President's Note
Dear members and guests,
I have a confession to make. Late last year, I set what I thought was an audacious goal – to write content for and record one podcast episode. Even though I really wanted it to happen, I found this goal a little scary and thought it might happen at some point later in the year. In fact, I was secretly hoping my pen had gained invisible ink and the accountability person I sent the goal to wouldn’t see it.
Alas, my goal was seen and accomplished only a few weeks later! I’m sure you are wondering what the problem is here? I was so surprised by achieving my audacious goal that I realised I needed to start thinking a lot bigger. If I could achieve something scary so quickly, what goal would I dare set myself for the remainder of the year?
Although I am still working on an answer, this experience has inspired me to encourage each of you to dare to set a goal and share it with someone! You might surprise yourself with what you can achieve this year.
A fantastic connection point to share and receive encouragement for your goals is at our monthly GCWA meetings. If you prefer to meet in a smaller group to help achieve your specific goals, reply to this email or reach out to me so we can help get you connected. This year’s focus is to initiate more sub-groups to increase support for our members.
Our April guest speakers are also ready to inspire you with their expertise on crafting Australian historical fiction and authentic crime writing. They will be available during the networking break to answer your questions around the craft of writing in their specific field.
What do you have to lose in writing down your audacious goal this year? In the words of Athena Singh: ‘Never trust your fears, they don’t know your strength.’
Give it a chance. I dare you!
Rochelle Miller, GCWA President
Create, Inspire, Connect. |
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 | The GCWA usually meets on the third Saturday of each month. The April meeting date will be the 12th.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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12th APRIL 2025
MEETING ORDER OF EVENTS Members and guests 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 News and brief announcements
- 12:10 Speaker: Foster Burton – Crafting Australian Historical Fiction
- 13:15 Afternoon Tea & Networking Break
- 13:45 Workshop: Jack Roney – Authentic Crime Writing
- 14:45 Raffle
- 15.00 Close
To book your spot at the meeting and get fast-tracked, please click here. Entry is also available at the door. GCWA members: $5.00
Visitors: $10.00
EFTPOS payment preferred; however, cash is accepted. |
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 | | Foster Burton - Historical Fiction Author
Presentation: Crafting Australian Historical Fiction
In crafting historical fiction set in Southern Queensland during 1888, author Foster Burton immerses himself in a rich tapestry of local history, culture, and societal norms of the time. Drawing inspiration from meticulously researched primary sources. Foster captures the essence of life in a burgeoning colonial town. Foster's commitment to authenticity and detail ensures that readers are not just entertained but also educated about Queensland's history, bringing to life the rich narratives that shaped the region.
In the upcoming presentation, Foster will share his findings and insights, followed by a question and answer session, inviting the audience to engage in a deeper discussion about the historical context and creative process behind his work.
For more information, please click here. |
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| SUBMISSIONS ARE NOW OPEN UNTIL 30 APRIL 2025 |
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 | GCWA is holding micro fiction competitions throughout 2025 instead of a longer short story competition.
Micro fiction incorporates all the elements of short story writing, including story arc and character development. The difference is that you have a significantly lower word count to achieve this in!
Some benefits of writing micro fiction that will transfer to other writing:
• You learn to identify and reduce filler words. Every word counts.
• You have a clear beginning, middle and end.
• It is a great way to practice dialogue that gets to the point.
• You develop the skill of writing scenes that start in the middle of something. This is useful for story and chapter openings.
NYC Midnight has some great micro fiction writing tips to get you started. Check them out here.
For entry details and the terms and conditions, please click here.
We are looking forward to reading all your entries! |
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 | | 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.
A huge congratulations to Sandra Mayer for reaching an incredible milestone with the publication of her 20th children's book, Ellie's Mother's Day Surprise. What an amazing achievement! You can explore her complete collection here.
Congratulations also go to Damian Hussey for successfully reaching his Kickstarter goal for Gunpowder Issue #2! This graphic novel is best described as ‘Mad Max fighting demons’ and is full of explosive action, supernatural themes and breathtaking artwork. You can find out more about the apocalyptic world of Gunpowder here.
If you have exciting GCWA member news to share, please email our Association Editor at gcwa.editor@gmail.com with all the details. |
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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.
- Critique Groups (online and in person).
- Member-only writing competitions.
- 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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| CREATIVE WRITING WORKSHOP |
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 | Facilitated by award-winning writer Christine Betts
and inspired by the current Writers Revealed exhibition. Reveal Your Inner Dialogue What would William Shakespeare say to you? Using story structure and imagined dialogue between famous authors, writers will create flash fiction stories. The Studio, HOTA Art Gallery
Sat 26th April
2.00 pm
To get your tickets, please click here. |
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This month's tip comes from Sandra Mayer:
'If you are writing books as a business, accurate records are a must.' |
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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 gcwa.websitemanager@gmail.com for details of specifications required |
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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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| | |  | | Each month the Gold Coast Libraries offer
brilliant workshops and author talks.
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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 gcwa.president@gmail.com |
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