Writing Awards: Fingers Crossed

MadeGlobal Publishing entered Something Missing into the Nita B Kibble Award and I’ve entered the novel into the International Book Award. Now if only all the planets would align…Fingers crossed.

According to A Dictionary of Superstitions by Oxford University Press, to cross my fingers will prevent bad luck and I may therefore get what my heart desires.

Nita B Kibble Literary Award

Since the inception of the Kibble Literary Awards many Australian women writers have received prizes, each benefiting from Nita Dobbie’s foresight and vision. Perpetual Trustees have the responsibility to maintain the Trust into perpetuity. To ensure female authors continue to benefit from the prize, the awards are now offered on a biennial basis, and the next to be awarded in 2018. Works published after 4th December 2015 are eligible to apply. Something Missing was launched at Swinburne University on the 11th December 2015.

MadeGlobal sent four books and I had to supply proof of citizenship (birth certificate/passport) with the two cover letters and the completed application form.  I feel very positive about this one. I’m definitely an Australian author and this book is about two countries (Australia and America) two women and a life altering pen-friendship.

The International Book Awards

Sponsored by American Book Fest

Now celebrating the 9th annual award’s program, winning a 2018 International Book Award will, according to the blurb, give my book added “prestige, honor and tells prospective book buyers, librarians and media professionals to take the book seriously!”

If only :>).  

For this award I needed to send a copy of Something Missing, an entry fee (larger than expected because of the exchange rate ), a completed entry form, Promotional material (photos of myself and the cover of Something Missing, blurb, book tour questions and replies and a cover letter) With a bit of luck, this  story about two women and the similarities between the Australian Outback and the Arizona Desert, many Australian and American readers will enjoy reading about Maggie and Diane’s drama and friendship.

All I have to do now is sit back and wait, with my fingers crossed until the short lists are announced next year.

I’ve told everyone I have to wear black opal for good luck till then (p 294)

 

Michael Ball and Alfie Boe: Meet and Greet

Last night, two of the most cherished performers with two of the greatest voices in the UK were in Melbourne for one night only.  Michael Ball and Alfie Boe were on stage at Hamer Hall. 

 Alfie Boe and Michael Ball

I could not believe my good fortune when the email arrived

CONGRATULATIONS!

You have won a VIP Meet & Greet Experience with Michael Ball & Alfie Boe!

This consists of:2 x tickets to see Michael Ball & Alfie Boe live in concert

A meet & greet with Michael Ball & Alfie Boe at the show, including photo and autograph opportunity

A copy of the Alfie Boe & Michael Ball CD ‘Together’

A copy of the Michael Ball & Alfie Boe tour programme

A commemorative concert laminate and lanyard

To claim your prize, simply respond to this email and indicate your preferred concert date and location:

 5 October 2017 – Queensland Performing Arts Centre – Brisbane, QLD
7 October 2017 – Arts Centre Melbourne – Hamer Hall – Melbourne,    11 October 2017 – State Theatre – Sydney, NSW
14 October 2017 – Adelaide Entertainment Centre – Hindmarsh, SA                      16 October 2017 – Crown Theatre Perth – Burswood, WA

I immediately asked Carol-Anne to come with me. What she doesn’t know about stage productions is not worth knowing. I loved her theatrical stories and I soon got to know all about Ball & Boe and their musical journey

They performed many songs that many people have covered before, but they did something different to them. And the voices! they were individually superb and totally amazing when harmonizing.

Michael is a legend of musical theatre and Alfie is Britain’s most popular tenor. Both have played leading roles in Les Miserables and who could forget such songs as ‘Bring Him Home, Empty Chairs and Empty Tables and my favourite, I Dreamed a Dream. They sang these to a standing ovation. They held the audience in the palm of their hand. It was more than a concert it was a full on experience.

Their teamwork began in 2006 when they bonded on the musical theatre production of Kismet playing at the London Coliseum.  They found that they were both on the same wave-length. They cheerily brush aside the rules in their respective fields, are brave enough to try anything from Elvis to opera and ignore people who say they can’t step outside the box and sing something different. It’s that joy and spirit of musical adventure and superb harmonizing that resulted in them producing a CD titled … what else but Together. I’m delighted to see that their second album is nearly ready. The title? Why Together Again of course.

To listen to their glorious voices and to get an understanding of why they are so popular please go to Youtube and watch some of the videos. That way you’ll understand why I’ve become a full on fan.

MEET & GREET EXPERIENCE
Top priced ticket within first 4 rows on the floor to see Michael Ball & Alfie Boe live
Meet & Greet with Michael Ball & Alfie Boe
Professional photo opportunity with Michael Ball & Alfie Boe
Autograph opportunity
Michael Ball & Alfie Boe tour programme
Commemorative concert laminate and lanyard
Exclusive Michael Ball & Alfie Boe tour gift created for package purchasers
Designated check-in with our on-site event staff

On stage was and the superb voices of West End music theatre STAR, Michael Ball along with the fabulous classically trained Alfie Boe as well as a fifteen piece band ( including strings and brass) and three amazing backing singers.

I am not exaggerating when I say that this was the BEST live concert I have ever experienced!