National anthology showcases work of creative writers

A new anthology featuring the work of some of Australia's top emerging creative writers will be launched in Lismore on Thursday, December 4.

The anthology brings together the work of writers from universities around Australia. Dr Janie Conway-Herron, a senior lecturer in Southern Cross University's School of Arts and Social Sciences, is the executive editor with assistance from Dr Moya Costello and Victor Marsh.

'Re-Placement' is being launched in Sydney by leading Australian author Helen Garner at the national conference of the Australian Association of Writing Programs. It will be launched in Lismore by Jeni Caffin, director of the Byron Bay Writers Festival.

The anthology features the work of undergraduate and postgraduate students and includes well-established writers as well as others who are being published for the first time.

"We were very pleased to be asked to edit this anthology," Dr Conway-Herron said. "It's a real mark of respect for the writing program at Southern Cross University. The anthology covers prose and poetry - from creative non-fiction to personal essays and short stories."

Dr Nell Cook, who has just completed a PhD through Southern Cross University, is one of four SCU students whose work was selected for the anthology.

"I was originally enrolled in law, but I did one unit in writing and ended up transferring. I did my Honours year and then went on to a PhD," Dr Cook said.

"I see there's a very strong link between the theory and the craft of writing. The theory gives you a really strong springboard for the craft.

"Writing is a reflection of culture and the contemporary world and knowing the theory gives you the techniques to really understand the different layers of meanings and to incorporate those in your own writing.

"This anthology is a celebration of the craft of writing, particularly for new and emerging writers. It's very exciting to be part of that."

The Lismore launch will be held at the The Alleyway/NextArt Gallery, 85 Magellan Street, Lismore, on Thursday, December 4, from 5.30pm. RSVP to janie.conway@scu.edu.au

'Re-Placement' is published by Southern Cross University Press in association with Australian Association of Writing Programs. The book is available at the University Co-Op Bookshop.

Photo: 'Re-Placement' will be launched on Thursday at The Alleyway/NextArt Gallery.