SCLA seeking new committee members

Published on: July 30, 2012Category: News

The Sunshine Coast Literary Association is appealing to enthusiastic community members to join its Executive Committee for 2012 – 2013.

The AGM will be held on Tuesday, 21 August at 6.15pm for a 6.30pm start in Meeting Room 1, Millwell Road Community Centre, Maroochydore and will discuss upcoming events and elect the new committee.

SCLA President Bryan Ward said the meeting would give community members the opportunity to get more involved in the association by joining the committee.

With all the members of the committee intending to resign from their current positions, the SCLA is calling for interested individuals to fill their roles. Nominations can be made at the meeting or beforehand. Online nomination forms are available in the AGM event listing at www.scliterary.org.

“The leadership committee plays an important role as they are responsible for organising all of the association’s events and activities,” Bryan said.

“The SCLA committee is vital to the future of the association and without a core group of dedicated volunteers the association will cease to exist,” Bryan said.

The AGM is open to all current committee members and anybody who wishes to join on the day; refreshments will be provided.

Formed in 2005, the SCLA provides a pathway for the Sunshine Coast’s aspiring writers and enthusiasts to explore their interests, develop skills and showcase their work. It allows like-minded individuals to exchange ideas and seek advice to develop their abilities.

The association offers regular literary workshops, seminars and events, awards programs and monthly Front Write Up literary performance evenings that provide an opportunity to showcase the talents of members. The SCLA also promotes other state and national writing competitions  that offer successful applicants great prizes and recognition.

“The SCLA is a wonderful resource for Sunshine Coast residents who are interested in honing their creativity in the literary field,” Bryan said.

For more information on beginning your journey as a writer and becoming a member of the SCLA, to RSVP or make a nomination for the executive committee, please email info@scliterary.org, visit www.scliterary.org or phone 07 5450 2690.

Successful local author to share writing experience at SCLA Discussion Evening

Published on: July 5, 2012Category: News

The Sunshine Coast Literary Association will host its next quarterly discussion and presentation evening on Tuesday, 17 July with local author and guest speaker, Richard Marman.

The evening will be held at the Buderim Mountain State School Conference Room, 8-42 Main Street, Buderim (opposite St Marks Church) at 6.15pm for a 6.30pm start.

The evening will feature an author talk from local author and artist, Richard Marman about his writing and illustrating journey, leaving his career as an Air Force pilot behind to pursue his passion for art and literature. With degrees in visual art, creative writing and design, Richard has gone on to publish a number of books including Escape from Fort McCain, The Wealth and A Tale of Two Turtles.

Richard said he was keen to share his knowledge and experience with budding writers, along with his journey into the world of writing and illustration.

SCLA President, Bryan Ward said the discussion and presentation evening, as always, would be a stimulating and interesting night with great and inspiring company.

“The session is held in a relaxed environment and invites community members to join the SCLA for a cuppa, light refreshments and a chat,” Bryan said.

Formed in 2005, the SCLA provides a pathway for the Sunshine Coast’s aspiring writers and enthusiasts to explore their interests, develop skills and showcase their work. It allows like-minded individuals to exchange ideas and seek advice to develop their abilities.

The association offers regular literary workshops, seminars and events, awards programs and monthly Front Write Up literary performance evenings that provide an opportunity to showcase the talent of its members. The SCLA also promotes other state and national writing competitions that offer successful applicants great prizes and recognition.

The night will begin with nibbles at 6.15pm followed by the discussion/2013 brainstorming and presentation from 6.30pm. Entry is free for members and $5 for non-members, payable on the night.

Members and guests are welcome to attend for the opportunity to talk and network with other writers and participate in discussions on the Association program.

The SCLA requests guests to RSVP due to catering purposes via email info@scliterary.org or phone 07 5450 2690. For more information on beginning your journey as a writer or to become a member of the SCLA, please visit www.scliterary.org.

SCLA workshop to guide aspiring story writers

Published on: May 2, 2012Category: News

The Sunshine Coast Literary Association is hosting a new workshop – What makes a good story? – that will explore techniques to help writers make their good stories great.

The workshop will be held at Wallace House, 7 Wallace Drive, Noosaville on Saturday, 19 May from 9.30am to 1.30pm.

SCLA President, Bryan Ward said the workshop provided practical story writing tools and techniques and was designed for writers interested in creating gripping stories either for enjoyment or as a profession.

“These workshops are a great way for aspiring writers to start their journey into the wonderful world of literacy,” Bryan said.

“It’s an opportunity to meet other writers, develop skills for writing and get on-the-spot feedback and answers to your questions,” Bryan said.

Presenting the workshop is Jan Bentley, a published author, former columnist and has an MA in creative writing. She has tutored in a women’s prison, for local community groups and within the human resource and training and development industries.

The workshop will cover some theory but will focus mainly on idea generation and exploring story designs. This four-hour session is suitable for all writers from beginners to those more experienced. Participants can share ideas in a creative, supportive and learning environment.

The Sunshine Coast Literary Association is a not-for-profit association dedicated to nurturing, showcasing and celebrating literary talent throughout the Sunshine Coast region.

The association offers regular literary workshops, seminars and events, an annual writing competition, and monthly Front Write Up literary performance evenings that provide an opportunity to showcase the talents of its members.

The workshop is $50 for members or $60 for non-members. Morning tea will be provided but you will need to bring a pen, paper and your enthusiasm.

Places are limited so be sure to book your spot quickly. Tickets must be pre-purchased by calling 07 5450 2690 during business hours or email info@scliterary.org.

For more information on beginning your journey as a writer or becoming a member of the SCLA, please email info@scliterary.org or phone 07 5450 2690.

Buderim writer’s final book to be launched posthumously

Published on: March 20, 2012Category: News

‘The Poisoned Chalice’ the final book written by Buderim author Barry Corcoran before he lost his battle with cancer in 2010, will be launched by his wife Sheila on Sunday, 25 March.

Barry completed the first draft of the financial thriller just before he passed away. Sheila, together with friends and members of the Sunshine Coast Literary Association, took on the project to complete the book and have it published in Barry’s honour.

Barry, a past SCLA Treasurer and author of ‘The Third Arm’ (2008), had completed the first draft proof read by friend Helen Smith, and was about to start the final process when he became too sick to work on his second manuscript. It was one of his dying wishes that ‘The Poisoned Chalice’ be completed and published.

Thanks the Sheila, Barry’s best friend from Melbourne Kevin Smith and some SCLA members, led by past-president Hari Kotrotsios, the team stepped in to help make Barry’s dream a reality. Kevin came to Buderim and met with Barry in May 2010 and took the manuscript back to Melbourne to check all the locations for accuracy. SCLA members then edited ‘The Poisoned Chalice’ and prepared it for publishing with Zeus publications, who published Barry’s first book.

SCLA president Bryan Ward said he was proud of the work of Barry’s friends in the SCLA to fulfil his wish to complete the book.

“The members have not only honoured Barry, but also shown their dedication to literature,” Bryan said.

“I am grateful that we can now help celebrate the launch of ‘The Poisoned Chalice’ with Sheila and the rest of Barry’s family.”

Sheila said she was extremely thankful that their friends and SCLA members had wholeheartedly supported the completion of the book.

“They ensured the manuscript was completed in a respectful way to honour Barry’s skill as a writer,” Sheila said.

Barry began writing short stories after retiring from a career in finance. ‘The Poisoned Chalice’ is a financial fraud thriller, in the same genre as his previous novel, ‘The Third Arm’.

While the contents of his books are fictional, Barry used to say he was inspired by anecdotal tales he heard through his work. It is a fitting tribute to him.

‘The Poisoned Chalice’ tells the story of forensic accountant Daniel Mulhall who has serious misgivings about the financial operations of the Melbourne-based Children’s Rights Foundation. When he discovers a $350,000 discrepancy, he suspects something illegal is happening, but has to tread carefully. The Foundation’s chairman is an influential member of the church and the accounts are managed by his incompetent sister.

Daniel’s investigations are met with verbal threats, his car is vandalised and the centre’s manager is found dead. Daniel is arrested for carrying drugs in his car and a petty drug dealer is fished out of the bay.

The final threat comes when his wife and son are kidnapped. When Daniel is attacked by thugs and bundled into a car, he misses the second phone call from his family’s abductors.

Desperate to have his family back, Daniel agrees to work with the police. He’ll do anything to get them back, but at what cost?

The launch is open to all of Barry’s friends and family. Copies of the book will also be available for sale at the launch – $25 (cash only).

Otherwise, is you would like to find out more about the book or order your copy please go the Zeus Publications website – http://www.zeus-publications.com/ – and search for Barry Corcoran, or call Sheila on 07 5456 1327.

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