President's Report Dear GCWA members and friends, Welcome to July. Just over halfway through the year and I wonder how your writing goals are going. I have a manuscript to complete this month, a psychological thriller. It’s a bit different to anything I have written as each character has their own chapters. It’s honestly tricky to keep track of where everyone is and what they are up to in the story. I imagine this is the nightmare that planners go through when they plot out their stories. No wonder I have always been a pantser and always will be. Apart from the manuscript, I am writing short stories as often as I can. So many competitions to enter it is difficult to know where to focus. A good strategy is to keep a spreadsheet of your stories and where they have longlisted, shortlisted or placed. The stories that don’t place can be used for the next competition with a bit of editing, as long as they fit the theme and genre. Our website has a list of the current competitions you may want to check out. I was super excited to notify our short story competition shortlisters and thrilled we had one lucky writer in the room for the announcement. I also sent an email to each of the entrants who didn’t place to thank them for their stories. I was overjoyed to get such lovely replies. Remember judging is subjective and a story that doesn’t place in one competition could very well win the next. Never give up. Keep writing and entering and of course sharing your writing journey, attempts and successes with us along the way. We can inspire and support each other and, in the meantime, keep creating. Your words are brilliant as they were written by you. Kellie Cox, GCWA President Create, Inspire, Connect. |
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Vice President's Monthly Musings Vanlife by Numbers Driving solo through the vast expanses of central and southwest Queensland, I found adventure, peace, and joy in the simple things. Speaking at two women's circles I was able to bring a new perspective that it was time for a change, while three bags of Minties kept me alert on long drives. My trusty campervan, with its four wheels and no flat tyres, carried me along 5,698 kilometres of meandering roads. I preached five times in churches, sharing hope and joy. Six boxes of coffee pods fuelled my mornings, and my seven faithful employees kept things running so I could enjoy a gentler restful pace. Over the eight weeks, I indulged in nine cheesy garlic breads, enjoyed ten café lunches, and played with eleven kids in the homes of families where I stayed. Twelve gifts received along the way spoke of the thanks they had for the deep connection we felt. Fourteen dinners in local pubs and restaurants brought a feel for the towns and people who lived there, and seventeen tanks of fuel powered my journey through twenty-one towns where I stayed. I spent twenty-two nights in guest rooms and thirty-four in my van. It was just the right balance and gave me opportunity to feel well rested and really enjoy the cubby house feeling of the van. I shared thirty-five copies of my Goldie book, enjoyed thirty-eight home-cooked meals, and listened to forty-seven hours of podcasts and audiobooks. The sixty-two hours of driving never seemed too long – the height of the driver’s seat meant I could take in the expansive, changing landscapes, some stretching as far as the eye could see. Balancing 176 hours of work with rest and discovery, I experienced countless firsts, deep friendships, and renewed childhood memories. I revelled in each watercoloured sunset, rode horses, fossicked for gemstones, enjoyed a shake up on the Cobb & Co stagecoach. I feel like I haven’t even scratched the surface and my heart, even now, yearns for the road and to go again. As I packed up and dropped off the van, one question lingered: “What’s next?” Jen Swenson, GCWA Vice President Create, Inspire, Connect. |
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| The GCWA meets on the third Saturday of each month. We 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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JULY MEETING ORDER OF EVENTS 11:45 Arrive and register 12:00 Meeting start – brief announcements 12:10 Announcing our GCWA Short Story Competition Winners! 12:45 Speaker: Janeen Vosper - Beyond the Book: Building a Personal Brand that Resonates 13:15 Tea and networking break 13:45 Formatting Workshop with Rochelle Miller 14:40 Introducing Cr Dan Doran and the raffle draw 15:00 Close 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. GCWA members: $5.00 Visitors: $10.00 EFTPOS payment preferred; however, cash is accepted. |
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| Janeen Vosper Beyond the Book: Building a Personal Brand that Resonates If you are struggling with lack of visibility and building an audience of loyal readers, it is likely you will be missing opportunities because of an inconsistent brand message. It is important that you are seen as the authority in your space and stand out as a brand; the brand being you; thus building trust and establishing yourself as a go-to source. In this presentation you will learn techniques to: Increase brand recognition and credibility Expand audience reach and engagement Enhance opportunities for promoting yourself and your books Improve book sales For over 20 years, Janeen Vosper excelled as the General Manager of Sales for a successful multi-million-dollar business, where she coached high-performing commission-based sales teams. In 2007, Janeen founded her coaching business, Speech Perfect, to empower individuals to cultivate a confident voice of self-belief and establish their personal brand authority. An international conference speaker, Janeen has contributed to Kochies Business Builders Magazine, is host of the We Are Women Podcast, and authored two influential books: Being Unstoppable and Good Girls Do Sell. Her coaching repertoire includes online training programs, private coaching, workplace training, Mastermind groups, and group seminars. To find out more about Janeen, please head to janeenvosper.com |
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GCWA Writing Essentials Workshop – 3 |
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Formatting with Rochelle Miller Whether you're entering competitions, self-publishing, or submitting to traditional publishers, correct formatting can make or break your chances of success. Join us as we delve into the essential formatting guidelines every author needs to know. In this workshop, you'll learn: The critical role of formatting in the submission process. Key formatting requirements for competitions, self-publishing platforms, and publishing houses. Practical tips and tricks to ensure your manuscript meets professional standards. Common formatting pitfalls and how to avoid them. A curated list of resources to help streamline your formatting process. By the end of this session, you'll be equipped with the knowledge and tools to present your manuscript in its best light, enhancing your chances of catching the eye of judges, readers, and publishers. Don't miss this opportunity to polish your work to perfection and take a confident step forward in your writing journey. Rochelle works as a Virtual Assistant after holding various administration roles throughout her life. Her career has also included roles in coaching, mentoring, and teaching. Rochelle has a passion for using story, journaling, and coaching as a pathway for personal development. Her current Work In Progress incorporates both fiction story-telling and a guided journal to assist people in working on their mindset goals. Connect with Rochelle at https://medium.com/@rochellemillerwrites where you will find samples of her flash-fiction stories and life anecdotes For more information, please head to theGCWA website |
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| Critique Groups for July 2024 The Gold Coast Writers' Association Critique Group aims to help its members improve the readability of their work. Giving and receiving feedback on our work can be scary so we have a strict ‘Constructive Feedback Only’ rule. After a short introduction, we take a piece to read and provide written feedback. The final 30 minutes will be an opportunity for each person to give and receive feedback to each person in the group. We may break into two groups depending on numbers. The Afternoon Critique Group The afternoon meeting is Tuesday 23 July 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 25 July 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. Learn to give and receive feedback to improve your work in a friendly, positive space. Each writer will bring the following: 1. An open and caring attitude. All feedback should be constructive and informed. The rules of engagement will be posted in the Facebook group and at each meeting. 2. Please bring two printed copies of a piece of written work for critique, up to 1000 words, printed on one side and stapled. Use 3cm margins, double spacing, an easily readable font, indent/new line for each line of dialogue and the working title and genre in the header. Ensure you have edited and proofread the piece to the best of your ability. 3. A cover page stapled to the front with the following information. Genre Format (a short story or excerpt from a larger piece of work i.e. longer story, novella, novel.) Three or four points you would like the critique group to focus on when critiquing your piece. i.e. Character development/arc, dialogue, story arc, setting and world building, genre-specific beats, conflict. Be as specific as you like or leave it up to the reader. ‘Criticism may not be agreeable, but it is necessary. It fulfils the same function as pain in the human body. It calls attention to an unhealthy state of things.’ – Winston Churchill If you have any questions, please email [email protected] |
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| Write & Sip July 2024 Romance writing heats up at this month’s Write & Sip! Author A.K. Leigh will bring her wealth of expertise and creative skill to get our pens rolling out lines of sassy, sizzling, spicy scenes. Alicia is a multi-published hybrid romance and non-fiction author, academic, identical triplet, and complex trauma survivor. She submitted her 98,000 word PhD thesis (creative artefact and exegesis) in June 2024. Her research identified and defined the post-trauma romance (PTR) subgenre – which includes a representation of trauma and trauma recovery within a romance narrative – making her the world’s leading expert on this subgenre. The Love Healer, written as part of her thesis, is an example of PTR and is due for release with Serenade Publishing on 31st May 2025. She also holds a Masters degree in writing which resulted in the independent publication of her best-selling non-fiction title, The Romance Novel Formula. Reserve your spot now for an evening of prose and pinot, prosecco, or pink lemonade! Date: Wednesday 31 July 2024 Time: 7-9 pm Location: Whisky Lounge Shop 2A/58 Railway St Mudgeeraba, QLD 4213 Tickets: $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. Click here to get your tickets and for more information keep an eye on the Gold Coast Writers' Association Facebook page 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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| What is Ekphrasis? Ekphrastic poetry has come to be defined as poems written about works of art; however, in ancient Greece, the term ekphrasis was applied to the skill of describing a thing with vivid detail. We’re going to expand the concept further to encompass any writing inspired by an artwork. Consider it fan fiction for your fave artist. For more information and to buy tickets, please head to the HOTA website |
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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. Huge congrats to Lizz Curry for taking out the best contemporary romance trophy for the Rainforest Writing Retreat anthology. Congratulations go to the following members on being nominated for the Sisters in Crime Australia Davitt Awards. Adult Crime Novel Tess Merlin was nominated for her debut novel, Rank. Non-Fiction Megan Norris was nominated for The Messiah's Bride. Sonya Leeding was nominated for her debut novel, Blue Widow. Christine Betts is running the Ekphrastic Writing Workshop at HOTA 27 July to 23 November and Kate Foster is running the ASLA DANZ awards ... Our GCWA members are on fire! 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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| MEMBERS' LUNCH Get to know your fellow writers at the GCWA Members' Lunch! Date: Friday 12 July 2024 Time: 12 pm Place: Robina Pavilion Address: 229 Ron Penhaligon Way, Robina 4226 About: No charge, order your own food and drinks RSVP: To Selena before 5 July to reserve your spot. Text 0439333033 or email [email protected] |
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| Bookness Creative Writing Award 2024 Bookness is inviting entries again this June/July for their annual creative writing competition. Poems must be at least 16 lines in length and no longer than 50 lines. Short Stories must be a maximum of 500 words. Participants may submit more than one Poem or Short Story, but each new entry must have a separate entry form and is $5.50 per piece. For more information, please go to the Bookness Events page. PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY HUGHES LAWYERS |
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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! Following a hugely successful first year, The ASLA DANZ Award, previously The DANZ Award, is returning bigger and better in its quest to reward and celebrate diverse and ground-breaking children’s literature. In 2025, there will be a focus on a greater range of books that push boundaries and challenge stereotypes, created by authors and illustrators from Australia and New Zealand. New and exciting partnerships with dynamic market leaders and changemakers will also be announced in the coming months as the award looks set to become a respected and well-known brand as well as a go-to resource. For more information, check out the GCWA website www.thedanzchildrensbookaward.com |
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MEMBER BADGE If you would like to order a GCWA badge with your name and member number, email our treasurer at [email protected] with your preferred name. Then deposit $15.00 into the GCWA General Account BSB: 034-279 ACC: 435356 using your surname and 'badge' as a reference. Or you can place your order directly with us at the Saturday meeting. |
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| | | Each month the Gold Coast Libraries offer brilliant workshops and author talks. |
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| WRITERS PLUS MASTERCLASS WITH SIANG LU Saturday, 06 July 2024 | 10:00 AM - 12:15 PM Dive into the world of publishing with the award-winning author, Siang Lu, in an enlightening workshop. Siang Lu, celebrated for his masterpiece The Whitewash, an Audiobook of the Year at the Australian Book Industry Awards, and the creative mind behind The Beige Index and #sillybookstagram, invites you to a unique session that demystifies the numbers behind publishing success. For more information go to Gold Coast Libraries |
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| Author Series: The Lady Vanishes Wednesday, 10 July 2024 | 06:30 PM - 07:30 PM Discover the mystery of former Gold Coast local Marion Barter and meet the team behind the true crime sensation The Lady Vanishes. For more information go to Gold Coast Libraries |
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| Beck Thompson - Chasing Normal Thursday, 11 July 2024 | 06:00 PM - 07:00 PM Join local author Beck Thompson for an insightful journey into the making of her memoir 'Chasing Normal' and the transformative process of becoming a published author. In this engaging author talk, Beck shares the inspiration behind her memoir, the challenges she faced during the writing process and the exhilarating journey to publication. For more information go to Gold Coast Libraries |
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| Jerry Furnell - Naked Assassin Trilogy Saturday, 20 July 2024 | 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM Meet local author Jerry Furnell as he delves into his thrilling 'Naked Assassin' trilogy. For more information go to Gold Coast Libraries |
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| Author Series: Crime Double Act Wednesday, 24 July 2024 | 06:30 PM - 08:00 PM Join us for an unmissable evening featuring a crime double act with bestselling crime writers Michael Robotham and J.P. Pomare. For more information go to Gold Coast Libraries |
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| Author Series: Sandie Docker Thursday, 01 August 2024 | 02:00 PM - 03:00 PM Meet author Sandie Docker as she talks about her latest book, 'The Lyrebird Lake Ladies Choir'. For more information go to Gold Coast Libraries |
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| Author Talk: Tom Clarke - Shoulda Been Higher Thursday, 01 August 2024 | 06:00 PM - 07:00 PM Join author Tom Clarke as he discusses his book 'Shoulda Been Higher: A Celebration of 30 years of Triple J’s Hottest 100'. For more information go to Gold Coast Libraries |
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| Author Series: Margaret Hickey Friday, 02 August 2024 | 06:30 PM - 07:30 PM Join award-winning author Margaret Hickey as she talks about her new book, 'The Creeper'. For more information go to Gold Coast Libraries |
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| Author Series: Masterclass - Perfecting your Prose with Sarah Klenbort Saturday, 03 August 2024 | 10:00 AM - 12:15 PM This workshop with award-winning author Sarah Klenbort is designed to refine your skills and elevate your writing to new heights! 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. ALL WRITERS WELCOME! For more information go to Gold Coast Libraries |
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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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| 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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| 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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| 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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