Rebecca Fraser's Blog, page 2
March 11, 2023
It’s Book Launch Time!
It’s Book Launch time! The official launch of ‘Sea Glass’ is being hosted by gorgeous Antipodes Bookshop & Gallery in Sorrento. I’ll be in conversation with my fabulous friend and KidLit superstar Andrea Rowe. Come and join us at 2pm on April 1.
Bookings via this link or scan the code 
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/book-...
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‘Sea Glass’ Makes the Adaptable Longlist!
So, I woke up this morning and yesterday’s news wasn’t just a dream! I’m so incredibly excited and honoured to be on the Adaptable: Turning the Page to Screen longlist with such esteemed company. If I make the shortlist, I’m headed to the Gold Coast Film Festival to pitch my coastal family drama ‘Sea Glass’ (Wombat Books) to film makers, TV producers, and script writers!
My special thanks to Queensland Writers Centre for delivering this awesome opportunity to Australian writers, and to Screen Queensland for their support.
Extra special huzzahs to all on the list. Wishing you all the very best of luck. And all the love and gratitude to everyone who’s messaged me and shared the news. You all rock
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February 24, 2023
Reading With a Chance of Tacos Podcast ‘Sea Glass’ Episode
Big thanks to Ken from Reading with a Chance of Tacos for having me on the latest episode of his awesome podcast in which we chat about my writing process and inspiration for my forthcoming middle grade novel ‘Sea Glass’.
I kick in around the 18 minute mark, but make sure you tune in to Hayley the Librarian before that – she’s got terrific insights into current KidLit reading trends.
You can listen to the episode here.
#LoveOZMG
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December 31, 2022
2022: My Writing Year in Review
As writers (indeed, as practitioners of any form of art) it’s often too easy to dwell on what we haven’t achieved, rather than what we have accomplished.
I’m guilty of this. I often raise my creative bar impossibly high, and set myself productivity goals and benchmarks of success that simply don’t align with my work and family life. As a consequence, I’m often left feeling like I’ve failed myself and my art. Silly, huh? I’m working on it.
My two words for 2023 are: Balance and Vitality. I aim to use their themes to underscore all aspects of my life this year, and help guide my intentions and mindset.
Many writers post a list of their ‘year in review’ and I think it’s a great way to overthrow any negative feelings you might hold about your personal output. You might not have set the world on fire (according to your own goals), but you’ve written, damnit! And maybe, along the way, and in between the rejections, you’ve had a few wins, in whichever shape they take.
As we move into 2023, my creative advice is simply this:
Be bold. Be patient. Be kind. Share. Do not compare yourself to others. Remember, a high tide raises everyone’s boat.Make the art you love, regardless of whether it’s deemed ‘commercial’ enough. Writing to a trend or market when it’s not your jam does not a happy writer make. When you attempt to shoe horn your work into a space and place not carved from authenticity it will also show in your writing. HAVE FUN. With that said, below is my 2022 Writing Year in Review. Despite my inner critic telling me otherwise, it’s actually been a very positive year.
Why not make a list of your writing activity from 2022? Even if it’s just a word count. You’ll be surprised at what you’ve achieved.
Happy New Year to you all, and of course happy reading, happy writing, and happy days for 2023.
Awards and Honours
Finalist – Ditmar Awards – Best Collected WorkFinalist – Ditmar Awards – Best Novella / Novelette Finalist – Aurealis Awards – Best Fantasy NovellaFinalist – Australian Shadows Award – Long Fiction Category
Finalist – Australian Shadows Award – Poetry CategoryHonourable Mention – Dishlickers – Mornington Peninsula Shire Mayor’s Writing Award
Residencies
Two-week Police Point Artist’s Residency, Point Nepean (Mornington Peninsula Shire)
Contracts
Middle Grade Novel Sea Glass – Wombat Books (Release date: March 1, 2023)Middle Grade Novel Jonty’s Unicorn – IFWG Publishing Australia (Release date: November, 2023)Publications
Short Fiction
Fawdaze ‘From The Wasteland’ Anthology, PS Publishing
Poetry
If I Touch You, You’ll Know Nightmare Fuel MagazineThe House Contrition Built Midnight Echo #17, AHWAHouse Spectral Realms, Hippocampus PressArticles
Gateways to Horror: Defining Books that Sparked a Love of Genre Aurealis Magazine Issue #151
Writing Life and Community
Ambassador, Australia ReadsVice President, Peninsula Writers’ ClubCo-Director, Little Stories, Big IdeasThe Numbers!
Pitches: 3 Submissions: 17Rejections: 48Competitions Entered: 4 Grants/Residencies Applied For: 3 (no cigar, dear reader!)Books taken to acquisitions: 1 (no cigar, dear reader!)New Manuscripts completed: 2Works rewritten on request: 1 (no cigar, dear reader!)
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October 25, 2022
Writer in Residence Reflections: Police Point Shire Park
This month I had the privilege of spending two immersive weeks as Writer in Residence at Police Point Shire Park in Portsea, Victoria. The opportunity formed part of my prize for winning the 2021 Mornington Peninsula Shire Mayor’s Writing Awards for my short story Due South.
The Mornington Peninsula Shire’s Artist in Residence program has hosted over 100 Australian and international artists since its conception, providing a location rich in history, cultural heritage, and stunning natural assets
Cottage #4 was my home and workspace for the duration of my residency—a delightfully maintained residence with a history dating back to the 1850’s. You can read more information about the history of Police Point here.
And what a gift this little cottage was, not only for the time and space it provided to focus on my latest work in progress, but also for its peaceful stillness in a location that is and of itself a work of art.
I felt inspired and encouraged by all the creatives who came before me, and all those who will follow. I enjoyed sitting with my work and chatting with my characters, trusting them (and myself) to know what they’re doing, and allowing myself the freedom to move forward with a productive first draft of my contemporary Australian middle grade novel Tiger Girl.
I also clocked up the bushwalking miles as well as the writing miles. I made friends with multiple echidnas while sunset strolling. I’ve said g’day to magpies and blue tongues. I took joy in observing the newly-hatched plover chicks under the fierce protection of their proud parents, and I watched the sun rise over London Bridge, feeling like the only person Earth. The solitude and the setting of this Residency has been the greatest blessing.
My greatest thanks and gratitude to Mornington Peninsula Shire for this invaluable creative opportunity.
* The Mornington Peninsula Shire Mayor’s Writing Award is a collaborative initiative with Peninsula Writers’ Club. My thanks to both for such a notable inclusion to our literary landscape. My story Dishlickers received an Honourable Mention in the 2022 awards, which you can read it here.
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October 16, 2022
Triple Award-Nominated ‘The Little One’ Available to Read for Free – Limited Time
It’s been five years since my first book was released with IFWG Publishing Australia and to celebrate, my novelette ‘The Little One’ has been made available to read for free for a limited time.
‘The Little One’ was shortlisted for an Australian Shadows Award, an Aurealis Award, and a Ditmar Award, and I’m so pleased it’s been a bit of a happy hit among readers.
‘The Little One’ forms part of my award-nominated collection ‘Coralesque and Other Tales to Disturb and Distract’, so if you like what you read…well, hey, there’s more where that came from! 
‘Coralesque’ is available through all your favourite bricks and mortar and online booksellers.
Click here to read The Little One for free.
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September 25, 2022
‘Honourably Mentioned’ in the 2022 MP Shire Mayor’s Writing Awards.
What a wonderfully welcome way to wrap the week! As I started thinking about packing for my forthcoming two week writing retreat as Artist in Residence at Police Point Cottages, which formed part of my prize for winning the 2021 Mornington Peninsula Shire Mayor’s Writing Award, I learned some exciting related news. My story ‘Dishlickers’ received an Honourable Mention in this year’s Mayor’s Writing Awards!
Congratulations to the winners and entrants across all categories. Big thanks to judges Mornington Peninsula Shire Mayor Cr Anthony Marsh, and award-winning author Garry Disher. My gratitude to Peninsula Writers’ Club and Mornington Peninsula Arts and Culture for making this competition a notable inclusion to our literary landscape, and of course to our amazing local bookstores for their generous sponsorship, Farrells Bookshop, Antipodes Bookshop and Gallery, Petersen’s Bookstore and Rosebud Book Barn.
If you would like to read my entry, along with the other amazing stories, you’ll find them all here: https://shape.mornpen.vic.gov.au/…/2022-mayors-short…
The post ‘Honourably Mentioned’ in the 2022 MP Shire Mayor’s Writing Awards. appeared first on Rebecca Fraser.
‘Honourable Mentioned’ in the 2022 MP Shire Mayor’s Writing Awards.
What a wonderfully welcome way to wrap the week! As I started thinking about packing for my forthcoming two week writing retreat as Artist in Residence at Police Point Cottages, which formed part of my prize for winning the 2021 Mornington Peninsula Shire Mayor’s Writing Award, I learned some exciting related news. My story ‘Dishlickers’ received an Honourable Mention in this year’s Mayor’s Writing Awards!
Congratulations to the winners and entrants across all categories. Big thanks to judges Mornington Peninsula Shire Mayor Cr Anthony Marsh, and award-winning author Garry Disher. My gratitude to Peninsula Writers’ Club and Mornington Peninsula Arts and Culture for making this competition a notable inclusion to our literary landscape, and of course to our amazing local bookstores for their generous sponsorship, Farrells Bookshop, Antipodes Bookshop and Gallery, Petersen’s Bookstore and Rosebud Book Barn.
If you would like to read my entry, along with the other amazing stories, you’ll find them all here: https://shape.mornpen.vic.gov.au/…/2022-mayors-short…
The post ‘Honourable Mentioned’ in the 2022 MP Shire Mayor’s Writing Awards. appeared first on Rebecca Fraser.
July 18, 2022
New Book Signing: ‘Sea Glass’ with Wombat Books
I’m thrilled to announce my middle grade novel ‘Sea Glass’ has been signed by long-established Australian publishing legends, Wombat Books.
Here’s what you can expect…
When eleven-year-old Cailin’s mother takes a contract job on Victoria’s eastern coast, Cailin’s holiday plans are ruined. Worse, they’re staying at her estranged grandfather’s shack at Whitefoam Cove. Cailin barely remembers him, let alone knows him.
Grandpa doesn’t have Wi-Fi, and his television is older than him. Memories of her father are everywhere and, to make matters worse, she’s left her cricket bat at home. How will she make the team now? And how will she keep in touch with her best friend, Josie? It’s going to be the worst summer ever.
But life with Grandpa proves to be anything but boring. There’s treasure to be found at Whitefoam Cove! But just when cricket-mad Cailin and Grandpa finally feel like they’re making a connection, disaster strikes…and Cailin knows it’s all her fault.
Sea Glass is a coming-of-age family drama for readers aged 7-12 that explores how, despite difference and disaster, a generational gap is bridged. This contemporary Australian middle grade novel celebrates the importance of family and environment…and proves you’re never too old to go treasure hunting.
Sea Glass is due for a November 2022 release. Click here to pre-order your copy.
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June 20, 2022
StoryCraft Creative Writing Workshops Turns 5!
This month StoryCraft celebrates its Fifth birthday! It’s hard to believe that five years have passed since I first launched my creative writing workshops…and what a ride it’s been! I’ve had the great privilege and pleasure of helping children and adults explore their creativity, hone their craft, explore different narrative techniques and literary devices, achieve publishing success, finish first drafts, dare to dream, write fearlessly and from the heart, and – most importantly – develop the confidence to give themselves permission to write.
I’ve lost count of the aspiring authors and budding writers I’ve workshopped with along the way, but each and every workshop has been a pleasure to present, each, with its own unique energy – and that’s down to you. Thank you to every participant (new and return) who has entrusted me to nurture their creative souls.
I’ve presented at festivals, mainstream schools, libraries, writing groups, community centres, home schools, book stores, one-on-one mentoring, online and outdoor spaces. I’ve been fortunate to have many supporters and collaborators along the way, and my special thanks go to Mornington Peninsula Libraries, Mornington Peninsula Arts and Culture, GATEWays, Mount Martha House Community Centre, Peninsula Writers’ Club, Little Stories Big Ideas, Andrea Rowe, Peninsula Cultural Collective, Antipodes Bookshop & Gallery, and so many more!
So, what’s next for StoryCraft? Well, like many businesses, StoryCraft took a bit of a Covid hit. While I presented some workshops online, many – from home schoolers to work-from-homers – had screen fatigue. Additionally, with physical workshops continually having to be cancelled or rescheduled as lockdowns rolled on, it was quite a challenge to keep continuity tracking the way it had been in pre-covid times. Now, while normalcy – or this new edition of it – resumes, it’s pleasing to see confidence in physical meetups is growing, although many people are still cautious. Add to this an increase in work and writing commitments, and StoryCraft is looking at moving forward in a positive, though altered way.
From the new financial year, I will be available to present workshops and author talks on a pre-contracted basis only. If you are a school, library, festival, community group, writing group, book store, youth group, educational organisation, NDIS service, I welcome your enquiry. You can reach me through the contact form on my website or email rebeccafraserwrites(at)gmail.com
I hope you’ll all join me in blowing out the virtual birthday candles! I look forward to seeing old faces and meeting new ones at an upcoming workshop in the future. Thanks for your continued support of StoryCraft Creative Writing Workshops – it means the world to me,
Rebecca <3
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