Meetup Pro pros and cons

 For me, there were no pros.

You can make your members add more details when they sign up, if you want more details on each member. The problem is, it may make less people join your group if they have to fill in additional details. You will receive all group member's email addresses, although this will only help if you want to build up an email list. Bear in mind, unless they willingly gave their email address to you then they will likely cancel subscription as soon as you send them your first mass email. So, it's possibly a waste.

They give you some random stats about who joined etc., but unfortunately with all Meetup groups, just because they join it does not mean they will attend. So your stats will be so skewed so much that they likely won't be relevant.

The worst part about Meetup Pro is that if you try it out for the 30 days for no cost, you can't cancel it yourself. You have to email the Meetup people and tell them you want to cancel. However, they cancel your entire membership, not just PRO. Then you have to go back and begin your organizer subscription again. 

Too painful to try to try it out until they fix all the bugs.

Cheers,

Mat Clarke.

Create Your Perfect Date!

You've dressed in your semi-finery and you're looking great. Not too flashy, though. Just the right amount so you don't come across as a princess or a player. You have on your best-smelling deodorant. You've toned down your makeup so you look like the person who could easily live next door and you're not showing too much skin. For the boys, you've shaved or shaped your facial hair and you actually brushed your teeth and put on pants! Man or woman, you're looking amazing and ready for your date, but how will it turn out and is it only appearances that matter?

Have a think about what you look for in a person.

Do you go for appearances? 

Is it body shape you're more interested in? 

Their face? 

How they dress? 

Regardless, once it's time to sit opposite your potential partner, it will be what you and they do and say that makes up your mind. As always, your friend's fake-call for an emergency will go off 15 minutes into the date, just in case.

"How are you?"

"Thanks for coming."

"You look amazing."

"How about that weather, huh?"

"Sorry I'm an hour late, but you know . . . traffic."

"I want to make one thing clear: we pay for own food and drinks, ok?"

"I have to head off soon, but 10 minutes should be enough time to chat, right?"

"I just started dating someone else, but thought we could meet anyway."

Try to imagine what the perfect opening line would be that you would like to hear. Got it fixed in your mind? Good. Now imagine your dream person saying that exact line. Be truthful, would you think: this person is exactly who I like. Or, would you think: wow, this idiot is trying too hard.

Have we watched too many movies so we now expect our date to be perfect and blemish-free? Do we give our potential life partner too few minutes before we decide yes or no? Is the decision based on the way they present as we shake hands/hug/kiss? In the past, before the internet, we would have met through friends. Other times we might have met at work or while out and about at a bar or activity. If, say, you were at a friend's barbecue and you were introduced to a friend's friend, you would chat for a while, then observe each other from a distance and decide if you liked them from watching the person's interaction with others. This is often the best way rather than the on-the-spot job interview scenario we currently have in place. In the aforementioned casual easy atmosphere around friends and familiar surroundings, you may have accidentally snorted as you laughed or dribbled food down your chin, yet still there would have been another quality you possessed that your potential partner witnessed that still would have won them over.

If you studied relationships from tribal times you would have uncovered the way children grew up around each other playing, to eventually fall into a relationship with the person they were with most. If there were no matches due to age differences or because everyone was already paired, then the male would go for a wander outside of their tribe to the next or wait until they raided a neighbouring tribe and were able to find a wife that way. It was simple, but limited. Not that the tribal way matters, because we are stuck with the way we all interact with each other in modern times as we walk past hundreds of people each day. It should be simple to find someone when there are so many to choose from, right?

The problem may be that not only are people scared of another person's intentions if they are approached, but if a date does actually take place, we don't want just a good date, we want a perfect one.

The only way to combat your dying need for perfection is to realise that perfection is the worst thing for you. Why? Because something will always go wrong with a relationship, it's up to both of you to work it out and make the relationship stronger. You may have a list of the types of red flags that turn you off. And as you happily realise  this person has none of them, you decide this is the greatest date ever. Fast forward one to three months and your partner exhibits something new you do not like. Are you going to immediately dump them? Are you going to talk about it and work out your differences? It seems that if you are willing to work out your differences down the track, then you might be willing to do so from the start. Especially if the so-called red flags are preferences rather than real obstacles.

If you continue down the path of looking for perfection, you may be in a never-ending cycle of addiction to searching for the best rather than finding what is good. Have a think about your preferences and make sure you know what is reasonable for a potential partner and what is fantasy. In the end, most of the time, if you let your new partner be themselves they'll be everything you need them to be for a strong relationship.

Or, if you must have what you really want because having everything is your birthright, then there is another way . . .

Go to www.friendlyfamiliars.com and search for someone who fits everything you like about a person. The great thing is that the person you eventually meet through Friendly Familiars will make your date/event/activity as great as it can be. It's their job and they are amazing at it! It will give you the opportunity to not only date a 10/10 person, but also to practice your dating techniques so you can be a 10/10 for someone else one day. Enjoy!

Meeting New People and Overcoming Nerves

Just be confident!

How many times has your older sibling or best friend told you to do that just before you went on a date or to a party to meet new people?

Thanks for the advice, but if I could "be confident", don't you think I would have done that by now?

I have no idea how to be someone I do not know how to be.

I can be confident in front of you, that's easy, but what happens when I'm looking confident and someone asks me a question? How do I say the right thing?

I know I'm not normal like everyone else, so I think I'll stay home and crawl into a ball. Thanks anyway.

It's not so easy to know how to act or how to "be yourself" when being yourself is you constantly singing out loud, scratching areas of your body you are not supposed to openly scratch in public, eating with your mouth open while also talking to your cat (who is no doubt plotting to kill you and declare themselves ruler of everything) and wearing clothes that should have gone into the trash before COVID hit. So how do you become the person others want to talk to so you can act like a normal human in front of them?

First, keep singing while you read this article. In fact, go and get that two-day-old pizza out of your fridge, get yourself a glass of wine or beer or both and continue to eat while you're reading and spitting little pieces of food at the screen. It's cool, you're in your own house. Fuck everyone else.

Second, make a boring list of things people generally talk about at these kinds of things you are going to, whether it be to a date or to a party or to a pub where you might start talking to someone cute. The list should be dot points of topics you may have overheard people mention at work or on the train/tram or at a pub, and you thought sounded semi-interesting.

Third, practice with someone. You can practice with your cat initially but then find a human. Possibly that human that told you to be confident. If they're so good at it then they should excel at this, right? Try to remember how other people bring up topics. Choose topics that most people will know at least a little about so you can get them nodding once you start to talk. Also, try to create a question within your topic so others will feel welcome to weigh in (there are going to be people just as anxiety-stricken as you who want something to talk about while not looking like an idiot). Having many topics ready will help you segue into any conversation. If someone talks about the floods in Victoria, you can bring up something like: "El Niño typically leads to reduced spring and early summer rainfall for eastern Australia, and warmer days for the southern two-thirds of the country (no one talks like that, so make sure you change that sentence into something you would actually say). Then say something like: I think it's time to move to Thailand for better weather, hey! When was the last time you went to Thailand?" (if it is a group). If it is an individual, then ask if they have been. If they haven't, ask if they have travelled. If they haven't travelled, don't try to sound superior, just say something like: Melbourne is great, so even if I could move, I love it here too much. What area of Melbourne do you live in? Hopefully the answer is not: You're standing in my house. Who invited you here?

As for the singing out loud and scratching in places people are not supposed to see you scratch, do it anyway if it makes you feel good. Probably don't eat with your mouth open, but do talk to animals. Oh, and a very important bit of information you need to know: Humans are all insane, it's just how well these people have gotten at hiding their insanity from society that makes them all appear normal. No one is proper, calm and confident. If they say they are then they are lying!

Or, maybe you don't need to change yourself. Maybe you can participate in enjoyable activities in Melbourne with a friendly host. 

Does this sound like a better idea to you? 

If so, then sign up with www.friendlyfamiliars.com and find an event you'll enjoy one-on-one. There's so much to do and enjoy that you may as well be with someone who wants to show you the greatest of times in town.

Lonliness, Dating and Friendships

We've all heard the hype about how we need friends and how it can prolong a healthy life. If we have a friend to talk to about our feelings and problems, then we can sort out our stress rather than bottling it up. Well, I want to tell you that being on your own is ok and you should not do what others tell you. You can be just as happy with animals as you can with humans. However, for those who want a human or three in their lives, there is an easier way than nervously asking someone from work to be your friend or date . . .

We live in a time where we want everything now and we don't want to work hard for it. It's normal because humans have been evolving to make their lives easier ever since we created basic tribes. It's why we became pack animals and worked together to create a society where we can depend on one another. 

Go to www.friendlyfamiliars.com to see what they can do for you. It's not a dating site and it's not a friend circle where you meet many people all at once. Instead, it is a way to meet a person who is similar to you and wants to make you feel special. You'll be able to find a friend or date who wants to spend time with you but without the awkwardness of having to create an initial friendship. Someone to spot you at the gym, someone who knows all the best surfing spots, someone to go jogging with after work, someone who will take you on a happy hour afternoon and introduce you to their friends. Someone who gets you, knows your cat's name and appreciates great dining or casual snacks at a foodstand. 

All you have to do is book your new friend for a catchup. Yes, that's it. It's their job to say yes. They are there for you and they want to create a great time for both of you. Starting in Melbourne for now. Yet to expand Australia-wide.

Writers Sauce - WWC - MWS 09-October-2023

 Writers Sauce - WWC - MWS 09-October-2023

Welcome to Writers Sauce. We have one new topic for you to check out and it’s all about writing. See CONTENTS below.

 

Here’s what Christopher Kong said about World Writers Collective:

“Hi Mat - I came across your World Writers Collective site, including your post covering ‘editing tips’.

I’m writing this note to say a big THANKS. I think your site is a wonderful resource, and I really resonated with your comment on the benefit of giving/receiving feedback via writers groups. Despite your evident experience, I appreciate how your sharing comes across as very humble and accessible.

I’ve been working on a piece of creative non-fiction. Look forward to connecting and exchanging more ideas (and writing?) with each other!”

And Sergio about Melbourne Writers Social Group:

Hi Mat, I feel like I should grab you at least a couple of beers and a nice pub meal. It’s the least I can do to say thanks. I have no clue about being a writer and your help has been invaluable.

Kind regards

Sergio

 

Luc, Antonio, Sanjay, Jamie, Jillian, Lisa, Brad, Roger,, Kale, Priscila, Kate, Teja, Mark, Michelle, Bronwyn, Lee, Giles, Graham, Rodney, essie, Forrest, Margot, Aditi, Matt, Kale and Sean are our newest subscribers. We now have 385 subscribers. You’ve joined a great group of writers :)

If anyone would like to invite friends to join us, forward this email to anyone anywhere in the world.

World Writers Collective collaborates together with writers, editors and many other kinds of artists / creatives in all industries. We have actors, directors, illustrators, musicians and screen writers in the one place all eager for you to enjoy their work

Join us as a subscriber or as a writer if you would like your own promotional page on our website. To have a page on our website it costs $20 a year. Included are some minor discounts and the ability to advertise yourself for free to our subscribers.

Everyone who works on this website does so for free.

We would also like to stress that if you can not afford the $20, we would like you as a member anyway. You can pay WWC when you have the money available.

www.worldwriterscollective.com/wwc

 

If you want to add to this email with your own words of wisdom, please let us know. We can also/otherwise add info to our NEWS section on the WWC website.

It’s all done for free and it’s off our own back. Please get involved if you have the time.

Thank you,

Mat Clarke

www.worldwriterscollective.com/mat-carke

 

Contents:

(Look for the *NEW* stamp below for content you haven’t read yet)

 

1. Book Review (more reviews on books wanted)  

2. Writing competitions - suspended until a new manager volunteers

3. Promote your blog

4. James Pletch’s talk on The Benefits of Reading *NEW*

5. The Story Mint: Stylefit

6. Where to Go and Write During Happy Hour *NEW*

7. Writer volunteer Jobs

8. Melbourne Writers Social Group events

9. All Write! upcoming events

10. We want to hear from you

11. Join us and we’ll promote you

12. Essential Information for Writers

13. Important links

- 

 

1. Review a book title - It will be posted on the WWC website

READ MORE HERE: www.worldwriterscollective.com/writers-sauce

Are you someone who likes to review books (poems, short stories, movie scripts, blogs, non-fiction, etc.) and give honest feedback on content, interest, characters, structure, or if you think it was just really good reading? Submit your review via this email.

For 2023 please review any book or script or poetry you like (yes, you can submit a review done on your story if you like).

 

Here’s a review of ‘The Man Behind the Mask’ by Rachel Martigan – A Regency Romance.

I struggled today and yesterday ���, having to work, when I just wanted to keep reading.

There was unexpected events, times where I was nervous about what the outcome might be, and happy bits.

Such a great read, you’ve done such a great job with both books.

So, when is the next book out?

I’m such a romance junkie, I can’t get enough.

Well done

All three reviews: https://www.amazon.com.au/gp/profile/amzn1.account.AERDMS7R4XWAMTDMWAS7A5C3PAGQ/ref=cm_cr_dp_d_gw_tr?ie=UTF8

The book: https://www.amazon.com.au/Man-Behind-Mask-Rachel-Martigan/dp/B09RJYT9N4/ref=cm_cr_srp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8

 

 Here’s a review by John Christmas and Susan Thorn of Ray C Doyle’s mystery novel, Lara’s Secret:
JC: I greatly enjoyed this tale which incorporated modern history of Cyprus into a thriller complete with action and romance. Pete West is a new investigative-journalism hero not afraid to tangle with the corrupts to uncover the truth!
ST: Fantastic story, halfway through this novel, it had me from the first chapter, mystery and intrigue, it's gripping, I can't wait for the next book in the trilogy.
raycdoyle.com
www.fishpond.com/Books/Laras-Secret-Ray-C-Doyle/9781915212047

 

Here’s a review by Denise Kuchmar of Cecile Ravell’s creative memoir: ravellc.wixsite.com/ravell-the-writer

  Review of Dilemmas of a Middle-aged Madonna:
“Traversing the world, from Far North Queensland to Nova Scotia, Canada, and New York City, Jessica tries to work out the cards life has dealt her.  A uniquely visual story that sees the main character experience many journeys: physically, emotionally, and metaphorically.  Will she overcome the dilemmas in her life?

It’s a hard story to put down.”

Denise Kuchmar, Journalist.

Pre-order autographed copy: ravellc@yahoo.com.au

 

 

 Here’s an industry review via Books + Publishing of S.D. Hinton’s mystery novel:
THE BROTHERS
'The Brothers is a masterclass in menacing tension ... Atmospheric and moody, the novel chills with its subtle allusions to an unknown enemy that is too close for comfort. Perfect for readers of Garry Disher, Chris Hammer and Jane Harper, The Brothers combines the idyllic Australian surf town setting with unseen dangers - both physical and mental - that lurk in the shadows.'
www.harpercollins.com.au/9781460762578/the-brothers

  

2. Competitions

Current and upcoming competitions have been suspended for now until we find a manager.

 WANTED: competition manager

Short story competitions - World Writers Collective

A. The big one - WWC Golden Pen Award - Win $250 First Prize

Second prize is $100 to spend in a Red Bubble store and one-year membership of Creative Writers Collective. The third prize will be a FREE entry to any one of the competitions for a year and one-year membership of Creative Writers Collective.

All winners will be published in the anthology.

We may need to halt competitions after this latest big prize due to not having a competitions manager. If you would like to become the manager, please let Mat Clarke know.

Coming up (TBA):
The Quick Creative - limited words and limited time. Join us and win cash!

Need help with writing short stories? Go to our competitions tab page 1. We have added hints and tips to help you write the best short story ever. There is a video by Ray Stone, which is a great resource. Our writing competition winners have given their tips and Mat Clarke has added his thoughts. You can also check out our editing tips page.

www.worldwriterscollective.com/writing-competitions

www.worldwriterscollective.com/editing-tips

 

www.worldwriterscollective.com

Become a World Writers Collective member, which helps support everyone in the group as indie writers and allows you to collect prizes if you win.

Want to get published or publish your own works and have our members spread the word about your works, book launch, or other? It’s only $20 a year to join which helps pay the few hundred dollars it costs for the domain and host the website each year.

www.worldwriterscollective.com/join

If you are one of the top winners of the competition, you will be included in the next anthology. That's just one of the great reasons to get involved!

We also want to promote you and your writing. All you have to do is say the word. When you are a member, it’s free!

 

3. Promote your blog

We want to promote your blog. Email us a link of one of your blogs and an explanation of why WWC people would enjoy reading it.

We want to promote your blog. Email us a link of one of your blogs and an explanation of why WWC people would enjoy reading it.

Here’s a few from Magz Morgan and the positive comment she received:

www.magzmorgan.com/blog

THANK you both, and the writers’ collective for all the moral support. When I get a message like this, I feel like crying.  Maggie

“I just read both of these pieces and found them to be exceptional.  You really have developed your talent.  When I read the article on writing, I felt that I had a tutor sitting next to me sharing her secrets, while the short story was a delicious gossipy tale that I friend might share.  I think that the first article gave me an insight into how hard you have worked to hone your skills. I am impressed with the quality of your writing. Don't stop.” 

Linda Douglas

 

Here’s another by Cecile Ravell

https://ravellc.wixsite.com/ravell-the-writer/blog

 

4. James Pletch’s talk on The Benefits of Reading

 

By Mat Clarke for James Pletch

 

Jim (James) is in the process of publishing his spiritual self-help book Finding Spiritual Strength. Stories From the Frontline of Life. Loving Values From Across the Humanitarian and Spiritual Traditions.

 

To our benefit, Jim talked about the benefits of writing on Tuesday and was hoping all you at home could benefit from it as well. Here are the main points:

 

l Research has shown there are serious benefits from reading books.

l Reading is more relaxing than even just sitting at rest. It lowers blood pressure. Perhaps it’s the mental escape from our daily life pressures?  

l Fifteen minutes of daily reading can dramatically improve people’s happiness and sense of accomplishment.

l Kids who read have much better scholastic scores. Kids whose parents read to them read more. Kids who own a book or books read more than kids who do not. It seems that the act of owning a book of their own motivates kids to read more. Also, more books in the home lead kids to read more.

l People who read more have better focus, better vocabulary, better mental stimulation, and better knowledge acquisition.

l People who read are more empathetic because reading takes them into other people’s lives and gets them away from unhealthy self-absorption.

l American psychology professor Jean Twenge studies generational psychology. In her book Igen she studied young people born since 1995, generation Z. They have grown up with the internet in their hand in smartphones since 2011. American teens check their phones more than 80 times a day. They spend 6 hours a day on their phones and devices and 2 hours on TV, sometimes multi-tasking. Since 2012 she found a worrying dramatic increase in young people’s mental health problems, which she attributes to this enormous amount of screen time.

l She found young people who spend a lot of time on their screens were less happy, more lonely, get less sleep, are more prone to depression and mental health issues, have an increased risk of suicide, and possess lower in-person social skills.

l She found better outcomes for happiness and mental health and in-person social skills in young people who – among other things - read physical print media, whether books or magazines. It gets them away from their screens. Other positive attributes for young people include more exercise, and more in-person social activities - like sport, or anything that is healthily socially engaging.

 

 

5. The Story Mint: Stylefit

Student Writing Competition

Open for participation enquiries and entry submissions

 

We loved holding last year's lockdown writing competition, and collaborating with our incredible judges and prize sponsors to deliver students a fun opportunity amidst our national lockdowns. It was wonderful to see the enjoyment shared by both students and teachers throughout last year's competition!

 

We hope we can achieve that once more with out 2022 NZ student writing competition! It's now up and running, so we invite class groups or individual students to participate!

 

Our two biggest goals are:

- show students that writing (and learning writing skills) can be fun

- improve students' writing skills by increasing confidence, self-direction and agency

 

Those participating (as a school, class or you even just a few keen individual students) will have the opportunity to craft their entries with the help of our writing skills tool, Stylefit. We loved hearing about our participating schools' experiences with the software during the 2021 writing competition - here's a video snippet on student motivation!

 

If you'd like to participate, get in touch with anna@stylefit.org. We'll either extend your current Stylefit licence or open up a trial version for the duration of the competition. You can also find out more about how it works by booking a demo or having a look at the feedback features here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ly7EN53ldRI

 

6. Where to Write During Happy Hour

by Mat Clarke

You've been writing at home, on the train, while waiting for friends or at one of our writing meetups. Now you need somewhere to go that will aid you in finding inspiration and allow you to buy food and drinks without breaking the bank. You'll need a nice venue now that Melbourne is getting back on the horse again, albeit slowly. It's time to get back out there!

 

One of my favourite places is The Wharf Hotel in Melborne CBD opposite Jeff's Shed. You'll enter the venue via the waterfront, as it has no street entrance. While sitting outside under the sun or resting comfortably inside, you can look out over the Yarra River and the many people entering Crown Casino or walking past Polly Woodisde to DFO. As you turn your mind to the bar you'll notice that happy starts at 4pm and ends at 7pm Monday to Friday. So grab yourself a schooner, spirit or wine for $7, sit back and relax.

What you can do:

A game will usually be on so you can cheer and enjoy the excitement.

One of the friendly staff will be happy to chat and talk about what you can see and do nearby.

No food discounts anymore, unfortunately. They used to be great with the Monday to Thursday cheap eats, but maybe that will return in Summer. Otherwise, download The Pass app and get $10 off your first purchase.

 

TGI Fridays is a good favourite in any part of Melbourne. Inside Melbourne Central you'll find that TGI Fridays is up two sets of escalators from Swanston Street. They run a happy hour from 4pm to 6pm. It includes $6 schooners, wines and spirits. They also do cheap cocktails which I love. If you stay on, they generally run a late night happy hour as well which is from 8pm to 10pm. Not bad if you want to chat your friend's ear off all night. Sit at the bar and talk to the bartenders if you like. They're happy to make you feel welcome when they're not run off their feet. You can also download their app and get some small discounted snacks.

 

Melbourne Central Lion starts happy hour at 4pm and ends at 7pm, but only Monday to Thursday. You'll be able to buy pints for $9 and pay $7 for wine and spirits. If you like the idea of food specials Sunday to Thursday, then check them out upon arrival. They usually do great cheap pizza too.

 

Just a little north of the CBD is the Queensberry Hotel. If they aren't busy they'll sometimes close early, so get in before they do. Happy Hour is a standard 25% off from 5pm to 7pm except Mondays when it is $6 beer and $6 spirits. They also do great meal options at budget prices, such as a parma on Wednesday for $20.

 

I've always enjoyed happy hour at Father's Office, especially considering they love to double dip. Your first happy hour is 5pm to 7pm and your second is from 8pm to 10pm. It just may force you to stay all night! Oh no, what a pity :) It runs every day with selected cocktails at $12, pints from $8 and $9 spirits. They also do some cheap meals during some of their weekdays. The part I like is the balcony that looks out over Swanston Street. A lovely view I have enjoyed many times over. Oh, and they also have a venue in Flinders Lane as well as their original spot on Little Lonsdale.

 

One of the things I found hard to find in the city was good pizza. Domino's on the thin crust will sometimes do, but if you need good American pizza or chicken wings, try Sal's Pizza on Flinders Lane. It's a tiny place, but the food is great (greasy and tasty). Otherwise, the Universal Hotel a little north of the CBD is your best option for traditional pizza.

 

The sponsored part:

If you want to spend these great moments with writers or other people who share your many interests, but you're yet to find friends in Melbourne, or all your friends are busy, then sign up to www.friendlyfamiliars.com and find someone who gets you. There's so much to do now, so it would be even better if you were not doing it alone.

 

7. Writer volunteer jobs

We would love you to join our network of writers as a creative leader and help you further everyone's knowledge of writing. No doubt, you'll learn more about yourself and your writing as well. Have a read below and see what fits your personal skills and lifestyle. Commit to what you can and we'll see you in the trenches. Most of all, have fun!

Opportunities:

Manager of writing competitions

Website manager

Information officer

Assistant to managers and officers

Writing Competition Judges

Event host - multiple required (Melbourne only)

Further details: www.worldwriterscollective.com/job-vacancies

These are all volunteer positions.

Your position includes free membership, a discount for any events you attend, free access to catering (if supplied) and an allowance for the manager positions (see position details).

Commit for 12 months or longer.

 

 

8. Melbourne Writers Social events

Recently we discussed how to win writing competitions and what judges look for. If you would like to learn more, check out our website: www.worldwriterscollective.com/writing-competitions

The previous month we talked about our favourite books to read and linking to each other via Goodreads. We would like to start linking to each other so we can recommend books to each other and promote the few authors in our group. Post up your Goodreads link via comments below, if you are reading this on our blog, or post it via our Facebook groups:

www.facebook.com/groups/570847673015529

www.facebook.com/groups/169777419779168

Mat Clarke - link to me and find others: www.goodreads.com/author/show/6898385.Mat_Clarke

 

Our main flagship event runs at the Wharf Hotel on the third Tuesday of the month. Please join us - all are welcome, even if you are only thinking of starting out in a creative field.

 

Click here to RSVP, check time and place of events: www.meetup.com/Melbourne-Writers

 

We meet online every Monday from 6.30pm and show each other our work and chat about everything creative.  

 

South Bank Write Now: Second Saturday of the month. The venue is generally quiet, opens early, free wifi, good coffee, food as well as drinks if you need them for later ;) There is music, and it is a cafe-bar, so bear this in mind and wear head phones if you need them while you write.

 

Melbourne Central: One Sunday a month. We are nestled in the back corner of the upstairs food court near the windows, past the colourful piano, behind the big clock. We meet to write mostly, but you are free to chat with others who would like to do so.

 

In South Bank each month for the next six or so months we are running a workshop on audio book creation. Please join us for an enjoyable information session. See Meetup for details.

 

Not currently running: Eastern suburbs meet. Laura, Stephanie and Mat are exploring a cafe in Croydon to meet at, which will be run on certain Sundays. We will get back to you soon on how it will be run and what the format will be. Likely it will involve the return of our writing games event with prompts to get you writing and enjoy yourself.

 

Not currently running: Writers of the South, let’s write: This is for southern Melbourne, down as far as the Clayton and Mentone area. Anyone can attend and join in and write your heart out (and have ice cream).

 

Not currently running: Writers Workshop: If you want to work through a piece, then come along to the Eltham Library and let us help you create your best work.

 

Not currently running: Treehouse Writing: Join us in Olinda for a sanctuary in the hills where we write and relax.

 

As with all our events, please get in touch if you would like to help with running events. The best way to do this is to come to one of our events and chat to the current event hosts about what you would like to do. We prefer to have two event hosts at each event, so where there is an opening we are happy for you to get involved.

 

There are many other Writing groups in Melbourne that you may be interested in as well. Go to them all and see what you like . . . but then come back to MWS and bring more great people with you. Haha ;)

www.meetup.com/Melbourne-Writers

More links below

 

9. All Write! upcoming events

A place where you can write in Melbourne Central. All you do is turn up and write with others. You can chat to other writers as well if you like and grab a bite or a cuppa.

Most of all, enjoy yourself.

www.meetup.com/Melbourne-Writers

More links below

 

10. We want to hear from you!

Yes, we really do.

We want feedback in any way shape or form. Even if it is to tell us you love us.

Stuff you may wish to reply about for our next Writers Sauce:

1) A few sentences on what writing means to you.

2) A paragraph or two about how you became a writer (or want to).

3) A great skill you picked up regarding editing, writing, publishing, etc.

4) The best place to write.

5) How chatting to others about writing made you a better writer.

 

11. Join us and we’ll promote you

 You're Not Alone

Come take the journey with us

Become a member for $20 per year. We would also like to stress that if you can not afford the $20, we would like you as a member anyway. You can pay WWC when you have the money available.

This is a collaborative group created so that in greater numbers we will be heard rather than forgotten

JOIN

Your $20 helps to pay for the website and member writers platforms

READ MORE

 

12. Essential Information

Sites Authors Should Know

 

This is an unofficial list I have created as a useful writer’s tool. I receive no royalties, or kickbacks from any sites below. Use as advice only.

-(Dean MacAllister)

 

SELFPUBLISHINGADVICE.ORG- Before submitting to a publisher or self-publishing I highly recommend you check out the ‘Writers Beware’ section of this site! It has lists of scams to look out for and lists the less-than-reputable companies that have ripped writers off globally. Learn from the mistakes of others.

 

Smashwords- Creates and publishes E-books in all formats for free.

Takes some getting used to and has to be done properly. For a small fee people on site will convert your file through the “meat-grinder” converter for you.

 

Kindlepreneur- Writer who joined most author sites to compare.

Links to the best author friendly tools. Marketing advice included. Free website with free manuals. (Highly recommended!)

 

Goodreads- Author/Reader site. Many discussion forums. Very popular. Good place to find fans, create an author profile and source reviews.

 

Librarything- Poor-man’s version of Goodreads, but much less commercial.

 

READ MORE HERE: www.worldwriterscollective.com/writers-sauce

 

13. Important Links

Post news about your writing, book launch, events, or event just a link to your latest blog/post/tweet: www.facebook.com/groups/1629658520414716

 

Important information about writing in general, and the Melbourne Writers Group: www.facebook.com/MelbWriters

 

Discuss anything you like that’s creative: www.facebook.com/groups/169777419779168

 

For people who want to discuss writing on a forum that is for everyone around the world: www.facebook.com/groups/570847673015529

 

Information on writing, writing competitions, professional editing, getting published, and more. Become a member for discounts: www.worldwriterscollective.com

 

Near Melbourne? Come to our group and meet other writers and chat. Everyone is welcome: www.meetup.com/Melbourne-Writers

 

Previous email-outs with great information.www.worldwriterscollective.com/writers-sauce

 

The Story Mint newsletter for even more information. Subscribe here: www.thestorymint.com

 

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Writers Sauce - WWC

World Writers Collective