Entry is free
A chance to be published with other talented new writers from Western Sydney
Prizes on offer include $400 first place, plus book awards
Second chance to present your work to a live audience at ZW WORD which follows the print zine launch on 13th October
Short pieces are what we’re looking for: poetry, drama, stories, cartoons – details on entry form see links below

Do we have your entries yet?

Co-sponsor:The Writing and Society Research Centre, UWS.
Financial patron:Expression Sessions
ZW12 editors: Sue Crawford (NWG Inc) Lyn Leerson (FAW) and George Toseski (winner of ZW11)

ENTRY FORM Word doc or Entry Form PDF

As a creative writer, do you pour over every precious word, perhaps many times? Are you living and breathing your story? Do you know where to get resources to support your writing? Do you know how to “edit” your writing? How would you find an editor and how would you communicate? Would the writing still be yours, or would it change if an editor got their hands on it? How much would an editor charge? How would my writing get to the editor? Do I just send the finished manuscript in the post?
Come along and consider the writer/editor relationship at the New Writer’s Group Inc

A NWG Inc Workshopp led by Susan Burgis
(An avid reader with an eye for slip ups)
M Ed (TESOL)
Currently ESOL TAFE teacher and studying Master of Publishing at Sydney University

ZW Ed Sue Crawford

The format is simple: you have a brief period to read three works and rank them. Then the interesting part: you discuss with a small group why you made those decisions and try as a team to find a “winner”. Then the small groups come back together and have an open discussion about what issues arose in trying to choose between pieces of writing…

Followed by coffee/chat open mic and writing news. Free entry. No bookings required. Participants must be 16 years and over. Children welcome if supervised by an appropriate adult.
Saturday, 28th April, 3-5pm at Mars Hill Cafe (upstairs) 331 Church St Parramatta.

Dr Floricel Mocanu

On 3rd April, The Romanian Consul General, Dr. Floricel Mocanu, launched  Douasprezece Hierofanii, by Mihaela Cristescu, at the Romanian Consulate in Sydney. The Twelve Hierophanies is a collection of stories written by Cristescu since her arrival in Australia. Special guest speaker was journalist George Roca who has published Cristescu’s works in online Romanian journals. Sue Crawford (NWG Inc) also spoke concerning the need for such works to be available to Australian readers through a good translation.

NWG Inc members Sue and Bruce Crawford, Julieann Wrightson, Leonie and Roger Le’ Vano attended the launch.

Pictured here from left, Julieann, Leonie, Mihaela, Roger, Sue

at Mars Hill Cafe, 331 Church St Parramatta, (upstairs) Saturday, 24th March, 3pm  
Parramatta author Felicity Castagna will talk about the opportunities for new and emerging writers in Australia – awards, competitions, fellowships and mentoring.

Felicity’s first  book - Small Indiscretions – Stories of Travel in Asia  was published by Transit Lounge last year. Her next book will be a YA novel set in Parramatta  (Allen & Unwin) See  PS Magazine article on Writers of the West which features a number of  creative writing initiatives and groups across Western Sydney (and features Felicity on the cover!)  Gold coin donation appreciated.

Signed copies of Small Indiscretions will be on sale for $25

1st Prize=$400, 2nd and 3rd prizes= Books from Giramondo Publishing

Please go to our ZineWest Page on this blog or to the ZineWest BLOG for all the details and an entry form!

Kathleen Steele

FINDING INSPIRATION AND CRITICAL READING – with award-winning writer Kathleen Steele

We are surrounded by stories, in what we see, hear and read. Critical observation need not mean we’re looking for faults! Reading other people’s writing with an intelligent eye allows for new insights and stories. This workshop aims to help writers find inspiration through reading each other’s works – and hearing the responses of other writers to their own.

Writers are asked to bring a small piece of writing (maximum 100 words). This can be the start of a chapter in a novel, part of a short story, half a poem… It does not need to be a “finished” work.

The workshop will be held during the gathering on Saturday 25th February, 3-4:30 pm followed by half an hour of open mic, news etc (free entry). Unfortunately the workshop numbers have been capped at 16. If you’re not booked and want to attend please contact us to see if there’s been any cancellations by Friday, 24th.

$5 /$3 for financial members

Venue: MARS HILL CAFE (upstairs ) 331 Church Street Parramatta

Pictured from left: Librarian Krupali Tevar, Melda Koparan, Felicity Amos, Librarian Katherine Mitchell, Natasha Eloise and Richard Bell.

It was an entertaining hour, and many thanks to the librarians who created an opportunity for young writers and performers.

The event followed the launch of the Year of Reading

Saturday, 11th Feb, 3-5pm
Mars Hill Cafe, upstairs
331 Church St Parramatta
NSW Australia

DEADLINE FOR ALL YOU HOLIDAY SLACKERS IS 5TH FEB – but that’s it, no more leash. Send 1-3 entries to our main yahoo address

PS sadly there is an eligibility issue: we need to know you! As a gatherer, a fin member, or a brand new newcomer who can show up on the day:)
Plus you need to be 16 years or over
Prize: a book

Come and read your original writing (any genre!) share writing news, help with a workshop, join in a writing exercise…

New to the Group? all writers 16 years and over are welcome, no entry fee.
Any enquiries contact us at our NWG Inc Yahoo address

DID YOU REGULARS FORGET ABOUT THE “LOVE” COMPETITION??? A book to the writer of the best/most original poem, shortshort story, or cartoon/comic loosely based on that provoking invention called Valentine’s Day.
Eligibility: Financial members, regular gatherers or anybody willing to turn up in person and read it on 11th Feb, see time/venue details above.
Due Date: extended to 1st February. Send to email address above in Word doc. Good luck!!