Minerva Speaks opportunity for writers

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minerva copyright www.jasonnahrung.com

Ballarat Writers is supporting Minerva Speaks, a project to put words into the mouth of the Minerva statue atop the Ballaarat Mechanics Institute.

Minerva’s announcements will be broadcast over Sturt Street weekly throughout March 2017 where the audience, in the Titanic Bandstand opposite the institute, can listen to her words of wisdom and learning. The words for her announcements will be drawn from the writers of Ballarat who will be inspired to craft her words through a workshop and writing phase.

The workshop is on Sunday  September 25, 2–4pm, in the Hooper Room, Ballaarat Mechanics Institute, 117 Sturt St, Ballarat. Bring writing materials. RSVP by email to Lynden Nicholls  or phone 0431 349747 by September 23. Writers will be paid commensurate with the Australian Society of Authors rates.
More details: click here for a PDF.

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Words Out Loud – September edition

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spoken word in ballaratWords Out Loud returns to Babushka lounge in Ballarat on Thursday, September 15, 7-9pm, for its next session of spoken word.

Writers, readers, poets — all word lovin’ folks with a hankering to share the love are invited along, with five-minute open mic spots on offer. Babushka has excellent sound and backing tracks can be accommodated. You won’t find a friendlier venue.

The event has a nominal theme of “new leaves”, but as always, performers are encouraged to take the theme and run with it for their 5-minute slots — or ignore it altogether!

Entry is free, though a gold coin donation would be appreciated for this non-profit, community event.

Keep up to date at the Facebook page: www.facebook.com/wordsoutloud/.

Martha Richardson Memorial Poetry Prize now open to entries

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Ballarat Writers is now accepting entries into the Martha Richardson Memorial Poetry Prize, to be judged this year by acclaimed poet Emilie Zoey Baker. Entries must be your own original and unpublished work.

Closing date:  15 October 2016
Format:  Poetry to 40 lines per entry; open theme
Entry Fee:   AU$25 per poem (AU$20 for members of Ballarat Writers)
First prize:   AU$1,500
Results:   Finalists and Winner to be announced in November 2016

Please visit the competition page on the Ballarat Writers website to download the guidelines for FULL details and conditions of entry.

Sofie Laguna Ballarat workshop on writing for children

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Sofie Laguna

Writing For Children with Sofie Laguna

Only five places remain for this workshop by Sofie Laguna, author of more than 20 books for children. Focus on technical aspects of writing, including voice, character, plot, structure and content, as well as the publishing side of the business. Learn how to discover and use an authentic child’s voice in various forms of children’s writing: picture books, junior novels and novels. Find out how knowing your characters well will solve problems related to plot, rhythm and structure.

Presented in association with Writers Victoria. Supported by the Grace Marion Wilson Trust.

Please note: The Melbourne Writers Festival is having its regional day at M.A.D.E. on August 27, so the site will be busier than usual – that means a likely queue at the coffee shop, but who knows who you’ll meet!

When: 27 August, 10am–4pm
Venue: Museum of Australian Democracy at Eureka, 102 Stawell St South,
Ballarat
Cost: Member of Writers Victoria or Ballarat Writers: $80; Concession Member of Writers Victoria or Ballarat Writers: $70; Non-Member: $120.
Bookings: Writers Victoria

Words Out Loud – August edition

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Words out loud in ballaratShare “the road ahead” when Words Out Loud returns to Babushka lounge in Ballarat on Thursday, August 18, 7-9pm, for its next session of spoken word.

Writers, readers, poets — all word lovin’ folks with a hankering to share the love are invited along, with five-minute open mic spots on offer. Babushka has excellent sound and backing tracks can be accommodated. You won’t find a friendlier venue.

While the theme is “the road ahead” (make of it what you will), it isn’t compulsory! Share your own work or something that has moved you, or just come to enjoy the performances and meet district writers.

Entry is free, though a gold coin donation would be appreciated for this non-profit, community event.

Keep up to date at the Facebook page: www.facebook.com/wordsoutloud/.

Write Club starts Sunday 10 July

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BW_logo_writeclub_shortBallarat Writers members are invited to attend Write Club – a chance to get out of the house and devote an afternoon to your writing, with great coffee and industrious company. There is time for chatting, but the emphasis is on getting words down.

Where:  Racers bar and cafe, 2 Wendouree Parade (cnr Webster St), Lake Wendouree. The cafe has indoor and outdoor areas, and is wheelchair accessible via the courtyard.

When: every Sunday from 2pm till 5pm (cafe closes at 6pm), starting 10 July 2016.

Bring: your favoured writing implements – check that the laptop is fully charged (there are limited powerpoints) and don’t forget the spare pens/pencils!

RSVP: no reservation necessary, just turn up and be prepared to write – and have fun. Look for the Ballarat Writers t-shirt and table placard.

July Flash Fiction Comp

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Genre:    comedy

Word count:    45-50 words

Keyword:    election

Entry Conditions:

You must be a Ballarat Writers member to enter.

Entries will not be accepted if they exceed the the word limit – even if by a word, and must comply with all the stated parameters.

All entries are to be submitted to competitions@ballaratwriters.com by Friday, 22 July. Your email must include author’s name, story title and word count.

Voting will open the next day on the flash fiction blog.

Come along to our Members’ Night on Wednesday, 27 July, 7pm at the Bunch of Grapes Hotel to hear the winner announced. (Results will also be posted the day after.)

Bookings closing: Poetry workshop with Emilie Zoey Baker

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BW_EZB_smallIn this four-hour workshop with slam champion and widely published poet Emilie Zoey Baker, we will be exploring what makes a great poem, how to perform your poetry and what judges look for in a competition. It will be a fun, immersive day with lots of words, writing and participation.

In addition to running this workshop, Emilie Zoey Baker will be judging the Martha Richardson Memorial Poetry Prize for 2016.

Please note: Places are limited to 15 attendees only. Bookings are essential!

When: 10am–2pm, Saturday, 9 July
Where: Museum of Democracy at Eureka (MADE), 102 Stawell St South, Ballarat
What to Bring: An unfinished poem and your favourite writing materials. A cafe is available on site or BYO snacks.

Cost:
Full: BW members $70 ( $85 non-members)
Concession: BW members $60 ($75 non-members)

Book your place via TryBooking now!

Words Out Loud — July edition

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words out loud julyWords Out Loud is striking while the iron is hot in July — it’ll be running on the SECOND Thursday, rather than the usual third.

The theme is “light it up”, and it’ll be giving ol’ midwinter a run for its chill with hot spoken word and blazing slam poetry!

Writers, readers, poets — all word lovin’ folks with a hankering to share the love are invited along, with five-minute open mic spots on offer. As always, performers are encouraged to take the theme and run with it for their 5-minute slots — or ignore it altogether!

Entry is free, though a gold coin donation would be appreciated for this non-profit, community event.

Words Out Loud will be held at the wonderfully warm and welcoming Babushka lounge in Ballarat on Thursday, July 14, 7-9pm.

Keep up to date at the Facebook page: www.facebook.com/wordsoutloud/.