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Lucky Bay

by Louise Allan | Jan 23, 2015 | 0 comments

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Heartfelt congratulations to Stefanie Koen on winn

Heartfelt congratulations to Stefanie Koen on winning The Banjo Prize 2023 with her manuscript ‘Islands of Dreams’. Stef’s manuscript was chosen from hundreds of entries from all over Australia, and the prize comes with publication and a $15,000 advance.

I feel like the proud aunt, as I was lucky enough to read Stef’s manuscript back in early 2022. Straightaway I knew this story would be published one day as she’s a gifted writer and this is a beautiful story.

The book has two timelines. The contemporary story begins with schoolteacher, Tess, flying to Western Australia’s remote Abrolhos Islands in search of answers – both to the infamous Batavia shipwreck and to her personal family crises. The second timeline covers the Batavia’s ill-fated voyage in 1628, when Saskia, a young Dutchwoman, boards Batavia with her family, bound for a new life in the East Indies – only for her world to first collide with Aris Jansz, the ship’s reluctant under surgeon. Tess, Saskia and Aris all carry the baggage of past losses and the uncertainty of their futures. In the most unlikely circumstances, they find qualities that span centuries: faith, acceptance, and love.

Here’s what Anna Valdinger at Harper Collins said about it:

‘… Stefanie’s novel impressed us all with its skillful blend of contemporary and historical storylines, strong writing and a powerful evocation of this fascinating slice of Australia’s past. This is compelling, moving historical fiction in the vein of Natasha Lester and Kayte Nunn and I’m so excited to share it with readers.’

I’m excited, too, and I can’t wait for others to read this beautiful story when it comes out in 2025.

Congratulations, too, to Anna Fursland, another of my mentees, who was shortlisted for this prize. Keep an eye out for this gifted writer’s book in stores one day, too!

@harpercollinsaustralia @annavaldinger @annafursland_writer2 #banjoprize2023 #banjoprize #writingprizes #unpublishedmanuscriptawards

DAY 1/100:⁠ ⁠ And just like that, the end of 2

DAY 1/100:⁠
⁠
And just like that, the end of 2023 is in sight – just 100 days remain, which I’m going to use in the best possible way by embarking on 100 Days of Writing, run by @londonwriterssalon. ⁠
⁠
This is the third year I've joined the challenge, the aim of which is to set a goal for the end of the year and go for it. ⁠
⁠
My goal is to have a complete draft of Novel #3 by December 31. I'm only ~7500 words into this goal, so I'm going to have to smother my desk chair with glue and keep the batteries of my fingers charged.⁠

I have 80,000 words that, if I squint, I could call the bones of a draft. I wrote these words more than a year ago, so I’m excited to revisit them and try to pull them into a flowing story. Somehow. 😜
⁠
Two years ago my goal was to rewrite my novel during these 100 days. I wrote every day, shared a photo on Stories and did it.⁠
⁠
Last year wasn't as successful – I'd had a rocky year and didn't set a goal, nor share photos.
⁠
So this year I’m making a public pledge to write every day for the next 100 days in order to have a full draft of Novel #3 by the end of the year. ⁠
⁠
I'll also share a photo every day as, clearly, both are essential for my success. 😝
⁠
The first photo is of my desk today, and the second is my desk exactly two years ago when I first did this challenge.⁠
⁠
If you want to join the 100 Days of Writing with London Writers Salon, there's a link to their website in my bio.⁠

#100daysofwriting @londonwriterssalon

Quite a few years ago, our younger son was about t

Quite a few years ago, our younger son was about to quit violin due to a rather uninspiring teacher. When I went to pull him out of lessons, the music secretary suggested changing teachers instead. She said they had a new, young teacher who’d reignited a love for music in a number of students who’d been on the verge of quitting.

So my son started learning from Miss Sarina Li, and his joy of music returned. Not only did he love his new teacher, but our whole family fell in love with this vivacious, creative, musical girl, who was a top-notch violinist in her own right.

Roll on 11 years, and Miss Li is now Mrs Davey with a son of her own and launching her own music school. She’s lost none of her vivacity, sense of fun and love of music and kids.

My sons have been involved in creating a ‘Welcome Song’ for her classes – including her old violin student, Sam. (He’s now a classical voice student and you’ll hear him singing on this reel.) My other son, Tim, helped write the score, produce the recording and hold baby Romeo while his mum sang.

I’m thrilled Sarina’s now teaching music to a new generation of children in Perth. If you know of anyone with a baby or pre-schooler who’d love to introduce their child to music, I can’t recommend anyone more highly than Sarina.

Follow her on Insta, @mrsdaveys.music.conservatorium, and message her for more details.

CREDITS:
Song: Sarina & Tim
Recording and Production: Tim
Vocals: Sarina & Sam
Shakers: Romeo

#perthmusiclessons #babymusicclasses #musicclassesforbabies #kidsmusicclass @timclaxton.music @samclaxton03

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