Editor's Note
Hello everyone,
Just a quick note from me this month about Members Badges.
If you would like to order a GCWA badge with your name and member number, email our treasurer, Jen, at gcwa.executivetreasure@gmail.com with your preferred name. Then deposit $15.00 into the GCWA General Account
BSB: 034-279
ACC: 435356
using your surname and 'badge' as a reference.
Or you can place your order directly with Jen at the Saturday meeting.
Badges ordered by 31.3.24 will be available to be picked up at the April meeting.
See you on Saturday!
Jackie Washington, Editor
eWriteabout |
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President's Report
Dear GCWA members and friends
Hope you have all enjoyed a productive month, whatever that may look like for you. I haven’t done much writing, but I have completed another edit on my psychological thriller fiction manuscript. I have been changing so much in the line edit that I wonder if it will ever be finished. I know that is a universal concern among writers – when is it time to let the story go out into the world, it never feels just right. I’m thinking my concern comes from the workshops I have been attending. Each time I learn more about writing and editing and look back at older versions of the story and wonder – what was I thinking?
This is the great benefit of continued learning for writers. I am sure there are those born brilliant, but the rest of us have to continue to learn and improve our writing. This year at the GCWA we are focusing on exactly that for our members and guests – workshops and speakers to help us grow as writers. I hope you can attend as many as possible. Also, think about joining the critique group to get real feedback on your work. It is a fun night (you wouldn’t imagine so) there is laughter and collective wisdom shared. After a particularly insightful critique, I went home and cut 20,000 words from a manuscript and honestly it is all the better for it.
Wishing you all well on your writing and editing journeys.
Kellie Cox, GCWA President
Create, Inspire, Connect. |
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 | Temporary venue for March 16th meeting C3 Church 20 Bonogin Rd (cnr Somerset Drive) Mudgeeraba 4213 |
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MARCH MEETING ORDER OF EVENTS
11:45 Arrive and register
12:00 Meeting start –brief announcements
12:10 Sandra Mayer –Self Publishing a picture book
12:30 T.M. Clark –Three-Act Story Structure
13:15 Tea and networking break
13:45 Workshop continued with T.M. Clark –Story Structure
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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 | | At our March meeting, Sandra will talk about her self-publishing process and also discuss her upcoming Kickstarter campaign. She currently has three children's books completed and has another one being illustrated, as well as four colouring books and a variety of other projects completed or underway.
Sandra Mayer was born in New Zealand and is an author/screenwriter of both children’s and adult genres. She lives on the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia, with her husband Mikael. They have two children and always have lots of animals to care for and love. www.sandramayerwriter.com |
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 | | At our March meeting, author of 12 books for adults and three children’s picture books, T.M. Clark will teach a workshop on Story Structure. During this workshop, she will delve into the elements necessary for crafting a compelling story/narrative. Including an exploration of the three-act structure, Tina will discuss the setup, confrontation, and resolution phases, analysing how each contributes to the overall story arc. Emphasis will be placed on plot development techniques, including the introduction of inciting incidents, building rising action/tension, and providing satisfying resolutions.
Zimbabwean-born T.M. Clark weaves her fascination for diverse cultures, wildlife, and storytelling into her literature. Her books cater to a wide audience, ranging from children to adults. She has been nominated for a Queensland Literary Award and is a Children's Book Council Notable. She is the coordinator for the CYA Conference in Brisbane, which offers professional development opportunities to both established and emerging writers and illustrators. Additionally, she co-hosts the Writers at Sea retreat. Tina Marie is passionate about nurturing writers and collecting books for building libraries in Papua New Guinea.
http://tmclark.com.au/ |
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| THE GOLD COAST WRITERS’ ASSOCIATION’S SHORT STORY COMPETITION FOR 2024 Submissions now open! |
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 | For all the information you need, please head to our GCWA website |
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Critique Group March 2024
The Gold Coast Writers' Association Critique group aims to help its members improve the readability of their work. Giving and receiving feedback on our work can be scary so we will have a strict ‘Constructive Feedback Only’ rule. After a short introduction, we will take a piece to read and provide written feedback. The final 30 minutes will be an opportunity for each person to give and receive feedback to each person in the group.
The next meeting is Thursday 21st March 2024 from 5.30 - 7.30 pm.
Arrive in time for a 5.30 pm start.
Cost: $10 includes a hot beverage.
Please join the Gold Coast Writers' Association to attend. https://goldcoastwriters.org/about/memberships/
For bookings, head over to the Bookness Events page.
If you have any questions, please email gcwa.news@gmail.com |
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 | | MEMBER NEWS 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.
This month, congratulations go to Sandra Mayer our illustrious GCWA Website Manager who has three children's books now completed and one being illustrated.
1. One Crazy Night
2. Who Stole My Underpants?
3. I Don't Like Peas!
At illustrators is 'A Dandelion's Wish' out approx June.
Congratulations also go to Joanne Fergusson who has launched her book 'Brunches and other events to have at home'.
The Ten Penners will be continuing to promote their latest anthology 'Backyard Beasts & Curious Capers'.
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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 | | SOMERSET STORYFEST
25 - 27 March 2024 Share stories, build better lives Welcome to Storyfest – a captivating celebration of storytelling for the entire family!
Embark on a literary journey that honours tradition while exploring new horizons. As the premier writers' festival for the Gold Coast, Storyfest stands as a beacon of literary excellence, and its annual three-day event in March is the cornerstone of this spectacular organisation. For all the details go to the Somerset Storyfest website |
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| | |  | | Each month the Gold Coast Libraries offer
brilliant workshops and author talks.
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 | From a criminal upbringing on the Gold Coast to archaeologist and director of Australia’s largest specialist heritage consultancy, Andrew Sneddon has an interesting story to tell in his memoir, Prehistoric Joy.
Prehistoric Joy captures Andrew’s story of growing up in the criminal underbelly of the Gold Coast in the 1980s. You can hear all about it as Andrew joins us live at our Broadbeach Library, in conversation with author Simon Cleary. For more information go to Gold Coast Libraries |
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 | Pheasants Nest is the gripping thriller and debut work of fiction for investigative journalist Louise Milligan.
Set to be as addictive as Gone Girl but with an Australian voice, Pheasant’s Nest will leave readers on the edge of their seat. Informed by Louise Milligan’s extensive experience on the frontline of criminal investigations, which has provided a unique perspective on how the effects of crime-related trauma ripple out beyond the victims.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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 | | 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. They employ 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 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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 | | We'd love your feedback! If you have some tips and suggestions for the committee, please email Kellie at 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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