CALEB Award Review | The Elusive Miss Ellison by Carolyn Miller

Review by Iola Goulton @iolagoulton

Omega Writers is a Christian writing group serving Australian, New Zealand, and South Pacific Christian Writers. They held their annual writing conference the last weekend on October, in Adelaide, South Australia (and you can read my recap post here).

One much-anticipated part of conference is the Saturday night award ceremony for the CALEB Award. CALEB stands for:

Christian Authors Lifting Each others' Books

This year, there were four categories for the CALEB Award:

• Published Fiction (romance or romantic elements)
• Published Non-Fiction
• Published Children's Fiction
• Unpublished Young Adult Fiction

The winners were:

• Grand Prize and Published Children's Fiction: Penny Reeve for Camp Max
• Runner-up and Published Fiction: Carolyn Miller for The Elusive Miss Ellison
• Published Non-Fiction: Jen Gibbs for SHE: A Journey of Faith, Hope & Love with Women of the Bible
• Unpublished Young Adult Fiction: Susan J Bruce

Over the next few weeks, we're going to be reviewing the three winning books as well as more recent releases from these three wonderful ladies.

Andrea Grigg has previously reviewed The Elusive Miss Ellison here at Australasian Christian Writers, and you can click here to read her review.

And here's my review (previously published at Iola's Christian Reads).

The Elusive Miss Ellison is everything a good Regency romance should be: it’s consistent with the writings of Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer, and features plenty of wit and sparkle in the dialogue, especially that of the titular Miss Lavinnia Ellison. She reminds me of a combination of Austen and Heyer heroines, and there is a definite nod to the BBCs Ehle/Firth version of Pride and Prejudice in terms of the characters.

The plot isn’t P&P (thankfully), but again has echoes of Austen. 

The big difference (improvement) is that The Elusive Miss Ellison is clearly Christian fiction: Livvie is a minister’s daughter with a real faith in God, and unwilling to be romantically involved with any man who doesn’t share her faith. Especially not the man she holds responsible for the death of her beloved mother, and who appears to hold too little regard for the wellbeing of his tenants.

Nicholas obviously has his own personal and faith journey, and I think his is the stronger story—he’s the one with the obvious character faults which need to be changed through the influence of a good woman. And perhaps her love as well ...

I’m a big Regency romance fan, so very much enjoyed the authentic Regency voice and attention to detail. Some of the writing was a little shaky, and the pacing was somewhat uneven. Parts of the novel sparkled with wit, but others felt as though the sparkle had been scrubbed out.

I’ll be keen to read the sequel, The Captivating Lady Charlotte (love the title!). Recommended for fans of Christian Regency romance.

Update: Carolyn now has six novels published, and I've read them all. She gets better with each one.

Thanks to Kregel and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.

You can read the introduction to The Elusive Miss Ellison below:

Five Tips to Getting the Most out of Conference

By Iola Goulton @iolagoulton

Last week I offered some tips for those of you who aren't able to make it to the Omega Writer's Conference, which is being held this coming weekend. We have over 80 people registered, including over 30 first-time attendees, which is fantastic.

This week I have some tips for those of you who are attending the conference, especially first-timers. We want you to enjoy the experience, learn a lot, and come back next year!

1. Believe in Yourself

Many of the people at the conference are Real Actual Published Authors. You know, with books you can buy from the bookstall*. It can be intimidating. That voice inside you might say you're not meant to be at the conference with all these real actual published authors because you're not a published author. The voice will tell you you're not a proper writer (it took me three conferences and hundreds of blog posts to admit I was a writer).

Don't listen to that voice.

That voice is lying to you.

You need to believe in yourself and believe in God, who has put you here and made it possible for you to attend conference.

True story: I wasn't going to attend conference this year. My son turns 16 on Thursday, and I wanted to be home for his birthday. I checked the flights to Adelaide, and I was going to have to leave on Thursday afternoon in order to get to Adelaide in time for the conference bus. I didn't want to do that.

Then Raewyn asked if I'd speak. I said no, and told her about the flights. She said she'd pray something would change that would make it possible for me to attend.

I checked the flights again ... and found Air New Zealand had added new flights to their schedule which mean I can leave home on Friday morning and arrive in Adelaide in time. I can only conclude God wants me at conference this year.

Yes, this is a Christian conference. Most attendees will be Christians. Including you. If you're a Christian and you've signed up to attend a Christian writing conference and you have the time and the money to attend, then I'm going to take a leap of faith and say you asked God about whether you should sign up for conference.

You did sign up and the world hasn't yet ended. I'm going to take that as a sign God wants you there. You should as well.

And if God wants you there, you need to ignore whatever that other voice is telling you and focus on God's voice. He wants you there. Why? Who does He mean for you to connect with? Who does He intend for you to encourage? What does He intend for you to learn ... and apply?

*Yes, there is a bookstall. Bring money :)

Now let's move onto some of the more mundane things ...

2. Pack Right

If you're wondering about what to pack, then I'd suggest reviewing the post I wrote last year: Omega Writer's Conference Packing Tips. The only thing I'd add is that I'm not sure what the weather will be like in Adelaide, so it might be a good idea to plan to dress in thin layers so you can regulate your temperature.

3. Meet Your Host Group

We will again be having host groups, with an introductory session on Friday, and host group sessions on Saturday and Sunday. The purpose of the host groups is to enable you to connect with other writers in your genre for fun, fellowship, and support. I'll be leading a host group, and my list seems like a mix of first-time and previous attendees.

Do attend your host group meetings. It's a great opportunity to meet and connect with others in a smaller group.

4. Embrace Your Introvert

You might be an introvert. Many writers are. I am ... although you might not believe that when you meet me. I can't speak for everyone, but this weekend is my one chance each year to meet face-to-face with people I normally only see in a Facebook thumbnail. I spend the weekend laughing and talking and extroverting, then come home and hide in my cave until Christmas (when family commitments require I extrovert again).

Don't let the faux extroversion put you off. Many writers are introverts. We have more than our introversion in common—we're all writers, we're all Christians, and (I hope) we're all readers. So if you're stuck for something to talk about, talk books.

(And if you want to talk to me, please do. Interrupt me if necessary. I don't bite.)

And if you are an extrovert? Great. Get out there and talk books with the introverts.

5. Ask Questions

If you have any questions, ask. Ask the presenter. Ask your host group leader. Ask one of the people in the attractive Omega t-shirts. We're here to help!

Or leave a comment below and I'll find the answer!

About Iola Goulton

Iola Goulton is a New Zealand book reviewer, freelance editor, and author, writing contemporary Christian romance with a Kiwi twist. She is a member of the Sisterhood of Unpronounceable Names (Iola is pronounced yo-la, not eye-ola and definitely not Lola).

Iola holds a degree in marketing, has a background in human resource consulting, works as a freelance editor, and has recently introduced an Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | Twitter

It's Conference Time

It’s conference time!

Over the years, Omega Writers conference has continued to grow and develop as a highlight for Australasian Christian writers.

 This year we are in Adelaide, South Australia, and there are a host of new South Australian delegates signed up to take part in our offered workshops and presentations. 

Writing can be a lonely place sometimes, where our main company comes in the form of imagined characters. Coming back to reality after a day of adventure, danger and romance in interesting places, can sometimes be a bit of a thud. Family members (who do not share the thrill of writing) often don’t understand that sense of satisfaction a writer feels after having crafted a whole scene inclusive of drama, dynamic interaction and magnificent detail. Some non-writing family members might be dismissive of their loved-one’s literary efforts, wondering if it is just a huge waste of time. After all, it is a rare member of our ranks who will break into best-selling status, where their writing is in hot demand and likely to bring in a sensible income. The rest of us write because of our passion to write, and often times it is a glorified hobby that may end up costing us money.

So when we begin to build relationships with other writers, connecting particularly with those who write in a similar genre and medium, it is like finding—in the words of Anne of Green Gables—a kindred spirit. 

Some kindred spirits here - Fiction writers and friends

Over the years, I have found those kindred spirits in our ranks of Omega members, and I truly love catching up with them at conference time.

 This year, I am super excited to meet some members of a new class—our screenwriters. I have been part of Omega Screenwriters for the last number of years, yet we have never had opportunity to meet face to face. For me it is exciting to see another medium of writing and production finding a place in our conference.

Have you registered yet? Don’t miss out on our once-a-year focus-on-your-gift fest. You will meet new literary friends, and you will get heaps out of the planned workshops. If you write fiction, non-fiction, children’s stories, young adult fiction or if you are a screenwriter, there are presentations designed just for you. Added to this, there are focused sessions on marketing, for those of you who have your product ready to launch. Getting it into the hands of readers is your next big challenge.

For information on all of our presenters and workshops, please visit the Omega Writers’ website:

http://www.omegawriters.org/conference-presenters-2018/

I look forward to meeting you (if you’re not one of my kindred spirit buddies already). If you have not yet registered, now is the time to do it. Register here.

Many blessings

Meredith Resce

President

Omega Writers Australasia

www.omegawriters.org

It's conference time!

Omega Writers Australasia will be meeting this coming weekend for their annual conference, and it is set to be a great weekend meeting our writing friends from around Australia and New Zealand, and engaging in some first class learning with our conference speakers.

We are thrilled to have had a number of businesses join us as partner sponsors, and as a result we have been able to bring in a couple of sought after speakers who I know will bring another level again to those of us who have been writing in Australia for many years.

Added to this, we will have the CALEB Prize awards evening, where we will recognise Australasian Christian writers in different genres. Our partner sponsors have generously contributed towards the prizes that will be awarded to our winners.

I would like to take a moment to mention some of our partner sponsors, and ask that you would consider them if you are in need of this sort of service:

Tabor College – Education in creative writing

Ingram Spark – Self-publishing and Print on Demand specialists

Book Whispers – Writing and self-publishing assist specialists

Finesse Writing Services – Writing and self-publishing specialists

Breath of Fresh Air Publishing

Cam Print – Screen print and embroidery for t-shirts, corporate wear and caps

Simon Malcolm Productions – Video production specialist

Rosanna White – Graphic designer specialising in book covers

Christian Super – Superannuation specialists

Christian Editing Services – Professional and respected editor

Details for all these partner sponsors can be found on OmegaWriters website 

I hope to see many of you at the conference, and that you will enjoy the workshop streams that are being offered. If you have been unable to make it this year, the good news is that it has already been booked in again for next year. This time we will be headed to beautiful Adelaide, South Australia, and now would be a good time to make a plan to join us in twelve months time.

I have only just finished up a skype session with our Omega Screen Writers group this evening, and we have talked about trying to introduce a new stream to next year’s conference especially for writers of screenplay.

Don’t forget that there are writing chapters functioning around the country, so if you’d like to get together with other writers and can’t wait until October next year, look up the groups that may be functioning in a place near you.

http://www.omegawriters.org/meet-other-writers/

As always, I like to remind members of Australasian Christian Writers and Christian Writers Downunder that Omega Writers continues to function because we have financial members. If you believe in the work that we do, and the services we provide, I would encourage you to consider becoming a financial member. There are benefits to be had. More information on this is on our website.

I would like to take this opportunity to bless you in your writing journey, and pray that you will continue to grow in God and as a writer.

Best regards

Meredith Resce

President

Omega Writers Australasia

www.omegawriters.org

Hurrah for Omega Writers

Hurrah for Omega Writers!

Does that sound a bit like Enid Blyton’s Famous Five? Perhaps, but ‘hurrah’ sounds like the best word to use on this occasion. 

Omega Writers as an organisation of Australasian Christian writers is steadily gaining momentum every year, and this year is no different. I need to catch you up on how things are progressing, and encourage you once again: if you are not yet a member, jump on board and invest in this venture whose purpose is to benefit you in as many ways as we can think of. Please click here to re-watch the You Tube video that will tell you why. (NB there has been a small increase in membership since this video was made).

OMEGA WRITERS CONFERENCE 2017

It’s happening! Our conference committee have been pulling together a brilliant program for writers, editors and publishers to be a part of, and it is my job to get you to go to the website and take a look. Don’t miss out on this opportunity. You will get great professional input, collegial encouragement, opportunity to connect with publishers and editors and fellowship that is on a level that relates to YOU – the writer. We can go to church all year and mix with other Christians, and this is lovely, but how often do you get to really connect with Christian writers – you know, those crazy people who think like you do, in terms of plot, character, narrative and story idea. It is something that will fuel you, and I can’t encourage you enough to hop online now and at least see if it is possible for you to attend.

EARLY BIRD RATE ENDS NEXT WEEK!! Now is not the time to procrastinate people!

Oh, and we have not one, but two international speakers lined up alongside some outstanding Australasian speakers and workshop facilitators. 

Click Here for more details about how to register

Click Here for more details about the speakers

Now, lastly, but most importantly, I need to tell you about this year’s new initiative. Some of our volunteer team have been contacting businesses and organisations to see if they would be willing to partner with us in the promotion of Christian writing in our region. I am pleased to say that we have eight partner sponsors so far, with the possibility of more. (If you have a small business and you’d like to sponsor, send me an email and I’ll send you the sponsorship proposal package to consider).

What I would love you to do is to click onto our website and check out our official sponsors.

We have a screen print and embroidery business – Cam Print – who has sponsored, so if you’re looking for t-shirts, ball caps, aprons or letter jackets with your logo, Cam Print will help you Australia wide.

We have video producer – Simon Malcolm Productions – on board as a partner sponsor, so if you’re looking for a video promotion, corporate training video or any audio video need, go to their website and check them out.

We have editorial, design and publishing-assist businesses who have sponsored, including Christian Editing Services, Book Whispers, Finesse Writing and Editing, Breath of Fresh Air Publishing and an American design company, Roseanna White Designs. Please, please, please check out their websites and see if they offer something that will suit your needs.

There are a couple of other minor sponsors as well who have decided to support Australasian Christian writing – Eastern College and Focus on the Family.

Please support us by supporting our partner sponsors.

Click here to check out all the web links.

There is much more happening with Omega Writers: The Caleb Prize awards evening looks like it is going to be a great night of celebration and entertainment.

I have also been liaising with one of our major booksellers to see if they would visit our conference and meet some of our more prominent published authors and publishers.

There have been some great chapter events held around the country, and it is great to see this groundswell of Christian writers who are forming friendships and networks. 

So in summary:

1. If you’re not yet a member, help us support you by supporting us with financial membership
2. If you haven’t registered for this year’s exciting international conference, now is the time!
3. Please support us by supporting our partner sponsors – check them out here.

Blessings to you all and can’t wait to catch up with you late October.

Meredith Resce

Omega Writers Australasia President

Author - www.meredithresce.com

Writing ~ A Lifelong Learning Process

By Narelle Atkins

I started writing my first book last century. Fourteen years later I sold that book to a traditional publisher in a six book deal. My writing apprenticeship of fourteen years is long by today's standards.

A debut author has options in 2017 that didn't exist when I started writing. They can pursue traditional publishing opportunities or independently publish their first book. Both options are legitimate. The wisdom lies in an author discerning which publishing path (traditional, indie, or hybrid) is best for their writing career and whether or not their book is ready to be published.

Writing quality matters. In many ways it matters more in 2017 than it did last century. The book market is saturated with books that aren't going out of print. The supply of new print, digital, and audio books available for readers to purchase or borrow increases every day. Millions of books are available online. Readers are no longer limited to reading what's available on the shelf in their local book store or library. The best quality books will stand out in a crowded market where word of mouth marketing sells books.

My fourteen year writing apprenticeship was largely spent on two key things. Firstly, I invested time and money in learning the craft of writing. I took writing classes, read craft books, attended writing conferences, worked with critique partners, and entered unpublished writing contests.

Secondly, I learned how to write a marketable contemporary Christian romance that attracted the interest of an editor at a publishing house. Both of these endeavours required skills that aren't born from natural talent. A writing career requires persistence, hard work, and a willingness to learn.

The hard work doesn't end when your debut book is published. Marketing and book promotion activities become part of an author's life. Readers who enjoyed your first book eagerly await your second book. And your third book. They want to be wowed again and again by the stories you create.

Writing professional development is a lifelong pursuit for authors. Traditionally published authors have to wow their editor to obtain their next contract. All authors have to wow their readers to inspire them to buy their next book.

In early March I was blessed to have an opportunity to attend a Margie Lawson Immersion Master Class over a holiday weekend. In Canberra. Only a fifteen minute drive from my home. I've wanted to work with Margie for years and I was thrilled that I could fit the Writing Intensive Master Class into my 2017 schedule. The timing was perfect for a bunch of reasons.

Margie Lawson is our international keynote speaker at our upcoming 2017 Omega Writers Conference, October 27-29 in Sydney, Australia.

Have you made plans in 2017 to pursue writing professional development opportunities? Do you have the 2017 Omega Writers Conference dates marked on your calendar? I'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences.

A fun loving Aussie girl at heart, NARELLE ATKINS was born and raised on the beautiful northern beaches in Sydney, Australia. She has settled in Canberra with her husband and children. A lifelong romance reader, she found the perfect genre to write when she discovered inspirational romance. Narelle's contemporary stories of faith and romance are set in Australia.

Website: http://www.narelleatkins.com

Blog: http://narelleatkins.wordpress.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NarelleAtkinsAuthor

Twitter: @NarelleAtkins https://twitter.com/NarelleAtkins