Mat Clarke's Blog
August 9, 2024
Writers Sauce - WWC - MWS August 2024
Writers Sauce - WWC - MWS August 2024
Welcome to Writers Sauce. We have two new topics for you to check out and it’s all about writing.
Contents:
1. Book Review (more reviews on books wanted)
2. Writing competitions - suspended until a new manager volunteers
3. Promote your blog
4. Simon Harding’s talk on Fabel a s a not-for-profit blockchain-based marketplace for stories of all kinds *NEW*
5. The Story Mint: Stylefit
6. Where to Go and Write During Happy Hour
7. Writer volunteer Jobs
8. Melbourne Writers Social Group events
9. All Write! upcoming events
10. We want to hear from you
11. Join us and we’ll promote you
12. Essential Information for Writers
13. Important links
Here’s what Christopher Kong said about World Writers Collective:
“Hi Mat - I came across your World Writers Collective site, including your post covering ‘editing tips’.
I’m writing this note to say a big THANKS. I think your site is a wonderful resource, and I really resonated with your comment on the benefit of giving/receiving feedback via writers groups. Despite your evident experience, I appreciate how your sharing comes across as very humble and accessible.
I’ve been working on a piece of creative non-fiction. Look forward to connecting and exchanging more ideas (and writing?) with each other!”
And Sergio about Melbourne Writers Social Group:
Hi Mat, I feel like I should grab you at least a couple of beers and a nice pub meal. It’s the least I can do to say thanks. I have no clue about being a writer and your help has been invaluable.
Kind regards
Sergio
Paula, Zahro and Conrad are our newest subscribers. We now have over 400 subscribers. You’ve joined a great group of writers :)
If anyone would like to invite friends to join us, forward this email to anyone anywhere in the world.
World Writers Collective collaborates together with writers, editors and many other kinds of artists / creatives in all industries. We have actors, directors, illustrators, musicians and screenwriters in one place all eager for you to enjoy their work.
Join us as a subscriber or as a writer if you would like your own promotional page on our website. To have a page on our website it there is a donation cost per year. Included are some minor discounts and the ability to advertise yourself for free to our subscribers.
Everyone who works on this website does so for free.
We would also like to stress that if you can not afford the donation of approximately $20, we would like you as a member anyway. You can pay WWC when you have the money available.
www.worldwriterscollective.com/wwc
If you want to add to this email with your own words of wisdom, please let us know. We can also/otherwise add info to our NEWS section on the WWC website.
It’s all done for free and it’s off our own back. Please get involved if you have the time.
Thank you,
Mat Clarke
www.worldwriterscollective.com/mat-carke
-
1. Review a book title - It will be posted on the WWC website
READ MORE HERE: www.worldwriterscollective.com/writers-sauce
Are you someone who likes to review books (poems, short stories, movie scripts, blogs, non-fiction, etc.) and give honest feedback on content, interest, characters, structure, or if you think it was just really good reading? Submit your review via this email.
For 2024 please review any book or script or poetry you like (yes, you can submit a review done on your story if you like).
Here’s James Pletch’s review of Remarkable Recoveries.
Remarkable Recoveries: What extraordinary healings tell us about getting well and staying well
Carlyle Hirshberg and Marc Ian Barasch. Headline London 1996
By James Pletch, Wharf Hotel Writers night 19 March 2023
Copyright © James Pletch
Carlyle Hirshberg is a biochemist. With this book, she pioneers the study of thousands of spontaneous remissions – remarkable recoveries – from ‘terminal’ cancer. She worked at the Stanford Research Institute creating a unique database of thousands of recoveries from terminal illness, and used this database to study the five percent of people who recover. She also spoke to other experts with a lot of experience of remarkable recoveries.
Traditionally the medical profession has dismissed this group as statistical outliers. Hirshberg decided their example of unusual success in recovering from fatal illness holds lessons for us all. Her findings are fascinating. We can all draw from them in our own way. Her study included looking deeply into fifty remarkable recovery cases.
Our innate ability to heal lies beneath all curatives, both conventional and unconventional. Everyone is an individual, and their key to healing is unique to them.
She found faith is the critical ingredient in cases of remarkable recovery – whether faith in a process, a person, a pill (placebo or otherwise), a doctor, saints, or God.
Many used prayer, and it seems to have stimulated their healing system, something usually ignored by medical journals. People experienced a personal relationship with God, and were tolerant and not dogmatic.
Many had an experience of the divine, something difficult to describe or quantify; something the researchers were both impressed by, and unable to explain in conventional terms.
People were congruent: they were deeply aligned within themselves, rather than being fractured and uncertain within themselves. They were ‘singing their own song.’
People had a strong fighting spirit.
60 to 70 percent attributed their survival to what might be called ‘receptive’ factors like faith, meditation and prayer.
People had a belief in their uniqueness, and not simply being a ‘disease category’. They had a strong ability to focus on the good rather than the bad, and had a rich inner life.
The researchers noted the attributes of a disease prone personality, being the opposite of an approach needed for a remarkable recovery: repression of feeling, lack of expressiveness, depressed acceptance, and a sense of hopelessness and helplessness. Clearly, people need to reverse these attributes, if they have them.
They had a strong social connection, like an enduring marriage or a strong friendship connection or network. Very importantly, they had one person with whom they had an honest nurturing confiding communication relationship. This could be anyone: for example a spouse, partner, parent, therapist, friend, or support group member.
People had a good relationship with their doctor, but made their own decisions.
75 percent of the 50 remarkable recovery people who were deeply studied had artistic activities in their life. Nearly half played a musical instrument or sang. Researchers wonder if music and art bypass the rational part of the brain and connect in some unknown way with our deeper mind-body healing capacity. In ancient Greece, Apollo was both the god of music and of medicine.
The research points to an integral approach to healing: spirit, genetics, psychoneuroimmunology, and mind-body factors. These compose an orchestral approach, not just a single instrument.
Remarkable recovery people have hope and optimism, a strong will to live, and they confront their problems directly, rather than avoiding them. They have good emotional support from family and/or a friend or friends. 80 percent had the ability to enrol positive mood states and social support situations to empower their healing.
The top activities remarkable recovery people believed contributed to their recovery were: prayer 68%; meditation 64%, exercise 64%; guided imagery 59%; walking 52%; music/singing 50%; and stress reduction 50%.
The most common psycho-spiritual factors remarkable recovery people checked off on a list of 26 items were: belief in a positive outcome 75%, fighting spirit 71%, acceptance of the disease 71%, seeing the disease as a challenge 71%, taking responsibility for the disease and outcome 68%, renewed desire to live 64%, positive emotions 64%, faith 61%, new sense of purpose 61%, changes in habits/behaviour 61%, sense of control 59%, lifestyle changes 59%, self-nurturance 57%, and social support 50%.
Here’s a review of ‘ Dilemmas of a Middle-Aged Madonna ’ by Meredith Fuller
DILEMMAS of a MIDDLE-AGED MADONNA
By Cecile Ravell (2022) Warrior Woman Press
Book review Meredith Fuller OAM
Cecile Ravell, a creative memoir author and poet, writes non-fiction and fiction and has a talent for infusing travel writing within her books. Passionate about travel, she brings countries and venues alive. She also scatters some Italian throughout the story. Novellas include ‘Love on a Faultline’ and ‘Child Magical’. Her characters are an amalgam of people throughout her life.
Outline
‘Spurned by the love of her life, Jessica contemplates walking into the ocean and drowning. A chance meeting leads to a sequence of events which turn her life around. This story lurches from pathos to comedy to romance, as our female protagonist navigates the challenges that life hurls at her’
The book takes us from Far North Queensland to Nova Scotia, Canada, and New York City.
Having also visited the Frick Museum, I found her information and history about Henry Clay Frick fascinating, similarly for the Met and Times Square.
This isn’t a genre I would normally read (fiction & romance) as I tend to read non fiction and biographies. Jessica is disengaging from a ‘bad boy’ partner and meets several new men who treat her well. Will she jump out of a disappointing 20-year relationship into something that may promise fulfillment? I found this a raunchy read – maybe too raunchy for me!
Some of her metaphors were appealing in their visceral imagery. For example, she talks about how her new lover’s fervour lifted the cold shroud of her former partner’s enveloping.
Purchase an autographed copy: ravellc@yahoo.com.au
Here’s a review of ‘The Man Behind the Mask’ by Rachel Martigan – A Regency Romance.
I struggled today and yesterday, having to work, when I just wanted to keep reading.
There was unexpected events, times where I was nervous about what the outcome might be, and happy bits.
Such a great read, you’ve done such a great job with both books.
So, when is the next book out?
I’m such a romance junkie, I can’t get enough.
Well done
The book: https://www.amazon.com.au/Man-Behind-...
Here’s a review by John Christmas and Susan Thorn of Ray C Doyle’s mystery novel, Lara’s Secret:
JC: I greatly enjoyed this tale which incorporated modern history of Cyprus into a thriller complete with action and romance. Pete West is a new investigative-journalism hero not afraid to tangle with the corrupts to uncover the truth!
ST: Fantastic story, halfway through this novel, it had me from the first chapter, mystery and intrigue, it's gripping, I can't wait for the next book in the trilogy.
raycdoyle.com
www.fishpond.com/Books/Laras-Secret-Ray-C-Doyle/9781915212047
2. Competitions
Current and upcoming competitions have been suspended for now until we find a manager.
WANTED: competition manager
Short story competitions - World Writers Collective
A. The big one - WWC Golden Pen Award - Win $250 First Prize
Second prize is $100 to spend in a Red Bubble store and one-year membership of Creative Writers Collective. The third prize will be a FREE entry to any one of the competitions for a year and one-year membership of Creative Writers Collective.
All winners will be published in the anthology.
We may need to halt competitions after this latest big prize due to not having a competitions manager. If you would like to become the manager, please let Mat Clarke know.
Coming up (TBA):
The Quick Creative - limited words and limited time. Join us and win cash!
Need help with writing short stories? Go to our competitions tab page 1. We have added hints and tips to help you write the best short story ever. There is a video by Ray Stone, which is a great resource. Our writing competition winners have given their tips and Mat Clarke has added his thoughts. You can also check out our editing tips page.
www.worldwriterscollective.com/writing-competitions
www.worldwriterscollective.com /editing-tips
www.worldwriterscollective.com
Become a World Writers Collective member, which helps support everyone in the group as indie writers and allows you to collect prizes if you win.
Want to get published or publish your own works and have our members spread the word about your works, book launch, or other? It’s only $20 a year to join which helps pay the few hundred dollars it costs for the domain and host the website each year.
www.worldwriterscollective.com/join
If you are one of the top winners of the competition, you will be included in the next anthology. That's just one of the great reasons to get involved!
We also want to promote you and your writing. All you have to do is say the word. When you are a member, it’s free!
3. Promote your blog
We want to promote your blog. Email us a link of one of your blogs and an explanation of why WWC people would enjoy reading it.
We want to promote your blog. Email us a link of one of your blogs and an explanation of why WWC people would enjoy reading it.
Here’s a few from Magz Morgan and the positive comment she received:
THANK you both, and the writers’ collective for all the moral support. When I get a message like this, I feel like crying. Maggie
“I just read both of these pieces and found them to be exceptional. You really have developed your talent. When I read the article on writing, I felt that I had a tutor sitting next to me sharing her secrets, while the short story was a delicious gossipy tale that I friend might share. I think that the first article gave me an insight into how hard you have worked to hone your skills. I am impressed with the quality of your writing. Don't stop.”
Linda Douglas
Here’s another by Cecile Ravell
https://ravellc.wixsite.com/ravell-the-writer/blog
4. Simon Harding’s talk on Fabel as a not-for-profit blockchain-based marketplace for stories of all kinds
As writers, we know how hard it is to earn a living from our stories. But how can this be the case when the market for fiction is worth more than $11 billion per year?
The answer is twofold.
Firstly, most stories struggle to find an audience. Every year, 500,000 unique works of fiction are grouped into just 144 genre and subgenre buckets, where competition is fierce – on average more than 3,000 new titles are placed into each of those genres and subgenres each year.
Secondly, so many middlemen take their cut of every sale that by the time it comes to paying royalties to authors, there’s not much left.
We’re going to change this. Fabel is a not-for-profit blockchain-based marketplace for stories of all kinds. We’ll be making use of AI to curate hundreds of tags that we will assign to each story – covering genre and subgenre, location, character types and so much more, even the emotions readers want to feel when they search for something to read. And we’ll be using blockchain technology to facilitate a direct relationship between readers and writers that will result in 100% of the royalties from each sale going directly to the author.
We believe Fabel will change the world of publishing forever.
You can find out more at www.fabel.world.
To spread the word about our new platform, we’re running a short-story competition which opens on 1st August. It’s an opportunity for writers to dust off and submit all their old short stories, and the contest carries one of the largest short-story prizes in the English language. You can find out more at https://www.fabel.world/short-story-competition.html
We are working hard to solve the problems writers face in the publishing industry and hope we can count on your support. You can follow us on X (@fabel_world), on Instagram (fabel.world)
Simon Harding
CEO
p: 0424 169 795
5. The Story Mint: Stylefit
Student Writing Competition
Open for participation enquiries and entry submissions
We loved holding last year's lockdown writing competition, and collaborating with our incredible judges and prize sponsors to deliver students a fun opportunity amidst our national lockdowns. It was wonderful to see the enjoyment shared by both students and teachers throughout last year's competition!
We hope we can achieve that once more with out 2022 NZ student writing competition! It's now up and running, so we invite class groups or individual students to participate!
Our two biggest goals are:
- show students that writing (and learning writing skills) can be fun
- improve students' writing skills by increasing confidence, self-direction and agency
Those participating (as a school, class or you even just a few keen individual students) will have the opportunity to craft their entries with the help of our writing skills tool, Stylefit. We loved hearing about our participating schools' experiences with the software during the 2021 writing competition - here's a video snippet on student motivation!
If you'd like to participate, get in touch with anna@stylefit.org. We'll either extend your current Stylefit licence or open up a trial version for the duration of the competition. You can also find out more about how it works by booking a demo or having a look at the feedback features here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ly7EN53ldRI
6. W here to Write During Happy Hour
by Mat Clarke
You've been writing at home, on the train, while waiting for friends or at one of our writing meetups. Now you need somewhere to go that will aid you in finding inspiration and allow you to buy food and drinks without breaking the bank. You'll need a nice venue now that Melbourne is getting back on the horse again, albeit slowly. It's time to get back out there!
One of my favourite places is The Wharf Hotel in Melborne CBD opposite Jeff's Shed. You'll enter the venue via the waterfront, as it has no street entrance. While sitting outside under the sun or resting comfortably inside, you can look out over the Yarra River and the many people entering Crown Casino or walking past Polly Woodisde to DFO. As you turn your mind to the bar you'll notice that happy starts at 4pm and ends at 7pm Monday to Friday. So grab yourself a schooner, spirit or wine for $7, sit back and relax.
What you can do:
A game will usually be on so you can cheer and enjoy the excitement.
One of the friendly staff will be happy to chat and talk about what you can see and do nearby.
No food discounts anymore, unfortunately. They used to be great with the Monday to Thursday cheap eats, but maybe that will return in Summer. Otherwise, download The Pass app and get $10 off your first purchase.
TGI Fridays is a good favourite in any part of Melbourne. Inside Melbourne Central you'll find that TGI Fridays is up two sets of escalators from Swanston Street. They run a happy hour from 4pm to 6pm. It includes $6 schooners, wines and spirits. They also do cheap cocktails which I love. If you stay on, they generally run a late night happy hour as well which is from 8pm to 10pm. Not bad if you want to chat your friend's ear off all night. Sit at the bar and talk to the bartenders if you like. They're happy to make you feel welcome when they're not run off their feet. You can also download their app and get some small discounted snacks.
Melbourne Central Lion starts happy hour at 4pm and ends at 7pm, but only Monday to Thursday. You'll be able to buy pints for $9 and pay $7 for wine and spirits. If you like the idea of food specials Sunday to Thursday, then check them out upon arrival. They usually do great cheap pizza too.
Just a little north of the CBD is the Queensberry Hotel. If they aren't busy they'll sometimes close early, so get in before they do. Happy Hour is a standard 25% off from 5pm to 7pm except Mondays when it is $6 beer and $6 spirits. They also do great meal options at budget prices, such as a parma on Wednesday for $20.
I've always enjoyed happy hour at Father's Office, especially considering they love to double dip. Your first happy hour is 5pm to 7pm and your second is from 8pm to 10pm. It just may force you to stay all night! Oh no, what a pity :) It runs every day with selected cocktails at $12, pints from $8 and $9 spirits. They also do some cheap meals during some of their weekdays. The part I like is the balcony that looks out over Swanston Street. A lovely view I have enjoyed many times over. Oh, and they also have a venue in Flinders Lane as well as their original spot on Little Lonsdale.
One of the things I found hard to find in the city was good pizza. Domino's on the thin crust will sometimes do, but if you need good American pizza or chicken wings, try Sal's Pizza on Flinders Lane. It's a tiny place, but the food is great (greasy and tasty). Otherwise, the Universal Hotel a little north of the CBD is your best option for traditional pizza.
The sponsored part:
If you want to spend these great moments with writers or other people who share your many interests, but you're yet to find friends in Melbourne, or all your friends are busy, then sign up to www.friendlyfamiliars.com and find someone who gets you. There's so much to do now, so it would be even better if you were not doing it alone.
7. Writer volunteer jobs
We would love you to join our network of writers as a creative leader and help you further everyone's knowledge of writing. No doubt, you'll learn more about yourself and your writing as well. Have a read below and see what fits your personal skills and lifestyle. Commit to what you can and we'll see you in the trenches. Most of all, have fun!
Opportunities:
Manager of writing competitions
Website manager
Information officer
Assistant to managers and officers
Writing Competition Judges
Event host - multiple required (Melbourne only)
Further details: www.worldwriterscollective.com/job-vacancies
These are all volunteer positions.
Your position includes free membership, a discount for any events you attend, free access to catering (if supplied) and an allowance for the manager positions (see position details).
Commit for 12 months or longer.
8. Melbourne Writers Social events
Recently we discussed how to win writing competitions and what judges look for. If you would like to learn more, check out our website: www.worldwriterscollective.com/writing-competitions
The previous month we talked about our favourite books to read and linking to each other via Goodreads. We would like to start linking to each other so we can recommend books to each other and promote the few authors in our group. Post up your Goodreads link via comments below, if you are reading this on our blog, or post it via our Facebook groups:
www.facebook.com/groups/570847673015529
www.facebook.com/groups/169777419779168
Mat Clarke - link to me and find others: www.goodreads.com/author/show/6898385.Mat_Clarke
Our main event runs at the Wharf Hotel on the third Tuesday of the month. Please join us - all are welcome, even if you are only thinking of starting out in a creative field.
Click here to RSVP, check time and place of events: www.meetup.com/Melbourne-Writers
We meet online every Monday from 6.30pm and show each other our work and chat about everything creative.
South Bank Write Now: Second Saturday of the month. The venue is generally quiet, opens early, free wifi, good coffee, food as well as drinks if you need them for later ;) There is music, and it is a cafe-bar, so bear this in mind and wear head phones if you need them while you write.
Melbourne Central: One Sunday a month. We are nestled in the back corner of the upstairs food court near the windows, past the colourful piano, behind the big clock. We meet to write mostly, but you are free to chat with others who would like to do so.
As with all our events, please get in touch if you would like to help with running events. The best way to do this is to come to one of our events and chat to the current event hosts about what you would like to do. We prefer to have two event hosts at each event, so where there is an opening we are happy for you to get involved.
There are many other Writing groups in Melbourne that you may be interested in as well. Go to them all and see what you like . . . but then come back to MWS and bring more great people with you. Haha ;)
www.meetup.com/Melbourne-Writers
More links below
9. All Write! upcoming events
A place where you can write in Melbourne Central. All you do is turn up and write with others. You can chat to other writers as well if you like and grab a bite or a cuppa.
Most of all, enjoy yourself.
www.meetup.com/Melbourne-Writers
More links below
10. We want to hear from you!
Yes, we really do.
We want feedback in any way shape or form. Even if it is to tell us you love us.
Stuff you may wish to reply about for our next Writers Sauce:
1) A few sentences on what writing means to you.
2) A paragraph or two about how you became a writer (or want to).
3) A great skill you picked up regarding editing, writing, publishing, etc.
4) The best place to write.
5) How chatting to others about writing made you a better writer.
11. Join us and we’ll promote you
You're Not Alone
Come take the journey with us
Become a member for $20 per year. We would also like to stress that if you can not afford the $20, we would like you as a member anyway. You can pay WWC when you have the money available.
This is a collaborative group created so that in greater numbers we will be heard rather than forgotten
JOIN
Your $20 helps to pay for the website and member writers platforms
12. Essential Information
Sites Authors Should Know
This is an unofficial list I have created as a useful writer’s tool. I receive no royalties, or kickbacks from any sites below. Use as advice only.
-(Dean MacAllister)
SELFPUBLISHINGADVICE.ORG- Before submitting to a publisher or self-publishing I highly recommend you check out the ‘Writers Beware’ section of this site! It has lists of scams to look out for and lists the less-than-reputable companies that have ripped writers off globally. Learn from the mistakes of others.
Smashwords- Creates and publishes E-books in all formats for free.
Takes some getting used to and has to be done properly. For a small fee people on site will convert your file through the “meat-grinder” converter for you.
Kindlepreneur- Writer who joined most author sites to compare.
Links to the best author friendly tools. Marketing advice included. Free website with free manuals. (Highly recommended!)
Goodreads- Author/Reader site. Many discussion forums. Very popular. Good place to find fans, create an author profile and source reviews.
Librarything- Poor-man’s version of Goodreads, but much less commercial.
READ MORE HERE: www.worldwriterscollective.com/writers-sauce
13. Important Links
Post news about your writing, book launch, events, or event just a link to your latest blog/post/tweet: www.facebook.com/groups/1629658520414716
Important information about writing in general, and the Melbourne Writers Group: www.facebook.com/MelbWriters
Discuss anything you like that’s creative: www.facebook.com/groups/169777419779168
For people who want to discuss writing on a forum that is for everyone around the world: www.facebook.com/groups/570847673015529
Information on writing, writing competitions, professional editing, getting published, and more. Become a member for discounts: www.worldwriterscollective.com
Near Melbourne? Come to our group and meet other writers and chat. Everyone is welcome: www.meetup.com/Melbourne-Writers
Previous email-outs with great information.www.worldwriterscollective.com/writers-sauce
The Story Mint newsletter for even more information. Subscribe here: www.thestorymint.com
Writers Sauce - WWC
World Writers Collective
June 1, 2024
Writers Sauce - WWC - MWS May-2024
Writers Sauce - WWC - MWS May-2024
Welcome to Writers Sauce. We have two new topics for you to check out and it’s all about writing.
Contents:
1. Book Review (more reviews on books wanted) *NEW*
2. Writing competitions - suspended until a new manager volunteers
3. Promote your blog
4. Lee Cole-Hayhow ’s talk on producing an audio book *NEW*
5. The Story Mint: Stylefit
6. Where to Go and Write During Happy Hour
7. Writer volunteer Jobs
8. Melbourne Writers Social Group events
9. All Write! upcoming events
10. We want to hear from you
11. Join us and we’ll promote you
12. Essential Information for Writers
13. Important links
Here’s what Christopher Kong said about World Writers Collective:
“Hi Mat - I came across your World Writers Collective site, including your post covering ‘editing tips’.
I’m writing this note to say a big THANKS. I think your site is a wonderful resource, and I really resonated with your comment on the benefit of giving/receiving feedback via writers groups. Despite your evident experience, I appreciate how your sharing comes across as very humble and accessible.
I’ve been working on a piece of creative non-fiction. Look forward to connecting and exchanging more ideas (and writing?) with each other!”
And Sergio about Melbourne Writers Social Group:
Hi Mat, I feel like I should grab you at least a couple of beers and a nice pub meal. It’s the least I can do to say thanks. I have no clue about being a writer and your help has been invaluable.
Kind regards
Sergio
Sara, Mo, Tilly, Lauren, Emma, Alessa, Andrew, Anishma, Sara, Dayal, Nadia, Crystal, Ababil, Jo, Ilya, Liam, Nati, and Daniel are our newest subscribers. We now have over 400 subscribers. You’ve joined a great group of writers :)
If anyone would like to invite friends to join us, forward this email to anyone anywhere in the world.
World Writers Collective collaborates together with writers, editors and many other kinds of artists / creatives in all industries. We have actors, directors, illustrators, musicians and screenwriters in one place all eager for you to enjoy their work.
Join us as a subscriber or as a writer if you would like your own promotional page on our website. To have a page on our website it there is a donation cost per year. Included are some minor discounts and the ability to advertise yourself for free to our subscribers.
Everyone who works on this website does so for free.
We would also like to stress that if you can not afford the donation of approximately $20, we would like you as a member anyway. You can pay WWC when you have the money available.
www.worldwriterscollective.com/wwc
If you want to add to this email with your own words of wisdom, please let us know. We can also/otherwise add info to our NEWS section on the WWC website.
It’s all done for free and it’s off our own back. Please get involved if you have the time.
Thank you,
Mat Clarke
www.worldwriterscollective.com/mat-carke
-
1. Review a book title - It will be posted on the WWC website
READ MORE HERE: www.worldwriterscollective.com/writers-sauce
Are you someone who likes to review books (poems, short stories, movie scripts, blogs, non-fiction, etc.) and give honest feedback on content, interest, characters, structure, or if you think it was just really good reading? Submit your review via this email.
For 2024 please review any book or script or poetry you like (yes, you can submit a review done on your story if you like).
Here’s James Pletch’s review of Remarkable Recoveries.
Remarkable Recoveries: What extraordinary healings tell us about getting well and staying well
Carlyle Hirshberg and Marc Ian Barasch. Headline London 1996
By James Pletch, Wharf Hotel Writers night 19 March 2023
Copyright © James Pletch
Carlyle Hirshberg is a biochemist. With this book, she pioneers the study of thousands of spontaneous remissions – remarkable recoveries – from ‘terminal’ cancer. She worked at the Stanford Research Institute creating a unique database of thousands of recoveries from terminal illness, and used this database to study the five percent of people who recover. She also spoke to other experts with a lot of experience of remarkable recoveries.
Traditionally the medical profession has dismissed this group as statistical outliers. Hirshberg decided their example of unusual success in recovering from fatal illness holds lessons for us all. Her findings are fascinating. We can all draw from them in our own way. Her study included looking deeply into fifty remarkable recovery cases.
Our innate ability to heal lies beneath all curatives, both conventional and unconventional. Everyone is an individual, and their key to healing is unique to them.
She found faith is the critical ingredient in cases of remarkable recovery – whether faith in a process, a person, a pill (placebo or otherwise), a doctor, saints, or God.
Many used prayer, and it seems to have stimulated their healing system, something usually ignored by medical journals. People experienced a personal relationship with God, and were tolerant and not dogmatic.
Many had an experience of the divine, something difficult to describe or quantify; something the researchers were both impressed by, and unable to explain in conventional terms.
People were congruent: they were deeply aligned within themselves, rather than being fractured and uncertain within themselves. They were ‘singing their own song.’
People had a strong fighting spirit.
60 to 70 percent attributed their survival to what might be called ‘receptive’ factors like faith, meditation and prayer.
People had a belief in their uniqueness, and not simply being a ‘disease category’. They had a strong ability to focus on the good rather than the bad, and had a rich inner life.
The researchers noted the attributes of a disease prone personality, being the opposite of an approach needed for a remarkable recovery: repression of feeling, lack of expressiveness, depressed acceptance, and a sense of hopelessness and helplessness. Clearly, people need to reverse these attributes, if they have them.
They had a strong social connection, like an enduring marriage or a strong friendship connection or network. Very importantly, they had one person with whom they had an honest nurturing confiding communication relationship. This could be anyone: for example a spouse, partner, parent, therapist, friend, or support group member.
People had a good relationship with their doctor, but made their own decisions.
75 percent of the 50 remarkable recovery people who were deeply studied had artistic activities in their life. Nearly half played a musical instrument or sang. Researchers wonder if music and art bypass the rational part of the brain and connect in some unknown way with our deeper mind-body healing capacity. In ancient Greece, Apollo was both the god of music and of medicine.
The research points to an integral approach to healing: spirit, genetics, psychoneuroimmunology, and mind-body factors. These compose an orchestral approach, not just a single instrument.
Remarkable recovery people have hope and optimism, a strong will to live, and they confront their problems directly, rather than avoiding them. They have good emotional support from family and/or a friend or friends. 80 percent had the ability to enrol positive mood states and social support situations to empower their healing.
The top activities remarkable recovery people believed contributed to their recovery were: prayer 68%; meditation 64%, exercise 64%; guided imagery 59%; walking 52%; music/singing 50%; and stress reduction 50%.
The most common psycho-spiritual factors remarkable recovery people checked off on a list of 26 items were: belief in a positive outcome 75%, fighting spirit 71%, acceptance of the disease 71%, seeing the disease as a challenge 71%, taking responsibility for the disease and outcome 68%, renewed desire to live 64%, positive emotions 64%, faith 61%, new sense of purpose 61%, changes in habits/behaviour 61%, sense of control 59%, lifestyle changes 59%, self-nurturance 57%, and social support 50%.
Here’s a review of ‘ Dilemmas of a Middle-Aged Madonna ’ by Meredith Fuller
DILEMMAS of a MIDDLE-AGED MADONNA
By Cecile Ravell (2022) Warrior Woman Press
Book review Meredith Fuller OAM
Cecile Ravell, a creative memoir author and poet, writes non-fiction and fiction and has a talent for infusing travel writing within her books. Passionate about travel, she brings countries and venues alive. She also scatters some Italian throughout the story. Novellas include ‘Love on a Faultline’ and ‘Child Magical’. Her characters are an amalgam of people throughout her life.
Outline
‘Spurned by the love of her life, Jessica contemplates walking into the ocean and drowning. A chance meeting leads to a sequence of events which turn her life around. This story lurches from pathos to comedy to romance, as our female protagonist navigates the challenges that life hurls at her’
The book takes us from Far North Queensland to Nova Scotia, Canada, and New York City.
Having also visited the Frick Museum, I found her information and history about Henry Clay Frick fascinating, similarly for the Met and Times Square.
This isn’t a genre I would normally read (fiction & romance) as I tend to read non fiction and biographies. Jessica is disengaging from a ‘bad boy’ partner and meets several new men who treat her well. Will she jump out of a disappointing 20-year relationship into something that may promise fulfillment? I found this a raunchy read – maybe too raunchy for me!
Some of her metaphors were appealing in their visceral imagery. For example, she talks about how her new lover’s fervour lifted the cold shroud of her former partner’s enveloping.
Purchase an autographed copy: ravellc@yahoo.com.au
Here’s a review of ‘The Man Behind the Mask’ by Rachel Martigan – A Regency Romance.
I struggled today and yesterday, having to work, when I just wanted to keep reading.
There was unexpected events, times where I was nervous about what the outcome might be, and happy bits.
Such a great read, you’ve done such a great job with both books.
So, when is the next book out?
I’m such a romance junkie, I can’t get enough.
Well done
The book: https://www.amazon.com.au/Man-Behind-...
Here’s a review by John Christmas and Susan Thorn of Ray C Doyle’s mystery novel, Lara’s Secret:
JC: I greatly enjoyed this tale which incorporated modern history of Cyprus into a thriller complete with action and romance. Pete West is a new investigative-journalism hero not afraid to tangle with the corrupts to uncover the truth!
ST: Fantastic story, halfway through this novel, it had me from the first chapter, mystery and intrigue, it's gripping, I can't wait for the next book in the trilogy.
raycdoyle.com
www.fishpond.com/Books/Laras-Secret-Ray-C-Doyle/9781915212047
2. Competitions
Current and upcoming competitions have been suspended for now until we find a manager.
WANTED: competition manager
Short story competitions - World Writers Collective
A. The big one - WWC Golden Pen Award - Win $250 First Prize
Second prize is $100 to spend in a Red Bubble store and one-year membership of Creative Writers Collective. The third prize will be a FREE entry to any one of the competitions for a year and one-year membership of Creative Writers Collective.
All winners will be published in the anthology.
We may need to halt competitions after this latest big prize due to not having a competitions manager. If you would like to become the manager, please let Mat Clarke know.
Coming up (TBA):
The Quick Creative - limited words and limited time. Join us and win cash!
Need help with writing short stories? Go to our competitions tab page 1. We have added hints and tips to help you write the best short story ever. There is a video by Ray Stone, which is a great resource. Our writing competition winners have given their tips and Mat Clarke has added his thoughts. You can also check out our editing tips page.
www.worldwriterscollective.com/writing-competitions
www.worldwriterscollective.com /editing-tips
www.worldwriterscollective.com
Become a World Writers Collective member, which helps support everyone in the group as indie writers and allows you to collect prizes if you win.
Want to get published or publish your own works and have our members spread the word about your works, book launch, or other? It’s only $20 a year to join which helps pay the few hundred dollars it costs for the domain and host the website each year.
www.worldwriterscollective.com/join
If you are one of the top winners of the competition, you will be included in the next anthology. That's just one of the great reasons to get involved!
We also want to promote you and your writing. All you have to do is say the word. When you are a member, it’s free!
3. Promote your blog
We want to promote your blog. Email us a link of one of your blogs and an explanation of why WWC people would enjoy reading it.
We want to promote your blog. Email us a link of one of your blogs and an explanation of why WWC people would enjoy reading it.
Here’s a few from Magz Morgan and the positive comment she received:
THANK you both, and the writers’ collective for all the moral support. When I get a message like this, I feel like crying. Maggie
“I just read both of these pieces and found them to be exceptional. You really have developed your talent. When I read the article on writing, I felt that I had a tutor sitting next to me sharing her secrets, while the short story was a delicious gossipy tale that I friend might share. I think that the first article gave me an insight into how hard you have worked to hone your skills. I am impressed with the quality of your writing. Don't stop.”
Linda Douglas
Here’s another by Cecile Ravell
https://ravellc.wixsite.com/ravell-the-writer/blog
4. Lee Cole-Hayhow’s talk on producing an audio book
Producing an Audio Book
The format of audio across the population has been steadily gaining momentum in recent years. Within the writing community that has created a huge increase in the demand and interest in audiobooks. Audiobooks are professionally narrated audio versions of a book. They are different to an audio play in that they are, most often, narrated by a single voice reading the book. This format has been steadily gaining momentum in recent years, and its future looks even brighter.
The Appeal of AudiobooksAudiobooks have been around for decades, right back to the books on tape. For quite a while the format has been looked down upon by some as a less legitimate format in which to publish. But as the demand for audio increases this is less and less likely. For a number of reasons this format is appealing to readers. Not only are they convenient for people but they also increase accessibility. Books on tape took off for the visually impaired community and that is certainly a huge advantage to audio in this day and age, as well as making books accessible for people with literacy issues or other limitations which may hinder their use of print or ebooks.
The Rise of Audio RoutinesYou may not have heard the term but ‘audio routines’ have become the norm. With the increase of smart home devices like Google Home and Alexa, people seamlessly integrate audio into their daily activities. We have long had radio as part of our driving experience, we’re used to audio in that space but more and more people are making audio a part of their everyday activities. I know I like to have some form of audio on most of the time, whether washing the dishes, doing the gardening or going for a while. This is a time and place where it’s almost impossible to read a physical book and this is where audiobooks shine.
The Stats: Past Growth and Future Projections
Audiobooks have secured a firm foothold in the market, representing 4.3% of book sales in 2024, amounting to a staggering $6.5 billion in revenue. This doesn’t seem like a huge percentage but it is still an underserved market, as shown by the fact that it has had double digit growth every year for the past decade. And that looks to continue, with a consistent 25% annual increase projected for the next decade, reaching an estimated value of over $35 billion by 2030. Surveys reveal that audiobook consumption has led to a surge in reading habits, with 67% of listeners reporting increased reading quantity thanks to audiobooks. They read more audiobooks and as a result of the increased time available for audio, most people reported that they read more books, with a large amount saying they read a book a week. A considerably higher portion of people listen to a book a week than physically read one.
Audiobook Production: Narration and SetupThere’s a lot that goes into producing an audiobook. I did it myself, from start to finish for a couple of reasons. The first is that I’m a self-published author. I like having control of things. The second is that I have my podcast. My podcast features short stories I’ve written that are read by me. With the majority of my audience discovering my through that podcast it made sense for me to narrate the audiobook.
For a long time almost all audiobooks have been narrated by a professional narrator, however this is changing. More and more authors are choosing to narrate their own audiobooks. This is most often recommended for non-fiction. You’re the person with the expertise so it makes sense that you present the information. It also allows you to make a better connection with the reader. Non-fiction also requires less ‘acting’ and less vocal range.
For fiction, most of the time it’s still the best idea to hire a professional. They’ll have the equipment, the time and the skills to make your book sound amazing. However there are a few cases where you can DIY. If you’re an amazing actor yourself, if your story is super-personal or has a strong personal connection or, like me, you started a podcast and it grew quicker than you imagined and you’ve essentially backed yourself into a corner.
There is also an increasing amount of options to do with AI narration but I’m yet to find one at the level to replace a real human and usually a lot of extra work has to go into rewriting the book so the bot gets the right inflection.
If you are going to DIY, you can do it fairly cheaply. You just need a quiet room with soft surfaces - at one point I considered using my walk-in wardrobe - as a recording studio. A good USB microphone costs about $200 and there is free editing software like Audacity (PC and Mac) or Garageband (Mac only) that you can use.
Draft2Digital and BookFunnel, the big self-publishing distribution aggregators include audiobook distribution as well.
Sales and MarketingMost of my audiobook sales have come from my podcast listeners, as you would expect. I have done very little deliberate marketing. My first novel, released early 2024, was my ‘test subject’ really. A book that allowed me to go through the process of getting a book out there in multiple places in multiple formats.
The more books I write and release the more I will step up my marketing efforts.
My focus is on direct sales. I’ve sold most of the books on my own website. Stripe takes about 3% as a payment gateway, compared to Amazon and Audible taking up to 70%.
Embracing the AudiobookIn conclusion, the rise of audiobooks is a huge and increasing shift in book buying and consumer behaviour. Now is a great time to consider producing audiobooks or getting them produced. The slice of the book industry that is audio is growing and will continue to grow. There has never been a better time for authors to dive into it.
5. The Story Mint: Stylefit
Student Writing Competition
Open for participation enquiries and entry submissions
We loved holding last year's lockdown writing competition, and collaborating with our incredible judges and prize sponsors to deliver students a fun opportunity amidst our national lockdowns. It was wonderful to see the enjoyment shared by both students and teachers throughout last year's competition!
We hope we can achieve that once more with out 2022 NZ student writing competition! It's now up and running, so we invite class groups or individual students to participate!
Our two biggest goals are:
- show students that writing (and learning writing skills) can be fun
- improve students' writing skills by increasing confidence, self-direction and agency
Those participating (as a school, class or you even just a few keen individual students) will have the opportunity to craft their entries with the help of our writing skills tool, Stylefit. We loved hearing about our participating schools' experiences with the software during the 2021 writing competition - here's a video snippet on student motivation!
If you'd like to participate, get in touch with anna@stylefit.org. We'll either extend your current Stylefit licence or open up a trial version for the duration of the competition. You can also find out more about how it works by booking a demo or having a look at the feedback features here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ly7EN53ldRI
6. W here to Write During Happy Hour
by Mat Clarke
You've been writing at home, on the train, while waiting for friends or at one of our writing meetups. Now you need somewhere to go that will aid you in finding inspiration and allow you to buy food and drinks without breaking the bank. You'll need a nice venue now that Melbourne is getting back on the horse again, albeit slowly. It's time to get back out there!
One of my favourite places is The Wharf Hotel in Melborne CBD opposite Jeff's Shed. You'll enter the venue via the waterfront, as it has no street entrance. While sitting outside under the sun or resting comfortably inside, you can look out over the Yarra River and the many people entering Crown Casino or walking past Polly Woodisde to DFO. As you turn your mind to the bar you'll notice that happy starts at 4pm and ends at 7pm Monday to Friday. So grab yourself a schooner, spirit or wine for $7, sit back and relax.
What you can do:
A game will usually be on so you can cheer and enjoy the excitement.
One of the friendly staff will be happy to chat and talk about what you can see and do nearby.
No food discounts anymore, unfortunately. They used to be great with the Monday to Thursday cheap eats, but maybe that will return in Summer. Otherwise, download The Pass app and get $10 off your first purchase.
TGI Fridays is a good favourite in any part of Melbourne. Inside Melbourne Central you'll find that TGI Fridays is up two sets of escalators from Swanston Street. They run a happy hour from 4pm to 6pm. It includes $6 schooners, wines and spirits. They also do cheap cocktails which I love. If you stay on, they generally run a late night happy hour as well which is from 8pm to 10pm. Not bad if you want to chat your friend's ear off all night. Sit at the bar and talk to the bartenders if you like. They're happy to make you feel welcome when they're not run off their feet. You can also download their app and get some small discounted snacks.
Melbourne Central Lion starts happy hour at 4pm and ends at 7pm, but only Monday to Thursday. You'll be able to buy pints for $9 and pay $7 for wine and spirits. If you like the idea of food specials Sunday to Thursday, then check them out upon arrival. They usually do great cheap pizza too.
Just a little north of the CBD is the Queensberry Hotel. If they aren't busy they'll sometimes close early, so get in before they do. Happy Hour is a standard 25% off from 5pm to 7pm except Mondays when it is $6 beer and $6 spirits. They also do great meal options at budget prices, such as a parma on Wednesday for $20.
I've always enjoyed happy hour at Father's Office, especially considering they love to double dip. Your first happy hour is 5pm to 7pm and your second is from 8pm to 10pm. It just may force you to stay all night! Oh no, what a pity :) It runs every day with selected cocktails at $12, pints from $8 and $9 spirits. They also do some cheap meals during some of their weekdays. The part I like is the balcony that looks out over Swanston Street. A lovely view I have enjoyed many times over. Oh, and they also have a venue in Flinders Lane as well as their original spot on Little Lonsdale.
One of the things I found hard to find in the city was good pizza. Domino's on the thin crust will sometimes do, but if you need good American pizza or chicken wings, try Sal's Pizza on Flinders Lane. It's a tiny place, but the food is great (greasy and tasty). Otherwise, the Universal Hotel a little north of the CBD is your best option for traditional pizza.
The sponsored part:
If you want to spend these great moments with writers or other people who share your many interests, but you're yet to find friends in Melbourne, or all your friends are busy, then sign up to www.friendlyfamiliars.com and find someone who gets you. There's so much to do now, so it would be even better if you were not doing it alone.
7. Writer volunteer jobs
We would love you to join our network of writers as a creative leader and help you further everyone's knowledge of writing. No doubt, you'll learn more about yourself and your writing as well. Have a read below and see what fits your personal skills and lifestyle. Commit to what you can and we'll see you in the trenches. Most of all, have fun!
Opportunities:
Manager of writing competitions
Website manager
Information officer
Assistant to managers and officers
Writing Competition Judges
Event host - multiple required (Melbourne only)
Further details: www.worldwriterscollective.com/job-vacancies
These are all volunteer positions.
Your position includes free membership, a discount for any events you attend, free access to catering (if supplied) and an allowance for the manager positions (see position details).
Commit for 12 months or longer.
8. Melbourne Writers Social events
Recently we discussed how to win writing competitions and what judges look for. If you would like to learn more, check out our website: www.worldwriterscollective.com/writing-competitions
The previous month we talked about our favourite books to read and linking to each other via Goodreads. We would like to start linking to each other so we can recommend books to each other and promote the few authors in our group. Post up your Goodreads link via comments below, if you are reading this on our blog, or post it via our Facebook groups:
www.facebook.com/groups/570847673015529
www.facebook.com/groups/169777419779168
Mat Clarke - link to me and find others: www.goodreads.com/author/show/6898385.Mat_Clarke
Our main event runs at the Wharf Hotel on the third Tuesday of the month. Please join us - all are welcome, even if you are only thinking of starting out in a creative field.
Click here to RSVP, check time and place of events: www.meetup.com/Melbourne-Writers
We meet online every Monday from 6.30pm and show each other our work and chat about everything creative.
South Bank Write Now: Second Saturday of the month. The venue is generally quiet, opens early, free wifi, good coffee, food as well as drinks if you need them for later ;) There is music, and it is a cafe-bar, so bear this in mind and wear head phones if you need them while you write.
Melbourne Central: One Sunday a month. We are nestled in the back corner of the upstairs food court near the windows, past the colourful piano, behind the big clock. We meet to write mostly, but you are free to chat with others who would like to do so.
As with all our events, please get in touch if you would like to help with running events. The best way to do this is to come to one of our events and chat to the current event hosts about what you would like to do. We prefer to have two event hosts at each event, so where there is an opening we are happy for you to get involved.
There are many other Writing groups in Melbourne that you may be interested in as well. Go to them all and see what you like . . . but then come back to MWS and bring more great people with you. Haha ;)
www.meetup.com/Melbourne-Writers
More links below
9. All Write! upcoming events
A place where you can write in Melbourne Central. All you do is turn up and write with others. You can chat to other writers as well if you like and grab a bite or a cuppa.
Most of all, enjoy yourself.
www.meetup.com/Melbourne-Writers
More links below
10. We want to hear from you!
Yes, we really do.
We want feedback in any way shape or form. Even if it is to tell us you love us.
Stuff you may wish to reply about for our next Writers Sauce:
1) A few sentences on what writing means to you.
2) A paragraph or two about how you became a writer (or want to).
3) A great skill you picked up regarding editing, writing, publishing, etc.
4) The best place to write.
5) How chatting to others about writing made you a better writer.
11. Join us and we’ll promote you
You're Not Alone
Come take the journey with us
Become a member for $20 per year. We would also like to stress that if you can not afford the $20, we would like you as a member anyway. You can pay WWC when you have the money available.
This is a collaborative group created so that in greater numbers we will be heard rather than forgotten
JOIN
Your $20 helps to pay for the website and member writers platforms
12. Essential Information
Sites Authors Should Know
This is an unofficial list I have created as a useful writer’s tool. I receive no royalties, or kickbacks from any sites below. Use as advice only.
-(Dean MacAllister)
SELFPUBLISHINGADVICE.ORG- Before submitting to a publisher or self-publishing I highly recommend you check out the ‘Writers Beware’ section of this site! It has lists of scams to look out for and lists the less-than-reputable companies that have ripped writers off globally. Learn from the mistakes of others.
Smashwords- Creates and publishes E-books in all formats for free.
Takes some getting used to and has to be done properly. For a small fee people on site will convert your file through the “meat-grinder” converter for you.
Kindlepreneur- Writer who joined most author sites to compare.
Links to the best author friendly tools. Marketing advice included. Free website with free manuals. (Highly recommended!)
Goodreads- Author/Reader site. Many discussion forums. Very popular. Good place to find fans, create an author profile and source reviews.
Librarything- Poor-man’s version of Goodreads, but much less commercial.
READ MORE HERE: www.worldwriterscollective.com/writers-sauce
13. Important Links
Post news about your writing, book launch, events, or event just a link to your latest blog/post/tweet: www.facebook.com/groups/1629658520414716
Important information about writing in general, and the Melbourne Writers Group: www.facebook.com/MelbWriters
Discuss anything you like that’s creative: www.facebook.com/groups/169777419779168
For people who want to discuss writing on a forum that is for everyone around the world: www.facebook.com/groups/570847673015529
Information on writing, writing competitions, professional editing, getting published, and more. Become a member for discounts: www.worldwriterscollective.com
Near Melbourne? Come to our group and meet other writers and chat. Everyone is welcome: www.meetup.com/Melbourne-Writers
Previous email-outs with great information.www.worldwriterscollective.com/writers-sauce
The Story Mint newsletter for even more information. Subscribe here: www.thestorymint.com
Unsubscribe?
Reply and type in the heading: CANCEL EMAIL-OUT
Writers Sauce - WWC
World Writers Collective
April 1, 2024
Writers Sauce - WWC - MWS April-2024
Writers Sauce - WWC - MWS April-2024
Welcome to Writers Sauce. We have one new topic for you to check out and it’s all about writing.
Contents:
1. Book Review (more reviews on books wanted) *NEW*
2. Writing competitions - suspended until a new manager volunteers
3. Promote your blog
4. Lee Cole-Hayhow talk on Podcasting for Authors 202 4 *NEW*
5. The Story Mint: Stylefit
6. Where to Go and Write During Happy Hour
7. Writer volunteer Jobs
8. Melbourne Writers Social Group events
9. All Write! upcoming events
10. We want to hear from you
11. Join us and we’ll promote you
12. Essential Information for Writers
13. Important links
Here’s what Christopher Kong said about World Writers Collective:
“Hi Mat - I came across your World Writers Collective site, including your post covering ‘editing tips’.
I’m writing this note to say a big THANKS. I think your site is a wonderful resource, and I really resonated with your comment on the benefit of giving/receiving feedback via writers groups. Despite your evident experience, I appreciate how your sharing comes across as very humble and accessible.
I’ve been working on a piece of creative non-fiction. Look forward to connecting and exchanging more ideas (and writing?) with each other!”
And Sergio about Melbourne Writers Social Group:
Hi Mat, I feel like I should grab you at least a couple of beers and a nice pub meal. It’s the least I can do to say thanks. I have no clue about being a writer and your help has been invaluable.
Kind regards
Sergio
Sneda, Ran, Stace, Saara, Paul, Dan are our newest subscribers. We now have over 400 subscribers. You’ve joined a great group of writers :)
If anyone would like to invite friends to join us, forward this email to anyone anywhere in the world.
World Writers Collective collaborates together with writers, editors and many other kinds of artists / creatives in all industries. We have actors, directors, illustrators, musicians and screenwriters in one place all eager for you to enjoy their work
Join us as a subscriber or as a writer if you would like your own promotional page on our website. To have a page on our website it there is a donation cost per year. Included are some minor discounts and the ability to advertise yourself for free to our subscribers.
Everyone who works on this website does so for free.
We would also like to stress that if you can not afford the donation of approximately $20, we would like you as a member anyway. You can pay WWC when you have the money available.
www.worldwriterscollective.com/wwc
If you want to add to this email with your own words of wisdom, please let us know. We can also/otherwise add info to our NEWS section on the WWC website.
It’s all done for free and it’s off our own back. Please get involved if you have the time.
Thank you,
Mat Clarke
www.worldwriterscollective.com/mat-carke
-
1. Review a book title - It will be posted on the WWC website
READ MORE HERE: www.worldwriterscollective.com/writers-sauce
Are you someone who likes to review books (poems, short stories, movie scripts, blogs, non-fiction, etc.) and give honest feedback on content, interest, characters, structure, or if you think it was just really good reading? Submit your review via this email.
For 2024 please review any book or script or poetry you like (yes, you can submit a review done on your story if you like).
Here’s James Pletch’s review of Remarkable Recoveries.
Remarkable Recoveries: What extraordinary healings tell us about getting well and staying well
Carlyle Hirshberg and Marc Ian Barasch. Headline London 1996
By James Pletch, Wharf Hotel Writers night 19 March 2023
Copyright © James Pletch
Carlyle Hirshberg is a biochemist. With this book, she pioneers the study of thousands of spontaneous remissions – remarkable recoveries – from ‘terminal’ cancer. She worked at the Stanford Research Institute creating a unique database of thousands of recoveries from terminal illness, and used this database to study the five percent of people who recover. She also spoke to other experts with a lot of experience of remarkable recoveries.
Traditionally the medical profession has dismissed this group as statistical outliers. Hirshberg decided their example of unusual success in recovering from fatal illness holds lessons for us all. Her findings are fascinating. We can all draw from them in our own way. Her study included looking deeply into fifty remarkable recovery cases.
Our innate ability to heal lies beneath all curatives, both conventional and unconventional. Everyone is an individual, and their key to healing is unique to them.
She found faith is the critical ingredient in cases of remarkable recovery – whether faith in a process, a person, a pill (placebo or otherwise), a doctor, saints, or God.
Many used prayer, and it seems to have stimulated their healing system, something usually ignored by medical journals. People experienced a personal relationship with God, and were tolerant and not dogmatic.
Many had an experience of the divine, something difficult to describe or quantify; something the researchers were both impressed by, and unable to explain in conventional terms.
People were congruent: they were deeply aligned within themselves, rather than being fractured and uncertain within themselves. They were ‘singing their own song.’
People had a strong fighting spirit.
60 to 70 percent attributed their survival to what might be called ‘receptive’ factors like faith, meditation and prayer.
People had a belief in their uniqueness, and not simply being a ‘disease category’. They had a strong ability to focus on the good rather than the bad, and had a rich inner life.
The researchers noted the attributes of a disease prone personality, being the opposite of an approach needed for a remarkable recovery: repression of feeling, lack of expressiveness, depressed acceptance, and a sense of hopelessness and helplessness. Clearly, people need to reverse these attributes, if they have them.
They had a strong social connection, like an enduring marriage or a strong friendship connection or network. Very importantly, they had one person with whom they had an honest nurturing confiding communication relationship. This could be anyone: for example a spouse, partner, parent, therapist, friend, or support group member.
People had a good relationship with their doctor, but made their own decisions.
75 percent of the 50 remarkable recovery people who were deeply studied had artistic activities in their life. Nearly half played a musical instrument or sang. Researchers wonder if music and art bypass the rational part of the brain and connect in some unknown way with our deeper mind-body healing capacity. In ancient Greece, Apollo was both the god of music and of medicine.
The research points to an integral approach to healing: spirit, genetics, psychoneuroimmunology, and mind-body factors. These compose an orchestral approach, not just a single instrument.
Remarkable recovery people have hope and optimism, a strong will to live, and they confront their problems directly, rather than avoiding them. They have good emotional support from family and/or a friend or friends. 80 percent had the ability to enrol positive mood states and social support situations to empower their healing.
The top activities remarkable recovery people believed contributed to their recovery were: prayer 68%; meditation 64%, exercise 64%; guided imagery 59%; walking 52%; music/singing 50%; and stress reduction 50%.
The most common psycho-spiritual factors remarkable recovery people checked off on a list of 26 items were: belief in a positive outcome 75%, fighting spirit 71%, acceptance of the disease 71%, seeing the disease as a challenge 71%, taking responsibility for the disease and outcome 68%, renewed desire to live 64%, positive emotions 64%, faith 61%, new sense of purpose 61%, changes in habits/behaviour 61%, sense of control 59%, lifestyle changes 59%, self-nurturance 57%, and social support 50%.
Here’s a review of ‘The Man Behind the Mask’ by Rachel Martigan – A Regency Romance.
I struggled today and yesterday ���, having to work, when I just wanted to keep reading.
There was unexpected events, times where I was nervous about what the outcome might be, and happy bits.
Such a great read, you’ve done such a great job with both books.
So, when is the next book out?
I’m such a romance junkie, I can’t get enough.
Well done
The book: https://www.amazon.com.au/Man-Behind-...
Here’s a review by John Christmas and Susan Thorn of Ray C Doyle’s mystery novel, Lara’s Secret:
JC: I greatly enjoyed this tale which incorporated modern history of Cyprus into a thriller complete with action and romance. Pete West is a new investigative-journalism hero not afraid to tangle with the corrupts to uncover the truth!
ST: Fantastic story, halfway through this novel, it had me from the first chapter, mystery and intrigue, it's gripping, I can't wait for the next book in the trilogy.
raycdoyle.com
www.fishpond.com/Books/Laras-Secret-Ray-C-Doyle/9781915212047
2. Competitions
Current and upcoming competitions have been suspended for now until we find a manager.
WANTED: competition manager
Short story competitions - World Writers Collective
A. The big one - WWC Golden Pen Award - Win $250 First Prize
Second prize is $100 to spend in a Red Bubble store and one-year membership of Creative Writers Collective. The third prize will be a FREE entry to any one of the competitions for a year and one-year membership of Creative Writers Collective.
All winners will be published in the anthology.
We may need to halt competitions after this latest big prize due to not having a competitions manager. If you would like to become the manager, please let Mat Clarke know.
Coming up (TBA):
The Quick Creative - limited words and limited time. Join us and win cash!
Need help with writing short stories? Go to our competitions tab page 1. We have added hints and tips to help you write the best short story ever. There is a video by Ray Stone, which is a great resource. Our writing competition winners have given their tips and Mat Clarke has added his thoughts. You can also check out our editing tips page.
www.worldwriterscollective.com/writing-competitions
www.worldwriterscollective.com /editing-tips
www.worldwriterscollective.com
Become a World Writers Collective member, which helps support everyone in the group as indie writers and allows you to collect prizes if you win.
Want to get published or publish your own works and have our members spread the word about your works, book launch, or other? It’s only $20 a year to join which helps pay the few hundred dollars it costs for the domain and host the website each year.
www.worldwriterscollective.com/join
If you are one of the top winners of the competition, you will be included in the next anthology. That's just one of the great reasons to get involved!
We also want to promote you and your writing. All you have to do is say the word. When you are a member, it’s free!
3. Promote your blog
We want to promote your blog. Email us a link of one of your blogs and an explanation of why WWC people would enjoy reading it.
We want to promote your blog. Email us a link of one of your blogs and an explanation of why WWC people would enjoy reading it.
Here’s a few from Magz Morgan and the positive comment she received:
THANK you both, and the writers’ collective for all the moral support. When I get a message like this, I feel like crying. Maggie
“I just read both of these pieces and found them to be exceptional. You really have developed your talent. When I read the article on writing, I felt that I had a tutor sitting next to me sharing her secrets, while the short story was a delicious gossipy tale that I friend might share. I think that the first article gave me an insight into how hard you have worked to hone your skills. I am impressed with the quality of your writing. Don't stop.”
Linda Douglas
Here’s another by Cecile Ravell
https://ravellc.wixsite.com/ravell-the-writer/blog
4. Lee Cole-Hayhow talk on Podcasting for Authors 2024
Podcasting for Authors
Hey there, fellow wordsmiths! Remember when we chatted about podcasting for authors last year? Well, here’s an update now that I’ve released a novel for the audience I built up.
Podcasting 101So, what exactly is a podcast? Think of it as your favourite radio show, but on-demand and tailored to your interests. Whether you're into true crime, comedy, or, in our case, storytelling, there's a podcast out there for everyone. Since its humble beginnings in 2006, podcasting has exploded into a massive industry, with millions of episodes available for your listening pleasure.
Now, here's a fun fact: while there are nearly 4.4 million podcasts floating around in cyberspace, not all of them are active. In fact, only a fraction—around 455 thousand—are regularly pumping out new episodes. That's because consistency is key in the podcasting game. If you disappear for three months, chances are your listeners will move on to the next big thing.
Despite the sheer number of podcasts out there, the medium's popularity continues to soar. In the U.S. alone, a whopping 80% of people know what a podcast is, with 18% tuning in daily. That's a lot of ears eager for content!
Podcasting for AuthorsNow, let's talk about what this means for us authors. Podcasting isn't just for comedians and journalists—it's a fantastic platform for storytellers of all kinds. Whether you're spinning tales of romance, mystery, or fantasy, there's a hungry audience out there waiting to devour your words.
In my own podcasting journey, I wear a few different hats. From dissecting movies with my brother to sharing candid conversations with listeners, I've dabbled in various genres and formats. But the big one for me at the moment and the one most relevant to you is my fiction podcast, where I share my own original erotic short stories.
When the world ground to a halt during the COVID lockdown, I found myself with a surplus of time and a shortage of steamy audio content. So, I did what everyone seems to be doing these days: I created my own podcast. Fast forward three years, and I've hit the million-download milestone which is a huge number and it’s still weird to say it out loud, or type it for that matter.
Getting StartedNow, you might be thinking, "But how do I get in on this podcasting action?" Fear not, my friend! The beauty of podcasting is its low barrier to entry. All you need is a microphone, an internet connection, and a killer idea. Whether you're sharing short stories, serialising your novel, or dishing out writing advice, the possibilities are endless.
And hey, if the technical stuff seems overwhelming, don't sweat it. Platforms like Spotify for Podcasters make it easy to upload and distribute your episodes. Plus, there are tons of resources and communities out there to help you along the way.
Show Me the MoneyAh, yes, the million-dollar question: can you actually make money from podcasting? The short answer is yes, but it takes time, dedication, and a bit of hustle. In my case, I've experimented with membership subscriptions, direct book sales, and potential sponsorship deals. By building a loyal community of listeners and offering exclusive content, I've been able to turn my passion project into a modest source of income.
Other BenefitsBut it's not all about the bucks. Podcasting has brought me so much more than just a paycheck. There are a number of other benefits that I’ve gained from hosting my own podcast.
● Hone my craft: I’ve written 70 short stories over the last three years, totally about 200,000 words. My scene writing skills in long form fiction are so much better.
● Connection: marketing is about building and connecting with your audience. I have a bigger social media following and online communities with close to 1000 members.
● Audiobook production: the experience of hosting my own podcast meant that I could confidently record and release my own audiobook in three days, not three weeks as most self-read audiobooks are reported to take.
● Feedback: releasing short form stories to a wide and engaged audience means I get a lot of feedback from listeners on my writing and the kinds of things they like to read and listen to.
So, if you've ever thought about starting your own podcast, now's the time to take the plunge. Who knows? You might just discover a whole new world of storytelling—and maybe even make a few bucks along the way. If you’re interested in learning more about it, chat to me at Melbourne Writers’ monthly meet-up or get in touch.
5. The Story Mint: Stylefit
Student Writing Competition
Open for participation enquiries and entry submissions
We loved holding last year's lockdown writing competition, and collaborating with our incredible judges and prize sponsors to deliver students a fun opportunity amidst our national lockdowns. It was wonderful to see the enjoyment shared by both students and teachers throughout last year's competition!
We hope we can achieve that once more with out 2022 NZ student writing competition! It's now up and running, so we invite class groups or individual students to participate!
Our two biggest goals are:
- show students that writing (and learning writing skills) can be fun
- improve students' writing skills by increasing confidence, self-direction and agency
Those participating (as a school, class or you even just a few keen individual students) will have the opportunity to craft their entries with the help of our writing skills tool, Stylefit. We loved hearing about our participating schools' experiences with the software during the 2021 writing competition - here's a video snippet on student motivation!
If you'd like to participate, get in touch with anna@stylefit.org. We'll either extend your current Stylefit licence or open up a trial version for the duration of the competition. You can also find out more about how it works by booking a demo or having a look at the feedback features here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ly7EN53ldRI
6. W here to Write During Happy Hour
by Mat Clarke
You've been writing at home, on the train, while waiting for friends or at one of our writing meetups. Now you need somewhere to go that will aid you in finding inspiration and allow you to buy food and drinks without breaking the bank. You'll need a nice venue now that Melbourne is getting back on the horse again, albeit slowly. It's time to get back out there!
One of my favourite places is The Wharf Hotel in Melborne CBD opposite Jeff's Shed. You'll enter the venue via the waterfront, as it has no street entrance. While sitting outside under the sun or resting comfortably inside, you can look out over the Yarra River and the many people entering Crown Casino or walking past Polly Woodisde to DFO. As you turn your mind to the bar you'll notice that happy starts at 4pm and ends at 7pm Monday to Friday. So grab yourself a schooner, spirit or wine for $7, sit back and relax.
What you can do:
A game will usually be on so you can cheer and enjoy the excitement.
One of the friendly staff will be happy to chat and talk about what you can see and do nearby.
No food discounts anymore, unfortunately. They used to be great with the Monday to Thursday cheap eats, but maybe that will return in Summer. Otherwise, download The Pass app and get $10 off your first purchase.
TGI Fridays is a good favourite in any part of Melbourne. Inside Melbourne Central you'll find that TGI Fridays is up two sets of escalators from Swanston Street. They run a happy hour from 4pm to 6pm. It includes $6 schooners, wines and spirits. They also do cheap cocktails which I love. If you stay on, they generally run a late night happy hour as well which is from 8pm to 10pm. Not bad if you want to chat your friend's ear off all night. Sit at the bar and talk to the bartenders if you like. They're happy to make you feel welcome when they're not run off their feet. You can also download their app and get some small discounted snacks.
Melbourne Central Lion starts happy hour at 4pm and ends at 7pm, but only Monday to Thursday. You'll be able to buy pints for $9 and pay $7 for wine and spirits. If you like the idea of food specials Sunday to Thursday, then check them out upon arrival. They usually do great cheap pizza too.
Just a little north of the CBD is the Queensberry Hotel. If they aren't busy they'll sometimes close early, so get in before they do. Happy Hour is a standard 25% off from 5pm to 7pm except Mondays when it is $6 beer and $6 spirits. They also do great meal options at budget prices, such as a parma on Wednesday for $20.
I've always enjoyed happy hour at Father's Office, especially considering they love to double dip. Your first happy hour is 5pm to 7pm and your second is from 8pm to 10pm. It just may force you to stay all night! Oh no, what a pity :) It runs every day with selected cocktails at $12, pints from $8 and $9 spirits. They also do some cheap meals during some of their weekdays. The part I like is the balcony that looks out over Swanston Street. A lovely view I have enjoyed many times over. Oh, and they also have a venue in Flinders Lane as well as their original spot on Little Lonsdale.
One of the things I found hard to find in the city was good pizza. Domino's on the thin crust will sometimes do, but if you need good American pizza or chicken wings, try Sal's Pizza on Flinders Lane. It's a tiny place, but the food is great (greasy and tasty). Otherwise, the Universal Hotel a little north of the CBD is your best option for traditional pizza.
The sponsored part:
If you want to spend these great moments with writers or other people who share your many interests, but you're yet to find friends in Melbourne, or all your friends are busy, then sign up to www.friendlyfamiliars.com and find someone who gets you. There's so much to do now, so it would be even better if you were not doing it alone.
7. Writer volunteer jobs
We would love you to join our network of writers as a creative leader and help you further everyone's knowledge of writing. No doubt, you'll learn more about yourself and your writing as well. Have a read below and see what fits your personal skills and lifestyle. Commit to what you can and we'll see you in the trenches. Most of all, have fun!
Opportunities:
Manager of writing competitions
Website manager
Information officer
Assistant to managers and officers
Writing Competition Judges
Event host - multiple required (Melbourne only)
Further details: www.worldwriterscollective.com/job-vacancies
These are all volunteer positions.
Your position includes free membership, a discount for any events you attend, free access to catering (if supplied) and an allowance for the manager positions (see position details).
Commit for 12 months or longer.
8. Melbourne Writers Social events
Recently we discussed how to win writing competitions and what judges look for. If you would like to learn more, check out our website: www.worldwriterscollective.com/writing-competitions
The previous month we talked about our favourite books to read and linking to each other via Goodreads. We would like to start linking to each other so we can recommend books to each other and promote the few authors in our group. Post up your Goodreads link via comments below, if you are reading this on our blog, or post it via our Facebook groups:
www.facebook.com/groups/570847673015529
www.facebook.com/groups/169777419779168
Mat Clarke - link to me and find others: www.goodreads.com/author/show/6898385.Mat_Clarke
Our main event runs at the Wharf Hotel on the third Tuesday of the month. Please join us - all are welcome, even if you are only thinking of starting out in a creative field.
Click here to RSVP, check time and place of events: www.meetup.com/Melbourne-Writers
We meet online every Monday from 6.30pm and show each other our work and chat about everything creative.
South Bank Write Now: Second Saturday of the month. The venue is generally quiet, opens early, free wifi, good coffee, food as well as drinks if you need them for later ;) There is music, and it is a cafe-bar, so bear this in mind and wear head phones if you need them while you write.
Melbourne Central: One Sunday a month. We are nestled in the back corner of the upstairs food court near the windows, past the colourful piano, behind the big clock. We meet to write mostly, but you are free to chat with others who would like to do so.
As with all our events, please get in touch if you would like to help with running events. The best way to do this is to come to one of our events and chat to the current event hosts about what you would like to do. We prefer to have two event hosts at each event, so where there is an opening we are happy for you to get involved.
There are many other Writing groups in Melbourne that you may be interested in as well. Go to them all and see what you like . . . but then come back to MWS and bring more great people with you. Haha ;)
www.meetup.com/Melbourne-Writers
More links below
9. All Write! upcoming events
A place where you can write in Melbourne Central. All you do is turn up and write with others. You can chat to other writers as well if you like and grab a bite or a cuppa.
Most of all, enjoy yourself.
www.meetup.com/Melbourne-Writers
More links below
10. We want to hear from you!
Yes, we really do.
We want feedback in any way shape or form. Even if it is to tell us you love us.
Stuff you may wish to reply about for our next Writers Sauce:
1) A few sentences on what writing means to you.
2) A paragraph or two about how you became a writer (or want to).
3) A great skill you picked up regarding editing, writing, publishing, etc.
4) The best place to write.
5) How chatting to others about writing made you a better writer.
11. Join us and we’ll promote you
You're Not Alone
Come take the journey with us
Become a member for $20 per year. We would also like to stress that if you can not afford the $20, we would like you as a member anyway. You can pay WWC when you have the money available.
This is a collaborative group created so that in greater numbers we will be heard rather than forgotten
JOIN
Your $20 helps to pay for the website and member writers platforms
12. Essential Information
Sites Authors Should Know
This is an unofficial list I have created as a useful writer’s tool. I receive no royalties, or kickbacks from any sites below. Use as advice only.
-(Dean MacAllister)
SELFPUBLISHINGADVICE.ORG- Before submitting to a publisher or self-publishing I highly recommend you check out the ‘Writers Beware’ section of this site! It has lists of scams to look out for and lists the less-than-reputable companies that have ripped writers off globally. Learn from the mistakes of others.
Smashwords- Creates and publishes E-books in all formats for free.
Takes some getting used to and has to be done properly. For a small fee people on site will convert your file through the “meat-grinder” converter for you.
Kindlepreneur- Writer who joined most author sites to compare.
Links to the best author friendly tools. Marketing advice included. Free website with free manuals. (Highly recommended!)
Goodreads- Author/Reader site. Many discussion forums. Very popular. Good place to find fans, create an author profile and source reviews.
Librarything- Poor-man’s version of Goodreads, but much less commercial.
READ MORE HERE: www.worldwriterscollective.com/writers-sauce
13. Important Links
Post news about your writing, book launch, events, or event just a link to your latest blog/post/tweet: www.facebook.com/groups/1629658520414716
Important information about writing in general, and the Melbourne Writers Group: www.facebook.com/MelbWriters
Discuss anything you like that’s creative: www.facebook.com/groups/169777419779168
For people who want to discuss writing on a forum that is for everyone around the world: www.facebook.com/groups/570847673015529
Information on writing, writing competitions, professional editing, getting published, and more. Become a member for discounts: www.worldwriterscollective.com
Near Melbourne? Come to our group and meet other writers and chat. Everyone is welcome: www.meetup.com/Melbourne-Writers
Previous email-outs with great information.www.worldwriterscollective.com/writers-sauce
The Story Mint newsletter for even more information. Subscribe here: www.thestorymint.com
Writers Sauce - WWC
World Writers Collective
February 24, 2024
Writers Sauce - WWC - MWS 25-February-2024
Writers Sauce - WWC - MWS 25-February-2024
Welcome to Writers Sauce. We have one new topic for you to check out and it’s all about writing. See CONTENTS below. Then, in about three weeks time, we’ll have an article for you from Lee, who spoke to us last week about how he was able to achieve over a million downloads for his podcast.
Here’s what Christopher Kong said about World Writers Collective:
“Hi Mat - I came across your World Writers Collective site, including your post covering ‘editing tips’.
I’m writing this note to say a big THANKS. I think your site is a wonderful resource, and I really resonated with your comment on the benefit of giving/receiving feedback via writers groups. Despite your evident experience, I appreciate how your sharing comes across as very humble and accessible.
I’ve been working on a piece of creative non-fiction. Look forward to connecting and exchanging more ideas (and writing?) with each other!”
And Sergio about Melbourne Writers Social Group:
Hi Mat, I feel like I should grab you at least a couple of beers and a nice pub meal. It’s the least I can do to say thanks. I have no clue about being a writer and your help has been invaluable.
Kind regards
Sergio
Ilya, Daryl, Nadia, Crystal, Sarah, Jackie, Matthew, Gil, Shev, Anthony, Sebastian, Lavinia, Javier, Srash, Juaioi, Alex, Ash and Daniel are our newest subscribers. We now have around 400 subscribers. You’ve joined a great group of writers :)
If anyone would like to invite friends to join us, forward this email to anyone anywhere in the world.
World Writers Collective collaborates together with writers, editors and many other kinds of artists / creatives in all industries. We have actors, directors, illustrators, musicians and screen writers in the one place all eager for you to enjoy their work
Join us as a subscriber or as a writer if you would like your own promotional page on our website. To have a page on our website it there is a donation cost per year. Included are some minor discounts and the ability to advertise yourself for free to our subscribers.
Everyone who works on this website does so for free.
We would also like to stress that if you can not afford the donation of approximately $20, we would like you as a member anyway. You can pay WWC when you have the money available.
www.worldwriterscollective.com/wwc
If you want to add to this email with your own words of wisdom, please let us know. We can also/otherwise add info to our NEWS section on the WWC website.
It’s all done for free and it’s off our own back. Please get involved if you have the time.
Thank you,
Mat Clarke
www.worldwriterscollective.com/mat-carke
Contents:
(See *NEW* below)
1. Book Review (more reviews on books wanted)
2. Writing competitions - suspended until a new manager volunteers
3. Promote your blog
4. James Pletch ’s talk on Book Sale Statistics 2023 *NEW*
5. The Story Mint: Stylefit
6. Where to Go and Write During Happy Hour
7. Writer volunteer Jobs
8. Melbourne Writers Social Group events
9. All Write! upcoming events
10. We want to hear from you
11. Join us and we’ll promote you
12. Essential Information for Writers
13. Important links
-
1. Review a book title - It will be posted on the WWC website
READ MORE HERE: www.worldwriterscollective.com/writers-sauce
Are you someone who likes to review books (poems, short stories, movie scripts, blogs, non-fiction, etc.) and give honest feedback on content, interest, characters, structure, or if you think it was just really good reading? Submit your review via this email.
For 2023 please review any book or script or poetry you like (yes, you can submit a review done on your story if you like).
Here’s a review of ‘The Man Behind the Mask’ by Rachel Martigan – A Regency Romance.
I struggled today and yesterday ���, having to work, when I just wanted to keep reading.
There was unexpected events, times where I was nervous about what the outcome might be, and happy bits.
Such a great read, you’ve done such a great job with both books.
So, when is the next book out?
I’m such a romance junkie, I can’t get enough.
Well done
All three reviews: https://www.amazon.com.au/gp/profile/amzn1.account.AERDMS7R4XWAMTDMWAS7A5C3PAGQ/ref=cm_cr_dp_d_gw_tr?ie=UTF8
Here’s a review by John Christmas and Susan Thorn of Ray C Doyle’s mystery novel, Lara’s Secret:
JC: I greatly enjoyed this tale which incorporated modern history of Cyprus into a thriller complete with action and romance. Pete West is a new investigative-journalism hero not afraid to tangle with the corrupts to uncover the truth!
ST: Fantastic story, halfway through this novel, it had me from the first chapter, mystery and intrigue, it's gripping, I can't wait for the next book in the trilogy.
raycdoyle.com
www.fishpond.com/Books/Laras-Secret-Ray-C-Doyle/9781915212047
Here’s a review by Denise Kuchmar of Cecile Ravell’s creative memoir: ravellc.wixsite.com/ravell-the-writer
Review of Dilemmas of a Middle-aged Madonna:
“Traversing the world, from Far North Queensland to Nova Scotia, Canada, and New York City, Jessica tries to work out the cards life has dealt her. A uniquely visual story that sees the main character experience many journeys: physically, emotionally, and metaphorically. Will she overcome the dilemmas in her life?
It’s a hard story to put down.”
Denise Kuchmar, Journalist.
Pre-order autographed copy: ravellc@yahoo.com.au
Here’s an industry review via Books + Publishing of S.D. Hinton’s mystery novel:
THE BROTHERS
'The Brothers is a masterclass in menacing tension ... Atmospheric and moody, the novel chills with its subtle allusions to an unknown enemy that is too close for comfort. Perfect for readers of Garry Disher, Chris Hammer and Jane Harper, The Brothers combines the idyllic Australian surf town setting with unseen dangers - both physical and mental - that lurk in the shadows.'
www.harpercollins.com.au/9781460762578/the-brothers
2. Competitions
Current and upcoming competitions have been suspended for now until we find a manager.
WANTED: competition manager
Short story competitions - World Writers Collective
A. The big one - WWC Golden Pen Award - Win $250 First Prize
Second prize is $100 to spend in a Red Bubble store and one-year membership of Creative Writers Collective. The third prize will be a FREE entry to any one of the competitions for a year and one-year membership of Creative Writers Collective.
All winners will be published in the anthology.
We may need to halt competitions after this latest big prize due to not having a competitions manager. If you would like to become the manager, please let Mat Clarke know.
Coming up (TBA):
The Quick Creative - limited words and limited time. Join us and win cash!
Need help with writing short stories? Go to our competitions tab page 1. We have added hints and tips to help you write the best short story ever. There is a video by Ray Stone, which is a great resource. Our writing competition winners have given their tips and Mat Clarke has added his thoughts. You can also check out our editing tips page.
www.worldwriterscollective.com/writing-competitions
www.worldwriterscollective.com /editing-tips
www.worldwriterscollective.com
Become a World Writers Collective member, which helps support everyone in the group as indie writers and allows you to collect prizes if you win.
Want to get published or publish your own works and have our members spread the word about your works, book launch, or other? It’s only $20 a year to join which helps pay the few hundred dollars it costs for the domain and host the website each year.
www.worldwriterscollective.com/join
If you are one of the top winners of the competition, you will be included in the next anthology. That's just one of the great reasons to get involved!
We also want to promote you and your writing. All you have to do is say the word. When you are a member, it’s free!
3. Promote your blog
We want to promote your blog. Email us a link of one of your blogs and an explanation of why WWC people would enjoy reading it.
We want to promote your blog. Email us a link of one of your blogs and an explanation of why WWC people would enjoy reading it.
Here’s a few from Magz Morgan and the positive comment she received:
THANK you both, and the writers’ collective for all the moral support. When I get a message like this, I feel like crying. Maggie
“I just read both of these pieces and found them to be exceptional. You really have developed your talent. When I read the article on writing, I felt that I had a tutor sitting next to me sharing her secrets, while the short story was a delicious gossipy tale that I friend might share. I think that the first article gave me an insight into how hard you have worked to hone your skills. I am impressed with the quality of your writing. Don't stop.”
Linda Douglas
Here’s another by Cecile Ravell
https://ravellc.wixsite.com/ravell-the-writer/blog
4. James Pletch ’s talk on Book Sale Statistics 2023
By Mat Clarke for Roger Wakelin
January 2024 Wharf Writers talk on Book Sales by Jim Pletch filling in for Lee who had covid and could not give his guest talk on developing audience on his podcast that has 1 million downloads. Lee will now be doing this in March.
From the research group WordsRated 2023:
l In 2023 the global book publishing revenue was $129 billion - up from $122 billion in 2018
l Print books account for 77% of the market.
l Audio books will grow by 27% in the next 5 years.
l The big 5 in the global market are the US, China, Japan, Germany and India.
l Since 2021 fiction books have become the dominant trade book category overthrowing nonfiction books. However adult nonfiction is still the biggest single category among trade books at 38% of the market.
l 11.7% of US citizens read poetry at least once a year, with women reading it more than men.
l Since 2017 in the US the majority of book sales have occurred online.
l Book sales survived and even thrived during covid.
l The highest selling time is late November until year’s end.
l Used books accounted for 15% of the global market in 2020. Over 70% of students choose to buy a used book over the newly-published one.
l Amazon revolutionized self-publishing enabling millions of authors to compete in the book market.
l 300 million self-published books are sold each year.
l Over 90% of self-published books sell under 100 copies. Writing and publishing a book is clearly a popular form of creative self-expression in people’s lives now, rather than a means of acquiring serious income.
l Amazon is the biggest book-selling company in the world, selling $28 billion annually. In the US it controls over 40% of all print book sales.
l Jim asked the room for a show of hands on their most popular form of book and it was printed books, with ebooks coming second and audiobooks third.
5. The Story Mint: Stylefit
Student Writing Competition
Open for participation enquiries and entry submissions
We loved holding last year's lockdown writing competition, and collaborating with our incredible judges and prize sponsors to deliver students a fun opportunity amidst our national lockdowns. It was wonderful to see the enjoyment shared by both students and teachers throughout last year's competition!
We hope we can achieve that once more with out 2022 NZ student writing competition! It's now up and running, so we invite class groups or individual students to participate!
Our two biggest goals are:
- show students that writing (and learning writing skills) can be fun
- improve students' writing skills by increasing confidence, self-direction and agency
Those participating (as a school, class or you even just a few keen individual students) will have the opportunity to craft their entries with the help of our writing skills tool, Stylefit. We loved hearing about our participating schools' experiences with the software during the 2021 writing competition - here's a video snippet on student motivation!
If you'd like to participate, get in touch with anna@stylefit.org. We'll either extend your current Stylefit licence or open up a trial version for the duration of the competition. You can also find out more about how it works by booking a demo or having a look at the feedback features here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ly7EN53ldRI
6. W here to Write During Happy Hour
by Mat Clarke
You've been writing at home, on the train, while waiting for friends or at one of our writing meetups. Now you need somewhere to go that will aid you in finding inspiration and allow you to buy food and drinks without breaking the bank. You'll need a nice venue now that Melbourne is getting back on the horse again, albeit slowly. It's time to get back out there!
One of my favourite places is The Wharf Hotel in Melborne CBD opposite Jeff's Shed. You'll enter the venue via the waterfront, as it has no street entrance. While sitting outside under the sun or resting comfortably inside, you can look out over the Yarra River and the many people entering Crown Casino or walking past Polly Woodisde to DFO. As you turn your mind to the bar you'll notice that happy starts at 4pm and ends at 7pm Monday to Friday. So grab yourself a schooner, spirit or wine for $7, sit back and relax.
What you can do:
A game will usually be on so you can cheer and enjoy the excitement.
One of the friendly staff will be happy to chat and talk about what you can see and do nearby.
No food discounts anymore, unfortunately. They used to be great with the Monday to Thursday cheap eats, but maybe that will return in Summer. Otherwise, download The Pass app and get $10 off your first purchase.
TGI Fridays is a good favourite in any part of Melbourne. Inside Melbourne Central you'll find that TGI Fridays is up two sets of escalators from Swanston Street. They run a happy hour from 4pm to 6pm. It includes $6 schooners, wines and spirits. They also do cheap cocktails which I love. If you stay on, they generally run a late night happy hour as well which is from 8pm to 10pm. Not bad if you want to chat your friend's ear off all night. Sit at the bar and talk to the bartenders if you like. They're happy to make you feel welcome when they're not run off their feet. You can also download their app and get some small discounted snacks.
Melbourne Central Lion starts happy hour at 4pm and ends at 7pm, but only Monday to Thursday. You'll be able to buy pints for $9 and pay $7 for wine and spirits. If you like the idea of food specials Sunday to Thursday, then check them out upon arrival. They usually do great cheap pizza too.
Just a little north of the CBD is the Queensberry Hotel. If they aren't busy they'll sometimes close early, so get in before they do. Happy Hour is a standard 25% off from 5pm to 7pm except Mondays when it is $6 beer and $6 spirits. They also do great meal options at budget prices, such as a parma on Wednesday for $20.
I've always enjoyed happy hour at Father's Office, especially considering they love to double dip. Your first happy hour is 5pm to 7pm and your second is from 8pm to 10pm. It just may force you to stay all night! Oh no, what a pity :) It runs every day with selected cocktails at $12, pints from $8 and $9 spirits. They also do some cheap meals during some of their weekdays. The part I like is the balcony that looks out over Swanston Street. A lovely view I have enjoyed many times over. Oh, and they also have a venue in Flinders Lane as well as their original spot on Little Lonsdale.
One of the things I found hard to find in the city was good pizza. Domino's on the thin crust will sometimes do, but if you need good American pizza or chicken wings, try Sal's Pizza on Flinders Lane. It's a tiny place, but the food is great (greasy and tasty). Otherwise, the Universal Hotel a little north of the CBD is your best option for traditional pizza.
The sponsored part:
If you want to spend these great moments with writers or other people who share your many interests, but you're yet to find friends in Melbourne, or all your friends are busy, then sign up to www.friendlyfamiliars.com and find someone who gets you. There's so much to do now, so it would be even better if you were not doing it alone.
7. Writer volunteer jobs
We would love you to join our network of writers as a creative leader and help you further everyone's knowledge of writing. No doubt, you'll learn more about yourself and your writing as well. Have a read below and see what fits your personal skills and lifestyle. Commit to what you can and we'll see you in the trenches. Most of all, have fun!
Opportunities:
Manager of writing competitions
Website manager
Information officer
Assistant to managers and officers
Writing Competition Judges
Event host - multiple required (Melbourne only)
Further details: www.worldwriterscollective.com/job-vacancies
These are all volunteer positions.
Your position includes free membership, a discount for any events you attend, free access to catering (if supplied) and an allowance for the manager positions (see position details).
Commit for 12 months or longer.
8. Melbourne Writers Social events
Recently we discussed how to win writing competitions and what judges look for. If you would like to learn more, check out our website: www.worldwriterscollective.com/writing-competitions
The previous month we talked about our favourite books to read and linking to each other via Goodreads. We would like to start linking to each other so we can recommend books to each other and promote the few authors in our group. Post up your Goodreads link via comments below, if you are reading this on our blog, or post it via our Facebook groups:
www.facebook.com/groups/570847673015529
www.facebook.com/groups/169777419779168
Mat Clarke - link to me and find others: www.goodreads.com/author/show/6898385.Mat_Clarke
Our main flagship event runs at the Wharf Hotel on the third Tuesday of the month. Please join us - all are welcome, even if you are only thinking of starting out in a creative field.
Click here to RSVP, check time and place of events: www.meetup.com/Melbourne-Writers
We meet online every Monday from 6.30pm and show each other our work and chat about everything creative.
South Bank Write Now: Second Saturday of the month. The venue is generally quiet, opens early, free wifi, good coffee, food as well as drinks if you need them for later ;) There is music, and it is a cafe-bar, so bear this in mind and wear head phones if you need them while you write.
Melbourne Central: One Sunday a month. We are nestled in the back corner of the upstairs food court near the windows, past the colourful piano, behind the big clock. We meet to write mostly, but you are free to chat with others who would like to do so.
In South Bank each month for the next six or so months we are running a workshop on audio book creation. Please join us for an enjoyable information session. See Meetup for details.
Not currently running: Eastern suburbs meet. Laura, Stephanie and Mat are exploring a cafe in Croydon to meet at, which will be run on certain Sundays. We will get back to you soon on how it will be run and what the format will be. Likely it will involve the return of our writing games event with prompts to get you writing and enjoy yourself.
Not currently running: Writers of the South, let’s write: This is for southern Melbourne, down as far as the Clayton and Mentone area. Anyone can attend and join in and write your heart out (and have ice cream).
Not currently running: Writers Workshop: If you want to work through a piece, then come along to the Eltham Library and let us help you create your best work.
Not currently running: Treehouse Writing: Join us in Olinda for a sanctuary in the hills where we write and relax.
As with all our events, please get in touch if you would like to help with running events. The best way to do this is to come to one of our events and chat to the current event hosts about what you would like to do. We prefer to have two event hosts at each event, so where there is an opening we are happy for you to get involved.
There are many other Writing groups in Melbourne that you may be interested in as well. Go to them all and see what you like . . . but then come back to MWS and bring more great people with you. Haha ;)
www.meetup.com/Melbourne-Writers
More links below
9. All Write! upcoming events
A place where you can write in Melbourne Central. All you do is turn up and write with others. You can chat to other writers as well if you like and grab a bite or a cuppa.
Most of all, enjoy yourself.
www.meetup.com/Melbourne-Writers
More links below
10. We want to hear from you!
Yes, we really do.
We want feedback in any way shape or form. Even if it is to tell us you love us.
Stuff you may wish to reply about for our next Writers Sauce:
1) A few sentences on what writing means to you.
2) A paragraph or two about how you became a writer (or want to).
3) A great skill you picked up regarding editing, writing, publishing, etc.
4) The best place to write.
5) How chatting to others about writing made you a better writer.
11. Join us and we’ll promote you
You're Not Alone
Come take the journey with us
Become a member for $20 per year. We would also like to stress that if you can not afford the $20, we would like you as a member anyway. You can pay WWC when you have the money available.
This is a collaborative group created so that in greater numbers we will be heard rather than forgotten
JOIN
Your $20 helps to pay for the website and member writers platforms
12. Essential Information
Sites Authors Should Know
This is an unofficial list I have created as a useful writer’s tool. I receive no royalties, or kickbacks from any sites below. Use as advice only.
-(Dean MacAllister)
SELFPUBLISHINGADVICE.ORG- Before submitting to a publisher or self-publishing I highly recommend you check out the ‘Writers Beware’ section of this site! It has lists of scams to look out for and lists the less-than-reputable companies that have ripped writers off globally. Learn from the mistakes of others.
Smashwords- Creates and publishes E-books in all formats for free.
Takes some getting used to and has to be done properly. For a small fee people on site will convert your file through the “meat-grinder” converter for you.
Kindlepreneur- Writer who joined most author sites to compare.
Links to the best author friendly tools. Marketing advice included. Free website with free manuals. (Highly recommended!)
Goodreads- Author/Reader site. Many discussion forums. Very popular. Good place to find fans, create an author profile and source reviews.
Librarything- Poor-man’s version of Goodreads, but much less commercial.
READ MORE HERE: www.worldwriterscollective.com/writers-sauce
13. Important Links
Post news about your writing, book launch, events, or event just a link to your latest blog/post/tweet: www.facebook.com/groups/1629658520414716
Important information about writing in general, and the Melbourne Writers Group: www.facebook.com/MelbWriters
Discuss anything you like that’s creative: www.facebook.com/groups/169777419779168
For people who want to discuss writing on a forum that is for everyone around the world: www.facebook.com/groups/570847673015529
Information on writing, writing competitions, professional editing, getting published, and more. Become a member for discounts: www.worldwriterscollective.com
Near Melbourne? Come to our group and meet other writers and chat. Everyone is welcome: www.meetup.com/Melbourne-Writers
Previous email-outs with great information.www.worldwriterscollective.com/writers-sauce
The Story Mint newsletter for even more information. Subscribe here: www.thestorymint.com
Unsubscribe?
Reply and type in the heading: CANCEL EMAIL-OUT
Writers Sauce - WWC
World Writers Collective
December 23, 2023
Meetup Pro pros and cons
For me, there were no pros.
You can make your members add more details when they sign up, if you want more details on each member. The problem is, it may make less people join your group if they have to fill in additional details. You will receive all group member's email addresses, although this will only help if you want to build up an email list. Bear in mind, unless they willingly gave their email address to you then they will likely cancel subscription as soon as you send them your first mass email. So, it's possibly a waste.
They give you some random stats about who joined etc., but unfortunately with all Meetup groups, just because they join it does not mean they will attend. So your stats will be so skewed so much that they likely won't be relevant.
The worst part about Meetup Pro is that if you try it out for the 30 days for no cost, you can't cancel it yourself. You have to email the Meetup people and tell them you want to cancel. However, they cancel your entire membership, not just PRO. Then you have to go back and begin your organizer subscription again.
Too painful to try to try it out until they fix all the bugs.
Cheers,
Mat Clarke.
November 13, 2023
Create Your Perfect Date!
You've dressed in your semi-finery and you're looking great. Not too flashy, though. Just the right amount so you don't come across as a princess or a player. You have on your best-smelling deodorant. You've toned down your makeup so you look like the person who could easily live next door and you're not showing too much skin. For the boys, you've shaved or shaped your facial hair and you actually brushed your teeth and put on pants! Man or woman, you're looking amazing and ready for your date, but how will it turn out and is it only appearances that matter?
Have a think about what you look for in a person.
Do you go for appearances?
Is it body shape you're more interested in?
Their face?
How they dress?
Regardless, once it's time to sit opposite your potential partner, it will be what you and they do and say that makes up your mind. As always, your friend's fake-call for an emergency will go off 15 minutes into the date, just in case.
"How are you?"
"Thanks for coming."
"You look amazing."
"How about that weather, huh?"
"Sorry I'm an hour late, but you know . . . traffic."
"I want to make one thing clear: we pay for own food and drinks, ok?"
"I have to head off soon, but 10 minutes should be enough time to chat, right?"
"I just started dating someone else, but thought we could meet anyway."
Try to imagine what the perfect opening line would be that you would like to hear. Got it fixed in your mind? Good. Now imagine your dream person saying that exact line. Be truthful, would you think: this person is exactly who I like. Or, would you think: wow, this idiot is trying too hard.
Have we watched too many movies so we now expect our date to be perfect and blemish-free? Do we give our potential life partner too few minutes before we decide yes or no? Is the decision based on the way they present as we shake hands/hug/kiss? In the past, before the internet, we would have met through friends. Other times we might have met at work or while out and about at a bar or activity. If, say, you were at a friend's barbecue and you were introduced to a friend's friend, you would chat for a while, then observe each other from a distance and decide if you liked them from watching the person's interaction with others. This is often the best way rather than the on-the-spot job interview scenario we currently have in place. In the aforementioned casual easy atmosphere around friends and familiar surroundings, you may have accidentally snorted as you laughed or dribbled food down your chin, yet still there would have been another quality you possessed that your potential partner witnessed that still would have won them over.
If you studied relationships from tribal times you would have uncovered the way children grew up around each other playing, to eventually fall into a relationship with the person they were with most. If there were no matches due to age differences or because everyone was already paired, then the male would go for a wander outside of their tribe to the next or wait until they raided a neighbouring tribe and were able to find a wife that way. It was simple, but limited. Not that the tribal way matters, because we are stuck with the way we all interact with each other in modern times as we walk past hundreds of people each day. It should be simple to find someone when there are so many to choose from, right?
The problem may be that not only are people scared of another person's intentions if they are approached, but if a date does actually take place, we don't want just a good date, we want a perfect one.
The only way to combat your dying need for perfection is to realise that perfection is the worst thing for you. Why? Because something will always go wrong with a relationship, it's up to both of you to work it out and make the relationship stronger. You may have a list of the types of red flags that turn you off. And as you happily realise this person has none of them, you decide this is the greatest date ever. Fast forward one to three months and your partner exhibits something new you do not like. Are you going to immediately dump them? Are you going to talk about it and work out your differences? It seems that if you are willing to work out your differences down the track, then you might be willing to do so from the start. Especially if the so-called red flags are preferences rather than real obstacles.
If you continue down the path of looking for perfection, you may be in a never-ending cycle of addiction to searching for the best rather than finding what is good. Have a think about your preferences and make sure you know what is reasonable for a potential partner and what is fantasy. In the end, most of the time, if you let your new partner be themselves they'll be everything you need them to be for a strong relationship.
Or, if you must have what you really want because having everything is your birthright, then there is another way . . .
Go to www.friendlyfamiliars.com and search for someone who fits everything you like about a person. The great thing is that the person you eventually meet through Friendly Familiars will make your date/event/activity as great as it can be. It's their job and they are amazing at it! It will give you the opportunity to not only date a 10/10 person, but also to practice your dating techniques so you can be a 10/10 for someone else one day. Enjoy!
November 9, 2023
Meeting New People and Overcoming Nerves
Just be confident!
How many times has your older sibling or best friend told you to do that just before you went on a date or to a party to meet new people?
Thanks for the advice, but if I could "be confident", don't you think I would have done that by now?
I have no idea how to be someone I do not know how to be.
I can be confident in front of you, that's easy, but what happens when I'm looking confident and someone asks me a question? How do I say the right thing?
I know I'm not normal like everyone else, so I think I'll stay home and crawl into a ball. Thanks anyway.
It's not so easy to know how to act or how to "be yourself" when being yourself is you constantly singing out loud, scratching areas of your body you are not supposed to openly scratch in public, eating with your mouth open while also talking to your cat (who is no doubt plotting to kill you and declare themselves ruler of everything) and wearing clothes that should have gone into the trash before COVID hit. So how do you become the person others want to talk to so you can act like a normal human in front of them?
First, keep singing while you read this article. In fact, go and get that two-day-old pizza out of your fridge, get yourself a glass of wine or beer or both and continue to eat while you're reading and spitting little pieces of food at the screen. It's cool, you're in your own house. Fuck everyone else.
Second, make a boring list of things people generally talk about at these kinds of things you are going to, whether it be to a date or to a party or to a pub where you might start talking to someone cute. The list should be dot points of topics you may have overheard people mention at work or on the train/tram or at a pub, and you thought sounded semi-interesting.
Third, practice with someone. You can practice with your cat initially but then find a human. Possibly that human that told you to be confident. If they're so good at it then they should excel at this, right? Try to remember how other people bring up topics. Choose topics that most people will know at least a little about so you can get them nodding once you start to talk. Also, try to create a question within your topic so others will feel welcome to weigh in (there are going to be people just as anxiety-stricken as you who want something to talk about while not looking like an idiot). Having many topics ready will help you segue into any conversation. If someone talks about the floods in Victoria, you can bring up something like: "El Niño typically leads to reduced spring and early summer rainfall for eastern Australia, and warmer days for the southern two-thirds of the country (no one talks like that, so make sure you change that sentence into something you would actually say). Then say something like: I think it's time to move to Thailand for better weather, hey! When was the last time you went to Thailand?" (if it is a group). If it is an individual, then ask if they have been. If they haven't, ask if they have travelled. If they haven't travelled, don't try to sound superior, just say something like: Melbourne is great, so even if I could move, I love it here too much. What area of Melbourne do you live in? Hopefully the answer is not: You're standing in my house. Who invited you here?
As for the singing out loud and scratching in places people are not supposed to see you scratch, do it anyway if it makes you feel good. Probably don't eat with your mouth open, but do talk to animals. Oh, and a very important bit of information you need to know: Humans are all insane, it's just how well these people have gotten at hiding their insanity from society that makes them all appear normal. No one is proper, calm and confident. If they say they are then they are lying!
Or, maybe you don't need to change yourself. Maybe you can participate in enjoyable activities in Melbourne with a friendly host.
Does this sound like a better idea to you?
If so, then sign up with www.friendlyfamiliars.com and find an event you'll enjoy one-on-one. There's so much to do and enjoy that you may as well be with someone who wants to show you the greatest of times in town.
October 19, 2023
Lonliness, Dating and Friendships
We've all heard the hype about how we need friends and how it can prolong a healthy life. If we have a friend to talk to about our feelings and problems, then we can sort out our stress rather than bottling it up. Well, I want to tell you that being on your own is ok and you should not do what others tell you. You can be just as happy with animals as you can with humans. However, for those who want a human or three in their lives, there is an easier way than nervously asking someone from work to be your friend or date . . .
We live in a time where we want everything now and we don't want to work hard for it. It's normal because humans have been evolving to make their lives easier ever since we created basic tribes. It's why we became pack animals and worked together to create a society where we can depend on one another.
Go to www.friendlyfamiliars.com to see what they can do for you. It's not a dating site and it's not a friend circle where you meet many people all at once. Instead, it is a way to meet a person who is similar to you and wants to make you feel special. You'll be able to find a friend or date who wants to spend time with you but without the awkwardness of having to create an initial friendship. Someone to spot you at the gym, someone who knows all the best surfing spots, someone to go jogging with after work, someone who will take you on a happy hour afternoon and introduce you to their friends. Someone who gets you, knows your cat's name and appreciates great dining or casual snacks at a foodstand.
All you have to do is book your new friend for a catchup. Yes, that's it. It's their job to say yes. They are there for you and they want to create a great time for both of you. Starting in Melbourne for now. Yet to expand Australia-wide.
October 8, 2023
Writers Sauce - WWC - MWS 09-October-2023
Writers Sauce - WWC - MWS 09-October-2023
Welcome to Writers Sauce. We have one new topic for you to check out and it’s all about writing. See CONTENTS below.
Here’s what Christopher Kong said about World Writers Collective:
“Hi Mat - I came across your World Writers Collective site, including your post covering ‘editing tips’.
I’m writing this note to say a big THANKS. I think your site is a wonderful resource, and I really resonated with your comment on the benefit of giving/receiving feedback via writers groups. Despite your evident experience, I appreciate how your sharing comes across as very humble and accessible.
I’ve been working on a piece of creative non-fiction. Look forward to connecting and exchanging more ideas (and writing?) with each other!”
And Sergio about Melbourne Writers Social Group:
Hi Mat, I feel like I should grab you at least a couple of beers and a nice pub meal. It’s the least I can do to say thanks. I have no clue about being a writer and your help has been invaluable.
Kind regards
Sergio
Luc, Antonio, Sanjay, Jamie, Jillian, Lisa, Brad, Roger,, Kale, Priscila, Kate, Teja, Mark, Michelle, Bronwyn, Lee, Giles, Graham, Rodney, essie, Forrest, Margot, Aditi, Matt, Kale and Sean are our newest subscribers. We now have 385 subscribers. You’ve joined a great group of writers :)
If anyone would like to invite friends to join us, forward this email to anyone anywhere in the world.
World Writers Collective collaborates together with writers, editors and many other kinds of artists / creatives in all industries. We have actors, directors, illustrators, musicians and screen writers in the one place all eager for you to enjoy their work
Join us as a subscriber or as a writer if you would like your own promotional page on our website. To have a page on our website it costs $20 a year. Included are some minor discounts and the ability to advertise yourself for free to our subscribers.
Everyone who works on this website does so for free.
We would also like to stress that if you can not afford the $20, we would like you as a member anyway. You can pay WWC when you have the money available.
www.worldwriterscollective.com/wwc
If you want to add to this email with your own words of wisdom, please let us know. We can also/otherwise add info to our NEWS section on the WWC website.
It’s all done for free and it’s off our own back. Please get involved if you have the time.
Thank you,
Mat Clarke
www.worldwriterscollective.com/mat-carke
Contents:
(Look for the *NEW* stamp below for content you haven’t read yet)
1. Book Review (more reviews on books wanted)
2. Writing competitions - suspended until a new manager volunteers
3. Promote your blog
4. Jame s Pletch’s talk on The Benefits of Reading *NEW*
5. The Story Mint : Stylefit
6. Where to Go and Write During Happy Hour *NEW*
7. Writer volunteer Jobs
8. Melbourne Writers Social Group events
9. All Write! upcoming events
10. We want to hear from you
11. Join us and we’ll promote you
12. Essential Information for Writers
13. Important links
-
1. Review a book title - It will be posted on the WWC website
READ MORE HERE: www.worldwriterscollective.com/writers-sauce
Are you someone who likes to review books (poems, short stories, movie scripts, blogs, non-fiction, etc.) and give honest feedback on content, interest, characters, structure, or if you think it was just really good reading? Submit your review via this email.
For 2023 please review any book or script or poetry you like (yes, you can submit a review done on your story if you like).
Here’s a review of ‘The Man Behind the Mask’ by Rachel Martigan – A Regency Romance.
I struggled today and yesterday ���, having to work, when I just wanted to keep reading.
There was unexpected events, times where I was nervous about what the outcome might be, and happy bits.
Such a great read, you’ve done such a great job with both books.
So, when is the next book out?
I’m such a romance junkie, I can’t get enough.
Well done
All three reviews: https://www.amazon.com.au/gp/profile/amzn1.account.AERDMS7R4XWAMTDMWAS7A5C3PAGQ/ref=cm_cr_dp_d_gw_tr?ie=UTF8
The book: https://www.amazon.com.au/Man-Behind-...
Here’s a review by John Christmas and Susan Thorn of Ray C Doyle’s mystery novel, Lara’s Secret:
JC: I greatly enjoyed this tale which incorporated modern history of Cyprus into a thriller complete with action and romance. Pete West is a new investigative-journalism hero not afraid to tangle with the corrupts to uncover the truth!
ST: Fantastic story, halfway through this novel, it had me from the first chapter, mystery and intrigue, it's gripping, I can't wait for the next book in the trilogy.
raycdoyle.com
www.fishpond.com/Books/Laras-Secret-Ray-C-Doyle/9781915212047
Here’s a review by Denise Kuchmar of Cecile Ravell’s creative memoir: ravellc.wixsite.com/ravell-the-writer
Review of Dilemmas of a Middle-aged Madonna:
“Traversing the world, from Far North Queensland to Nova Scotia, Canada, and New York City, Jessica tries to work out the cards life has dealt her. A uniquely visual story that sees the main character experience many journeys: physically, emotionally, and metaphorically. Will she overcome the dilemmas in her life?
It’s a hard story to put down.”
Denise Kuchmar, Journalist.
Pre-order autographed copy: ravellc@yahoo.com.au
Here’s an industry review via Books + Publishing of S.D. Hinton’s mystery novel:
THE BROTHERS
'The Brothers is a masterclass in menacing tension ... Atmospheric and moody, the novel chills with its subtle allusions to an unknown enemy that is too close for comfort. Perfect for readers of Garry Disher, Chris Hammer and Jane Harper, The Brothers combines the idyllic Australian surf town setting with unseen dangers - both physical and mental - that lurk in the shadows.'
www.harpercollins.com.au/9781460762578/the-brothers
2. Competitions
Current and upcoming competitions have been suspended for now until we find a manager.
WANTED: competition manager
Short story competitions - World Writers Collective
A. The big one - WWC Golden Pen Award - Win $250 First Prize
Second prize is $100 to spend in a Red Bubble store and one-year membership of Creative Writers Collective. The third prize will be a FREE entry to any one of the competitions for a year and one-year membership of Creative Writers Collective.
All winners will be published in the anthology.
We may need to halt competitions after this latest big prize due to not having a competitions manager. If you would like to become the manager, please let Mat Clarke know.
Coming up (TBA):
The Quick Creative - limited words and limited time. Join us and win cash!
Need help with writing short stories? Go to our competitions tab page 1. We have added hints and tips to help you write the best short story ever. There is a video by Ray Stone, which is a great resource. Our writing competition winners have given their tips and Mat Clarke has added his thoughts. You can also check out our editing tips page.
www.worldwriterscollective.com/writing-competitions
www.worldwriterscollective.com /editing-tips
www.worldwriterscollective.com
Become a World Writers Collective member, which helps support everyone in the group as indie writers and allows you to collect prizes if you win.
Want to get published or publish your own works and have our members spread the word about your works, book launch, or other? It’s only $20 a year to join which helps pay the few hundred dollars it costs for the domain and host the website each year.
www.worldwriterscollective.com/join
If you are one of the top winners of the competition, you will be included in the next anthology. That's just one of the great reasons to get involved!
We also want to promote you and your writing. All you have to do is say the word. When you are a member, it’s free!
3. Promote your blog
We want to promote your blog. Email us a link of one of your blogs and an explanation of why WWC people would enjoy reading it.
We want to promote your blog. Email us a link of one of your blogs and an explanation of why WWC people would enjoy reading it.
Here’s a few from Magz Morgan and the positive comment she received:
THANK you both, and the writers’ collective for all the moral support. When I get a message like this, I feel like crying. Maggie
“I just read both of these pieces and found them to be exceptional. You really have developed your talent. When I read the article on writing, I felt that I had a tutor sitting next to me sharing her secrets, while the short story was a delicious gossipy tale that I friend might share. I think that the first article gave me an insight into how hard you have worked to hone your skills. I am impressed with the quality of your writing. Don't stop.”
Linda Douglas
Here’s another by Cecile Ravell
https://ravellc.wixsite.com/ravell-the-writer/blog
4. Jame s Pletch’s talk on The Benefits of Reading
By Mat Clarke for James Pletch
Jim (James) is in the process of publishing his spiritual self-help book Finding Spiritual Strength. Stories From the Frontline of Life. Loving Values From Across the Humanitarian and Spiritual Traditions.
To our benefit, Jim talked about the benefits of writing on Tuesday and was hoping all you at home could benefit from it as well. Here are the main points:
l Research has shown there are serious benefits from reading books.
l Reading is more relaxing than even just sitting at rest. It lowers blood pressure. Perhaps it’s the mental escape from our daily life pressures?
l Fifteen minutes of daily reading can dramatically improve people’s happiness and sense of accomplishment.
l Kids who read have much better scholastic scores. Kids whose parents read to them read more. Kids who own a book or books read more than kids who do not. It seems that the act of owning a book of their own motivates kids to read more. Also, more books in the home lead kids to read more.
l People who read more have better focus, better vocabulary, better mental stimulation, and better knowledge acquisition.
l People who read are more empathetic because reading takes them into other people’s lives and gets them away from unhealthy self-absorption.
l American psychology professor Jean Twenge studies generational psychology. In her book Igen she studied young people born since 1995, generation Z. They have grown up with the internet in their hand in smartphones since 2011. American teens check their phones more than 80 times a day. They spend 6 hours a day on their phones and devices and 2 hours on TV, sometimes multi-tasking. Since 2012 she found a worrying dramatic increase in young people’s mental health problems, which she attributes to this enormous amount of screen time.
l She found young people who spend a lot of time on their screens were less happy, more lonely, get less sleep, are more prone to depression and mental health issues, have an increased risk of suicide, and possess lower in-person social skills.
l She found better outcomes for happiness and mental health and in-person social skills in young people who – among other things - read physical print media, whether books or magazines. It gets them away from their screens. Other positive attributes for young people include more exercise, and more in-person social activities - like sport, or anything that is healthily socially engaging.
5. The Story Mint : Stylefit
Student Writing Competition
Open for participation enquiries and entry submissions
We loved holding last year's lockdown writing competition, and collaborating with our incredible judges and prize sponsors to deliver students a fun opportunity amidst our national lockdowns. It was wonderful to see the enjoyment shared by both students and teachers throughout last year's competition!
We hope we can achieve that once more with out 2022 NZ student writing competition! It's now up and running, so we invite class groups or individual students to participate!
Our two biggest goals are:
- show students that writing (and learning writing skills) can be fun
- improve students' writing skills by increasing confidence, self-direction and agency
Those participating (as a school, class or you even just a few keen individual students) will have the opportunity to craft their entries with the help of our writing skills tool, Stylefit. We loved hearing about our participating schools' experiences with the software during the 2021 writing competition - here's a video snippet on student motivation!
If you'd like to participate, get in touch with anna@stylefit.org. We'll either extend your current Stylefit licence or open up a trial version for the duration of the competition. You can also find out more about how it works by booking a demo or having a look at the feedback features here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ly7EN53ldRI
6. W here to Write During Happy Hour
by Mat Clarke
You've been writing at home, on the train, while waiting for friends or at one of our writing meetups. Now you need somewhere to go that will aid you in finding inspiration and allow you to buy food and drinks without breaking the bank. You'll need a nice venue now that Melbourne is getting back on the horse again, albeit slowly. It's time to get back out there!
One of my favourite places is The Wharf Hotel in Melborne CBD opposite Jeff's Shed. You'll enter the venue via the waterfront, as it has no street entrance. While sitting outside under the sun or resting comfortably inside, you can look out over the Yarra River and the many people entering Crown Casino or walking past Polly Woodisde to DFO. As you turn your mind to the bar you'll notice that happy starts at 4pm and ends at 7pm Monday to Friday. So grab yourself a schooner, spirit or wine for $7, sit back and relax.
What you can do:
A game will usually be on so you can cheer and enjoy the excitement.
One of the friendly staff will be happy to chat and talk about what you can see and do nearby.
No food discounts anymore, unfortunately. They used to be great with the Monday to Thursday cheap eats, but maybe that will return in Summer. Otherwise, download The Pass app and get $10 off your first purchase.
TGI Fridays is a good favourite in any part of Melbourne. Inside Melbourne Central you'll find that TGI Fridays is up two sets of escalators from Swanston Street. They run a happy hour from 4pm to 6pm. It includes $6 schooners, wines and spirits. They also do cheap cocktails which I love. If you stay on, they generally run a late night happy hour as well which is from 8pm to 10pm. Not bad if you want to chat your friend's ear off all night. Sit at the bar and talk to the bartenders if you like. They're happy to make you feel welcome when they're not run off their feet. You can also download their app and get some small discounted snacks.
Melbourne Central Lion starts happy hour at 4pm and ends at 7pm, but only Monday to Thursday. You'll be able to buy pints for $9 and pay $7 for wine and spirits. If you like the idea of food specials Sunday to Thursday, then check them out upon arrival. They usually do great cheap pizza too.
Just a little north of the CBD is the Queensberry Hotel. If they aren't busy they'll sometimes close early, so get in before they do. Happy Hour is a standard 25% off from 5pm to 7pm except Mondays when it is $6 beer and $6 spirits. They also do great meal options at budget prices, such as a parma on Wednesday for $20.
I've always enjoyed happy hour at Father's Office, especially considering they love to double dip. Your first happy hour is 5pm to 7pm and your second is from 8pm to 10pm. It just may force you to stay all night! Oh no, what a pity :) It runs every day with selected cocktails at $12, pints from $8 and $9 spirits. They also do some cheap meals during some of their weekdays. The part I like is the balcony that looks out over Swanston Street. A lovely view I have enjoyed many times over. Oh, and they also have a venue in Flinders Lane as well as their original spot on Little Lonsdale.
One of the things I found hard to find in the city was good pizza. Domino's on the thin crust will sometimes do, but if you need good American pizza or chicken wings, try Sal's Pizza on Flinders Lane. It's a tiny place, but the food is great (greasy and tasty). Otherwise, the Universal Hotel a little north of the CBD is your best option for traditional pizza.
The sponsored part:
If you want to spend these great moments with writers or other people who share your many interests, but you're yet to find friends in Melbourne, or all your friends are busy, then sign up to www.friendlyfamiliars.com and find someone who gets you. There's so much to do now, so it would be even better if you were not doing it alone.
7. Writer volunteer jobs
We would love you to join our network of writers as a creative leader and help you further everyone's knowledge of writing. No doubt, you'll learn more about yourself and your writing as well. Have a read below and see what fits your personal skills and lifestyle. Commit to what you can and we'll see you in the trenches. Most of all, have fun!
Opportunities:
Manager of writing competitions
Website manager
Information officer
Assistant to managers and officers
Writing Competition Judges
Event host - multiple required (Melbourne only)
Further details: www.worldwriterscollective.com/job-vacancies
These are all volunteer positions.
Your position includes free membership, a discount for any events you attend, free access to catering (if supplied) and an allowance for the manager positions (see position details).
Commit for 12 months or longer.
8. Melbourne Writers Social events
Recently we discussed how to win writing competitions and what judges look for. If you would like to learn more, check out our website: www.worldwriterscollective.com/writing-competitions
The previous month we talked about our favourite books to read and linking to each other via Goodreads. We would like to start linking to each other so we can recommend books to each other and promote the few authors in our group. Post up your Goodreads link via comments below, if you are reading this on our blog, or post it via our Facebook groups:
www.facebook.com/groups/570847673015529
www.facebook.com/groups/169777419779168
Mat Clarke - link to me and find others: www.goodreads.com/author/show/6898385.Mat_Clarke
Our main flagship event runs at the Wharf Hotel on the third Tuesday of the month. Please join us - all are welcome, even if you are only thinking of starting out in a creative field.
Click here to RSVP, check time and place of events: www.meetup.com/Melbourne-Writers
We meet online every Monday from 6.30pm and show each other our work and chat about everything creative.
South Bank Write Now: Second Saturday of the month. The venue is generally quiet, opens early, free wifi, good coffee, food as well as drinks if you need them for later ;) There is music, and it is a cafe-bar, so bear this in mind and wear head phones if you need them while you write.
Melbourne Central: One Sunday a month. We are nestled in the back corner of the upstairs food court near the windows, past the colourful piano, behind the big clock. We meet to write mostly, but you are free to chat with others who would like to do so.
In South Bank each month for the next six or so months we are running a workshop on audio book creation. Please join us for an enjoyable information session. See Meetup for details.
Not currently running: Eastern suburbs meet. Laura, Stephanie and Mat are exploring a cafe in Croydon to meet at, which will be run on certain Sundays. We will get back to you soon on how it will be run and what the format will be. Likely it will involve the return of our writing games event with prompts to get you writing and enjoy yourself.
Not currently running: Writers of the South, let’s write: This is for southern Melbourne, down as far as the Clayton and Mentone area. Anyone can attend and join in and write your heart out (and have ice cream).
Not currently running: Writers Workshop: If you want to work through a piece, then come along to the Eltham Library and let us help you create your best work.
Not currently running: Treehouse Writing: Join us in Olinda for a sanctuary in the hills where we write and relax.
As with all our events, please get in touch if you would like to help with running events. The best way to do this is to come to one of our events and chat to the current event hosts about what you would like to do. We prefer to have two event hosts at each event, so where there is an opening we are happy for you to get involved.
There are many other Writing groups in Melbourne that you may be interested in as well. Go to them all and see what you like . . . but then come back to MWS and bring more great people with you. Haha ;)
www.meetup.com/Melbourne-Writers
More links below
9. All Write! upcoming events
A place where you can write in Melbourne Central. All you do is turn up and write with others. You can chat to other writers as well if you like and grab a bite or a cuppa.
Most of all, enjoy yourself.
www.meetup.com/Melbourne-Writers
More links below
10. We want to hear from you!
Yes, we really do.
We want feedback in any way shape or form. Even if it is to tell us you love us.
Stuff you may wish to reply about for our next Writers Sauce:
1) A few sentences on what writing means to you.
2) A paragraph or two about how you became a writer (or want to).
3) A great skill you picked up regarding editing, writing, publishing, etc.
4) The best place to write.
5) How chatting to others about writing made you a better writer.
11. Join us and we’ll promote you
You're Not Alone
Come take the journey with us
Become a member for $20 per year. We would also like to stress that if you can not afford the $20, we would like you as a member anyway. You can pay WWC when you have the money available.
This is a collaborative group created so that in greater numbers we will be heard rather than forgotten
JOIN
Your $20 helps to pay for the website and member writers platforms
12. Essential Information
Sites Authors Should Know
This is an unofficial list I have created as a useful writer’s tool. I receive no royalties, or kickbacks from any sites below. Use as advice only.
-(Dean MacAllister)
SELFPUBLISHINGADVICE.ORG- Before submitting to a publisher or self-publishing I highly recommend you check out the ‘Writers Beware’ section of this site! It has lists of scams to look out for and lists the less-than-reputable companies that have ripped writers off globally. Learn from the mistakes of others.
Smashwords- Creates and publishes E-books in all formats for free.
Takes some getting used to and has to be done properly. For a small fee people on site will convert your file through the “meat-grinder” converter for you.
Kindlepreneur- Writer who joined most author sites to compare.
Links to the best author friendly tools. Marketing advice included. Free website with free manuals. (Highly recommended!)
Goodreads- Author/Reader site. Many discussion forums. Very popular. Good place to find fans, create an author profile and source reviews.
Librarything- Poor-man’s version of Goodreads, but much less commercial.
READ MORE HERE: www.worldwriterscollective.com/writers-sauce
13. Important Links
Post news about your writing, book launch, events, or event just a link to your latest blog/post/tweet: www.facebook.com/groups/1629658520414716
Important information about writing in general, and the Melbourne Writers Group: www.facebook.com/MelbWriters
Discuss anything you like that’s creative: www.facebook.com/groups/169777419779168
For people who want to discuss writing on a forum that is for everyone around the world: www.facebook.com/groups/570847673015529
Information on writing, writing competitions, professional editing, getting published, and more. Become a member for discounts: www.worldwriterscollective.com
Near Melbourne? Come to our group and meet other writers and chat. Everyone is welcome: www.meetup.com/Melbourne-Writers
Previous email-outs with great information.www.worldwriterscollective.com/writers-sauce
The Story Mint newsletter for even more information. Subscribe here: www.thestorymint.com
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Reply and type in the heading: CANCEL EMAIL-OUT
Writers Sauce - WWC
World Writers Collective
October 3, 2023
Happy Hour and Discountedd Meals Melbourne
It's almost the day you're supposed to catch up with an old friend or a new one. You need somewhere to go that will aid you in striking up conversations as well as give you the opportunity to buy food and drinks without breaking the bank. You'll need a nice venue now that Melbourne is getting back on the horse again, albeit slowly. It's time to get back out there!
One of my favourite places is The Wharf Hotel in Melborne CBD opposite Jeff's Shed. You'll enter the venue via the waterfront, as it has no street entrance. While sitting outside under the sun or resting comfortably inside, you can look out over the Yarra River and the many people entering Crown Casino or walking past Polly Woodisde to DFO. As you turn your mind to the bar you'll notice that happy starts at 4pm and ends at 7pm Monday to Friday. So grab yourself a schooner, spirit or wine for $7, sit back and relax.
What you can do:
A game will usually be on so you can cheer and enjoy the excitement.
One of the friendly staff will be happy to chat and talk about what you can see and do nearby.
No food discounts anymore, unfortunately. They used to be great with the Monday to Thursday cheap eats, but maybe that will return in Summer. Otherwise, download The Pass app and get $10 off your first purchase.
TGI Fridays is a good favourite in any part of Melbourne. Inside Melbourne Central you'll find that TGI Fridays is up two sets of escalators from Swanston Street. They run a happy hour from 4pm to 6pm. It includes $6 schooners, wines and spirits. They also do cheap cocktails which I love. If you stay on, they generally run a late night happy hour as well which is from 8pm to 10pm. Not bad if you want to chat your friend's ear off all night. Sit at the bar and talk to the bartenders if you like. They're happy to make you feel welcome when they're not run off their feet. You can also download their app and get some small discounted snacks.
Melbourne Central Lion starts happy hour at 4pm and ends at 7pm, but only Monday to Thursday. You'll be able to buy pints for $9 and pay $7 for wine and spirits. If you like the idea of food specials Sunday to Thursday, then check them out upon arrival. They usually do great cheap pizza too.
Just a little north of the CBD is the Queensberry Hotel. If they aren't busy they'll sometimes close early, so get in before they do. Happy Hour is a standard 25% off from 5pm to 7pm except Mondays when it is $6 beer and $6 spirits. They also do great meal options at budget prices, such as a parma on Wednesday for $20.
I've always enjoyed happy hour at Father's Office, especially considering they love to double dip. Your first happy hour is 5pm to 7pm and your second is from 8pm to 10pm. It just may force you to stay all night! Oh no, what a pity :) It runs every day with selected cocktails at $12, pints from $8 and $9 spirits. They also do some cheap meals during some of their weekdays. The part I like is the balcony that looks out over Swanston Street. A lovely view I have enjoyed many times over. Oh, and they also have a venue in Flinders Lane as well as their original spot on Little Lonsdale.
One of the things I found hard to find in the city was good pizza. Domino's on the thin crust will sometimes do, but if you need good American pizza or chicken wings, try Sal's Pizza on Flinders Lane. It's a tiny place, but the food is great (greasy and tasty). Otherwise, the Universal Hotel a little north of the CBD is your best option for traditional pizza.
If you want to spend these great moments with other people, but you're yet to find some friends in the city, or all your friends are busy, then sign up to www.friendlyfamiliars.com and find someone who gets you. There's so much to do in town, so it's a great thing if are not doing it alone.
