Editor's note
Hello and welcome to the August edition of eWriteabout.
Were you one of the lucky ones to be shortlisted for the Queensland Literary Awards, or know one of the authors who made the list? The prestigious awards have an incredible $238,500 prize pool across 12 categories including unpublished work. The winners' award ceremony will be live-streamed on State Library of Queensland's website on September 6 and it will be worth tuning in just to see the joy on the winning authors' faces.
If you're passionate about writing and would like to help shape the GCWA program of speakers, workshops and events, now is your chance. We are taking nominations for all committee roles at the September AGM. More details in the newsletter.
The next GCWA meeting is Saturday 19 August at Mudgeeraba Community Centre, starting at midday. The line-up includes a discussion with author Michelle Upton and a 'Write your first chapter' workshop with author Cynthia Terelst. We hope to see you there!
A final reminder, the deadline for the GCWA 2023 short story competition is fast approaching so if you're planning to enter, you'd better get your skates on. Entries close on Thursday 31 August. Don't forget to mention a street name somewhere in your story.
Jane O'Connell, Editor
eWriteabout |
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President's Report
I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has passed on their well-wishes to my dear Mum and GCWA member Beverley, and to those who signed her get well card at the July meeting. In late June, Mum was diagnosed with Myeloma, a type of blood cancer. Fortunately the outlook is positive and she is expected to make a full recovery. She underwent back surgery a month ago to stabilise her spine in preparation for radiation, and during her recovery has managed to write a few new poems. Mum loves our GCWA community, and we love her! She is so looking forward to joining us at a GCWA meeting again soon. Speaking of meetings, July’s was jam packed, with three excellent guest speakers. Emerald Brewer, a Kombumerri-Noonuccal woman, spoke eloquently about her family history on the Gold Coast and North Stradbroke Island, and on the beauty and power of Indigenous storytelling. GCWA member Damian Hussey spoke about his new project, a graphic novel, and his experiences both as a filmmaker and as a teacher of filmmaking, and children’s author and podcaster Ky Garvey spoke about her journey towards creating and publishing her first children’s picture book. To top off the month, we had another great Write & Sip event. Thank you to the writers who joined us, my fellow facilitator Christine Betts, and Whisky Lounge Mudgeeraba for providing a welcoming space to write and sip! Kate Kelsen, President
Create, Inspire, Connect. |
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The Gold Coast Writers' Association invites First Nations members and guests to deliver the Acknowledgement of Country statement at the beginning of monthly meetings. We are also seeking First Nations Committee Members, Guest Speakers, Workshop Presenters, and Blog Contributors.
To express your interest or suggest other ways we can support and encourage First Nations within our writing community, please contact GCWA President Kate Kelsen at gcwa.president@gmail.com
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WE HAVE A NEW HOME!
GCWA is delighted to announce our meetings will be
at the MUDGEERABA COMMUNITY CENTRE
for the remainder of 2023.
We meet every third Saturday of the month.
Click here for the Google Maps location
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AUGUST MEETING ORDER OF EVENTS
11:45 Arrive and register
12:00 Meeting start 12:05 Opening and news 12:15 Speaker: Michelle Upton 13:00 Afternoon tea: Refreshments provided or BYO 13:45 Workshop: Cynthia Terelst
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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Meet our August speaker: Michelle Upton
About Michelle
Michelle Upton loves writing short stories and novels that examine our darkest fears but then shine a light on the hope and possibility for us all.
Her novel Terms of Inheritance was shortlisted for both the 2021 Banjo Prize and for the 2023 Adaptable: Turning the Page to Screen program run by the Queensland Writer’s Centre. Terms of Inheritance is out now in paperback, eBook and audiobook.
After emigrating to Australia in 2006 from Birmingham, England, Michelle is now extremely proud to be an Australian citizen. She lives on the beautiful Redlands Coast in Queensland and loves being close to the water.
Terms of Inheritance
Four sisters. A vast fortune. And a mother who thinks she knows best. Where there’s a will, there’s a way.
When multi-millionaire Jacki Turner is forced to take stock of her life, she sets her daughters a challenge – in order to inherit her vast fortune, each must fulfil a task that she believes will push them to become better versions of themselves. Terms of Inheritance is a funny, poignant, brilliantly observed story about letting go of the past.
Michelle Upton will appear in conversation with Rochelle Aguis.
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Meet our August speaker: Cynthia Terelst
Cynthia Terelst will take us through a workshop on writing your first chapter. She will discuss important elements each first chapter should have. You will then dissect the first chapter of her novel, Down the Rabbit Hole to see how those elements are incorporated. Bring along some highlighters, coloured pens or pencils.
About Cynthia
Cynthia enjoyed writing as a child and teenager but put it aside as she experienced the adventure of life. Recently her love of writing was reignited when a friend spoke to her about the novel she was writing. Since that time, Cynthia has published seven romance novels in her Love Down Under series. She does not shy away from difficult topics, as she feels that they should not be ignored.
Although her friends claim she is a crazy cat lady, she denies this vehemently. She currently has three cats sharing her home: two of her own and the other is her daughter’s. She vows she will never go back to the days when lived with seven.
Cynthia lives in Queensland, Australia.
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FINAL WEEKS!
The deadline for entries in the GCWA short story competition is just around the corner so if you're thinking of entering, now is the time!
We want to read all about the streets of your town – wherever that may be. Word count is up to 1000 words and you must mention a street name somewhere in your story. Entries are open until to 31 August 2023.
Full details and competition terms can be found on our website. |
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JOIN OUR COMMITTEE
Would you like to support your local writing community? Join the committee!
The Gold Coast Writers' Association's Annual General Meeting (AGM) is in September. Nominations will be taken for all committee roles:
President / Vice President / Treasurer / Secretary / Membership Secretary / Association Editor / Newsletter Editor / Speaker Coordinator / Web Content Manager / Online Media Coordinator / Publicity Coordinator / Providore / General Committee Members
Email gcwa.secretary2022@gmail.com for role descriptions. |
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 | | WRITE & SIP
Our July Write & Sip event at the Whisky Lounge, Mudgeeraba was another great night out at a fabulous venue.
Thank you to all the writers who joined us, and our facilitators Christine and Kate. A very big thank you to our hosts at the Whisky Lounge for providing the sips, and for always making us feel welcome.
If you missed out on our July event, why not come along to the next Write & Sip on Wednesday 25 October. Keep an eye on our socials for booking details closer to the event.
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 | | MEMBER NEWS We love sharing news from our GCWA members to shine the spotlight on new work from local writers. Here's just a taste of the writing success in and around the Gold Coast writing community, plus some events you may be interested in.
Out of the Ashes, by true crime author and journalist Megan Norris, has been shortlisted in the Sisters in Crime Australia Davitt Awards for Best Nonfiction of 2023. Congratulations Megan!
Many of you will remember our May speaker Captain Dylan Conway from Brothers and Books who inspired us to read for increased wellbeing and resilience. Dylan has issued GCWA with a challenge: to read five books in 50 days for The World’s Coolest Readathon.
Find the GCWA team in the link below, join in the reading fun and help us raise money for a worthy cause. Everyone is welcome to the Gold Coast Writers Association team.
Visit the World's Coolest Readathon events page for more information.
GCWA committee members Kellie and Steve will be attending the Gold Coast Seniors Expo talking all things writing. Come along and say hello and ask about the benefits of being a GCWA member.
Date: Thursday 24 August
Time: 9am – 1pm
Place: Twin Towns Coolangatta
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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 | | IN CONVERSATION Fans of author Clare Fletcher (Five Bush Weddings) are invited to Tweed Heads Library for an in-conversation event with GCWA's Christine Betts. Clare will be talking about her latest book, Love Match.
About Love Match In a town like South Star, everyone knows Sarah Childs’ name, face, entire history … and the fact she’s just been dumped by Johnno West. Sarah would happily keep to herself on their property, Dunromin, for the rest of her days. But now her parents are refusing to put her in charge until she spends a year getting more involved in the local community and, yes, dating. Well. She’ll show them community spirit. She’ll be Miss bloody South Star if that’s what it takes. How hard can it be? Wonderfully funny and very Australian, Love Match is a story about learning a new game, figuring out who you are, and maybe even finding real love.
Date: Friday 1 September
Time: 11am
Place: Tweed Heads Library
For more information and to reserve your spot, visit Richmond Tweed Regional Library online or call 07 5536 3672
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| | |  | | We'd love your feedback! If you have some tips and suggestions for the committee, please email Kate on gcwa.president@gmail.com and if you love the GCWA, head over to our Facebook page and give us your 5-star review. |
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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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 | | Unveiling Truths: The Storytellers by Leigh Sales | Introducing one of Australia's most accomplished journalists, Leigh Sales, renowned for her twelve-year anchoring role on the ABC's flagship 7.30 program. With a diverse background as a foreign correspondent and host of Lateline, she has also anchored numerous elections for the network. In her latest book, Storytellers, Leigh skillfully turns her interviewing prowess onto her own profession, shedding light on the lives of those who usually ask the questions – the journalists themselves.
Venue: Robina Library
Date: Thursday 14 September 2023
Time: 6.30pm – 8pm
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 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month at Southport Library. Book now 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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