President's Letter
Hello everyone!
Welcome to December and the slippery slide into Christmas holiday celebrations! I don’t know about you, but my calendar looks particularly busy this year. It started last Friday evening when I attended the Queensland Writers Centre Christmas party and poetry awards. What a fabulous evening seeing writers celebrated for their talent and hard work. We were even treated to an impromptu poetry slam performance that carried a powerful message of hope.
I am also excited about the GCWA Christmas party coming up on Saturday, 14th December, and celebrating the year with all our amazing members and guests. Please note we have introduced a new ticketing system for this meeting which will continue into the new year. Although tickets will still be available at the door, we ask that you purchase tickets ahead of the day (see December meeting details) for catering purposes.
Did you know that several authors in our community have published books and won, short-listed, or long-listed in writing competitions this year? These authors are an incredible inspiration to us all. Congratulations on their remarkable achievements! I hope to see many more of us achieve the same next year and beyond.
If you do have goals you are working towards in the new year, I would like to encourage you to attend our member-only critique groups. Most of the authors who have shared their accomplishments this year have attributed some of their writing improvement to the constructive feedback they received during a critique group session.
One of these accomplished authors is Alison L Robson, who will be hosting tomorrow night’s Hallmark movie-themed Write & Sip. I am told Alison and her team have a fun night of writing lined up for us. It’s not too late to buy your tickets here.
I hope you all have a fantastic holiday season. And remember, if you still have Christmas shopping to do, why not support our local authors by heading to our Bookshop? What a great gift idea for family and friends!
Rochelle Miller, GCWA President
Create, Inspire, Connect. |
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 | The GCWA meets on the third Saturday of each month. **December meeting will be on the 14th** For tickets to the meeting and to let us know numbers for catering, please click hereWe are at our usual meeting place at the
BURLEIGH WATERS COMMUNITY CENTRE. 111-136 Christine Ave, Burleigh Waters QLD 4220 Click here for the Google Maps location |
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DECEMBER MEETING ORDER OF EVENTS Members are encouraged to arrive at 11:45 to complete the entry process so we can start on time. If you have flu-like symptoms or feel unwell, please stay at home and get better quickly. - 11:45 Arrive and register
- 12:00 Meeting start – brief announcements
- 12:10 Christmas Party with a light lunch, catered (GF & DF options available)
- 13:10 Workshop: How to sell your books at a bookstall (or anywhere)
- 13:25 Activity:
- There will be several fun options to choose from:
- Practice selling your book at our pop-up bookstall
- Practice selling your book in a small group at your table
- Share about your Work in Progress or an excerpt of your writing in a small group at your table
- Continue networking
- 14:35 Christmas gift exchange
- 15:00 Close
What to bring: - Books to sell (if you have them) OR
- Something that represents your not-yet-published book (eg. a piece of paper with your name, book title and book blurb) OR
- An excerpt of your writing that you can share with others at your table AND
- A $10 wrapped book for the Christmas gift exchange AND
- A Christmas spirit!
Members and guests are all welcome. Tickets will be available at the door. However, please either purchase your ticket here OR email us at [email protected] to let us know you will be attending, as we will be catering a light lunch. GCWA members: $5.00
Visitors: $10.00
EFTPOS payment preferred; however, cash is accepted. |
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| January Meeting SNEAK PEEK |
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 | Ready, set, get resilient! If you're looking for inspiration, make sure you save the date, 19th of January, our first meeting for 2025. The fastest and youngest in history to paddle around Australia, Bonnie Hancock overcame extraordinary challenges including sharks and crocodile encounters, huge seas and sea sickness. Hers is a story of resilience, and she wrote a book about it.
bonniehancock.com |
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 | | MEMBER NEWS
We love sharing news from our GCWA members to shine the spotlight on new work, awards and publishing wins from local writers. Here's just a taste of the success in and around the Gold Coast writing community in recent weeks.
Our GCWA members are on fire! We are thrilled to share some of the outstanding achievements and recent successes from our vibrant Gold Coast writing community.
Sandra Mayer delights young readers with her children's book, A Dandelion's Wish. A poignant tale of hope, love and the magic that lies within a dandelion's delicate kiss.
Jacqx Mellilli takes us for a peek behind the vaudeville curtain in her book, When the Glitter Fades. Dive into a world where beneath the facade of dazzling performances lurks secrets, murder and mayhem.
S E Holmes brings us a powerful narrative with her book, Don't Walk RUN!: Escape domestic violence and let the healing begin. Having experienced domestic violence in her own life, she writes with great authority, empathy and practical support for women.
Natalie Forbes has published her lively rhyming picture book, Saturday, Sunday, Busy Day, Fun Day. This delightful book contrasts the frenetic energy of a busy Saturday with the leisurely pace of a slow Sunday, assuring us that fast days and slow days are an equally exciting part of family life.
Alison L Robson claimed victory in the Totally Lit Micro Fiction Competition with her story, 'Ticking Timebomb'.
Congratulations to all our phenomenal members on these remarkable accomplishments! Your dedication and creative talents inspire us all. Well done!
If you have exciting GCWA member news to share, please email our Association Editor at [email protected] with all the details.
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 | As December trends towards sweet romance movies, savoured with whisky, wine, and extra lashings of chocolate and cheese, we're thrilled to have Alison L Robson join us as the co-host of our romance-themed Write & Sip.
As the author of the beloved 'Sweet Series' of books, Alison knows the romance genre inside and out. She's here to help us bring those kind-hearted, infectious-laughing, sweet-talking characters to life on our notebooks, laptops, or even napkins. Alison is joined by equally talented romance authors Tracey Rosen and Rosie Miles, ensuring the creative energy continues to flow.
Don't miss out on this one. With all the rush and mayhem of this time of year, it's a great idea to take time out for yourself, even for one evening.
Reserve your spot now for an evening of prose and pinot, prosecco,
or pink lemonade!
Date: Wednesday 4 December 2024
Time: 7-9 pm
Location: Whisky Lounge
Shop 2A/58 Railway St
Mudgeeraba, QLD 4213
Tickets: Humantix Link
$20 GCWA members
$40 for non-members Click here for more information on GCWA membership
Includes a drink on arrival (beer/basic spirit/glass of wine/non-alcoholic), nibbles
and a goodie bag.
Meals can be ordered (at the bar) from local restaurants.
Keep an eye on the Gold Coast Writers’ Association Facebook page
for more information.
All proceeds from the night will support the Gold Coast Writers’ Association to help writers from all genres, age groups, and levels to grow, learn and excel in their craft.
If you have any questions, please email [email protected]. |
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Critique Groups for December 2024
The Gold Coast Writers' Association Critique Groups aim to help their members improve the readability of their work. Giving and receiving feedback on your work can be scary so we have a strict ‘Constructive Feedback Only’ rule.
Learn to give and receive feedback to improve your work in a friendly, positive space.
The Afternoon Critique Group
The afternoon meeting is Tuesday 10th December 2024 from 1:00 - 3:00 pm.
Please arrive in time for a 1:00 pm start.
The Evening Critique Group
The evening meeting is Thursday 12th December 2024 from 5:30 - 7:30 pm.
Please arrive in time for a 5:30 pm start.
Cost: $10 includes a hot beverage.
Please join the Gold Coast Writers' Association to attend:
Click here for more information on GCWA membership.
For bookings: head over to the Bookness Events page.
For more information: click here
If you have any questions, please email [email protected] |
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 | Southern GC and Northern NSW members: Expressions of Interest for a Tweed Heads/Coolangatta area critique group.
If you are interested in attending a monthly in-person critique group in the Tweed area, please email Christine at [email protected]
For more information: click here |
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 | DANZ Boldly Launches Into Its Second Year!
The ASLA Diversity in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand Children’s Book Award is back for 2025 to celebrate and spotlight even more underrepresented children’s book creators!
www.thedanzchildrensbookaward.com |
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BOOKSHOP
Advertising Member A$50.00 Website Advertising for 1 year (Member)
Advertising Non-Member A$120.00 Website Advertising for 1 year (Non-Member) Email [email protected] for details of specifications required |
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 | | Would you like to be a member of the GCWA?
The Gold Coast Writers' Association aims to support and encourage writers of all levels, across all genres. We welcome writers and readers to share their experiences and connect with a wider audience.
Here are some of the benefits of joining the Association: - Gain access to the ‘Members Only’ Facebook page where you can connect with other members and find useful writing resources.
- Promote and sell your books through associated avenues.
- Receive members’ rates at all GCWA special events.
- Network and collaborate with individuals across all levels of writing.
- Benefit from opportunities to meet and socialise with like-minded people in a friendly environment.
| More GCWA membership information here |
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| | |  | | Each month the Gold Coast Libraries offer
brilliant workshops and author talks.
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 | Creative Writing Workshop with the Ten Penners Spark a love for reading and creativity in kids! Bring the family to explore The Ten Penners collection, and let children dive into fun activities that ignite their imagination! Discover the magic as they read from their books 'Backyard Beasts and Curious Capers' and 'Charlie the cheeky spider'. Come along and meet the authors, and enjoy a fun-filled session packed with adventure and creativity. For kids aged 6-12yrs. - Saturday, 07 December 2024 | 02:00 PM - 03:00 PM, Upper Coomera Library
Free - but bookings required. Please go to Gold Coast Libraries |
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 | Writers Plus! We've got everything to support your writing journey. Whether you're just starting out or already published, we have something to help take your writing to the next level. Attend one of our monthly Masterclasses, led by an industry expert, to learn and extend your knowledge and skills. Drop into a writing session utilising the Pomodoro Technique at Writing Friday, Writing Saturday or Writing Sunday. Or just use our spaces for free Wi-Fi and creative environments great for your writing projects. Don't forget to check out the latest writing books while you're in there. For more information go to Gold Coast Libraries |
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| Gold Coast Libraries and the Queensland Writers Centre have teamed up to offer Gold Coast writers a space to cultivate their habit of writing and connect with other writers in the community. Following the Pomodoro Technique, Writing Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays are a free, volunteer-led program for local writers at all levels.
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 | | Support your local Independent book store.
GCWA MEMBERS Mention your membership at Big B Books
in Burleigh Heads to receive 10% off books. |
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 | Come and join us on the GCWA Facebook page and members, be sure to join the
Gold Coast Writers’ Association Members group. |
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 | | We'd love your feedback! If you have some tips and suggestions for the committee, please email Rochelle at [email protected] |
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