New Committee for 2019/2020
President: Alexandra Williams
Secretary: Gretchen Bernet-Ward
Treasurer: Trudy Graham
Committee: Indrani Ganguly, Di Hill, Barbara Erskine, Pip Sturgeon, Bernadette Ketter.
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The Society of Women Writers Qld (Women Writers Qld) was originally part of the Australian Society of Women Writers which commenced in 1925 and in 1974 each state formed their own organisation.
What is the SWWQ?
The Society of Women Writers Qld Inc is an organisation to provide support for Queensland women who already write, wish to write or are beginning to write. Members do not have to be published writers, although several members have had work published. Published works include children’s books, short stories, history, non-fiction and fiction plus poetry.
What does the SWWQ offer?
The Society of Women Writers provides many forms of assistance and support. At the monthly meetings, there are workshops and talks by recognised Queensland experts with expertise in writing. These range from memoir, poetry, non-fiction, histories of places and a range of aspects of writing.
Every second month, a newsletter, Ring of Bright Water, is emailed to members. In addition, there are also some ad hoc emails that contain information that can’t wait for the newsletter, perhaps connected with competition deadlines and the like.
Where and when do they meet?
Meetings of the Society of Women Writers are held on the second Tuesday of each month, in the Community Room of the Brisbane Square Library, 266 George St, Brisbane, opposite the Treasury Casino, from 9.45 am till 11.45 am, with most members arriving a little early to help set up and to socialise.
The City Library has an internal café. There are several cafés immediately outside the doors. Often members will have a light lunch or snack afterwards.
For our members and guests who have to travel quite a distance, this can be a chance to have a day in town and catch up with people after the morning meeting. Once-a-month lunch and some shopping perhaps? A visit to the Art Gallery, which is just over the bridge on the other side of the Brisbane River, maybe?
If you are interested in learning more about the Society of Women Writers, you are very welcome to attend one of these meetings, introduce yourself, enjoy the meeting and as a result determine whether you wish to become a member.
There will be no pressure. You will be most welcome.
Critiquing of your work with Postal Magazines
Many of us would like some thoughtful critiquing of our work or just some help with our writing journey. To assist all of our members, especially rural and regional members, SWWQ has several critiquing groups which have been traditionally called ‘Postal Magazines’.
Members participating in the Postal Magazines have the opportunity to regularly contribute a piece of their own work – story, poetry or article – to be reviewed by other writers.
Work is sent either via email or in hard copy to the Magazine Editor who compiles each magazine with sheets for critiques, editorial and other helpful communication. As the magazine is distributed around the group, critiques are added and each member has the opportunity to read through the whole magazine and comment on each contribution.
Group Activities
The City Square Library meetings are for the entire group. One on one coaching is not available at meetings.
However, there are arrangements being made for members who meet at the Brisbane Central Library to establish a ‘buddy-system’, where two people exchange and critique each other’s work, handing over the critiques when they next meet in the city.
Membership of the Society of Women Writers.
Click onto the link below for the membership form. Membership to SWWQ is $30 pa, and $5 joining fee. Participating in a Postal Magazine is $5 per magazine per year. We are trialing an EMagazine – so that will be available to members shortly.
Membership Form – MembershipForm 2019 Updated
The Alice Literary Award
The key project is The Alice Literary Award, which is held every two years. In 2018 the Award was held in Victoria. Sally Odgers from Tasmania was the winner.
Dates for 2020