Editor's note
October is an important month for the Gold Coast Writers' Association as we farewell our existing committee and introduce a new group of dedicated volunteers. Congratulations and welcome to our new crew, led by Rebecca Findlay-Debeck. You will see some familiar faces amongst the 23/24 committee as some of the member stay on for another year. Those retiring from their roles remain active in this fabulous GCWA writing community that grows stronger every month.
A special congratulations to GCWA's Christine Betts who is this year's recipient of the GCWA Annual Achievement Award, presented at the AGM by our Patron, Andy McDermott. One of Christine's many roles is liaising with all our guests and co-ordinating the calendar of speakers and workshop presenters for each meeting. Thank you Christine, we appreciate all you do.
Another October milestone for the Gold Coast writing community is announcing the winners of our GCWA Short Story Competition. In this edition of eWriteabout we reveal the longlist of stories selected. Congratulations to all who entered and well done to our longlisters! We will announce the winning stories at the October meeting, and meet competition judges Dr Michael Brohier and Dr Anne Varnes.
Please join us at the next GCWA meeting on Saturday 21st October at Mudgeeraba Community Centre, starting at midday – we'd love to see you there!
Jane O'Connell, Editor
eWriteabout |
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President's Report
Welcome to the new year of the GCWA 23/24 Committee! We have a dynamic team leading us forward over this next year, with incredible commitment and dedication. With administration handover almost complete, we are on the starting block and ready to dive deep.
In addition to our Write & Sip and Critique Group events, we are exploring a range of workshops and skills builders to inform and inspire all our writer members. Given venue constraints, our meetings will remain in Mudgeeraba for the remainder of 2023. From January 2024, we should be relocating permanently back to (transport accessible) Burleigh Waters. With eighty-one suburbs in the Gold Coast region, we are looking to diversify event locations to provide greater access equity and representation for all our members.
Any emailed suggestions on ad-hoc venues, workshops or other events are always welcomed from members. We are your committee and want to hear your ideas on how we can build and grow this amazing writing community. Buckle up! It’s going to be an exciting time.
Rebecca Findlay-Debeck, GCWA President
Create, Inspire, Connect. |
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OCTOBER MEETING ORDER OF EVENTS
11:45 Arrive and register
12:00 Meeting start 12:05 Opening and news 12:15 Introduction of guest judges - competition results announcement
12:45 Speaker: Dr Anne Varnes 13:45 Afternoon tea: Refreshments provided or BYO 14:15 Workshop: Dr Michael Brohier
15:00 Meeting close Members and visitors 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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 | Thank you to everyone who entered a story in the GCWA Short Story Competition for 2023, we have loved reading all your stories.
The judges' decisions are in and we are delighted to announce the TOP 10!
(in alphabetical order by title)
Handprint (Emily Winter)
I See You (Tess Merlin)
Lost and Found (Gayle Neighbour)
My Father’s Home (Lizz Curry)
Priority Drive (Jay McKenzie)
Sarah and the Tooth Fairy (Kathryn M James)
The Charm Spell (Barbara Hunt)
The Good Mother (Jo Skinner)
Veronica’s Secret (Carin Needham)
Wake Up Liza (Leah Stanger)
We will announce the winner and runners up at our October meeting where will be joined by competition judges Dr Anne Varnes and Dr Michael Brohier. The winning stories will also be published on the GCWA website. Keep an eye on our socials for all the exciting news.
Congratulations to all the writers who made the Top 10, we hope to see you in October.
Our thanks to the first round readers/assessors Christine, Kellie, Steve and Selena, and to the official judges for taking the time to read and assess the entries.
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Meet our October speaker: Dr Michael Brohier
About Michael
Dr Michael Brohier (BA Hons Dip Ed M Lit. PhD) Michael Brohier has been a teacher of senior English Literature for 43 years and has taught in schools in SA, QLD and briefly in the UK. In his most recent professional educational role, he served as Academic Deputy and then Deputy Headmaster at Somerset College for 25 years.
He has served as Chairman of the Somerset Literature Festival for 20 years and currently is the Artistic Director of Somerset Storyfest and an Ambassador for the Literature Festival. He judged the Gold Coast Film Awards and initiated and judged the Bookness Inaugural Poetry Competition.
Michael is currently working on a second book of collected poems, with the tentative working title, “Asymptote, Life and Divinity – Stories of Love”, and ever looking for avenues to nurture this “one wild and precious life” (Mary Oliver – poet from “The Summer Day”.
Michael's workshop will be a brief exploration of the reliability of memory that will touch on music, setting and objects. - Are our memories reliable?
- What purpose do they serve?
- Can we create a new version of our memories that will help us resolve our lives from now on?
- Is this an ethical thing to do?
- We will touch on music, setting and objects and share our work.
Note for participants to bring the following: - A few small items of especially sentimental value
- Think of a piece of music that holds special value for them
- Think of special food/s and safe settings that evoke feelings of security and happiness
- Bring a few old photos of family, parents, grandparents, siblings, children, special friends; sepia would be even better
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Meet our October speaker: Dr Anne Varnes
About Anne
Anne has a background as a psychologist, working primarily with children and adolescents. A mid-life change of direction led Anne to complete a Master of Arts: Editing & Publishing, and a stint with a preeminent Awards organisation developed Anne’s love of children’s and YA fiction and non-fiction. Anne also has experience editing/proofreading academic works such as theses and journal articles and working with picture book authors to develop their ideas and writing.
Anne is currently Reading and Project Officer at the Queensland Writers Centre.
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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.
Sisters in Crime Queensland invites you to join author, journalist and GCWA member Megan Norris in conversation with authors, Sally Piper, Allie Reynolds and A D Penhall. Dubbed the Killer Conversations, the authors will share the thrills and spills of their writing journeys and their tips for success.
Details:
Tuesday, 10th October at 6.30pm
The Whisky Lounge
Shop 2A/58 Railway
Street, Mudgeeraba
$25 Members, $35 non-members. Complimentary drink on arrival. Raffles & door prizes.
Bookings essential. Book Now.
GCWA members Christine Betts and Jane O'Connell will appear on a GC Libraries local author panel along with Kate Kelsen at Elanora Library on Saturday 11th November at 10am. For all the details, see the Gold Coast Libraries promotion in this newsletter.
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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 | | WRITE & SIP IS BACK! A twist on the Paint and Sip concept, join us for an interactive session where participants learn to write short fiction using fun exercises.
Our October event will be hosted by Christine Betts and special guest host, Kate Foster, finalist of the Queensland Premier's Awards for a Work of State Signficance.
The theme for October is writing for children and young adults, but writers in every genre will find gems of wisdom for their work.
Where: Whisky Lounge Mudgeeraba
When: Wednesday 25th October 2023
Time: 7-9pm
BOOKINGS ARE ESSENTIAL Book Now.
If you have any questions please email [email protected]
We hope you will join us for what is sure to be a fantastic literary evening in a beautiful local venue. All proceeds from the night will support the GCWA in assisting writers from all genres, age groups, and levels of writing to grow, learn, and excel in their craft. |
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 | | SELL YOUR BOOKS AT BOOKFEST!
GCWA will be booking a table/s at Bookfest (Bethania) in November. This is a great opportunity to sell your books, especially if you are just starting out and do not yet own a banner or have your payment method set up.
Please contact Selena at [email protected] for details on how to share the GCWA space.
Date: Saturday 4 November, 2023
Location: Bethania Community Centre, 88-118 Station Rd, Bethania
Time: 9AM-2PM
Come along and join us and get those book sales happening! |
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| | |  | Writing Friday at Elanora Library
Every Friday 10am – 3pm (except public holidays)
Writing Friday at Helensvale Library
Every Friday 10am – 4pm (except public holidays) Gold Coast Libraries, Queensland Writers Centre and the Gold Coast Writers' Association 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 Friday is a free, volunteer-led program for local writers at all levels. Check the GCWA Facebook page for updates. ALL WRITERS WELCOME! |
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 | | Each month the Gold Coast Libraries offer
brilliant workshops and author talks. |
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 | | Trent Dalton - In Conversation Join us for a special weekend event featuring Trent Dalton, international bestselling author of Boy Swallows Universe, All Our Shimmering Skies and Love Stories. Trent will be in conversation with Ben Hobson discussing his irresistible new novel, Lola in the Mirror. | Venue: Broadbeach Library
Date: Saturday 28 October 2023
Time: 10.00am – 11.30am
Book Now!
More information on session times and booking at Gold Coast Libraries. |
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 | | Join William McInnes for a cracking yarn! William McInnes gives us his take on our unique Australian way of life in his latest book Yeah, Nah! He reflects on Australia's colourful and colloquial way with words, with his trademark humour and wit. Hosted by Channels 7’s Tamra Bow. Book now to enjoy what is guaranteed to be an entertaining morning out! | Venue: Helensvale Library
Date: Monday 6 November 2023
Time: 11.00am – 12.00pm
Book Now!
More information on session times and booking at Gold Coast Libraries |
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 | | From Reader to Author Meet local authors Christine Betts, Kate Kelsen, and Jane O’Connell. They’ll share their most loved books, the titles that have captivated them throughout their reading lives and inspired them to start on their own writing journey. Christine, Kate and Jane will talk about their own books and also about the essential writing craft books that hold the secrets to successful writing.
Celebrate Local Writers Month with great local events. | Venue: Elanora Library
Date: Saturday 11 November 2023
Time: 10.00am – 11.00am
Book Now!
More information on session times and booking at Gold Coast Libraries. |
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 | | WRITING SUNDAY AT SOUTHPORT LIBRARY
If you can't make it to Writing Friday at Elanora or Helensvale Library, Writing Sunday might be for you! Writing Sunday is a volunteer-led space for writers of all levels to come and work on their own projects. This Queensland Writers Centre initiative is a great chance for busy weekday people to connect with their local writing community and follows the Pomodoro Technique of 25-minute writing blocks with 5-minute breaks.
Writing Sunday is held every Sunday at Southport Library. Book online at Gold Coast Libraries or drop in on the day. |
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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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 | | Angela and David Photography believe every image is its own unique story, a moment in time consisting of both large and small emotions which are shared between all present, employing technical expertise, years of experience, a flexible approach, excellent communication skills and an affordable rate. In January, Angela and David volunteered their time to create author images for 16 lucky GCWA members. Contact Angela and David on on 0487921064 or head to their website to enquire about their packages. |
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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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| Feedback Welcome!
You may have noticed the changing face of the GCWA's newsletter and website. We would love to know what you think of the changes. |
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