Jan Dyer--Yellow Zone

THIS MONTH'S GIVEAWAYS are Yellow Zone and The Silver Poplar. TO BE IN THE DRAW, FOLLOWERS POST A COMMENT.


1: What convinced you to write about this issue?
As far back as we can remember, disasters have been with us. The recent floods of eastern Australia were jokingly compared to Noah’s great flood. It was referred to by one politician as a flood of ‘Biblical proportions’. Disasters, whether they are naturally occurring or induced through war and poverty, have always been a part of our human condition. However, the question posed in today‘s society is whether disasters are increasing worldwide or are they being reported and documented more regularly since the advent of internet and satellite technologies. I take the view that disasters and the ferocity of them are an increasing phenomenon. Most scientists agree with this view, although they may differ from each other as to why they occur. With the world’s population quadrupling within one century, more lives are lost and more people are affected: Homes, businesses and infrastructure are destroyed while agriculture and natural resources experience severe setback and economic loss.
What convinced me to write about it? Since there is so much doom and gloom on the subject, I preferred, like many others, to take the positive viewpoint by seeing it from a Biblical perspective. Bible prophecy not only forewarns us of near future events and impending disasters, it provides us with a cause and reason for them. Most of all, it offers God’s help to a world in trouble; the Way to prevail and move forward through the midst of tragedy.

2: Tell us a bit about the story.
Without giving too much of the plot away; terrorist cells attack and destroy a large proportion of our civilised world and cripple the global economy. Political systems fall as the financial sector crumbles. The whole world is perplexed as one leader rises to world dominance. No longer is there a democracy or a voice for the common people.
A young man, Scott Ryan, and his teenage sister Sally are forced to live in Yellow Zone, a gated community set up to protect and shelter a large population. In time, Yellow Zone draws fear and cynicism from its people. Deadly secrets are uncovered and it is a race against time for survival.

3: What do you say to people who are experiencing devastation right now such as you depicted in the aftermath of a terrorist attack – whether from war or natural disaster, such as our recent Australian floods?
In general, I think when disaster hits a nation such as the recent floods imposed on our beloved country, people re-evaluate their priorities. Possessions are nice to have but human beings and relationships become a focus and are suddenly realised as more precious than things. Perhaps experiencing such enormity of devastation and loss as the floods brought, we either band together and share the grief and loss or we retreat into ourselves and attempt to ignore the pain and despair around us. Disaster and tragedy visits families all the time, but because it’s confined within small groups or happening on the other side of the planet, we can feel detached from it or insensitive. ‘Life goes on’, as the saying goes but tragedy picks on lives impartially and life deals with people unfairly. Eventually misfortune to varying degrees happens to us all.
What to do in the event of a disaster or crisis? Do we put our heads in the sand or do we become pro-active? It was so encouraging for me to see the thousands of people (many facing their own personal loss), going out and helping others in similar or direr circumstances. I felt in awe of these people. They were being the hands, feet and resources of God – the divine touch to a very human need. Another popular saying that encourages me is, ‘When God closes a door, He opens another.’ In the face of hardship, despair and uncertainty, God is the only constant One we can rely on. He comforts us by bringing resources and caring people across our paths to help us. He also opens other doors to new and deepening relationships.

4: Can you recommend other books on the subject that have inspired you?
Of course the first books that come to mind straight away are the Left Behind fiction series by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B Jenkins. These depict a world in chaos just prior to Christ’s return to earth to judge the nations.
Some other nonfiction books I recommend on this subject are: Storm Warning by Billy Graham; The Merciful God of Prophecy by Tim LaHaye, and Epicenter by Joel C Rosenberg. Unfortunately I’m not aware of many Aussie books on this subject. The great late Kiwi, Barry Smith had many books covering end-time prophecy which are worth looking at.
For personal grief: Bereavement, A Shared Experience by Helen Alexander and The Darkness and the Dawn by Charles Swindoll which covers Christ’s very personal suffering.


5: Tell us something about your writing journey and publication. That itself is an interesting story.
My journey as a writer began at an early age, as do so many others. My first real work (not published), was QT, The Quarter Ton Elephant who broke loose from his handler and created havoc down Queen Street, Brisbane. At ten, I was pen pal to an Indian missionary working in the Punjab District. I hope I was an encouragement to her as she selflessly worked with those precious people. I certainly was encouraged by her. That’s the marvellous thing about writing; no matter what our age or disability we can encourage, sympathise and comfort, teach and mentor people through the written word.
My first (self) published book was a collection of my plays and skits called, An Australian Christian Play, An Endangered Species. Like many first time published authors, I look back thirty years and understand why it wasn’t a top seller. And there’s still so much room for improvement.
Yellow Zone is my first publication through a royalty-based publishing house. Rochelle Manners of Wombat Books and EvenBeforePublishing has the difficult task of getting Aussie and Kiwi books out there to the general public and she works tirelessly for writers and readers alike.

6: What avenues have you explored in marketing the book?
No different to anyone else, I’ve taken part in radio interviews e.g. on 4GR, Voice 92.9 FM, Redlands FM and CVC Sunshine Coast. I had a book launch at my local church, Humeridge Church of Christ and book signings at Koorong. I’ve set up my own website (which needs updating), had interviews in the Chronicle newspaper and Gatton Star and co-manned our publisher’s bookstall at Easterfest in Toowoomba. I’ve had book reviews and my book was a focus in book clubs. I’ve entered writing competitions and have done workshops at Brisbane’s Word Writers’ Fair. Apart from these successful marketing forays I’ve written to many newspapers, contacted numerous radio stations and participated in mail outs to schools and bookstores. Marketing is not one of my strengths but certainly it is a necessary job. It is good to be part of a writers’ group which shares successes and failures, common to us all.

7: Where can we buy the book?
Probably the best place to go is online to my publisher www.evenbeforepublishing.com ; my website, www.janelledyer.com or www.buyaustralianbooks.com.au . Teacher’s notes are available through the publisher and right now the old edition cover of ‘Yellow Zone’ is at the special price of $6.50 plus shipping and handling. Recommended retail price for new edition cover is $19.95. Thanks Wendy for giving me this opportunity to blog on your site and to offer a free book to one of your readers.

It was great to have you, Jan.

Wendy

Lessons from the Floods

THIS MONTH'S GIVEAWAYS ARE The Game and In Due Season. TO BE IN THE DRAW for our next giveaways, POST A COMMENT. For submissions for author interviews to aussiewriters, email Wendy Sargeant at aussiewriters (at) gmail (dot) com (without the spaces), but before you do, be sure and post a comment.

It's hard to belief that floods in Brazil have affected our weather patterns in Australia, but a great lesson for us all about how connected we all are. Extreme whether conditions such as Cyclone Yasi, the Brisbane Floods, the US snow storms and Brazilian floods are just the beginning of what is to come, if we don't act now, according to leading government expert, Ross Garnaut. (http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/climate-risk-to-worsen-says-adviser/story-e6freoof-1225999791393.)

When God created the garden of Eden it was perfect. Man chose to sully the planet when we first picked the forbidden apple.
From then it has been a story of massive accumulation of goods at the expense of Mother Earth and the planet has continually rebelled.

Now we have to learn to get back to a simpler lifestyle to protect the planet. For many, this rebuilding of a life after flood is a time to reflect on living with less clutter. The average woman has $100 worth of clothes in her wardrobe that she will never use!

There are things you can do to help prevent the global warming that scientists say creates bizarre weather patterns.

• Don’t leave the water running when you brush teeth.
• Use the environmentally friendly toothbrush. (Monumental Dental)
cat=2&subsubcat=0&subcat=32&page=product_detail&product_id=307)
• Eat one meat meal less per week (Cuts down ¼ tonne of emissions a year.)
• Have 2 minute showers (Saves 1 tonne of emissions a year.)
• Walk more often instead of driving, e.g. to the corner store.
• Always repair leaking toilets, showerheads, taps immediately.
• Switch computers, lights, fans off when not in use.
• Swap regular light bulbs for energy saving bulbs.
• Organize a clothes swap with your organization at wendyworkshops.com where you can learn to convert recycled clothes to your individual wardrobe.
Buy clothes at Endeavour.They offer all brand name clothes.
• Look out for tencel fabric, otherwise known as lyocell. Here is the info on this product…
• Plant a vegetable garden
• Recycle all household goods—food scraps in a compost, paper products with the council, printer cartridges, batteries with the council
• Join organisations like onemillionwomen.com.au to learn more about saving energy.)

It has been heartening to see the flood relief effort going on in my home area in the Redlands. Donations have been pouring in to 91 Redland Bay Road where the council has set up a flood relief outlet. If you live in the area, more workers are needed each day this week to sort and pack donations which will supply the Brisbane families affected.If you are flood affected, spend a few hours respite in the Redlands with the amazing spiritual view of history by Leo Herreygers. This serene environment offers respite over a cup of coffee. The exhibition at the Grandview Hotel, Cleveland has extended to 22nd January. The painting on this blog is Leo's.

Blessings,

Wendy

Respite in the Redlands

THIS MONTH'S GIVEAWAYS are In Due Season and The Game. TO BE IN THE DRAW for our next giveaways, POST A COMMENT. For submissions for author interviews to aussiewriters, email Wendy Sargeant at aussiewriters (at) gmail (dot) com (without the spaces), but before you do, be sure and post a comment.


If you are experiencing floods our heart goes out to you. If you live near the Redlands and want a few hours respite, the next few days offers an amazing treat for the writer and art lover. The 1850’s converted home--once the Brighton Hotel, now the Grand View—houses an inspirational tour through time with the art works of Leo Herreygers.
You can sit in the upstairs sunroom and lounge, soaking up the old world ambience with a coffee and see Leo’s extraordinary surrealist spiritual tour of world history all around you. This is a free tour. Don't miss out on a chance to see the scene painter for Expo 88, QPAC, The Queensland Theatre Company, the Myer Christmas Windows, the Rocky Horror Show, The Twelfth Night Theatre, The Queensland Youth Ballet, Suncorp Theatre, to name a few.

Leo answered a few questions for us here:

What inspires you to paint?

I can get inspired by the smallest thing like a piece of rag hanging from a wire...but mainly i get inspired by historical events and human reactions to those events.

What do you find is your biggest struggle as an artist?

Recognition, and the battle with minimalist contemporary decorative art.

What are the themes running through your work?

History, religion and personal views.

How do you do your work and what medium do you use?

I have an easel that my father made for me[he was a fine artist] and i paint onto anything from board to canvas and use acrylic, oil and enamel paints on their own or combined.

Tell us about your favorite piece.

As I finish a new piece it becomes my favorite for the time being but from all my work I think' Gabriel' has the greater message, equality—which is something I believe in greatly--and our connection with the almighty.

You can contact Leo at http://www.artunlimited.com.au/
Wendy

In Due Season--Valerie Volks

Check out our news page and find out what can be done to prevent imminent closure of Queensland first Christian Liberal Arts College.

THIS MONTH'S GIVEAWAYS are The Game and As Black from White and now In Due Season.

THE WINNERS are Paul Clark of the Burdekin and Crystal Mary of Gympie.

TO BE IN THE DRAW, POST A COMMENT. For submissions for author interviews to aussiewriters, email Wendy Sargeant at aussiewriters (at) gmail (dot) com (without the spaces), but before you do, be sure and post a comment.

Valerie Volks is the winner of the POETRY section of the CALEB prize. Valerie's story shows how good things can come from great tragedy.

Valerie, you've said that writing became your coping strategy, a way of dealing with the experiences and emotions that the passing months of your husband's terminal illness brought. Can you elaborate on this, Valerie?

I'd started a Creative Writing Masters degree at Tabor Adelaide well before there was any thought of changes in our life's plan. My husband I had both intended to retire at the end of 2008, with years ahead for him to paint and me to write—both of these were long-deferred ambitions. When he was diagnosed with cancer, I wrote the first poem, Tenebrae, that became part of the later book; it was part of my current unit on Poetry. I found immediately that writing gave me a sense of coping, of managing the emotions I was feeling.

I did not expect, at that stage, that the year would turn into one of almost constant hospitalisation for Noel, and a growing realisation that we would not be sharing our planned retirement; instead that he would be dead nine months after diagnosis. All year as the clouds darkened and the shadows lengthened, I kept writing poetry. It helped. After his death so much of my grieving was poured into the poems that I continued to write. That enabled me to distance myself, and to cope with the intensity of feeling. It was indeed, I would say, a coping strategy.

I'd written the poems entirely for myself, with no intention to circulate them at all. So when, through my course work, Pantaenus Press said they had read them and thought they should be published, I really hesitated. Their argument, that it might help others because it articulated the experiences so many people faced, was what finally convinced me. That's actually proved to be the greatest thing for me. The book, In Due Season, has sold very well and even won awards, but far more importantly I have had the most heart-warming letters and emails from many people, who say that reading these poems has been a source of comfort and help to them in their own grieving.

Which poets have inspired you over the years?

I love the 'classic' poetry—Chaucer's fascination for and perception about people, Shakespeare's breadth of vision and richness of imagery, John Donne and the sharpness of metaphysical wit. I've also been inspired by the Victorian poets— Tennyson, Browning, Arnold. I studied these in Year 12 English, and they've had a deep and permanent impact. Of modern Australian poets, Bruce Dawe has been a long-term favourite, and he's probably the poet who has had most influence on me, with his capacity to give significance to the everyday.

To quote from your website: 'The poetry is varied in both form and mood, ranging from formal and measured sonnets and rhymed poems, to the more anguished raw emotion of the free-verse poems. Throughout, there is a personal tone which makes this poetry accessible to all readers.' How do you think your free verse allowed the raw emotion more than the other poems?

This really goes back to my earlier comment about the way in which formal poetry requires you to distance yourself and confine emotions within the demands of rhyme and metre. It's excellent therapy: as John Donne expressed it, it's taming of emotion, especially grief, by fettering it in verse--two interesting words that sum it up perfectly. 'Tamed' emotion is a depth of feeling that has had to be confined and managed to match the poetic form; in this way it is 'fettered' by it. A great image, because it takes us right into that wild almost animal-like quality of terrible grief, and says "Look, you really can manage this by writing; you can cope."

The other side of the coin is therefore equally true: in free verse one is expressing the 'untamed' emotions; that's why it seems more raw. The anguish is not greater; it just comes through in a less managed way.

It is notoriously difficult to publish poetry. The connection with Pantaenus Press through the Masters course was a great opportunity. Describe your journey to publication.

It was so reassuring to be approached by Pantaenus Press with the idea of publication. They had offered to produce a simple print version, but because I wanted to produce something that my husband, a keen artist and a first-rate magazine editor and producer, would have been pleased with, I decided to invest some of own money in the publication and create more of an 'art-book'. The photographs and pictures add a depth to the experience of the poems.

The publishers were happy to have this arrangement and I felt that Noel would have liked the book, which is very much a tribute to him and a celebration of a long and happy marriage. It's sub-titled Poems of love and loss and this is accurate. They are love poems as well as grieving poems.

Many poets now are choosing performance as a way to publicize. Is this something you could find yourself doing, or does the vocalizing of those emotions cause too much pain?

I've actually grown used to it. Somehow I seem to get a lot of public speaking engagements, particularly to talk about writing as therapy. I often read from the book, and it's oddly comforting. There's something about re-visiting very special times and a very special happiness, because in an ironic way to have shared a loved one's dying is one of the most intimate experiences you can ever have.

When did you start writing poetry? Was it purely a reaction to your grief?

No, I've always written - and for most of my life poetry. In my late teens I wrote two verse dramas, and in all the intervening years in times of very strong emotions I've found myself writing poems. But for many decades I've been too busy living to write very much. Now I seem to be re-defining myself at this stage of life as a writer. Winning the CALEB Prize for Poetry was a particular joy—a real reassurance that others could see some merit in my writing.

Have you written in other genres?

Over the decades I've written many short stories, and several novels—all, sadly (but understandably!), unpublished. Now I'm writing much more successfully, but particularly in verse. I have a verse novel A Promise of Peaches about to be published in the next few months, and I'm well along the way with a third book, another verse novel.


Tell us about some of your poems—their significance to you.

The last ones in the book are particularly significant: they recapture so much of our lives together. At Melbourne University is a nostalgic looking back at our youth, while the title poem In Due Season is really an overview, set against the background of Vivaldi's Four Seasons, of the four seasons of our lives. They're a celebration. The last poem in the book, Epilogue, is for me a final statement. When the man says, as we fail to get the complete solution to the hard crossword, "Tomorrow we'll see what it was", I guess this is really my statement of faith: one day all the questions in life will be answered for us also.

Thanks, Valerie.

Blessings,

Wendy

As Black from White by Sally Graham

THIS MONTH'S GIVEAWAYS ARE The Game and As Black from White. TO BE IN THE DRAW, POST A COMMENT. For submissions for author interviews to aussiewriters, email Wendy Sargeant at aussiewriters (at) gmail (dot) com (without the spaces), but before you do, be sure and post a comment.

Sally Graham and her husband Dave won the non-fiction section of the CALEB award for 2010 for As Black from White with Sally as writer and Dave as editor. Sally’s remarkable story of conversion from an international drug dealer intent on murder to a Christian is told here. Sally, what a story!

At what point did you decide you would have to write this story down?

I have been a Christian now for 15 years and had shared my story at testimony nights and the like but after marrying Dave, God began to speak to us about writing a book. On a leadership camp I promised God that if three people said I should write a book during our weekend away I would. By the end of the first night it was decided.


How did your family and friends react when you made it public?

Once Dave and I had the final draft in our hands we did a final check before God that this was the thing to do. My story is quite confronting and we did need to check some legal aspects before our publisher would agree to handle it.
Our families have been surprisingly supportive and encouraging. They are very proud of the book and its ability to bring hope to others.


What are you passionate about?

My passion is to communicate the love of Christ to others and that they might know that no situation is beyond the touch of Jesus. God does not have a "too hard basket".
I pray that many will come to know God through our lives and understand that not only are they called but also planned and purposed. God has gifted everyone with a purpose.

What do you find is your biggest struggle as an author and how do you overcome it?

It took three years to write As Black from White. It was very cathartic and involved a lot of prayer for God’s guidance. I needed Him to stretch me to include some things I did not want to share publicly , but God reminded me that he would use those things to set others free.
Just sitting down and writing at all was tough at times, but I had a lovely prayerful friend who over those three years would gently inquire "How’s the book going, Sal?" Her encouragement helped me finish.

Do you ever experience self doubt?

Self doubt is part of the human condition. I think I have learnt to keep going anyway. Make the big decisions when you are in a good place and stick to them no matter what your feeling at those times of doubt. If you need to revise, do it when you are feeling good and share your thoughts with someone else who can give an outward perspective. Self doubt doesn’t go away but I have learnt to see it for what it is. The more I have pressed through those times the more I learn that self doubt often has no basis in reality. Get inspiration and guidance from those who are doing it well in your area.


What are the themes running through your work?

As a counsellor , I have always loved to watch people .
As Black from White is my autobiography but I am working on another book of testimonies and a second book about recovery and the Christian journey.
My style is raw, gritty and honest. I like to peel back the layers and get real about our humanity.


Can you recommend other biographies that have inspired you?

Samantha Jackel tells her story passionatly and honestly in My Purple Pants.
Bronwen Healy's self published work Trophy of Grace encouraged me to see self publishing as a viable option.
Both are modern day stories of God’s healing and restoration in Australia today!

Tell us something about the book.

"As Black from White " is the story of Gods Damascus road intervention in my life as I set out one day intent on committing murder.
Life with Jesus has transformed my world from international drug dealer to Christian counsellor ,now working for Prison Fellowship here in South Australia.
The book outlines the dark past of my life and how we walked through the darkness into his light.

Where can we buy it?

As Black from White can be ordered online at
www.asblackfromwhite.com.au

Thanks for telling your remarkable story:-)

Wendy

The Game--Inspirational Historical Romance award winner

THIS MONTH'S GIVEAWAY IS The Game by award-winning Amanda Deed. TO BE IN THE DRAW, POST A COMMENT. For submissions for author interviews to aussiewriters, email Wendy Sargeant at aussiewriters (at) gmail (dot) com (without the spaces), but before you do, be sure and post a comment.

Amanda won the fiction category of the new CALEB Inspirational Award. Congratulations, Amanda! I loved editing your book and share in your thrill at the award!


What got you into historical fiction as a genre?

I have always loved this genre. I find it fascinating to learn about history at the same time as being entertained by a storyline.

What did you do previously that was grist for your mill as a writer?

I always loved making up stories as a child. I have read hundreds of books over the years, and as an adult, particularly historical romance. That naturally led to wanting to write that kind of story.

How did you go about your research?

Some research I did online, but it is not always reliable. I borrowed library books on Australian architecture, horses, fashion history, Sydney history and social history. I researched information on church history in Australia. I also went to a few historical places to get a feel for them. There are so many aspects of life I needed to be sure of!

How do you see the Australian publishing industry now?

To be honest, I don't know a lot about the Australian publishing industry. Unlike many other authors I did not spend years and years submitting manuscripts, which probably would give a great deal of learning. So, I feel like a newbie and as such I am just learning what is 'out there'. I am very grateful for the opportunity I have been given, however, and I am sure other authors would find the same opportunities.

Amanda, your story is somewhat unique. But then The Game is a unique novel.

Do you have any tips for historical fiction writers?

Read. Read history books and learn your period well. Read journals and letters written by real people who lived in that time. Read other novels set in that period too, which give you a good feel for the setting.

Are there any programs or events you would recommend to budding authors?

Go to writers conferences. There is so much to be learned by others with more experience. Join a writers' group like FaithWriters, where you can hone your craft and have others critique your work.

What would you say is the most important message to help a new writer gain publication?

Firstly, work hard on improving your craft. Get lots of feedback on your work, and not just from family and friends. Then it is a matter of being persistent and not giving up. A rejection letter does not mean the end.

What are the themes running through your work?

I love to show the grace of God at work through my writing. And romance...I am a sucker for a good romance.

Tell us something about The Game.

The Game is an historical romance set in the 1840s in the Sydney/Paramatta area. My leading man, Jack Fordham, thinks that love is a game. Unfortunately he has to learn that it is not a game—the hard way. Many readers have told me how they have fallen for this loveable rogue--that's the kind of guy he is. But, the woman he has his eye on will not have a bar of him because he doesn't share her faith. Poor Jack! You will have to read The Game to see how his story unravels and whether he gets the girl in the end or not.

Thanks, Amanda. We look forward to the next book!

Amanda's book is available through Arkhouse Press at http://www.arkhousepress.com/shop/arkhouseau/shop-search.php

Wendy

WORD WRITERS FAIR, CALEB AWARD

The winners for the inaugural CALEB prize for Australasian inspirational will be announced shortly here:-

http://www.omegawriters.com/calebprize.html

We will be interviewing one of the winners, so keep posting comments for your chance to WIN A FREE COPY of The Game by Amanda Deed, WINNER of the FICTION category, coming up next.

The Word Writers Fair was packed with interesting seminars, loads of great books to ferret through and plenty of sparkling conversation.

http://www.thewordwriters.com/authors.html

There was a look at self publishing by well-known authors Meredith Resce, Jeff Townsend and a new author, Liz Curtis. Anne Hamilton gave a fascinating look at fantasy publishing. Mary Hawkins led us through the mysteries of romance writing. Paul Clark gave a witty rendition of writing for children, Janet Camilleri and Nola Passmore showed and insider’s view into writing for magazines, Coralie Buchanan spoke on writing non-fiction, Kerry Townsend covered time-management and Jo-Anne Berthelson helped all stay focused. Aleesah Darlison surprised everyone with the ins and outs of marketing books.

Manuscripts were assessed by Jeff Townsend, Deb Porter and myself and I for one felt privileged to get a sneak peak into some great emerging talent.
Deb also gave an insight into the workings of digital books which will be on every Queensland school desk soon with the advent of the IPAD for schools.

Rochelle Manners gave an overview of the Australian publishing scene. Two of Rochelle’s company’s authors were represented in the awards—Andrew Landsdowne and Paula Vince, both finalists. HSM were also represented with Rosie Boom and the Psalmscapes team. Well done on both scores.