About the Grieve Project
August is Grief Awareness Month, Australia-wide. The Grieve Writing Project is an opportunity to write a poem or story about your experience with grief and loss. All the stories and poems submitted are read by a large panel of judges and approx. 120 are selected to be published in the anthology. What is the live reading? Entries are open from February to May. Judging occurs June-July. The live reading will be held Saturday 4th August in Newcastle and live streamed across Australia. 20-25 finalist works are read by experienced public readers (not the authors). Audience members say the event is uplifting and a wonderful celebration of literature and the universal experience of loss. The anthology is launched and prizes to the top finalists are awarded (approx. $7000). How did the project begin? In 2012, the director of Hunter Writers Centre, Karen Crofts, and palliative care nurse and local Hunter region writer, Kathleen Wurth, organised a writing competition for the members of Hunter Writers Centre and a live reading of the top 20 stories was held during Grief Awareness Month (August). The response by members was so overwhelming, Karen and Kathleen decided to take the project further afield. The National Association of Loss and Grief joined as major sponsors and the competition went national for 2014. Click here to see the wonderful team of partner organisations who provide support from advertising, judging, prizes and expert advice |
Writing about Suicide
Did you know: For every one suicide there are 5 suicide attempts. "People feel they need to have a platform to be able to talk about suicide. Grief associated with suicide can be quite different . . . families often feel quite isolated . . . writing about it can provide a safe space for them to express and externalise their grief rather that can be quite internalised and kept silent." |
We are unable to attend to individual queries so we have developed FAQs to answer as many questions as possible. If you are still unsure about entering, perhaps purchase an anthology to read past examples or attend our live reading in August if you live near Newcastle.
Submission FAQs:
The competition opens February, 2018 (closes approx mid-May)
We are unable to attend to individual queries so we have developed FAQs to answer as many questions as possible. If you are still unsure about entering, consider purchasing an anthology to read past examples or attend our live reading in August.
How many times can I enter?
As many as you wish. One entry = one payment
I think I made a mistake with my piece. Can I submit it again?
Yes you can. Do not pay again, simply upload your piece again - submission and payment are separate processes. Note: We do not communicate with you about this. We will delete any earlier entries with the same title submitted by you and accept the latest submission of that piece.
There seemed to be something wrong when I uploaded my piece
We have received reports that some internet browsers do not load the entry form fully. This is a problem within your browser. Try changing to another internet browser - we recommend Chrome or Safari.
I want to pay by credit card - I do not have a Paypal account
Paypal allows you to pay by credit card within their system - you do not need to have a Paypal account to do this. Proceed to 'Add to Cart' and follow the credit card payment steps. You do not need a paypal account to do this. (Note: If paying by credit card choose the dropdown default shipping method when you get to that field)
Can I enter a work of fiction?
We don't discriminate between fiction and non-fiction. As long as your piece reflects on, explores, expresses any experience with grief and loss then your work is valid for 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 and submitted 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.
Are titles, sub-titles, dedications and other 'extras' included in the word count? Yes! Stick to the word limit to avoid being disqualified.
If my name appears on the work is it disqualified?
Yes. The most common mistake entrants make is putting their name on the work.
What other aspects may cause my work to be disqualified?
Going over the word limit; not submitting the correct file format - we only accept .pdf and .doc and docx; not submitting before the deadline: 8pm, 9th June 2017
Other tips:
Check spelling mistakes - have a friend read it to check your spelling.
Should a poem rhyme?
No, it does not have to. Many poems selected by the judges do not rhyme.
What if the piece is written for a child to read?
The history of the project is that we publish works written for adult readers.
What age can enter this competitions?
Over 18s
Can I include illustrations/drawings/photos in my work?
No
The competition opens February, 2018 (closes approx mid-May)
We are unable to attend to individual queries so we have developed FAQs to answer as many questions as possible. If you are still unsure about entering, consider purchasing an anthology to read past examples or attend our live reading in August.
How many times can I enter?
As many as you wish. One entry = one payment
I think I made a mistake with my piece. Can I submit it again?
Yes you can. Do not pay again, simply upload your piece again - submission and payment are separate processes. Note: We do not communicate with you about this. We will delete any earlier entries with the same title submitted by you and accept the latest submission of that piece.
There seemed to be something wrong when I uploaded my piece
We have received reports that some internet browsers do not load the entry form fully. This is a problem within your browser. Try changing to another internet browser - we recommend Chrome or Safari.
I want to pay by credit card - I do not have a Paypal account
Paypal allows you to pay by credit card within their system - you do not need to have a Paypal account to do this. Proceed to 'Add to Cart' and follow the credit card payment steps. You do not need a paypal account to do this. (Note: If paying by credit card choose the dropdown default shipping method when you get to that field)
Can I enter a work of fiction?
We don't discriminate between fiction and non-fiction. As long as your piece reflects on, explores, expresses any experience with grief and loss then your work is valid for 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 and submitted 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.
Are titles, sub-titles, dedications and other 'extras' included in the word count? Yes! Stick to the word limit to avoid being disqualified.
If my name appears on the work is it disqualified?
Yes. The most common mistake entrants make is putting their name on the work.
What other aspects may cause my work to be disqualified?
Going over the word limit; not submitting the correct file format - we only accept .pdf and .doc and docx; not submitting before the deadline: 8pm, 9th June 2017
Other tips:
Check spelling mistakes - have a friend read it to check your spelling.
Should a poem rhyme?
No, it does not have to. Many poems selected by the judges do not rhyme.
What if the piece is written for a child to read?
The history of the project is that we publish works written for adult readers.
What age can enter this competitions?
Over 18s
Can I include illustrations/drawings/photos in my work?
No
Winners of the Grieve Writing Competition 2016
Calvary by Julie Watts - The National Association of Loss and Grief Award - $1500
Finding Grief by Jen MacCulloch - The Australian Funeral Directors Association Award - $1200
Guiding Hands by Helen Woodgate - The National Association of Loss and Grief Award - $500
My Mourning by Janet Lee - The Australian Funeral Directors Association Award - $500
Butter Chicken by James McKenzie Watson - Calvary Mater Hospital Pastoral Care Award
Kathryn, Young and Dying by Linda Harding - White Lady Funerals Award (Central Coast and Newcastle)
1952 by Simeon Kronenberg - David Lloyd Funerals Award (Newcastle and Hunter Valley)
Shattered by Sarah Bourne - Hunter Institute of Mental Health Award
Codes to Leave by Linda Ireland - Hunter Writers Centre Award
Sophia by Ted Bassingthwaighte - Good Grief Seasons for Growth Award (for a work about grief or loss other than death and dying)
A Great Sadness by C.M. Sherwood - Hunter New England Health Mental Health Services Award
The Universe is Growing by Peter J. Wells - Local Award
A Letter to my Dad by Ann Blackwell - Hunter Writers Centre Members’ Award
The Cubby House by NIkki McWatters - People's Choice Award
Click here to read full list of finalists
Calvary by Julie Watts - The National Association of Loss and Grief Award - $1500
Finding Grief by Jen MacCulloch - The Australian Funeral Directors Association Award - $1200
Guiding Hands by Helen Woodgate - The National Association of Loss and Grief Award - $500
My Mourning by Janet Lee - The Australian Funeral Directors Association Award - $500
Butter Chicken by James McKenzie Watson - Calvary Mater Hospital Pastoral Care Award
Kathryn, Young and Dying by Linda Harding - White Lady Funerals Award (Central Coast and Newcastle)
1952 by Simeon Kronenberg - David Lloyd Funerals Award (Newcastle and Hunter Valley)
Shattered by Sarah Bourne - Hunter Institute of Mental Health Award
Codes to Leave by Linda Ireland - Hunter Writers Centre Award
Sophia by Ted Bassingthwaighte - Good Grief Seasons for Growth Award (for a work about grief or loss other than death and dying)
A Great Sadness by C.M. Sherwood - Hunter New England Health Mental Health Services Award
The Universe is Growing by Peter J. Wells - Local Award
A Letter to my Dad by Ann Blackwell - Hunter Writers Centre Members’ Award
The Cubby House by NIkki McWatters - People's Choice Award
Click here to read full list of finalists
Winners of the Grieve Writing Competition 2015
'If' by Penny Lane (NALAG $1000 award - The National Association of Loss and Grief)
'In Your Wake' by Anna Lundmark (Australian Funeral Directors Association Award $1000)
'Stargardt's Syndrome' by Brett Dionysius (NALAG $500 award)
'Invisible' by Nicole Rogers ($200 - Calvary Mater Hospital Pastoral Care Award)
'No Questions Asked by Kate Kelsen ($200 - Hunter Writers Centre award)
'Losing Elizabeth' by Mary Bingham ($150 - For a work selected by the judge from Good Grief - Seasons for Growth Award for a work about a grief or loss other than death/dying)
'Don't Think About It' by Janet Lee ($100 Hunter New England Health Mental Health Services Award)
'Cherub' by MIchael Tippett ($100 Hunter Writers Centre members' award)
'Cherub' by MIchael Tippett ($100 People's Choice award donated by Maclean's Booksellers)
'If' by Penny Lane (NALAG $1000 award - The National Association of Loss and Grief)
'In Your Wake' by Anna Lundmark (Australian Funeral Directors Association Award $1000)
'Stargardt's Syndrome' by Brett Dionysius (NALAG $500 award)
'Invisible' by Nicole Rogers ($200 - Calvary Mater Hospital Pastoral Care Award)
'No Questions Asked by Kate Kelsen ($200 - Hunter Writers Centre award)
'Losing Elizabeth' by Mary Bingham ($150 - For a work selected by the judge from Good Grief - Seasons for Growth Award for a work about a grief or loss other than death/dying)
'Don't Think About It' by Janet Lee ($100 Hunter New England Health Mental Health Services Award)
'Cherub' by MIchael Tippett ($100 Hunter Writers Centre members' award)
'Cherub' by MIchael Tippett ($100 People's Choice award donated by Maclean's Booksellers)
Winners of the Grieve Writing Competition 2014
$1000 donated by The National Association of Loss and Grief
awarded to Sharon Elisara for In Her Day
$500 donated by The National Association of Loss and Grief
awarded to Megan Buxton for Letter from the Land of Alone
$200 donated by Calvary Mater Hospital Pastoral Care and Palliative Care Department
awarded to Linda Brooks for Ancient Grief
Calvary Mater Special Award in recognition of those who struggle with addiction and despair, who are cared for in the drug and alcohol and toxicology unit at Calvary Mater. - awarded to Ted Bassingthwaighte for The Letter
$200 donated by Hunter Writers Centre awarded to Susan Street for For A Moment
$150 - donated by Good Grief - Seasons for Growth, for a story or poem about a Grief or Loss other than death/dying awarded to Tara Ali for The Waiting Room
Nursing and Midwifery Services, Hunter New England Health Award - Kristin Henry for Your Granddaughter Asks What You Think of Tattoos
People's Choice award donated by Maclean's Booksellers
- Kristin Henry for Your Granddaughter Asks What You Think of Tattoos
$100 Hunter Writers Centre member's prize - Ashton von Westmeath for Desolation
$1000 donated by The National Association of Loss and Grief
awarded to Sharon Elisara for In Her Day
$500 donated by The National Association of Loss and Grief
awarded to Megan Buxton for Letter from the Land of Alone
$200 donated by Calvary Mater Hospital Pastoral Care and Palliative Care Department
awarded to Linda Brooks for Ancient Grief
Calvary Mater Special Award in recognition of those who struggle with addiction and despair, who are cared for in the drug and alcohol and toxicology unit at Calvary Mater. - awarded to Ted Bassingthwaighte for The Letter
$200 donated by Hunter Writers Centre awarded to Susan Street for For A Moment
$150 - donated by Good Grief - Seasons for Growth, for a story or poem about a Grief or Loss other than death/dying awarded to Tara Ali for The Waiting Room
Nursing and Midwifery Services, Hunter New England Health Award - Kristin Henry for Your Granddaughter Asks What You Think of Tattoos
People's Choice award donated by Maclean's Booksellers
- Kristin Henry for Your Granddaughter Asks What You Think of Tattoos
$100 Hunter Writers Centre member's prize - Ashton von Westmeath for Desolation
Testimonials
Good Grief Association: Good Grief really enjoyed the Grieve Writing Project Live Read today. All the pieces were powerful and multiple aspects of grief were covered in a very honest and personal way. Key note speaker Sue Pieters-Hawke was eloquent and wonderful. We sponsor the Seasons for Growth award. It was very difficult to choose a winner but this years award went to Ted Bassingthwaighte for his piece titled "Sophia". He managed to capture the confronting and isolating grief experience of a young police officer, encountered in the line of duty. Congratulations to Ted and we wish him every success with his future writing. Thank you to all the entrants and to the hunter writers centre for running this wonderful and thought provoking competition.