| Welcome to the August newsletter! |
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Hi Writers!
I had to kill some darlings this week.
After labouring over a short story for weeks I made an executive decision to slash and burn. My writing partner-in-crime for this story was GCWA VP Kate Kelsen. I think she was horrified by my heavy handed approach but I believe it was a better for it. At the end, it was a simpler story. With more time, the original premise could have been realised but the closing date for submission was looming. We had to get it done.
Sometimes all you can do is start again, but you're never starting from scratch because you've already been there, traversed the terrain, and you have an idea of where you want to go.
Don't be afraid to delete. Don't fear the editor's red pen, especially if you're the one wielding it. Don't be afraid to write a truly awful first draft. Winston Churchill once said "perfection is the enemy of progress" so get those imperfect words on the page, write that first chapter, enter that competition. The win is in the writing.
Christine Betts
Newsletter Editor |
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President's Report
Welcome to August which means we are only one month away from the AGM. With that in mind, I am asking anyone who may have some time to volunteer on the committee to complete a nomination form. If you are unsure about what is involved or what roles make up the committee, please have a chat to any one of our friendly committee members.
We have lots happening in the coming month, including an informative August meeting on the 20th. Hope to see you all there. We have our first ever Write and Sip evening at the renowned Whisky Lounge, Mudgeeraba, coming up and our short story competition. I strongly encourage you to enter the short story competition. There are great cash prizes for the first three prize winners as well as publication on our website.
We are always striving to add more value for members and hope to see our members and guests involved in our upcoming events. We would love to hear what else you would like to be added to our calendar. Feel free to email me with any ideas. It is a great inspiration to be surrounded and connected to a supportive writing community. Gold Coast Writers’ Association is YOUR community.
Kellie M Cox President
Create, Inspire, Connect. |
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Our next meeting is on
Saturday
20 August 2022
at
Burleigh Waters Community Centre
Christine Avenue, Burleigh Waters
Time: 12pm to 3pm. |
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Our GCWA events include exciting speakers and a hands on workshop Members and visitors are encouraged to arrive 10-15 minutes early to complete the entry process so we can start on time. If you have flu-like symptoms, please stay at home and get better quickly. Entry prices are: Members: $5.00 (EFTPOS payment preferred, although cash is acceptable)
Visitors: $10.00 (EFTPOS payment preferred, although cash is accepted) |
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Order of Events from 12pm - 12:00 Start
- 12:05 Introduction
- 12:15 Guest Speakers: Lori-Jay Ellis and Rachael Johnson
- 13:00 Afternoon Tea: Pre-packed refreshments provided or BYO
- 13:45 Workshop: Judy Wollin
- 15:00 Close
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 | | Topic - Nurturing Creative Talent Speaker - Lori -Jay Ellis, CEO, Queensland Writers Centre The Special Guest judge of our 2022 short story competition, Queensland born and raised, Lori-Jay embodies creativity and innovation; she brings an enthusiasm and thirst for new ideas as well as a firm belief in nurturing creative talent. Lori-Jay uses her proven leadership success in the arts and business sectors to ensure reduced reliance on traditional funding models and a greater emphasis on sustainable business practices. Read more... |
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 | | Topic – Our Libraries Speaker - Rachael Johnson
Rachael is a Librarian with Gold Coast Libraries. She’s been working for the library service for just over 10 years, working at all branch locations around the Coast, from Upper Coomera to Coolangatta and everywhere in between.
Her talk will offers an overview of the Gold Coast Library Service –See what your library card can get you. What programmes do our libraries offer for writers? – Both online and in-person. What resources do our libraries offer for writers? – How to get the most out of our library website and e-library. Read more... |
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 | | Topic – Voice. Building Rich Characters Facilitator - Judy Wollin
Engaging characters are the essence of all stories. What characters still make you smile? What makes a great character? Looks, brains, what they wear? How they carry themselves? Voice is the answer.
Judy Wollin is presenting a workshop, ‘Voice. Building Rich Characters.’ Key elements of building a strong character voice will be explored, and members will have the opportunity to work on their characters. The workshop will include practising strategies to differentiate characters, strengthen your style, and build dialogue, internal dialogue and tone. Read more... |
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 | | We are excited to announce our brand new fundraising event, Write & Sip, coming to Whisky Lounge Mudgeeraba in August. A twist on the Paint and Sip concept, we will present a fun and interactive session where participants learn to write a Flash Fiction story (up to around 500 words) using story templates. The first genre offered will be Crime, with further options being Romance, Mystery, Thriller and Horror. Where: Whisky Lounge Mudgeeraba
When: Wednesday 24 August 2022
Time: Start 7pm Tickets: $39 p.p. Bookings are essential. To book, please email the following information to gcwa.news@gmail.com
Includes Beer/Basic Spirit/Glass of wine on entry, Nibbles, and 2+ hours of writing fun. Nibbles will include crackers, dips, cheeses, veges, etc and a dessert plate of assorted sweet items. -name
-number of people included in booking
-dietary requirements for platters We hope you will join us for what is sure to be a fantastic literary evening in a beautiful local venue! Read more... |
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 | | Have you started your story yet?
Special Guest Judge: Lori-Jay Ellis, CEO, Queensland Writers Centre. Overall winner – Prize $300 Second Prize $150 Third Prize - $50 |
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| | |  | Every Friday 10am to 3pm - All writers welcomeBook now Gold Coast Libraries, Queensland Writers Centre, and 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 Fridays is a free, volunteer-led program for local writers at all levels. Check the GCWA Facebook page for updates.
GCCC Library website - Helensvale Library |
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 | | Each month the Gold Coast Libraries offers brilliant workshops and author talks. |
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 | | Self-editing with Lauren Elise Daniels
Southport Library, Saturday 3 September 2022, 10am – 12.15pm First contact with an editor can point you towards publication. However, some writers expect editors to teach them the basics, but that's just not the editor's role. Manuscripts littered with common mistakes also communicate that writers haven't educated themselves. This course teaches you what you need to know before spending a single cent on editors or assessments. Read more... |
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 | | When Emma Carey was 20 years old, she fell from 15,000 feet while skydiving and survived.
Broadbeach Library, Wednesday 7 Sep 2022, 6:30 – 7:30pm Join Emma in conversation with Liv Phyland, as she takes us through her journey from the early days in hospital, to learning how to regain the use of her legs, the six-year long court case and now finally being free to make the most of her life. Emma’s story teaches us the importance of courage and resilience. The Girl Who Fell From the Sky is more than a memoir, it’s a call to action that reminds us to not take our lives and abilities for granted – to live every day like it could be our last. |
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 | | International bestselling author Jane Harper is back with her latest thriller, Exiles.
Robina Library Wed, 28 Sep 2022, 6:30 – 8pm Jane will be live at our Robina Library for an in conversation event to talk about her new book, and her journey from journalist to award winning crime writer.
Don't miss this signature author event where you'll discover more about the inspiration behind Jane's storytelling style of 'outback noir', and the Australian landscapes that feature in her books.
Exiles is the highly anticipated third and final book featuring her popular character Federal Investigator Aaron Falk, who was brought to life by Eric Bana in the film adaptation of The Dry.
Read more... |
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 | | THE 2022 SCARLET STILETTO AWARDS Women’s crime and mystery short story competition The idea for a national award for short stories, written by Australian women and featuring a strong female protagonist, was cooked up over a few glasses of wine in 1994 at a convenors’ meeting in St Kilda, Victoria. The purpose was to support and unearth new talent. Read more... |
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 | | New Book Release: Out of the Ashes by Megan Norris We are thrilled to share the upcoming release of Out of the Ashes by Megan Norris. Megan has previously been a guest speaker for us here at the GCWA, and her presentation on writing true crime was truly fascinating. Congratulations Megan! Journalist, Megan Norris, has a portfolio that covers some of the most high profile crime cases in Australia. The Gold Coast based author and GCWA member continues to cover some of the most bizarre stalking cases, abductions, domestic violence and rape cases for the women's magazine market where she has a special interest in women and children who are victims of violent crime. She is a former winner of the EVA (Eliminating Violence Against Women) awards.
Details of the latest tickets for the launch of Out of the Ashes here.
Published by Big Sky Publishing and due for release in late September. |
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 | A beautiful and heartfelt tribute to the GCWA by committee member David Kay. David moved to Brisbane recently to be closer to family. In this blog post, he pays tribute to the role his writing community played in helping him deal with the loss of his beloved wife, Patricia. Thank you David. |
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 | Want to make a difference and have fun? The Committee of the Gold Coast Writers' Association would love to welcome new Committee members. Have a chat with any of the current committee members and let us know if you would like to join us or email Kellie at gcwa.president@gmail.com - Expand your circle of writer friends
- Give back to the Gold Coast Writing Community.
- Grow as a Writer and public speaker.
- Great addition to your Writer Bio.
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 | | Let's all support the Brisbane-made Totally Lit Podcast with Ky Garvey.
This week Ky chats with Tristan Bancks about his latest book Cop & Robber, writing for children and teens and his Young Writers' Story School AND gives a special shout out about our GCWA Short Story Competition! Thanks Ky! More episodes here... |
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| Join us!
Become a Member of the Gold Coast Writers' Association Somerset Storyfest are thrilled to offer members of the Gold Coast Writers Association free membership to Storyfest for 2022! Any members joining or renewing their GCWA membership in 2022, Storyfest's membership programme includes the following benefits:
- 1x piece of Storyfest merchandise. Your choice of a hat, drink bottle or coffee cup
- Exclusive preview to our annual festival programme
- Early bird tickets to all events all year
- 10% discount on tickets all year, including catered events
- 10% discount at the festival bookshop
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