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The Grieve Writing Newsletter

Welcome to the second Grieve Writing Project newsletter. The closing date is fast approaching with entries due on 26 June 2016.

Grief affects all of us at some point. The experience can be intense, emotions coming and going in waves, often at unexpected times. Song lyrics and poems may take on a new, poignant meaning when we are confronted by loss. Grieving is as old as humanity but contemporary responses to grief would have seemed inconceivable just a few years ago. Recently, the idea of the 'Funeral Selfie' polarised social media users. Some support came from industry professionals who saw it as an expression of love and belonging. Others found the idea abhorrent, an extension of our 'me' society.

In this newsletter you'll gain insights from our judges and read works from some of the writers in last year's Grieve anthology.

Please share this newsletter with someone you know even if they do not feel ready to write. Perhaps they would like to read and hear from others.

The Competition: Hunter Writers Centre invites any Australian (including those living overseas) to enter a short work on the subject of grief. Your story should be 500 words or less, poems up to 36 lines. More than $5000 in prizes will be awarded and over 100 pieces published in the 2016 anthology.  For details about entering the competition. the live reading and the published anthology see our website.

I Dip Into Pain by Vicki Renner

I dip into pain 

Like a diver after pearls

Hunting for memories

For the moments that hurt the most

Till my tears

Like an ancient geyser

Force me back to the surface.

- Vicki Renner, 2015 Grieve anthology

Grieve Writing Judge Mary Ringstad

"Avoiding the cliché and keeping to what makes their grief pertinent to them," is advice judge Mary Ringstad offers to entrants of the Grieve writing competition.

Director of Mission, Calvary Mater Newcastle, Mary has been a judge on the Grieve project since the competition's inception in 2013.

Describing the "solitary" nature of grief, Mary sees the Grieve project as a way of working through the experience of grief and loss.

"It encourages [the writer] to explore, express and often write about their journey as an individual."

Mary frequently encounters "the grief and loss experienced by relatives and friends of the dying" in her role at Calvary Mater Newcastle. Her commitment is clear. She is a recent recipient of a national Award for Excellence in Pastoral care. 

Referring to the outstanding calibre of previous entries, Mary said that "the profound works that are submitted make judging a very challenging process."

"I continue to be moved by the fresh views and perceptive insights Australians bring to their experience of loss," she said.

The incredible level of interest and participation in the competition reinforces Mary's view that people genuinely want to explore and try to understand their experiences of loss and grief through reading and writing about it.

Details about our judges and prizes available here

Grieve Writing Judge Benita Tait

"There is something in the human spirit that will survive and prevail, there is a tiny and brilliant light burning in the heart of man that will not go out no matter how dark the world becomes." These words, by Leo Tolstoy, came to mind when Benita Tait reflected on the entries she judged from last year's Grieve competition.

"I was struck by people's honesty as they shared the story of their loss and grief as well as the messages of acceptance, peace and hope in the midst of their pain and suffering," she said.

Benita was a member of the audience in the first 'Grieve' live reading in Newcastle when the top 20 works are read live by experienced public readers. Benita spoke to Hunter Writers Centre about her work with the Seasons for Growth program and this introduction saw Good Grief - Seasons for Growth become a sponsor and judge of the Grieve competition. The Good Grief Seasons for Growth Award is for a story or poem on grief over an experience other than death.

Benita supports the idea of people entering the Grieve project as an "opportunity to reflect on, express and share their story of loss and grief."

"Acknowledging the reality of one's loss through 'story' and the sharing of our grief experience with others is validating, affirming and offers an opportunity for healing."

Reading other people's stories and poems can be "a deeply intimate and personal space where our own experiences are also validated and affirmed," she said.

As coordinator of the Good Grief - Seasons for Growth program in the Hunter Region, Benita's work involves Companioning (walking alongside) people who are grieving, and training and supporting and supervising others to implement the program.

"We provide information, resources and an opportunity for one's story of loss to be heard and validated."

"Using the metaphor of the changing seasons, the program educates about the grief process, promotes social and emotional wellbeing and develops resilience and emotional literacy."

The role is one that strongly relies on Benita's teaching background, but also her genuine compassion and commitment towards others.

"Having experienced loss at a young age, I quickly discovered that I was passionate about providing support to young people who had experienced significant change, loss and grief in their lives," she said.

Many of us find that dealing with grief or loss is overwhelming, and trying to help our children cope with their own grieving process is fraught, but Benita offers some very practical advice.

"Spend time with your children, communicate with them about what has happened, affirm their feelings, reassure them of your love and support [and] stay connected to extended family and friends."

She also emphasises that we can't help others unless we help ourselves.

"Support a return to normal routine and activities [and] care for your own needs. As a parent we cannot give what we do not have, and trust your instincts."

If you are concerned about the way your child is coping with loss or grief, you can seek additional support or participate in the Seasons for Growth program.

2014, 2015 Anthologies available for sale

Paperback copies of the 2014 and 2015 Grieve anthologies are still available from our online shop. The 2013 anthology is only available as an ebook

These are a terrific resource if you're a writer and want to read the stories and poems selected by judges in the past. eBook editions are also available from a variety of sellers including Smashwords, Barnes & Noble and Scribd. Click here

What about a gift? The Grieve books are a thoughtful gift for someone who has suffered a loss.  A copy of Grieve with a note saying "Thinking of you" can let them know you care.

Submission Checklist

FAQs for the finishing touches of your entry.

Can I use a pseudonym instead of my real name? Yes you can, but you will be asked on the entry form to also supply your real name - this will never be revealed to third parties.

Is there an exact style and format your require? We only accept .doc, .docx, .pdf file format. Spacing and font size is your choice.

Can I submit a piece I have submitted in the past? If you have a piece of writing that has been published previously, no. If it has been written but not published, yes. If it has won an award but not published, yes.

What does 'published' mean? This means any form of publication - printed or online including blog entries etc. A piece written for a writing course (but not published) is acceptable.

How many times can I enter? As many as you wish

Should a poem rhyme? No, it does not have to. Purchase the 2015 anthology to read some of the poems

What age can enter this competitions? Over 18s

Can I include illustrations/drawings/photos in my work? No

See the full list of FAQs
 

'A Different Grief' Siobhan Hewson

This extract is from a poignant, thought-provoking story by Siobhan Hewson that appeared in the 2015 Grieve anthology. 

I have no right to this grief. That is what I've been told over and over again by those of my family who are the most qualified to know. After all I was only two when she died. I have no memory of her face, her voice, the warmth of her hands. There are no lingering memories of regretful goodbyes playing on the fringes of my mind. I don't see her in the crowd and run to her side only to offer tearful and embarrassed apologies to a woman who, on closer inspection, could never be her at all. I don't close my eyes on a flood of images that centre on hospital beds, beeping machines or hands grown cold, with any sense of desperation. I didn't, full of pain, wish it to be over only to feel that I would do anything to have her back again later.

Read the full story in our 2015 Grieve anthology.

We have already received many incredible stories and poems. If you are finalising your submission, we wish you all the best. If you know someone who has a story to tell, please share this newsletter.

Karen Crofts

Director, Hunter Writers Centre

Thank You to all our sponsors.

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