| GCWA newsletter January 2023 |
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| Hi Writers! In 2011, Matt Damon played Benjamin Mee, a man who famously Bought a Zoo. In one scene, Mee explains to his young son that our lives are defined by the moments when we put ourselves out there. When we take a risk that, if we had thought about too much, we would never have been capable of. “You know,” he says, “sometimes all you need is twenty seconds of insane courage. Just literally twenty seconds of just embarrassing bravery. And I promise you, something great will come of it.”
This is a great lesson for all of us, but as writers we need to have this tattooed on our arms (or at least printed out and pinned above our desks!) Whether we need the courage to write our first draft, to show someone our work, to pitch a publisher, or join a writing group. Just do it! Throw that useless caution to the wind. In the words of author Steven Pressfield, no one really cares anyway, so you might as well have some fun.
Christine Betts
Newsletter Editor |
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President's Report
Welcome to the January newsletter! I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
After two successful events, our Newsletter Editor, Christine, and I hosted our final Write and Sip fundraising event for 2022 at Whisky Lounge Mudgeeraba in December. What a great night of writing and merriment! The theme was Small Town Hallmark Christmas, and genres included Romance and Action/Thriller. I had a lot of fun writing a Die Hard-inspired flash fiction story template (because Die Hard IS a Christmas movie!) We look forward to seeing you for our next event in February. Details coming soon.
We held the GCWA Christmas party at our December meeting, thank you to everyone who came along and brought delicious food to share. We exchanged Secret Santa gifts, enjoyed a Christmas feast, and Christine facilitated a workshop on writing a Christmas romance.
Writing Fridays returns to Elanora Library 10am-3pm on 20th January. Writers at all stages of their creative journey are welcome to come together to enjoy dedicated writing time, guided by the Pomodoro Technique. For more information, click here: Writing Fridays at Elanora Library
In 2023, we are doing things a little differently at our monthly meetings. GCWA will provide the broad structure of writing a book, and throughout the year our guest speakers and workshops will be tailored to a specific stage of that process. In January, our theme is ‘From Idea to Planning’, and our focus will be on your writing goals for 2023. Before the meeting, you might like to take some time to write a brief outline (e.g. 200 words) of your proposed story for 2023.
Our January guest speaker is Harry Colfer, an experienced Critical Care Paramedic with nearly twenty years of on-road experience gained in both England and Australia. In his presentation, From Emergency to eBook, he will share with us how he uses his real-life experiences to create stories, fictionalising events to avoid confidentiality issues, creating believable characters, and his writing workflow.
I will then present my new workshop, Harnessing Your 2023 Writing Goals, that looks at the productivity tools that have been integral to my success. From 30 & 90 Day Plans to tracking achievements, I will share the tips that help me harness my writing goals, no matter what stage of the writing process I’m at. Having these structures in place gives me a sense of accomplishment and progress, even in the smallest steps.
Meeting venue change: Due to renovations at Burleigh Waters Community Centre, our January meeting will be held at Mudgeeraba Community Centre Firth Park, Somerset Drive, Mudgeeraba, QLD 4213 from 12 noon to 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 January Meeting
Saturday
21 January 2023
at
Mudgeeraba Community Centre, Firth Park, Somerset Dr, Mudgeeraba
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 Speaker: Harry Colfer - From Emergency to eBook
- 13:00 Afternoon Tea: Refreshments provided or BYO
- 13:45 Workshop – Harnessing Your 2023 Writing Goals with Kate Kelsen
- 15:00 Close
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 | | Harry Colfer is the pseudonym of an experienced Critical Care Paramedic with nearly twenty years of on-road experience gained in both England and Australia. With his role being one of the highest trained pre-hospital clinicians, he regularly attends cardiac arrests, multi-system trauma, major incidents and the wayward results of criminal endeavours. As a way of dealing with his inevitable demons, he embraced the cathartic paramedic custom of storytelling and, back in 2012, began writing in his spare time. Using his knowledge of the subject area, he created a series of humorous short stories, Ambo Tales from the Frontline, recently managing to complete his goal of writing one for each of the thirty-two codes used to categorise emergency calls. Although his stories are fictional, the clinical details and interventions are all accurate, thereby giving the reader an entertaining education in the frontline emergency world. Beyond this, his main protagonist, Jono, often says and does things Harry wishes he could get away with in his real job, and that’s perhaps why he goes by his pen name. Other than his short stories, Harry has published two full-length novels featuring the same characters, a murder mystery, Dead Regular, and the thriller sequel, Beneath Contempt, with another two, High Acuity and Show Cause, in preparation. |
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| Workshop
Harnessing Your 2023 Writing Goals Kate Kelsen will share the productivity tools that have helped her achieve her writing goals in 2022. From 30 & 90 Day Plans to tracking achievements, she will share the tips to help harness your writing goals, no matter what stage of the writing process you are at. |
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 | | 'Write Drunk, Edit Sober'
We are excited to announce our first Write & Sip fundraising event for 2023, returning to Whisky Lounge Mudgeeraba in February.
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 genres on offer will be Crime, Romance, Mystery, Thriller and more. Where: Whisky Lounge Mudgeeraba
When: Wednesday 15th February 2023
Time: Start 7pm
Tickets: $39
Ticket 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. There is a Pizza Capers/Chinese restaurant located opposite the venue if participants want something more substantial.
Bookings are essential. Please Like the GCWA Facebook page for more details. 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 a fantastic literary evening in a beautiful local venue! |
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 | Congratulations to GCWA member Megan Norris for the release of her latest book, The Messiah's Bride.
Investigative journalist Megan Norris unravels the story of Stefanie’s lost childhood, her courageous escape with his child, and how the scribblings of a teenage girl brought one of Australia’s most dangerous sex predators to justice. |
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| | |  | All writers welcome
Commencing this Friday 20 January, 2023
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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 | | Author Ben Hobson in conversation with Nicole Dyer - Tuesday, 21 February 2023, 6.30 – 7.30pm Ben Hobson has written a new release and it is taking the reading world by storm. A searing Australian novel set in the goldfields of Ballarat, The Death of John Lacey stems from Ben's history of his convict ancestors and asking the question - what does it mean to truly accept the mistakes of the past. Juicy, terrible and compelling, this story dissects areas of dispossession and colonisation, and the crimes committed in their names. Meet Ben, in conversation with ABC Radio's Nicole Dyer, as he discusses his latest book, storylines and what it takes to be a great author. Check out Ben's other two books, Snake Island and To Become Whale, and book your spot for a great evening talking about books and writing. Fans of The Secret River by Kate Grenville and Blood Meridian by Cormac McCarthy will love this book. |
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 | | Writing Sunday at Southport Library
Sunday, 5 February 2023, 10am – 3pm Writing Sunday is a volunteer led space for writers of all levels to come and work on their own projects. This is a great chance for busy weekday people to connect with your local writing community and finish writing your story. Writing Sundays is a Queensland Writers centre initiative, following the Pomodoro Technique of 25-minute blocks and 5-minute breaks. Every third 'Pomodoro', there is a 15-minute break to relax and recharge, while having a lunch break too. The idea behind the method is to train the mind into working effectively to reach smaller targets, improving the overall writing time and productivity. Writing Sunday is every 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month at Southport library, Corner Garden and Lawson Streets, Southport. Book now or drop in on the day. |
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 | | Queensland Writers Centre
Writing The Novella with Nick Earls
Sun 2nd Apr 2023, 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm AEST Bestselling and beloved Brisbane author Nick Earls will provide an overview of novella publishing past and present, with a focus on key points of contemporary writing craft that work specifically for novellas. He will also examine novella publishing, markets and competitions. Participants will gain novella-writing techniques so that they and their work are ready for the marketplace.
This is a hybrid seminar with a focus on writing craft and audience engagement; it will be held in-person at State Library of Queensland and live streamed simultaneously to an online audience via Zoom. Book now. |
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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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 | | 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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