as well as regular guest appearances
on shows such as Spicks and Specks,
Melbourne Comedy Festival Gala and
The Great Debate. He is also a regular
contributor on 774ABC Melbourne.
After visiting Booranga during August
to work with Mark Grentell and Peter
Cox on several scripts, Damian returned
in early October for a short stay. During
this time he was involved in a number of
events including performing his tenth
solo show The Merger at Wagga Civic
Theatre (which was brilliant by the way!)
Damian hosted a creative session on campus for CSU students on 7 October.
Following is the letter of thanks we received:
I just wanted to thank you and the Booranga Writers Centre for facilitating the
visit recently of visiting writer Damian Callinan to our campus.
Over 70 TV, Design and Acting students enjoyed several hours of both
discussion and performance workshops in which Damian shared his extensive
knowledge and expertise in the areas of performance, writing and production
for both the screen and the stage.
As it is difficult to get significant industry based experts onto campus for faceto-face exposure to our students, we were delighted and highly appreciative
of this opportunity and hope that more can happen in the future. The
benefits to the students are multi-faceted and it goes without saying that the
experience was very rewarding.
Thank you again from all the staff here in Stage and Screen.
Regards,
Matt Olsen
Lecturer, Charles Sturt University
Bachelor of Stage and Screen
https://twitter.com/Booranga
https://www.facebook.com/Booranga
Booranga News welcomes the
submission of original writing.
Poetry, prose, lyrics,
free-form, fiction, nonfiction,
memoirs, travelogue, journaling,
fanfiction, and more!
The show, which earned Damian
his third Barry Award nomination
at the Melbourne International
Comedy Festival (MICF), is currently
in development to be turned into a
feature film under the direction of Mark
Grentell.
Whilst here at Booranga, Damian
worked on the next draft of the
screenplay and looking at possible
locations as the team, with the backing
of Screen NSW, get closer to bringing
the stage show to the big screen.
In 2014 Damian premiered three new
shows, The Out Of Print Book Club at
Adelaide Fringe, MICF and various
writer’s festivals, The Wine Bluffs at
various wine and food festivals, and
his MICF show The Lost WWI Diary has
already been picked up for national
touring in 2015.
“This is a story of the humble sheep. How
it evolved from its nomadic and tribal
ownership into being the aristocratic ‘Prince
of the Plains’ in newly developing pastoral
Australia. Helping to forge a new nation
along the way.
“It is a terrific book and required reading for
anyone with more than a passing interest in
the fascinating history of Merino sheep and
how they shaped our nation.”
Stuart Hodgson, Landmark, Wagga Wagga
Copies are $39.95 (+postage) and available from: Collins Bookstore; My Shed (next to the ABC shop); and by
phoning 02 6922 5367 or email [email protected]. Hardcover with 304 pages in full colour.
September – December 2014
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9
Emerging Writers’ Festival
On 4 November Booranga hosted an evening for the Emerging Writers’ Festival
Roadshow. The evening of reading – the Caravanserai of Courage – also included
new art by Tony Curran and a chance to participate in the open mic session.
Writers Laura Jean McKay and Tom Doig stayed overnight at our writer’s flat. Charles
Sturt University’s Lachlan Brown was then picked up (the EWF picks up a writer at
each stop) to join the entourage heading to the NSW Writers’ Centre, via Canberra.
Reading from their work are Laura Jean McKay (above)
and Leah Ellis (below).
Right: Tony Curran with some of his artwork and, top
right, is a sample of his digital interactive work inspired
by Lachlan Brown’s poetry.
Right: Laura Jean McKay and Tom Doig. Below right: Tony Curran and
Lachlan Brown. Below: Claire Baker, Maurice Corlett and Dinah Lightfoot.
September – December 2014
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10
Grab Your
Copy Now!
$25 each or
5 copies for $100
We also have copies of some back
issues available for sale.
Contact us for more details:
Tel: 02 6933 2688
Email: [email protected]
From all of us here at
Booranga have a safe and
happy festive season
– may the words flow fast!
Submission Guidelines
Booranga News welcomes
contributions. They should be emailed
to the editor, Debbie Angel, at director@
booranga.com or to the president,
David Gilbey at [email protected].
We have no preference as to the
typeface as contributions will be altered
to house style when they are received.
Items may also be posted.
It is helpful if there is only one space
after a full stop or other punctuation,
and the en dash ( – ) rather than the
hyphen is used where appropriate.
The hyphen should only be used in
‘hyphenated’ words.
Original items are most welcome. We
are particularly glad to receive poetry,
prose, and lyrics.
Original reviews (yours!) of published
works by Australian authors, poets, song
writers etc. are also encouraged.
Digital photographs are acceptable. The
higher the resolution the better.
Items which have been ‘lifted’ or
copied from other sources must be
acknowledged and permission for their
reproduction obtained were required.
Unless otherwise requested your
submitted items may (also) be
reproduced on our website or social
media.
Submitting items is no guarantee of
their reproduction.
The Editor
reserves
the right to
exercise her
discretion.
Submissions
for our next
newsletter close
20 January 2015
If you have a piece of writing you would like to be considered for reproduction in our newsletter
or know of an event, competition, or information that may be of interest to Booranga’s members and friends
please email it to the editor, Debbie Angel, at [email protected]
WWWW and Booranga Writers’ Centre gratefully acknowledge the financial and other support received from:
September – December 2014
|
11
Wagga Wagga Writers Writers
Application for 2013 Membership
Application for 2015 Membership
Wagga Wagga Writers Writers Inc. was formed in 1987 to assist and promote local authors and
their Wagga
work.Writers
TheWriters
group
regular
readings
local
conducts
writing
workshops,
Wagga
Inc.holds
(WWWW)
was formed
in 1987 toatassist
andvenues,
promote local
authors and
their work.
The group
offers
writing
fellowships
at conducts
Booranga,
theworkshops,
Riverinaand
Writers’
Centre
at Charles
Sturt
holds
regular
readings
at local venues,
writing
offers writing
fellowships
at Booranga,
onUniversity
the Wagga
and publishes
anUniversity.
annual anthology, fourW, under the imprint of fourW press, and is active in
campus
of Charles Sturt
promoting writing and writers throughout the Riverina.
WWWW also publishes an annual anthology, fourW, under the imprint of fourW press. This anthology consists of new poetry and
prose from all over Australia and overseas.
Membership period 1st January to 31st December 2013:
Booranga Writers’ Centre (WWWW) links up writers across the Riverina and provides professional development, networks and
resources
readers and writers
in Wagga and
thecopy
Riverina
Group for
membership
(including
one
ofRegion.
anthology)
$55.00
Single membership (including one copy of anthology)
Single membership (not including anthology)
$55.00
Group membership (including one copy of anthology)
Concessional membership (including one copy of anthology)
$36.00
Single
membership (including
one copy
of anthology)
Concessional
membership
(not
including anthology)
$25.00
Single
membership
(not including
anthology)
Student
membership
(under
21 years) not including
anthology
$36.00
$25.00
$26.00
$15.00
$11.00
Membership period 1 January to 31 December 2015:
$26.00
Concessional membership (including one copy of anthology)
Membership
also entitles
you to:
$15.00
Concessional
membership
(not including
anthology)
Regular
newsletters
and
e-list
mailouts
$11.00
Student membership (under 21 years) not including anthology
- 10% discount at Collins Book Store, Wagga
Membership
alsodiscount
entitles you
- 10%
atto:
Angus & Robertson Bookworld, Wagga
Members
discounts
to readings, performances and workshops
• Regular newsletters and e-list mailouts
- discount
Invitations
writing
events and get-togethers
at CollinstoBook
Store, Wagga
• 10%
- Access to a network of writers, book enthusiasts and other writers’ centres
• 10% discount at Angus & Robertson Bookworld, Wagga
• Members discounts to readings, performances and workshops
• Invitations to writing events and get-togethers
• Access to a network of writers, book enthusiasts and other writers’ centres
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Please fill out, detach and send application to:
 Wagga Wagga Writers Writers Inc., Booranga Writers’ Centre,
Charles Sturt University, Locked Bag 588, Wagga Wagga NSW 2678
Phone/Fax (02) 6933 2688
Name:
...............................................................................................................
Address:
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
Telephone: ..........................................(home) .................................................(work)
..........................................(mobile) ...............…………………….........………...........(email)
Enclosed:
$...................... cheque/money order
for single/concession/student subscription (Please circle).
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
TO PAY ELECTRONICALLY:
Bank:
NAB Wagga
BSB: 082 811
Account Name:
Wagga Wagga Writers Writers
Account Number: 02951 4435
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
WWWW and Booranga Writers’ Centre gratefully acknowledge the financial and other support received from:
September – December 2014
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