May 2003
TURN THE PAGE!
It is the best of times and it is the worst of times. Recession and SARS
might have hit our pockets and altered our lifestyles, but having a little
extra free time on our hands will allow us to catch-up on a book or two
or perhaps write a page or two. Now is the time to get introspective and
put pen to paper to harness our thoughts, ideas and feelings into prose,
poetry and other forms of writings to express ourselves. If writing is
not your cup of tea, our libraries and bookshops have a lot to offer from
books to magazines to literary programs. Someone once said that the world
is like a book, if you have not travelled then you have only read a page,
likewise, the book is like the world, if you have not read much, then
your journey has yet to begin.
NBDCS WRITERS NETWORK (NWN)
NBDCS is developing a Writers Network in order to invite writers to our
literary and networking events like Writers Network Nights, Bookclub and
other programs to promote the book industry. All published, unpublished
and budding local writers, please send your contact details to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
Please forward this newsletter to any other writers who might be interested
as well!
WRITERS NETWORK NIGHT
The Writers Network Night is back and we welcome you to join us in this
event. Felix Cheong, a prominent figure in the literary scene will be
the speaker for the night. This is a good opportunity to interact with
other like-minded people, exchange tips, build contacts and share thoughts
and ideas about writing.
Come join us and get inspired!
Date: 22 May 2003 (Thursday)
Time: 7 p.m.
Venue: Crazy Elephant 3E, River Valley Road, #01-07,
Trader's Market, Clarke Quay, Singapore 179024.
Tel: 63371990
Speaker: Felix Cheong
Topic: Research - The World at a Writer's Fingertips
Admission: Free
COMING UP!
readasia
readasia is a book club organised by the National Book Development Council
of Singapore (NBDCS) and supported by library@orchard to promote Asian
literature. This is where you will meet fellow book lovers, like-minded
people and find a captive audience to share your thoughts and views on
the book you have read. Get more out of your reading experience from our
lively and informal discussions. So get ready for an exhilarating ride
and give your mind the mental gym it deserves!
As long as you have a passion for tearing books apart, figuratively speaking,
we welcome anyone, and everyone, to join us.
Date: Thursday, 29 May 2003 (or every third Thursday
of the month)
Time: 7:00 pm sharp
Book
to be discussed: Soul Mountain by Gao Xingjian
Venue: library@orchard, Programme Zone 391 Orchard Road
Ngee Ann City Podium Block #05-22/26
Registration & enquiries Do drop us an email to let us know your interest
in attending the book club. Email us at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
Log on to http://www.nbdcs.org.sg
for details
TAMIL STORYTELLING WORKSHOP
Too often we've heard fairy tales and stories in English and told quite
a few ourselves in the same language.How many of us really know how to
tell a good story in Tamil! At the National Book Development Council of
Singapore, we are committed to spreading the art of storytelling in our
Asian languages. Storytelling is a craft and a great way to preserve our
culture, revitalize literature and educate our children. We are thus proud
to present a three-day Tamil Storytelling Workshop by storytelling expert
from India, Jeeva Raghunath.
Date: 17-19 June 2003
Time: 10am to 5pm
Venue: Ascendas Studio, Dramaplus Arts, 33 Kerbau Road
Fee: $280 nett per participant (Includes 1 Tea break)
To apply, visit our website at http://www.nbdcs.org.sg/tamilstory.htm
or
contact NBDCS, Tel: 68488294, e-mail: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
COURSE IN CHILDREN'S LITERATURE (CHINESE)
Reading is a child's window to the world. Through reading, a child picks
up values, forms impressions and develops as a person. It is thus vitally
important that teachers and parents know how to select good quality children's
books to enhance learning. This course will be held in September, for
more details please e-mail .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
or log on to http://www.nbdcs.org.sg/Courses/1courses.htm.
POSTPONED
The continuing uncertainties regarding SARS and the possible impact on
the attendance and participation of the general public make it risky to
conduct big events and programs in the next few months. As a result some
of our programs have been postponed and we offer our sincere apologies
for the inconvenience. The following are the postponed programs and new
dates: {not sure if this is "politically correct" thing to say,
govt tells us to "life as per normal, step out S'pore}
Indian Book and IT Fair (IBIF)
Postponed from 21-22 June to September (Exact dates to be confirmed)
Tamil Publishing and Editing Workshops
Postponed from 22, 24-25 June to September (Exact dates to be confirmed)
THERE'S NO BUSINESS LIKE THE BOOK BUSINESS
SINGAPORE WRITERS' FESTIVAL 2003
Singapore Writers' Festival 2003 will take place from 21 to 27 August,
brimming with about 50 activities. Expect a gathering of at least 30 international
and Singapore writers in an event that will satisfy your appetite for
all things literary! Check the NAC website again in June for the full
programme at http://www.nac.gov.sg.
JUST LAUNCHED
Claritex International recently launched the newly updated version of
Murasu Anjal, a sophisticated software that caters for Tamil computing
needs on 17 May at Woodlands Regional Library. Developed by Muthu Nedumaran,
a leading technologist in Tamil computing, it is a software that can help
text editing, web browsing, provide publishing tools and other software
to create documents, magazines, newsletters and other publications. Please
visit http://www.claritex.com for more details.
WANTED: RISQUE SHORT STORIES OR POEMS
Kenn Delbridge of Content Creation is now looking for new erotica permissible
within the Singapore context. To quote him: "I am looking for romantic
short stories or poems with a risquedge... the author will have to be
ultra subtle euphemisms for everything." Selectedauthors will be
paid. For more info, e-mail .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
TRUE SINGAPORE GHOST STORIES BOOK 11 BY RUSSELL LEE
Russell Lee investigates witchcraft and uncovers its links with Satanism
it will blow your mind! And, more readers tell their tales of terror.
Another feature: Russell Lee's interview with soccer star Sundramoorthy.
Singapore residents can email orders at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
Singapore published prices apply.
EVENING WITH LAWRENCE BLOCK
Lawrence Block's novels range from the urban noir of Matthew Scudder (Hope
to Die) to the urbane effervescence of Bernie Rhodenbarr (The insomniac
Evan Tanner (Tanner On Ice) and the introspective assassin Keller (Hit
List). He has won the Edgar and Shamus awards four times each and the
Japanese Maltese Falcon award twice, as well as the Nero Wolfe and Philip
Marlowe awards, and, most recently, a Life Achievement award from the
Private Eye Writers of America. Many of his books have also been made
into movies.
Date: Wed 28 May 2003. Time and Venue: 7pm, Grand Hyatt Hotel. Entry is $80 inclusive of dinner and wine.
For more info and reservations, please contact .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
