Two months writing and 42 rejections leads to novel film

Fabulous authors with their latest books headed to Orange last weekend for the 2023 Orange Writer’s Festival.

Former executive producer of the Ray Hadley radio show, author Michael Thompson’s first novel How to Be Remembered was written in two months. He had 42 publishing/ agent knockbacks but persevered until one agent took up his book. In a short time, his book headed to book shops in the USA and recently he was offered a film opportunity. Mr Thompson also ran a podcast workshop.

Also in attendance was Adam Courtenay, son of the late Bryce Courtenay, who writes historical non-fiction, Kim Kelly who has published a number of books including The Rat Catcher, Grantlee Kieza (historical nonfiction), and Yvonne Weldon an indigenous writer - of her family story.

Pictured above (L-R) is Central West Libraries MC, Kim Kelly (Millthorpe), Adam Courtenay (Sydney), Grantlee Kieza (Sydney), Yvonne Weldon (Cowra/Sydney), Michael Thompson (Sydney).

Winners of 2023 Banjo Paterson Writing Awards congratulated

The winners of the 2023 awards were presented with their certificates at last weekend’s Orange Writer’s Festival.

Pictured L-R: Kaitlyn Rutledge (Children’s Section), Jonathan Cant (Poetry), Ebony Inman (Children’s second prize), Jenna Poore (Children’s Section 3rd prize), (back)Timothy Guy (Short Story).