| GCWA December newsletter! |
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Hi Writers!
It's that time of the year again, when our thoughts turn to holidays, family and Christmas, and if you're anything like me, setting goals. We humans often overestimate what we can do in a day, but underestimate what we can do in a year.
As we slide into 2023, you might wish to ponder what you can do in the next few weeks to build momentum and finish 2022 on a high. Is there a writing goal you would like to achieve before the end of the year?
On the other hand, it might be more fun to think about what can you do over the coming weeks to feed your soul and head into the new year feeling refreshed and replenished. I'm doing both, from a little villa in Bali where I've found time between working on a rewrite of my manuscript to have a few (dozen) massages and catch a few sunsets.
Whatever you do, I hope the rest of your year is fantastic and your 2023 brings you everything your writers' hearts desire.
Christine Betts
Newsletter Editor |
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President's Report
Welcome to the December Newsletter. We did things a little differently at our monthly meeting in November, and held a special in-conversation event with true crime author Megan Norris. I thoroughly enjoyed discussing Megan's new book Out of the Ashes (Big Sky Publishing) which chronicles the inspirational journey of Bali bombing survivor, Therese Fox. The book was released in October 2022 to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the terrorist attacks in Kuta. Megan is also the Convenor of Sisters in Crime Queensland, a fantastic organisation all about sharing a collective passion for women’s crime writing. GCWA will be working closely with Sisters in Crime Queensland in 2023 so keep an eye on our newsletter and social media for details. We were also joined by Queensland Writers Centre CEO Lori-Jay Ellis, who provided an excellent overview of all the brilliant events, competitions support on offer to writers. As the special guest judge of our short story competition, Lori-Jay was delighted to present certificates to the winners. After two successful events earlier this year, we will be hosting our final Write and Sip fundraising event for 2022 at Whisky Lounge Mudgeeraba on December 14th at 7pm. This month's theme will be Small Town Hallmark Christmas, and genres will include Romance, Action/Thriller, and more. This is a fun night of writing and laughter, and we look forward to seeing you there! Our final Writing Fridays session will take place at Elanora Library on December 9th between 10am-3pm. This is an opportunity to squeeze in some additional writing before Christmas, and get a head start on your writing goals for the New Year. Our mission at the Gold Coast Writers’ Association is to encourage and support writers across genres and age groups at all levels of experience. Our meetings are held on the third Saturday of the month at Burleigh Waters Community Centre (12 noon – 3pm). Come along, we’d love to see you there. Kate Kelsen President
Create, Inspire, Connect. |
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Our next meeting - the GCWA Christmas Party
Saturday
17 December 2022
at
Burleigh Waters Community Centre
Christine Avenue, Burleigh Waters
Time: 12pm to 3pm. |
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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 Opening and News
- 12:15 Write and Sip - Enjoy a "mocktail" and join in the fun writing exercises from the popular Write & Sip events.
- 13:00 Writing Saturday - Get a feel for Writing Fridays held each week at the Elanora Library, using the Pomodoro method. Bring a pen and paper or your device and work on something new or a work in progress.
- 13:45 - Nibbles, Secret Santa and Christmas Carols- bring a plate to share or BYO food, plus a gift-wrapped book to exchange
- 15:00 Close
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 | | Christmas Write & Sip
Whisky Lounge Mudgeeraba
from 7pm Wednesday 14 December 2022.
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. This month's theme will be Small Town Hallmark Christmas, and genres will include Romance, Domestic Noir, Suspense and more.
Where: Whisky Lounge Mudgeeraba (Railway Street, Mudgeeraba)
When: Wednesday 14th December 2022
Time: Start 7pm What: Tickets: $20 GCWA members, $39 non-members or email gcwa.news@gmail.com for bank details
Includes Beer/Basic Spirit/Glass of wine on entry, Nibbles, and 2+ hours of writing fun.
Nibbles will include Christmas treats, crackers, dips, cheeses, veggies, etc and a dessert plate of assorted sweet items. There is a Pizza Capers/Chinese restaurant located opposite the venue if participants want something more substantial. 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.
We hope you will join us for what is sure to be another fantastic literary evening in a beautiful local venue! Here are some of the comments from our previous Write & Sip events...
"Thank you Christine and Kate for a fantastic evening! Loved the variety of writing activities, and walked away with two short stories that have been fun to share with family and friends. Looking forward to your next Write and Sip  " ~ Di
"Looking forward to the next one! Great fun!!" ~ Mary
"It was such a good night! Can't wait for the next one." ~ Rochelle |
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Final Writing Friday for 2022
Friday 9 December
Book 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 offer brilliant workshops and author talks. |
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 | | Computer Class - Using Digital Library Resources
Tuesday, 13 December 2022, 3 – 4.30pm Southport Library, Corner Garden and Lawson Streets, Southport 4215 Practice basic computer skills in a friendly and supportive environment. Discover how to access the digital resources available through the library, including eBook, eAudiobook, digital magazines and newspapers and a range of online learning tools. A basic understanding of how to use a computer and the internet is needed to participate in this class. Book now... |
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 | | Meet brilliant authors each month at Ben's Book Club. January's guest is the award-winning author of forty thrillers for adults and children, Jack Heath. Jack's latest book Headcase is the fourth instalment in the Hangman series. Download your copy of Headcase via The Libby App and book your spot for this great virtual event. Get your questions ready and send them in the chat. Ben Hobson loves talking about and writing books, and each month he meets with a trending author to discuss their latest book. Join the discussion by downloading the featured book on The Libby App and settle in on the last Tuesday of the month for a fantastic bookish night. |
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One for the Young Writers!
For ages 6-12. Writing and illustrating workshop – for kids
Monday, 16 January 2023, 10 – 11.30am
Bookings essential. Do your kids dream of writing and illustrating their own story? Meet local children’s author and illustrator Nikki Rogers who will read from her latest book, Born To Stand Out and answer your questions about the creative process.
You will then have the opportunity to workshop writing a story with Nikki. |
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 | | Meet Local Award-Winning Author and GCWA member Gavin Fisher at this special book signing event
9am-2pm Saturday 17 December Local award-winning Gold Coast Author Gavin Fisher will be at Big B Books Burleigh Heads for a special author signing event to celebrate his latest thriller 'Double Death' which received a Bronze Award in the Australian and New Zealand Independent Publisher Book Awards 2022. His first novel 'Colour of Greed' won the Gold Award for best fiction.
Gavin originally hails from South Africa and began writing at the tender age of twelve. He moved to the Gold Coast in 2008 and is an active member of the Gold Coast writing community, including having served as President for the Gold Coast Writers Association. Read more about Gavin Fisher... |
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 | | GCWA MEMBERS - Mention your membership at Big B Books in Burleigh Heads to receive 10% off books. |
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 | | SAVE THE DATE for SOMERSET STORYFEST 2023
28, 29, 30 MARCH 2023
“…a festival of storytelling for the whole family." Following in the footsteps of literary tradition, Storyfest is the writers’ festival for the Gold Coast, the cornerstone of which is its annual three day event held in March. Delivering a series of literary experiences along with workshops, masterclasses and featured authors throughout the year, Storyfest nurtures emerging writers and provides opportunities for readers and writers alike. Offering over 130 events to the wider community, Storyfest has secured its place on the Gold Coast’s cultural calendar! Read more... |
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 | | Save the Date for Genrecon 2023
18-19 FEBRUARY 2023 | BRISBANE | QUEENSLAND WRITERS CENTRE
GenreCon is the leading conference for genre writers. Join us for the 8th GenreCon genre writers’ conference, the largest conference in the southern hemisphere dedicated to genre writers. GenreCon 2023: Forbidden Doors features keynote speaker, Garth Nix – genre fiction legend – and Patron, Nalini Singh – international bestselling author. This is your chance to start your writing year in the best way possible. Take inspiration from our line-up of leading names in Australian and International genre fiction across a spectacular weekend of panels, workshops and special events. GenreCon is delivered as an initiative of Queensland Writers Centre. |
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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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