How many words does it take to make a winning poem? Who knows? Though I’d guess a few technical ones probably helped in the Quantum Words 2018 Science Poetry Competition. Whatever the number, it seems that my poem, Venn diagram, had sufficient for First Place at the Quantum Words Festival of Science Writing at Writing NSW.
Together with my Pittwater poet-pal Jenny Pollak, on 1 October 2018 we’re presenting an evening of our poetry at That Poetry Thing That is On At Smiths Every Monday; the venue is pretty much Poetry Central in the national capital. Expect plenty of watery metaphor, a sprinkle of sun-worship, and some old-school mermaids.
It was a full house for the Project Futures High Tea in November, with Sydney’s Doltone House chock-to-the-brim with generous hearts. In between dainty cakes and champagne, thousands of dollars were raised to support a Safe House for women and girls escaping forced marriages.
First the bad news. The Project Futures High Tea on 12 November has sold out. Now the good news; it’s been moved to a bigger venue, so get in quick to buy tickets to support the Freedom Partnership Safe House for victims of forced marriage in Sydney.
I’m looking forward to being Guest Speaker for the August Literary Luncheon of the Society of Women Writers NSW, at the State Library of NSW. In Too close to home; or not close enough, I’ll be discussing the research behind the writing of Promising Azra. You don’t need to be a member of the Society of Women Writers to come along – you can find details about booking here.
This website documents the history of a mid-century project home, the Lend Lease Beachcomber. A popular choice for Sydney’s hilly terrain, the Beachcomber was a budget-priced piece of Bauhaus architectural design.
Events for 2017 are now taking shape, starting with a Literary Lunch at Mona Vale library on Wednesday 3 May. Please come along to say hello, and bring all your Azra-related questions! Books will also be available for personalised signing.
There are many ways to have a wonderful time in Melbourne. The first highlight of my recent visit was a book-chat about forced child marriage with Kathy Landvogt and Yvonne Lay of Good Shepherd Australia New Zealand.
As part of Avalon Beach Market Day on Sunday 20 November, I’ll be talking about becoming a debut author at an event organised by Beachside Bookshop. Check their website for details on how to book.
The September theme for the epic book-clubbers of Read3r’z Re-vu was ‘secrets’. Of course there are quite a few of these in Promising Azra.
