Aspiring writers and editors studying at Bendigo TAFE have launched their own anthology, Painted Words 2022.
Available for loan at various libraries, Painted Words showcases the writing and editing talents of Certificate IV and Diploma students. The 424-page book contains a selection of fiction and non-fiction works, including horror stories, medieval adventure stories and tales of travel and exploration.
Now in its 18th year, the production of the anthology is part of an annual project at Bendigo TAFE.
The course has published more than 1.8 million words authored by close to four hundred emerging central-Victorian writers in Painted Words.
Diploma student Julie Moran said participating in the project has boosted her confidence.
“Being published has given me the confidence to back myself as a writer. When your work has been through the editing process and is received positively by other writers, you begin to think of yourself as an author, a poet or both. You feel a great sense of achievement, satisfaction and validation for your ideas and creativity. It’s inspiring,” said Ms Moran.
Bendigo TAFE professional writing and editing teacher Peter Wiseman said the project prepared students for industry.
“Painted Words allows students to participate in a real-world, hands-on publishing project that prepares them for the world of writing, editing, and publishing,” he said.
“The experience of project management, calling for submissions and completing structural editing, copy editing, proofreading and author liaison, then following the book through the printing process and shipping has an enormously beneficial impact on their writing too.”
Bendigo TAFE’s writing and editing programs provide a springboard for students to launch into writing and editing careers or to follow pathways into further education in the arts. Some of this year’s graduates have been accepted into university degrees and screenwriting courses.
Painted Words 2022 was officially launched last week in an event planned and hosted by students. The book was launched by central Victorian poet and publisher, Tegan Gigante, also a graduate of Bendigo TAFE’s writing and editing program.
Painted Words 2022 is available for loan at Bendigo TAFE’s City Campus Library, as well as Bendigo Library, State Library Victoria and the National Library of Australia in Canberra.
Learn more about professional writing and editing courses on the Bendigo TAFE website or register for the next information session on Thursday 15 December 2022.
Student Julie Moran with Painted Words 2022
