Launch of SCU writing students' anthology at the Byron Writers Festival

Southern Cross University writing students will showcase their talents among some of the biggest names in writing in Australia at the Byron Bay Writers Festival this Friday, August 1, with the launch of the third Coastlines anthology.

“The collection of innovative prose and poetry by 33 students incorporates a variety of genres and styles, exemplifying students’ diverse interests and creativity,” said Dr Janie Conway-Herron, convenor of SCU’s writing program and supervising editor of Coastlines 3.

The anthology will be launched by renowned Australian author, Carmel Bird. Bird is a novelist, essayist, children's writer and teacher of creative writing. Among her eight works of fiction, The White Garden and Red Shoes were shortlisted for the Miles Franklin award. Her latest novel, Cape Grimm, is to be published early 2004.

Ms Bird will be introduced by SCU’s Executive Dean of Arts, Professor Paul Thom. Professor Thom is involved in two sessions of the festival, chairing the ‘Logic in Current Thinking’ session featuring Peter Singer and Tim Flannery, on Saturday, 9.15am – 10.30am, and hosting an In Conversation session with Christopher Lawrence on ‘Exposé of Classical Composers’, on Saturday 11.30am – 12.30am. SCU is a sponsor of the festival, including the University's Division of Arts, Division of Health and Applied Sciences, and Division of Business.

The anthology was compiled and edited by a collective of nine third-year students in the writing program. It was funded by the School of Arts. The budding writers included in the anthology range from first year students to postgraduate level.

“Coastlines 3 has been a journey for everyone involved; from the private world of the writing classroom to the public world of an outside readership,” Dr Conway-Heron said.

“The process has been a unique experience for students on the editorial collective. For all those included in the anthology it is an important landmark in their careers as writers.”

Coastlines 3 will be launched by Carmel Bird at The Launching Pad, at the Byron Bay Writers’ Festival, Byron Bay Beach Resort, Friday August 1, at 3pm.

For more information contact: Sara Crowe or Kath Duncan, Media Liaison, SCU, Ph: 6620 3144.