Keep The Stories Coming

Richard Evans

By Richard Evans, President, Whitsundays Writers Festival  

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Last week, I encouraged you to start telling your story. This week, the message is simple: keep going.  

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You don’t need a finished book, a perfect memory or a literary style. You need a collection of stories, written in your own voice, one memory at a time.  

The trick is to make writing a habit, not a mountain to climb. Find ten minutes in your day, perhaps over a morning cup of tea. Don’t worry about spelling, grammar or whether it’s any good. You can tidy it up later. For now, your only job is to get the memory down.  

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Start with a moment, not your whole life. Instead of writing “I was born in 1952”, picture your grandmother’s kitchen on a Sunday morning. What could you smell? Who sat at the table? Was there an argument, a joke, or someone who always arrived late?  

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Details like these bring a memory to life. They also let readers step into your world, even if they’ve never met you.  

Keep a list of stories you might write. A first job, a cyclone, a wedding, a hard decision, a funny neighbour, a place you still miss. Jot down a few words whenever a memory surfaces. On days when nothing comes, you’ll have plenty to choose from.  

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And don’t feel you must begin at the beginning. Memoir isn’t a school assignment. Write the stories that matter to you now. The connections between them will show themselves later.  

Some days you won’t write at all. That’s life, not failure. Start again with a paragraph, or even one sentence: “I remember the smell of rain on the bitumen outside our front door.” Small steps keep the door open.  

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When you’re ready, share a story with someone you trust or join a local writing group. You don’t need anyone’s permission to write, but encouragement helps you keep going. For tips, writing prompts and news oflocal events, visit whitsundayswriters.com and join our mailing list.  

Here’s your challenge for this week: pick up a pen tonight and write one memory in 300 words. If nothing comes, take out an old photo and start with what you see. Don’t aim for perfection. Aim to finish. Next week, write another.  

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Every story you save is a gift to yourself, your family and our community. You lived it. Now make sure it’s remembered.  

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So Much to Discover at the Gallery  

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by Creative Connections Whitsundays  

There’s a fresh burst of creativity at the Community Art Gallery in Proserpine this October, with new artists, beautiful artworks, unique gifts, and opportunities to get creative.  

The latest Gallery changeover brings together a wonderful mix of new work from familiar favourites and exciting pieces from artists joining the exhibition space. From stunning underwater photography and colourfulpaintings to handcrafted glass art, there’s plenty to discover on your next visit.  

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A glimpse beneath the Whitsundays  

Photographer Tony Ayling takes visitors beneath the surface with a captivating collection of underwater photographs captured during his diving expeditions. His images showcase the extraordinary marine life of the Whitsundays, revealing the colour, diversity and beauty of the underwater world that makes our region so special.  

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Fresh colour and creativity  

Looking to brighten your home? Suzanne Baker is exhibiting a delightful collection of small acrylic and oil paintings. These colourful works offer an accessible way to bring original art into your living space, whether you’re looking for a special piece for yourself or a thoughtful gift.  

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The Gallery is also delighted to welcome Dawn Byrne, whose acrylic works introduce another distinctive style to the walls. Welcoming new artists alongside established members is part of what makes each Gallery visit different, offering fresh perspectives and creative approaches for visitors to enjoy.  

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The beauty of handcrafted glass  

There’s something magical about the way coloured glass catches the light, and the new leadlight pieces by talented glass artists Liz Knight and Libby Humphrey are a beautiful example. Their handcrafted works demonstrate the skill, patience and imagination involved in transforming glass into art.  

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Alongside the new exhibitions, visitors can explore the Gallery’s range of unique gifts and locally created treasures. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, searching for something special or simply curious about the creative talent in our community, there’s plenty to inspire you.  

The Community Art Gallery is a place to discover local artists, appreciate different forms of creativity and support the people who contribute so much to our region’s cultural life.  

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Make time to visit this October and see what’s new. You might just find a piece of art that speaks to you.  

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Celebrating local creativity, connection, and community  

Whitsundays Writers Festival

Richard Evans

Festival Director and President

hello@whitsundayswriters.com  

Save the date for the 2027 Whitsundays Writers Festival, 10-12 September.  

Creative Connections Whitsunday

Glenda Brown

President

info@creativeconnectionwhitsunday.com  

Creative Connections Whitsunday is a volunteer-led, not-for-profit organisation supporting local artists, manages the Community Gallery, and growing the arts in our community.  

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