Publishing a Novel - The Ozone Cafe

UPDATED 28/12/2021 Writing a novel is one thing, but getting the manuscript published is another. I have sent this novel The Ozone Cafe to all major publishers including Pan McMillan, Allen & Unwin, to writing competitions including the Caledonian Novel Award, Varuna Publishing Programs and to my state's publisher Fremantle Press. I received rejection after rejection or in some instances utter...

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While I'm away: A great workshop @ Fremantle Arts Centre

Workshop 6: Setting with Mags Webster, Friday 4th May at the Fremantle Arts Centre, 1.00pm - 3.00pm (Print room) As part of the ongoing series called "Working  the Short Story" Mags Webster will conduct a class on SETTING. The aim is to continue guiding you as to what makes a good story. These Prose classes look at major elements that will have you powering away into your writing. $25 OOTA...

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Writer in Residence @ ARTErra Rural Retreat, Tondela Portugal

Currently I'm in Portugal at ARTErra - a rural retreat for artists of many persuasions. I will be spending three weeks writing prose poetry, traveling to neighbouring towns/villages for added inspiration. So far, there is more inspiration than I have time to write, but basically the muse is happening. There is something about being in another place, in a different environment than your own that...

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Working the Short Story: a 10-Part Series with Helen Hagemann

Every second year OOTA (Out of the Asylum Writers Inc) conducts a writing competition called Spilt Ink with poetry and prose submissions. To help you produce samples of your stories (hopefully a winning entry), Helen will conduct a 10 Part Series called "Working  the Short Story" (including Mags Webster on 4th May). The aim will be to guide you and refresh your knowledge of what makes a good...

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DIY Kitchen Chairs Renovation by Helen Hagemann

I have had my kitchen chairs for over 20 years. Not only do they look good, but also they have a sentimental value that you cannot put a price on. Therefore, when two of the chairs showed signs of wear, ie. most of the spindles in the chair back became separated, I decided to repair them myself. This video is a step by step instruction on the process. After researching many handymen's You Tube videos,...

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Leapfrog Press Fiction Contest 2018

Fiction Contest The 2018 Leapfrog Fiction Contest is open until June 15. Marie-Helene Bertino will be finalist judge. Past Winners: 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009 Click on the links above to read about our past winners. Marie-Helene Bertino is the author of the novel 2 A.M. AT THE CAT’S PAJAMAS and...

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