Central Coast Writes Anthology 2023
Welcome to the Central Coast Writes Anthology 2023, a collection of true stories written and illustrated by locals.
Take a peek inside the everyday lives of Central Coast residents with this collection of personal tales. With courage and lyricism, these writers have opened their hearts to share some of their most vulnerable moments.
Here are stories of surprises, good and bad, of treasured gifts and difficult losses, of brave steps taken. They celebrate the beauty of our natural world and the solace it brings.
Above all, these stories demonstrate the importance of our relationships, how the love and support of others help us make the most of what life throws our way.
Illustrated with care and creativity by emerging artists, this collaboration has brought people of different ages together to have deeper conversations and enrich our understanding of the Central Coast community.
Thank you to all who have contributed to this year’s anthology. It’s been a pleasure working with you and a joy to share your stories.
Keep writing!
Adrienne Ferreira
Director, Bravewords
Encounters in the Night
Biting wind, diluted sun, dusk descending with winter’s grip still evident: an all-round bad combination…
Ramen Dreaming
I must have manifested a Japanese-inspired afternoon while reminiscing about my 2018 solo trip to Japan.
The Call
My phone won’t stop ringing. It’s 3am — ice pierces my heart. Calls in the middle of the night are never good.
The Hunt
There are three rules: only one egg at a time; no stealing from baskets; no weapons.
The First Of Many Stories
An old picture frame, building materials, vintage chairs — you name it, we salvaged it.
Gifts
These two rings currently adorn my finger. They were chosen by my husband to replace the beloved set he had given me when we married…
Crisis
Never did I imagine the scale of such a fire… I didn’t think something like that would ever happen to me and my family.
Fishing At The Entrance
Manfred stowed the fishing gear into the car while Dad studied the road map. ‘We’re going via Wisemans Ferry,’ he declared. ‘It’s quicker.’
In The Womb Of The Mother
Mesmerised, I was drawn into the calming movement of the water that surrounded me. It felt like I was being held in the Womb of The Mother.
My Footprints
My footprints trail behind me in the sand, sharply defined in the hard compacted edges where the remnants of waves lap close to them.
The Hat
My friend doesn't realise the significance of her recycled gift. I don’t know if she would understand.
Kitty and Snake
Kitty guarded her victim with pride, tail slowly waving back and forth on the wooden floorboards. Snake remained still…
In The Family
Kids today don’t even know what a sideboard is, but when I was starting out, it seemed like a great windfall to acquire free furniture.
The Streets of Indiranagar, Bengalaru
The young driver of my autorickshaw comes to a complete stop. He mutters something in Hindi, but I can see for myself that we are going nowhere anytime soon.
The Sweet Life
Boredom is never easy, especially when you’re unable to move your body from the chest down.
Bonnievale
The bonfires were lit. Pungent smoke filled the air, creating white clouds in the night sky. Flames danced and shadows caressed the sand.
Building Blues
I let out a primordial scream, as I envisioned another 365 days of living in a pocket-sized caravan in my in-law’s backyard.
A Letter to Mum
I remember someone asking if you were a natural blonde. Your reply was, “That’s what it says on the bottle.”
My Brother’s Love
Back in the car, we exchange sad smiles that offer no comfort. We hold hands tightly, afraid that if we let go, we will lose each other, too.
My Piano
I love my piano. Those sturdy keys beckon me always. Eighty-eight keys that hold a universe, an infinite number of musical possibilities.