Over the years, through my writing, or teaching/mentoring, or working at the Emerging Writers’ Festival, I’ve gained a huge appreciation and respect for the literary organisations or initiatives that continue in their advocacy for writers. This isn’t easy – nor, I suspect, has it ever been – but as governmental support of the arts dwindles, we are entering an uncertain new period in the Australian literary sphere.
What can be done? you might ask. If you’re a student, or get by on a low income, I know it can be hard to subscribe to all the literary journals you might want to, or attend events if you live in a regional location or buy every book that takes your fancy. I feel that guilt too. But social media can be a free way you can help. By sharing news or ideas, you are helping extend the reach of the profile you’re supporting. This is appreciated, I can assure you. Also, by engaging with these accounts – and by extension of that the people who run them – you’re taking the first steps of building a relationship. This is very handy for emerging writers. I couldn’t add up how many times I’ve been at an event when I’ve been chatting with someone and I feel like I already know them, and then it comes out we’ve already talked on Twitter. It’s cool!
Speaking of Twitter, I’ve put together a short list of some literary accounts that I feel are doing good work. Follow, share, engage. You can find me here, by the way.
Women in Literary Arts Australia @WILAAus
Would you like to know how WILAA came to be? Read about it here: http://t.co/LgkJ6HD1Cx
— WILAA (@WILAAus) June 5, 2015
WILAA is the newest of the list to join Twitter and it has come out with a bang. The idea of Women in Literary Arts Australia came out of EWF 2014 and part of their goals are as follows: “From networking opportunities, mentorships, events, workshops and marketing campaigns, we will endeavour to find practical ways to support women to excel.” (Quote from website) I love everything it stands for.
Kill Your Darlings @KYD_journal
Thanks to @ReadingsBooks for hosting the panel & to everyone who came along! This is just the beginning of an ongoing #LoveOzYA discussion
— Kill Your Darlings (@KYD_journal) July 14, 2015
One of the strengths of literary journal Kill Your Darlings is the way they harness the literary community in ways that not only help themselves (their fundraising trivia nights are a lot of fun) but also open up and foster interesting conversations. One such example is an event held last night about Young Adult Literature in Australia. Follow the hashtag above and you’ll see what I mean. Keep up the good work!
Review of Australian Fiction @AusFiction
I get a cramp if I think within 30 minutes after eating.
— ReviewAustFiction (@AustFiction) July 7, 2015
Only Colin Farrell can make his own moustache look like a fake moustache. #TrueDetective
— ReviewAustFiction (@AustFiction) July 14, 2015
You know when a Twitter account is going to be quirky and amusing when it says in its byline that “All followers henceforth known as RAFamuffins”. If that’s the case, I’m more than happy to be a RAFamuffin. Short stories have a very special place in my heart – when it came to my own writing, they were what I studied the hardest. What worked? What didn’t work? Why did I like a short story writer but hate their novels? (And the opposite case as well.) Perhaps this is why my absolute favourite writers are those who have managed to achieve success in both areas.
But, I digress.
Not only does RAF help promote other publications and the Aus literary scene, but the Tweets also make me laugh. And I don’t think anyone unfollows someone from being too entertained.
Aerogramme Writers Studio @A_WritersStudio
Publication Opportunities for Writers in June and July 2015 http://t.co/29qTNgOR0b #writing pic.twitter.com/my69D06QDM
— Aerogramme Writers (@A_WritersStudio) May 28, 2015
AWS has just come back from a hiatus – and I’m pleased! Always reliable with tips and insight, giving heads-ups to opportunities both here and overseas, I’m often surprised by where they source their material. They have a lot of fans, and I’m one.
Writers Bloc @writers_bloc
We’re back at the @ShWritersFest in Bowral this morning, with beanies and scarfs at the ready! #shwf15
— Writers Bloc (@writers_bloc) July 12, 2015
Writers Bloc is a great resource for writers and anyone who enjoys reading about the writing process – methods, means, time management, networking and more. I’ve written over there, too – comparing the similarities between parenting and writing, here’s a link to the piece. Always friendly, definitely look them up if you haven’t already.
What literary accounts to do recommend? I could’ve added so many more! In your opinion, who is doing great work and deserves wider recognition? Let me know.
