Charles Jenkins "How to write a song"

Writing a song can't be that hard right?  Even if you cannot play an instrument or read music you can write lyrics, hum a tune.  After all thousands of people do it all the time.

Of course this isn't the case, and writing for listening can be just as challenging as other forms.

"It takes an enormous amount of effort to make something seem effortless", Charles says during this workshop, but he also says that "the way to start writing songs is to start writing songs.  Don't wait for inspiration".

Got it.  Just write, there's that advice again, deceptively simple.

Involved in this workshop were primary and secondary students, some local, some travelling from a couple of hours away, as well as the WiA 'kids', and all there were in for a real treat.  Not only was it a fun interactive experience, it was a real treat to see a man break down the barriers of communication.  I am not sure that I have ever seen a more engaged group of students, who enthusiastically got involved in what was asked.


Jenkins broke the ice by telling the audience of his own journey as a musician and writer, with a few chuckles to start it all off.  Then the crowd was into it - writing a song.  Each audience member needed to contribute just one word and Jenkins would write a song.  There were a few curly words, a lot of laughter, but the result was a nonsensical and fun jingle.

Next was more difficult, groups providing rhyming couplets, but everyone once again got involved and there were some pearlers provided to make up the song.  And it was a fun little song.

Of course Jenkins still made it look all so easy, but reminded everyone that to be a good songwriter takes time.  To master writing lyrics one must read lots, and to master a melody one must listen lots.  And maybe learn an instrument or two.  And when you are struggling to finish a song you have started?

"The answer to your song is in our song".

Simple....

As Stars Fall, by Chrisite Nieman- a review

As Stars Fall centres around three teenagers, perhaps typically angst-y, but from untypical circumstances.  Robin, a bird nerd who moves to the city from the Victorian country after a devastating bush fire and the separation of her parents.  Delia, a book nerd, unpopular, intrigued by new girl Robin with her fascination with birds, and who is reeling from the death of her mother. Seth, Delia's brother who is hurting after the loss of his mother.

Nieman writes of the collision of humans against humans, humans against nature, and nature against nature. She weaves into the narrative the voices of the characters with the voices of the birds and the nature that they all occupy.  Using a distinctly Australian voice Nieman discusses the fragility of life and nature, of young adulthood, of parenthood and adulthood.  She switches between the narrative of each character with apparent ease, giving just enough story from each perspective to feed into the next, making you want to keep on reading to find out more.

"Feeling safe enough to feel vulnerable is a really good combination of feelings."

The storyline is at times unexpected, from a perspective that may even shock some readers, but I for one enjoyed reading the story from this perspective.  It glued the story together rather neatly.

   "There were no more falling embers, the fire in our paddock was out, and the big fire in the hills turned back on itself and died right down.  The smoke cleared and the moon came out."

The story manages to capture the depths of despair one can experience just by being a teenager, entwining it with the effects of the tradgedies that bring these characters together, and yet still manages to keep a sense of light throughout, finishing in a satisfying way.  A lovely read.

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Until I went to do this exercise I hadn't realised what reviewing really entailed.  I was excited that I recieved a book to read, and I knew that I had to write some words about it.  But what words?  I did some research on how to write a review...crap.  This could be a bit harder than I thought. Certainly more difficult than just read-then-write.  There is an amount of responsibility - to the author, to the readers of the review and then the potential readers of the book.

It is important to not give the plot away, but discuss the book in an honest manner that perhaps will get someone to read it.  Even if you don't particularly like the book it doesn't mean that it should be trashed.  If you love the book you shouldn't be too complimentary, that's not really fair to potential readers either.  Golly.  Talk about the book without talking of the book.  Sheesh.  It's more than regurgitating the blurb.

I read the book, and as I opened to the first pages there was some trepidation of the task, and still not really knowing what I would write about.  I really enjoyed the book, I couldn't put it down, it was a wonderful way to spend an afternoon and evening.  

Overwhelmingly I thought to discussions on ABC Radio National at the Writers Festival with Kirsten Krauth and Jenny Valentish.  Both marketed as Young Adult writers, both saying "Why does it need to be only YA?".  Reading 'As stars fall' I get that now.  I would have loved this book as a young adult, but I think it would have been on a different level to my enjoyment as a 30-something.  And as a 30-something I feel quite qualified to say that this is book that would hold an attraction for a greater age range than only YA.

I have to admit that I have been reticent to pick up YA books as I got older - because they are not meant for me are they?  I have decided that's rubbish though.  Just because it may have characters that are younger, facing situations that I may or may not have already faced - does that mean I shouldn't enjoy reading about it? Of course not.  A well written book is a well written book, and sure it's nice too capture a particular audience, but please publishers, don't dismiss the rest of us.  We like to read good books too - and this is a good book. For any age.  Thanks Christie for writing this.  

The Power of Books

Listening to Jackie French speak, as I did three times over the writers festival, it is easy to get caught up in her enthusiasm for books, reading and literacy. Jackie as a speaker is generous, animated, and inspiring.

 

It all began for Jackie from a young life rich in stories - oral story telling from family, then the magic of discovering Socrates and The Magic Pudding at age seven. This is when she discovered that you didn't need to be "trapped in a box of here and now" and that you can live a thousand lives through books and stories.  Now that is a statement that must resonate with any person who has a love for reading.  Who among us with this love for reading hasn't had an experience of a book 'hangover' from reading something that truly grabs us?

Jackie's theory on what books we should 'allow' our children to read is an interesting one, and one I think could be explored further.  Allow them to read what ever they want - don't limit them to 'childrens books', allow them to extend their reading beyond their 'limitations'.  Why?  Because this is another way we learn, and Jackie's point is most important, this is how we learn about adulthood.  

"Stories are where you can tell the truth to youth" Jackie said.

Telling youth the truth in print, and in a format they can digest, for they will often only take out what they can understand. An enjoyable preparation for the years to come I should think.

"Every child deserves to read," said Jackie "and every child has a magic book".

Just what is that, a magic book?  It is the book that opens the world of reading up, even to a person who thought they would never enjoy reading.  Of course finding that magic book is the challenge, and one way to do that is through libraries.

"Libraries are places of power".

A powerful place full of worlds yet to be explored, stories to discover, and rediscover, and we all should have access to them, and make sure that we do.

 

I must admit Jackie's talks resonated with me on a personal level as I had had discussions with a number of my son's teachers who didn't like that I allowed him to read books meant for older readers.  When I asked "Why not?" I was told it was because he should read at only his level, that he wasn't 'ready' for those other books.  I disagreed with that on many levels - he loved to read but not his school reader because they were 'boring' and not challenging for him; I felt that his reading and comprehension improved from reading more challenging books and I knew this because we discuss his reading; and most importantly he consumes books, he loves them, and I was sure as anything not going to take that away from him!  To hear that my own personal feelings and observations were backed up by an author of Jackie's calibre and children's laureate, well let's just say that is satisfying.

 

Jackie sums it up the best -  "there is nothing more powerful than a book".

Uni news contribution!

In August La Trobe offered new subject Writers in Action (WiA) for students to gain insiders experience at the Bendigo Writers Festival.  Sixty-five students from across the state travelled to Bendigo for the five day intensive course.  Students participated in writing workshops, interviewed Australia’s finest writers such as Jackie French, Michael Robotham, Charles Jenkins and Raimond Gaita.  They essentially ‘wrote’ the festival.

Lecturer for WiA Dr Sue Gillett was overwhelmed by the student response, and was proud of what they achieved.

“They threw themselves into the festival with great gusto, packing in an enormous amount of writing, and it doesn’t look like slowing.  In fact I think we may have grown into a writers club as a result of the subject.  I’m already planning our first joint publication – Writers in Action: a True Story!” said Dr Gillett.

Prior to the festival students were connected by Dr Gillett through various means, including a ‘home’ blog, and social media.  The clever use of social media allowed students the opportunity to ‘virtually’ get to know one another, and exchange ideas prior to the event.  Some students credited this to their feeling welcome within the class and event.

A number of students volunteered to work on their writing portfolios prior to the Festival. They assisted in writing material about both the Writers Festival and the Write on the Fringe Festival, as well as discussing WiA’s role. This was a great way to gain insight into the process of interviewing and writing for journalistic purposes.

“We saw an opportunity to create a buzz prior to the festival so a group of us started writing and we were published in regional papers and many local blogs.’ said WiA student Willa Whitewolf.

The event itself was quite a whirlwind, and students chose which presentations to see based on their own interests.  Although not many students knew each other prior to class starting, they easily identified one another wearing official ‘Writers in Action’ t-shirts.

“The BWF was fantastic”, said WiA student Gena McLean “Not just because of who I saw, but who I was with – the Writers in Action!  They brought fun, meaning and purpose to this event.  I really enjoyed sharing it with them.”

By the end of the festival the 65 students could boast of listening to and meeting with some of Bendigo’s and Australia’s finest writers, all of which contributed to their own writing.

Five writers talk shop

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The five leading ladies talk shop.

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Five of Bendigo’s best female writers will be on show tonight, discussing their careers, writing styles and passion for the written word.The Young Professionals Network will present the free Five x 5 x Five panel tonight from 5pm to 6pm at the Bendigo Library.
WIN news reporter Sarah Lawrence, The Nerdy Birdy author Danielle Wheeldon, Tough Cookie Marketing chief inspiration artist Kathie Bolitho, Country Racing Victoria fashion blogger Penny Holloway, and Bendigo Weekly journalist Christine McGinn will share their experiences in a free panel event.
As part of the Write on Fringe festival, the women will share their work experiences, give insight into the industry and role model who have shaped their career.They will explore various topics such as how they approach their writing and why they are passionate about their work.
These women come from a diverse background of writing platforms from blogging, journalism to writing books.Students and aspiring writers can gain an insight into how varied vocational writing can be, and find out what makes these women tick.
Bendigo Business Council events and marketing coordinator Jacinta Mangan will host the event, posing five questions to our writers about how and why they write.“This is a wonderful opportunity to hear from five successful women and gain insight into their different styles of writing,” Ms Mangan said.
Locals are invited to come armed with questions, be prepared to learn from these successful women, in what is sure to be a fun and informative discussion.To download the festival program, visit www.ypn.net.au.

Blanche d'Alpuget

For the uninitiated there is more Ms. d'Alpuget than that biography and that relationship. She is an accomplished and award winning author, who writes not only biographies but novels.  She is billed as the keynote to open the festival on the Friday night, to talk women and power.  I assume that the talk will be about her novels, and the role of women in writing and in public life.  The talk certainly does go there, but unfortunately it wasn't where the conversation stayed.

As d'Alpuget walked onto the stage with Hilary Harper, she was well dressed, neat and poised.  I won't discuss her looks further and Blanche herself sums up why.  She says that it is a "pain in the arse" that appearance is commented on in the Australian media.  "It has no impact of my writing."  She has a relevant  point - the media is at times ravenous in its need to document and comment on the appearance of any woman of note,  and not only Blanche - think also our first female prime minister whose appearance was commented on ad nauseam.  It is a distraction from real issues, and the real work of women. Men certainly are not subject to this kind of scrutiny, and it is really time to make a stand and move on from this type of commentary.

The talk opens discussing her historical novels, and I am very taken in by her passion and knowledge of history, and writing it into her novels.  As Blanche documents her research and many interesting facts gleaned for her stories I am finding myself feel enthused and wanting to read these novels.  After all, history of the time that The Young Lion and The Lion Rampant is set is interesting.  It would seem that the public would agree, with historical fiction having somewhat of a renaissance itself. The popularity of books such as A Song of Ice and Fire (popularly known as Game of Thrones) demonstrates this. When asked why the interest may be Blanche replies "we are currently approaching a time of incoherent violence", just as in the 12th century, and as demonstrated by George R.R. Martin and many other authors.  The violence we witness in our current news feeds can be distressing, but to read it in a historical context makes it palatable and intriguing.

What d'Alpuget manages to insert into her writing is the power that women held, stating how women could in fact choose not to live under the 'thumb of man', but mostly 'wielded' their power through family - namely through the control or influence of their children.  Some would argue that this is true of today, however I think that the power that women of today can wield can be any of their choosing. The restrictiveness of the last couple of centuries of patriarchy is slowly being stripped away, giving the space for women to once again have power.  

d'Alpuget's says that her latests writings include the powerful Eleanor of Aquitaine, whom she describes as a blend of three modern powerful women, who show their own power in different ways.  

"If you can imagine Gina Rinehart looking like Marilyn Monroe and with Margaret Thatcher’s brain, you’ve got Eleanor.’’  It's an interesting thought that as women we can demonstrate our power through beauty, brains and sheer determinism, perhaps even at the same time.  Does this make us dangerous?  Perhaps, but it is probably time for us to see more of feminine power in all its forms.

d'Alpuget had a tumultuous life of hardship and tragedy, at times abusive, and it is difficult to not have sympathy for the difficulties she has faced, despite the way Australian media often portrays her.  Indeed issues that she has faced have been the end of many people.  It is a testament to her own strength that she has not only survived, but in turn revealed her own power, shown in the written word.  It seems then unfair that she is so often only discussed as an aside to our former Prime Minister, Bob Hawke.  It does a terrible injustice to any person to qualify them through their association with other people, rather than as a person in their own right.  It is due to this that I am disappointed when Ms Harper steers the conversation to discussion of power wielded by men and the political climate, and her association not only with Mr Hawke but Bill Clinton, and the power that other men have had over her in her life.  One cannot deny the rich tapestry of experiences that shapes our lives, but surely we get to a point where what we ourselves do, or have done, counts for more than the people we know, or have met.

In all I found d'Alpuget to be an articulate and surprisingly entertaining speaker.  It was easy to be caught up in her enthusiasm for writing and I look forward to reading her work.  I will leave d'Alpuget with the last word on writing and power, for what she says I hope to be true for the times to come...

"Writers have the power for doing good".

Sue Woolfe, unlocking my creativity since 2014

This workshop may just be one of the most valuable sessions I have been involved in at this festival.  Sue Woolfe created a safe place for us to open our creative minds and I think that she tapped into at least something in all of us that attended.

Firstly, to create this 'safe place' Ms Woolfe made it clear that no-one, not even herself, was going to read what we wrote.  Nothing was to be shared, and personally I found that the most freeing thing.  So freeing that I could almost have happily shared what I did write.

I enjoyed learning that the whole right brain/left brain idea that has been the norm in explaining creative and non creative types for years is not necessarily correct.  To understand creativity is to understand that there is more than one way of thinking and engaging our brain.

My takeaways from the workshop?

* I am not going to write my masterpiece for another 5, 10 or 20 years.  (Well that eases some pressure!)  I am still learning.

* Write with a dialogue first with self, not the audience.  The rest will come with later drafts.

* Find the thing that you almost dare not say, the unsayable thing that no-one else can say like you, and say it.

* De-focus your attention, other wise known as find the lull in your brain.  Creativity comes from "nowhere" so let yourself go there.

* Two ways of thinking: "Tight construing", our regular state of thinking, linear and controlled

                                     "Loose construing", creativity gold, that comes from the 'lull'

               *Ms Woolfe explains that loose construing is where you make your medium, tight construing where you mould or sculpt it.

* If you worry about the purpose, you worry about the outcome - take the pressure off!

* Let all your writing be disconnected, you can connect it all later.

Ms Woolfe gave us the tools for connecting, and in all it was a great practical extension of the just write advice.

In ten or so years time I just may have my masterpiece. Now is the time to go forth and put this into practice, to find my lull, write from my nothing, then create my something.  

Photo: Helen Konstan

What I got out of this years festival

This was my first ever writers festival.  I had no idea what I was getting into, yet I was still excited.  I assumed that I would learn, not sure about what, but learn I would.  I got more out of the festival than that though.

Motivation, togetherness, encouragement, community and a sense of place were the most surprising things that I got out of the festival.  It was exhilarating being around so many talented and enthusiastic people.  I'm not only talking about the presenters and authors but my fellow class mates.  A bunch of really great people with similar purposes, which made for such a supportive environment.  I also felt really supported by the Festival committee, even though they mostly didn't know us by name.  If we were seen around by the committee it was like we were 'in' on this fabulous event.  Amazing!

I loved the fact the no matter who you were at the festival  - from published writer to attendee it was a given that you were one of them.  A writer, a creative person and someone who belonged.  And I believed it too, which is quite something for me.  I was amongst my 'people'.  This allowed me to think creatively in a manner I have never done before, without the shackles of self doubt.  I have been given the tools to write better for university and for other projects.  I have been given the ability to really write for an audience, and for more purpose than I have to.  Now I not only want to write, but I am feeling the need to write.  It's a feeling almost like falling in love, an insatiable need to be near the words, that they have to flow out of me.  Inspiration is striking at many moments and I need to carry around a pen and notepad to write as the words come.

I enjoyed hearing the crowd discuss the sessions they have been to, debating the merits of panels and what was said, what worked and what didn't, discussions fanned from what had been heard within, then further from what others had taken from it.  The whole event was thought provoking, exciting.

From a learning point of view I got some excellent information of crafting the written word, from accessing my creativity to the bones of writing in many different genres.  I was even persuaded that the 'rules' of writing are constantly shifting and changing and to not be a grammar nazi!

I have now a sense of joy that I can associate with writing, a special thing that not everyone can do.  I have a new found respect for those who are lucky enough to write for a living, and an appreciation of how much they share of themselves and their writing at an event such as this.

I am already looking forward to next years event, where I will again be immersed in my 'people'.  Creative types who write, and listen to those who write.  The place where I too am a creative person who writes.

Pinch me

I have to say I am thrilled, the article I wrote made it, complete with that byline that had seemed impossible to get.  

I have been given another lesson in the way journalism and newspapers work.  Unfortunately another story came up, which forced my little piece out of the print verson.  I was just quietly a little devastated when I couldn't find it in the print copy that I almost ripped out of Sue's hands in my eagerness to see my name and words in print.  Luckily it still warranted a spot on the website, and on the homepage no less, and that's quite cool.

Here it is, my first article, complete with byline, as is on todays Bendigo Weekly website.

http://www.bendigoweekly.com/news/five-writers-talk-shop

What an experience!

I have been lucky enough to be asked to write an article to create buzz for a Write on the Fringe event, which is coincinding with the BWF.  This opportunity developed organically through WiA, but it came as a surprise that I would get my first crack at writing an article for a newspaper.  Real life print!  That real life people read!

Monday I sat in on a meeting with the 6 women participating in the Five x 5 x Five event, all about five writers chatting about their careers in writing.  What an amazing bunch of women, and I came out feeling encouraged, motivated and raring to get into more writing - just from the meeting.  I can then only imagine how great their event is going to be.  A bunch of successful women talking about how they got their jobs, varied roles that all involve writing and what makes them tick.  And all of this locally.  Bendigo really does have a lot to offer!

Writing an article on the event and the women is a little daunting, not least due to there being two journalists on the panel, and I really want to do all these women justice.  And get a whole bunch of people there to take all their advice and ideas in, to walk away just as motivated as I have.

I have learnt a great deal from this experience, in interviewing/observing, and in writing articles for print.  I wish I could say that I wrote a perfect article but I did not. That's okay though, as I have been recieving some great targeted advice.  I have had the privilege of gaining experience. I am after all still playing a learning role here, and I am grateful  that my lack of experience is not closing doors. If anything I feel incredibly lucky that I am meeting people who are willing to take me under their wing, to "show me the ropes" in this writing gig.

The mark of every great career beginning, as far as I can glean, is the mentors you find along the way.  Those people who give a chance to the unproven, the learner.  The people who generously share their experience and advice.  These people mould you, and without them a career may not develop at all.

In a couple of days time I get to say- I am published! With a byline! And as so often is the case, the story goes far deeper, and cannot be told on its own. Credit where credit is due to those who help us along our way.

Write, and write some more

As an aspiring writer I know that I am not alone in sometimes finding it a struggle.  Hell, I know that established authors sometimes find it a struggle.  I took a complete break from writing and uni work over the winter break to focus on family time and I do not regret it.  I am now however finding it a struggle to get back into it.  I am a little ashamed to admit that I spent an entire week in front of my computer and I only wrote a couple of hundred words, and not even good ones at that.  I had to admit to my lecturer, (the wonderful Sue Gillett) that I felt I had the dreaded W.B.  Writers block.  Sue gave me excellent advice - just write.  Just do it.  It is something I have heard before, I really should have remembered it.  I read an article today that said that the "just write" advice was a cop out but I do not believe that.  I think that it is great advice.  It is so easy to get overwhelmed by what you could/should write, to write by just letting go really does work.  So I did.  Let's face it, what we write is not carved in stone, we can edit, think some more, and before you know it you have some quality work.  Thanks Sue!

I was lucky enough recently to interview local author, journalist, blogger, many hat wearer (writing triple threat?) Lauren Mitchell and she too had wonderful advice and strategies to share.  In fact she opened up with "Writing takes practise, like anything that’s all it is.  The more you do it the better you will get."  Lauren went on to explain that good writing takes fitness, that you will use that part of your brain and you need to grow that muscle.  I know now that I need to look at writing like it's going for a walk, lifting some weights.  If I don't use my writing muscle it will atrophy, so exercise it I will.  

Here is the plan - writing 'workouts'.  Not all of it will be good, some of it will be great, all of it contributing to my writing fitness.  And I want to be well toned, lets start trimming the fat.

Both Sue Gillett and Lauren Mitchell will be hosting panels and talking at this years writing festival.  View the program here, and book tickets to the festival here.


 

Spoilt for choice!

It has finally been released! The program for this years festival that is, and it is a pearler! So many wonderful authors, speakers, illustrators..I could go on. Am I excited? You bet I am. I am making lists aplenty, trying to figure out who to see.

You see there are so many people to see I can barely choose between one speaker and the next. My goodness, how am I going to narrow this down?  Perhaps I can be in more than one place at once?

While I figure it all out you can find the program here.  Maybe I'll see you there?

Inscriptions in books

I know not every one will agree with me, but I LOVE inscriptions in books. I love opening up a book and being reminded of when, why, where and from whom the book came. It is something I continue with my son, indeed whoever I gift a book to.  It's a beautiful reminder of our own good stories, our life, every time I see one.

I love opening books up in second hand stores to see if they have another story inside them, "To my wife I love you", "Congrats on your new job", "Happy cooking". It makes these books even more special. 

I have a copy of Jackie French's "Diary of a Wombat" which was given to my son by a friend of ours, which she left a message in.  She passed away a few years ago and apart from still just enjoying that book I always enjoy seeing her message.  It reminds me of happy times with her.
I am also a sucker for having an author signing their books.  In grade 5 (1990!) we had Ian Edwards come to our school to promote is book "The Money Eaters".  It was one of the few times I was given money to buy something of my choice, and I loved that he signed it for me.  I still look at that and smile (and still love reading that book!).  As an aside I was lucky enough to have Ian as my year 8 English teacher, a teacher whose efforts have remained with me all these years later.
I am going to be such a dag, but I won't be scared to ask authors to sign my books at the Bendigo Writers Festival, because in the years to come I am going to look back in those books and remember, and smile.

Blogging the Festival

Hi there.  I am a student at La Trobe University, and I am thrilled to be part of the subject "Writers in Action".  This subject is based entirely around the Bendigo Writers Festival, a weekend of writerly goodness.  I am going to be lucky enough to spend the whole weekend at the festival rubbing shoulders with amazing wordsmiths, those local and beyond.  This blog is dedicated to my experiences over the weekend of the festival, but I also plan to do some profiling of authors etc. present over the weekend, and with any luck find enough time to read and review some of the works by attendees.
Find out more on the Bendigo Writers Festival here
Discover Bendigo here 
And on La Trobe here