grow: to become larger and stronger; to be augmented; to advance; to extend; to wax; to accrue.
~ Oxford English Dictionary ~
SPRING: ENRICH EMERGE DREAM
In September 2009, you could be one of four writers attending the inaugural SEED Writers Retreat. This is an exciting opportunity for you to work closely with professional writers, publishers and agents, each of whom will read your work and offer you personal feedback, as well as sharing their insights into writing and publishing.
The retreat includes:
- daily workshops with Margo Lanagan & Nike Bourke
- detailed feedback
- time to write
- meeting with an agent (Anita Bell)
- meeting with a publisher from University of Queensland Press (UQP)
- meals & accommodation
Industry sessions
You'll also have the opportunity to gain input on your work from both a publisher and an agent, each of whom will read your synopsis and sample chapters, give you personal feedback on your work, and answer your questions about the industry.
Want to know more?
Click on the titles below to read detailed information about the SEED writing retreat ...
KEY DATES
1 May Applications open 1 August Applications close (EOI are welcome before this date) 13 - 27 September SEED Retreat
Staying at OlvarOlvar Wood Writers Retreat is set on 20 acres of bushland in the Sunshine Coast hinterland. Surrounded by native forest, creeks and dams, and with views to the Blackall Ranges, Olvar is the perfect place to escape from the noise and stress of your daily life. The spacious residence is luxuriously outfitted; each of the rooms is appointed with an eye for comfort and beauty. You can learn more about staying at Olvar here ...bookings & EnquiriesTo book your place in the program, please download and complete the booking form. You can submit your completed booking form, with an attached synopsis and extract from your creative work, either by email or by post.
For further details, please contact Olvar Wood:
5445 9222
PO Box 252
PALMWOODS QLD 4555
COSTThe two-week SEED retreat costs $3000.00.
The cost includes detailed feedback on your work from both tutors, the agent and the publisher, all tuition and tuition materials, outings, accommodation, and all of your meals.
Friends of Olvar receive a 15% discount.
QWC, ACTWC and NRWC members receive a 10% discount.
FundingAlthough Olvar Wood does not supply or receive funding itself, you can apply for funding to support your visit to Olvar Wood Writers Retreat through the state-based arts funding organisations listed below. If you are a postgraduate student at a university, you can apply to use your discretionary funds to attend a retreat or workshop. We are happy to provide letters of support or other documentation for your application upon request
writing at olvarDuring your time at Olvar Wood Writers Retreat, you'll be working closely with a small group of dedicated writers. The teaching team will guide you through the process of developing your writing project through a combination of personal feedback, discussion and workshops.
Each day there will be quiet writing time (usually in the afternoon) during which you will have time to apply the new skills you are being introduced to.
Each evening, the group will convene to prepare a meal and talk over the day's writing and workshopping.
At the end of each week, the tutor for that week will join the retreat participants for a meal and an evening of readings before her departure.
The Tutors
In 2009, your writers and tutors are nike bourke (week one) and Margo Lanagan (week two).
ABout nikeNike is the author of the novels The Bone Flute and The True Green of Hope, as well as the children's picture book What The Sky Knows (illustrated by Stella Danalis). She was the winner of the QLD Premier's Literary Award for The Bone Flute, shortlisted for two Children's Book Council of Australia awards, and shortlisted for the Commonwealth Writers Award (Australasia).
She has been a literary judge for awards such as the QLD Premier's Literary Awards, The James Tiptree Jr Award, the Perilous Adventures Short Story Competition.
Nike was awarded a PhD from Griffith University - a Creative Writing and Literature thesis. She has an extensive background as a writing mentor: working with emerging and established writers who wish to improve their craft. She worked within universities for over ten years as a supervisor of postgraduate research degrees in Creative Writing and Cultural Studies (MAs and PhDs) as well as designing and delivering undergraduate courses in literature, cultural studies, research and creative writing.
about margoMargo Lanagan is an acclaimed writer of novels and short stories. Her latest novel is Tender Morsels, which was shortlisted for the 2008 Aurealis Award for Best Fantasy Novel
Margo's short story collection Red Spikes was shortlisted for the Qld Premier's Literary Awards, Australian Short Story, Commonwealth Writer's Prize and longlisted for the Frank O'Connor International Short Story Award. It was a Publisher's Weekly Best Book of the Year and a Horn Book Fanfare title.Black Juice, was a Michael L. Printz Honor Book, and won two World Fantasy Awards, as well as the 2004 Victorian Premier's Award for Young Adult Fiction.
Olvar Wood Writers Retreat. Queensland, Australia