THE INAUGURAL TOOWOOMBA WRITERS FESTIVAL – A WINNER

It’s a wondrous thing when creative people come together. You learn no one is ever the same and all travel interesting and different roads to achieve their goals.

When a large group of writers gather there’s an exciting buzz in the air,  ideas are exchanged and enthusiasm charges the energy around the room. So it was with the Inaugural Toowoomba Writers Festival yesterday (Saturday November 15th, 2014). The day turned out to be a scorching hot and I imagine many who planned to attend decide they would opt for a cooler environment but it was worth the continual fanning to meet some of the fabulous people who attended the Festival.

Local authors showcasing their books

Catching up with old friends and discussing topics we’re all passionate about can only be described as insightful and after a few cups of tea once home, I took the time to think about everyone’s idea of success. I know success is gauged differently by everyone. For some it may be a short story or a poem completed. For others the sale of thousands of books or it could be several new clients for a business. The fact we are all individuals makes life richer as does knowing life isn’t about one single journey or one person’s opinion.

Local author, poet, and editor the multi-talented Susan Skowronski

As I watched and LISTENED to what others had to say I realised the old cliché stating the power of positivity and optimism in the way people approach, in this case, their writing and or publishing journey happens to be true. I know for a fact that failure often teaches you more than success and the only way to get what you want is to put in the hard yards. Yes, I know they are all clichés but again they’re all true.

The  effervescent Emma MacTaggart

On Saturday it was a treat to watch and talk to people learning about their craft. People who work at something they love while looking to further enrich their lives by the written word. Each of the workshops were full proving the cumulative knowledge of the Toowoomba Wordsmiths and how fortunate we are to have them in this area. As each workshop finished the hall became energised with discussion from the advice, suggestions and insights.

Carmel Rowley (me) local author

Here I must say thank you to Sophie from Queensland Writers Centre who gave a fabulous free seminar titled, Six Lies and one Truth and all the other presenters who gave such informative workshops.

Northern Lights

Sophie also assisted with the launch of the Anthology “Northern Lights” and announced the competition winners. It was wonderful to have Queensland Writers Centre www.qwc.asn.au involved in the day. I must mention a special thank you to Fellowship of Australian Authors Queensland (FAWQ) www.fawq.net for their support. The competition was a resounding success. Imagine over 300 entries for the short story section and 300 for the poetry section. Congratulations to the Winners, the Highly Commended and Commended your awards are well deserved. Congratulations also MUST go to all who entered it is an achievement in itself to complete a poem or short story and then enter a competition.

Listed below the Winners, Highly Commended, and Commended

FAWQ Toowoomba Literary Awards 2014

~POETRY~

1^st Prize: Rhapsodie de Fruits by Frances Olive

Highly Commended

Bush wedding by Duncan Richardson

Scent of Olives by Dianne Preston Young

Waiting Watching Listening by Sue Grocke

Commended

The Bouquet by Jacqueline Cuerton Lonsdale

The Alberton Hotel by Jules Leigh Koch

Renoir’s Garden by Jena Woodhouse

Iningai Reserve by Kathryn Fry

 

~SHORT STORIES~

1^st Prize: Beating the Odds by Jillian Cory

Highly Commended

The Wrong ‘Un by Garry Hurle

The Mirage by Gloria Anderlini

Cutting Class by Kyle Ludlow

Commended

One Afternoon Alone by Catherine Mah

Fourth Floor by Christopher Ringrose

The Reunion by Denise Kay

The Racer by Frank Ince

 The incredibly talented artist Deb Gilmartin

You always know when an event is successful by the level of discussion going on and the buzz continued all day. Yes, maybe some refining will be needed for next year but an Event has to be held before you can make changes for the better. Thoughtful feedback is important. Congratulations to the hard working committee what a mighty effort. Again a huge thank you to all. Speaking for myself apart from nearly melting into a puddle on the floor I felt the talented people of Toowoomba came of age and that the Inaugural Toowoomba Writers Festival was a grand success. See you all next year.
http://toowoombawritersfestival.com

My table with Terese Eglington’s whimsical artwork in the background