Photograph by Tania Morris, King Creek, 2015
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RACHAEL PALMER President Port Writers
WE CAUGHT UP WITH RACHEL PALMER, PRESIDENT OF PORT WRITERS, TO SEE HOW THE NEW WRITERS GROUP HAS BEEN TRAVELLING.
T
ell us about your inaugural year. It really has been smooth sailing. We are looking forward to riding the clear waves into the New Year and far beyond. We’ve created a friendly atmosphere, enjoyed some informative presentations from authors and editors and put pen to paper for many thought provoking writing exercises. This year we had two member book launches: Ray Evans for his novel, Flashback, and Gillian Scott for her novel, Threads Of Time. Both received rave reviews. When the news hit Port Writers that the Glasshouse would be live streaming the Sydney Writers Festival, a few of our members, who’ve spent many long hours in queues at writers festivals, made a dash for their catch at the box office in our afternoon tea break. What a privilege it was to experience an array of talented authorship within the comfort of our sea-side sanctuary, Port Macquarie. But all of this excitement was not enough for our Secretary Frank Urban, who had the vision and the steam to create a nationwide literary competition for an Anthology. The book is a collection of articles, anecdotes and poems offering insight and intrigue into the people, places and past events of our historically enriched district. The project was made possible with the support of a Kendall Op Shop grant and a dedicated committee including Frank, Gill Goater, Michelle Lopert and Ray Evans. We will launch Beyond The Three Brothers this December - it will make a great stocking filler. Our Vice President Kerry Buchanan asked Frank if she could interview him on his interesting life story as an entry for the Anthology. Frank, aged a mere eighty five responded, “Sorry Kerry, but we are only interviewing the elderly folk in our district. You know, to capture their story before it’s too late”. In case you didn’t know, ninety something is the new elderly, so be mindful of what you say - and I’m sure the near half dozen enthusiastic octogenarians in Port Writers would agree. I think their message is: If you want to stay
young at heart, vibrant and happy - do what you love. For us at Port Writers, it’s writing. Who makes up Port Writers, and what does your membership typically write? We are blessed to have two fantastic patrons, Bessie Jennings and Laurie Barber, both talented writers, spirited presenters and generous community members. Our numbers are nearing forty, so we are an eclectic mix of writers producing short stories, poems, novels of fiction and creative non-fiction. Some supportive informal groups, based on genres, have formed so that we can spend dedicated time on editing and discussing the finer details of our work. Where is Port Writers heading in the New Year? Our prospects for 2016 are exciting, with a presentation on screenwriting by the popular and knowledgeable Jacqui Winn; a workshop to improve writing skills by an experienced University tutor Lisa Milner; and member presentations on a myriad of literary aspects. We will host a competition for novice writers - giving our budding members an opportunity to showcase their work, and we will continue to work on interesting writing exercises. Ever written a personals ad and been caught out by someone who recognised it was you? This is just some of the literary fun we have at Port Writers. We can’t be serious all the time. How can interested writers get in touch with your group? Visitors are welcome at Port Writers - even shy ones. We won’t get you standing out the front reading out your work for maybe at least three visits and then - well, it’s optional anyway. We meet on the fourth Saturday of the month, except for December. We meet at the Rotary Community Centre, Hastings River Drive from 1 - 4pm. For more details, see our website: portwriters.com.au or phone Rachel on 6559 0164. For details on the Anthology launch, phone Frank on 6584 6693. Thanks Rachel. greater port macquarie focus.
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