1997
1997 was another great year for the SA Writers' Centre. We launched our first Handbook for SA writers: follow the publications link above to find out more. We held our usual bevy of fun filled events and packed out seminars, workshops and youth events, with details in the links above. Guest speaker at the AGM was Professor Tom Shapcott.
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Events
March 1997
Allwrite! Booktalkers Take Over
What sort of Australia do contemporary books for young people reflect? What goes on behind the slush pile: getting into print? is children's literature going anorexic?
These questions and more were addressed at this day long event. The event featured a program developed by Ruth Starke, and a welcome from Frances Awcock, Director of the State Library. Speakers included Gillian Rubenstein, British author Jacqueline Wilson, Morris Gleitzman, Mark Macleod, David Metzenthen and Leigh Hobbs.
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From the brochure for the event. |
Morris Gleitzman and Mark Macleod. |
David Metzenthen and Leigh Hobbs plan their take over. |
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August 1997
New Writing Performed
A feast of writing talent rewarded attendees to these events, held over three consecutive Tuesdays at the ever popular Cafe Tapas.
The 12 August event featured Tim Sinclair, Anna Brooks, Andrew Male and Gillian Rubinstein).
The 19 August event featured Fiona Sprott, Rob de Kok, Louise Nicholas and Brian Matthews.
The 26 August event featured Greg Scales, Stewart Henderson, Stephen Lawrence and Elisiavetta Richie.
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Gillian Rubinstein |
Rob de Kok with |
Fiona Sprott |
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November 1997
Anne-Marie Mykyta Memorial Lecture, featuring Les Murray
Australia's renowned contemporary lyrical poet, Les Murray, was the inaugural speaker at the Anne-Marie Mykyta Memorial Lecture. He spoke about the process involved in writing a verse novel.
Anne-Marie Mykyta, a founding member of the SA Writers' Centre, died in 1996. She was passionate about her writing, and as a teacher, inspired many hundreds of writing students - young and old - with her encouragement, enthusiasm and humour. To reflect her giving nature toward her fellow writers, the Board of the SA Writers' Centre offered free admission to this inaugural lecture.
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Les Murray |
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Publications
A Handbook for South Australian Writers
1997 saw the launch of this very useful handbook. It was compiled by Erica Sharplin and Stephanie Luke. James Ogilvy contributed with editorial assistance.
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The cover of the publication |
Launch of the handbook: |
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Seminars & Workshops
February 1997
Writing for Love and Money Tour
This writers' tour featured free workshops, school visits, playreadings and 'meet the writer' sessions. It addressed a range of genres including poetry, screen writing, using the Internet, biography, family history, writing for young people, freelance journalism and fiction.
It visited Port Pirie Monday 17 and Tuesday 18 February; Whyalla Wednesday 19 and Thursday 20th February, and Pt Augusta Friday 21 and Saturday 22 February.
April 1997
This popular tour continued into April, travelling to Bordertown's Tatiara District Council Chambers on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 April. Topics included poetry, novels, short stories, radio / tv dramas, writing for children, family, local histories, children's picture books, and finding the right publisher. The event was compered by Ashley Walsh, from ABC Regional Radio.
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From the Coober Pedy Times, |
From the Coober Pedy Times, |
Visiting Bordertown for the April 'Writing for Love and Money' tour were (standing) John Fletcher and Martin R. Johnson, and (sitting) Janeen Brian, Ashley Walsh and Ruth Starke. |
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March 1997
Internet Workshops: Graeme Beaton
The SA Writers' centre embraced new technology with this workshop. It included both beginners and advanced classes in creating and editing web pages, and was hosted by Internet 'guru' Graeme Beaton.
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Graeme Beaton |
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May 1997
The Pleasures and Perils of Self-Publishing
This seminar was based on the fact that self-publishing can be a successful option for writers frustrated with the publishing industry's merry-go-round. It aimed to help attendees decide whether or not to venture down the self-publishing path. Guest speakers included writers Nan Witcomb, Ruth Anderson, Jeff Cook and Shemim Okera, as well as Bruce Macky, owner of Dymocks Standard Book, and Joanne Petitdemange, SAWC publicist.
September 1997
Writing the Novel Seminar
This seminar featured American writer and publisher Jack Dann, TOR Books, along with writers Peter Goldsworthy and Ann Clancy, and publishers Louise Thurtell, Transworld books, and Jeff Higgins, Penguin.
They looked at the craft of writing and the business of publishing from an Australian and international perspective.
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Jack Dann, TOR books. |
Louise Thurtell, Transworld books |
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September 1997
Poetry Masterclass
This 'masterclass' was held on 19 September, and hosted by John Kinsella.
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John Kinsella |
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Youth
May 1997
Young Authors' Night
Our annual youth oriented event was held at St Peters' College in May 1997. It was attended by author Julie Ireland.
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Julie Ireland |
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Where We're At
Vital Stats
Membership: 1300.
Chair: John Emery
Vincent Burke, Helen Chryssides, Marguerite Hann Syme, Bill Marsh, Helen McKerral, Ruth Starke, Glen Murdoch (May - Aug), Julian Zytnick (Sep ->).
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Half of the committee… |
…the (better?) half |
Happy hour: Joanne Petitdemange, Philip Satchel (Radio 5AN), with Mary Combe, Administration. |
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The SA Writers' Centre is assisted by the South Australian Government through Arts SA, and the Commonwealth Government through the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory bodies.