Editor's Note
Hello everyone,
We have a jam-packed month full of creative inspiration for you, and if you have been working on a short story remember the closing date for our competition is 31 May!
No matter what you have been working on, if you would like some constructive feedback then don’t forget to check out our Critique Group and, if you do enter our GCWA Short Story Competition, we also offer a very reasonable critique option to our members. Here's a testimonial from one of last year's entrants:
Fantastic! So very much appreciated. All comments are certainly a valuable learning curve for me. So happy to grow & learn from this experience and feedback. To be able to change what is needed to develop my writing and short stories. If the idea of writing a short story is still piquing your interest, then here is the link to last year's winners (Lizz, the author of My Father's Home, is one of our guest speakers this month).
GCWA Short Story Winners
However, if you would like to try your hand at something a little smaller, as mentioned by the Brisbane Scribes at the April 2024 meeting, we would like to offer our members the chance to write some 'Micro Fiction.'
Theme: A Day Out
Limit: 100 words
Closes: Wednesday 15 May 2024
Email your entry to: gcwa.president@gmail.com and include 'Micro Fiction' in the subject line. The three winning entries will be announced at the 18 May 2024 meeting and published on the GCWA website.
If you would like to just sit back and learn how it’s done, GCWA member Penny Fields-Schneider joins local author Karly Lane as she discusses her latest book The One That Got Away (and more) at the Tweed Heads Library, Thursday 16 May 2024, 11.30 am. Bookings essential. Please phone Tweed Heads library on (07)5536 3672.
As our president, Kellie, mentions, there is plenty happening in our writing community and that certainly includes our latest Write & Sip – details in the newsletter.
Cheers!
Jackie Washington, Editor
eWriteabout |
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President's Report
Dear GCWA members and friends
Welcome to our May newsletter. The buzz this month is all about the GCWA Short Story Competition. Entries close 31st May, so you are in the final weeks to submit your entry. The theme is ‘Make Us Fall in Love with your Main Character.’ We’ve had lots of questions about what this means, and we’re leaving it up to your own interpretation. A good idea might be to follow the hero journey and have your character grow and develop in such a way through the story that we can’t help but admire them. Get writing, because there are cash prizes on offer and the winning three entries will be published on our website.
To encourage your short story writing, we had the Brisbane Scribes present for us in April. The room was inspired, and I have personally taken on their challenge to submit 52 stories in 52 weeks. One a week. Now, this could be very much like my New Year’s resolution to get fit, it falls away after about a month, but I am pleased to say I have started strong and already submitted 3 out of 52. I’ve asked a couple of my writing friends to help me stay accountable. Wish me luck.
In other news, we have a market stall in June at Runaway Bay for members to sell their books – details will feature in the newsletter. We are also hosting a talk at the Robina Library in June – a 60-minute panel Q&A, followed by a 30-minute networking session. Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your writing and networking skills with us!
Lots happening in our writing community in the coming months. Hope you all find something to get creative with. Until then keep writing, reading and staying connected.
Kellie Cox, GCWA President
Create, Inspire, Connect. |
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| Vice President's May Musings
Ah, the moment has arrived! I've neatly tetris-ed my belongings in a storage container and packed up the campervan. Off I go on the first leg of my 8-week escapade, which I've dubbed the "Deconstruction of Domestication."
If you've flipped through the pages of my children's book, "Goldie The Unchicken," you might recognise a bit of my story. Yes, I'm the eagle among chickens, navigating through life's expected milestones until my divorce thirteen years ago awakened a longing for something more. After rebuilding my life from the ground up, I seized an opportunity with open arms, eager to explore new horizons. Now, surrounded by vast skies and starry nights, time seems to slow its pace, allowing for leisurely meals and meaningful conversations (in between running my business remotely from the van). As I journey through the Darling Downs and border towns, I'm captivated by the simple passions of the people – family, nature, birds, farming, community. Unlike the glitz of the Gold Coast, there's a humble charm here, steeped in peace, love, and gratitude. So, as I continue my northward trek, I absorb every experience, grateful for the chance to connect with others and give back in whatever way I can. Oh, the joy of embarking on an adventure, discovering the beauty of the world and its people!
Jen Swenson, GCWA Vice President
Create, Inspire, Connect. |
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 | The GCWA meets on the third Saturday of each month. We are at our usual meeting place at the
BURLEIGH WATERS COMMUNITY CENTRE. 111-136 Christine Ave, Burleigh Waters QLD 4220 Click here for the Google Maps location |
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MAY MEETING ORDER OF EVENTS - 11:45 Arrive and register
- 12:00 Meeting start – brief announcements
- 12:10 Introduction of Brian Vining
- 13:00 Brian Vining Screencrafting Hints and Tips
- 13:15 Tea and networking break
- 13:45 Writing Impactful Dialogue with Lizz and Louisa
- 15:00 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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 | | Brian Vining - Screenwriting Hints & Tips Brian will give us some hints and tips on writing for the screen and demonstrate some screenwriting software. He shows us how to write the magic …
Brian Vining is a Brisbane, Australia, based filmmaker, who studied Film and TV at Queensland College of Art and has worked in the local industry for several years. In 2019, Brian wrapped production on ‘The Last Video Store’ an independent feature film which he has co-produced, written and directed. The film was released 31 July 2023 on AppleTV, Prime Video, Tubi to name but a few. Brian also has extensive visual effects and computer animation experience on short films and computer games, having worked extensively in the computer games industry for many years as a Senior 3D Artist. Brian also owns a small video production company and is currently developing several live action and animated projects for Film and TV.
For more information, please head to the GCWA website |
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| GCWA Writing Essentials Workshop |
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Writing Impactful Dialogue with Lizz and Louisa
Learn how to make scenes within fiction more engaging through combining dialogue, action, internal thoughts and description. For more information, please head to the GCWA website |
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| THE GOLD COAST WRITERS’ ASSOCIATION’S SHORT STORY COMPETITION FOR 2024
Closing Date 31st May
**CASH PRIZES TO BE WON!** |
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 | For all the information you need, please head to our GCWA website |
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| Gold Coast Writers' Association Short Story Competition 2023
Winning Entries Testimonial
Highly Commended – Lizz Curry
After working on my novel for the past two years, I decided to enter the GCWA Short Story Competition. My Father’s Home was the first short story I’d written in ten years. I loved having a goal to work towards, and I loved having a concrete deadline, and most of all, I loved receiving a Highly Commended.
You can read Lizz's story here on the GCWA website |
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 | | Hello, fellow Gold Coast Writers members
The Ten Penners is a subgroup of the GCWA, and we write for children.
We'd love to see new faces at our meetings. Come and join us for fun, critiques, and creative writing.
We have released four anthologies for children, our latest last October 'Backyard Beasts & Curious Capers.' We are still promoting and selling this book with our back issues. All our books are in the GC Library system.
Gold Coast Writers, who are passionate about sharing the love of reading with children, join us to explore this creative experience.
Find out more on our website or call Jill Smith, Coordinator, 0403275334
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Critique Group May 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 23 May 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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Write & Sip June 2024
This month's genre is Crime, and we are excited to be partnering with Sisters in Crime Qld and have as our special guests, local authors, Megan Norris and Poppy Gee.
Megan Norris is a freelance writer, author and journalist. Over the past two decades she has covered some of the country's biggest newsbreaks, writing major world exclusives on everything from the Port Arthur Massacres, the Bali Bombings, to behind-the-scenes stories from Melbourne's Underworld Wars and a procession of high-profile court cases. Her books Look What You Made Me Do and Out of the Ashes won Best Nonfiction of 2017 and 2023, respectively, at the Sisters in Crime Australia Davitt Awards.
Poppy Gee is the author of two riveting crime mysteries set in Tasmania, which is where she spent her childhood. She has worked as a journalist, editor, book reviewer and journalism/creative writing teacher and holds a master’s degree in creative writing from the University of Queensland.
Both women will share from their varied experience to help us unravel the burning mysteries we can’t wait to get onto paper.
Reserve your spot now for an evening of prose and pinot, prosecco, or pink lemonade!
Date: Wednesday 5 June 2024
Time: 7-9 pm
Location: Whisky Lounge
Shop 2A/58 Railway St
Mudgeeraba, QLD 4213
Tickets:
$20 GCWA members
$40 for non-members Click here for more information on GCWA membership
Includes a drink on arrival (beer/basic spirit/glass of wine/non-alcoholic), nibbles and a goodie bag.
Meals can be ordered (at the bar) from local restaurants.
Click here to get your tickets and keep an eye on the Facebook page for more information.
All proceeds from the night will support the Gold Coast Writers’ Association to help writers from all genres, age groups, and levels to grow, learn, and excel in their craft.
#WriteAndSip #CreativityUncorked
If you have any questions, please email gcwa.news@gmail.com |
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**GCWA Members Only **
Are you interested in selling your books at a Pop-Up Bookshop?
See details below and email your expression of interest to
gcwa.websitemanager@gmail.com by Monday, 20 May 2024.
WHEN: Saturday, 1 June 2024
WHERE: Runaway Bay Shopping Centre
TIME: 9am to 3pm
2 hour slots (3 members per slot)
9am-11am, 11am-1pm, 1pm-3pm
COST: $10 per 2 hour slot
Pre-payment required (details to be advised)
WHAT TO BRING:
- Book/s
- Payment method (eg: square, eftpos machine, cash float)
- Pens
- Bags to put books in
- Decorations
- Book display stands
- Team spirit & fun attitude!
PLEASE NOTE:
Author must be attendance to sell their book/s.
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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.
Congratulations to Sandra Mayer for the launch of her new children's book 'Move and Groove.' You can find out more about our talented Sandra and her many books at www.sandramayerwriter.com
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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Thank you to our generous prize donors
Our special donations for our April raffle came from Hon Karen Andrews MP, Mark Grant from Costless Payment Solutions and GCWA member Terry Spring
Hon Karen Andrews MP, Federal Member for Mcpherson
Donated a gift basket
https://www.karenandrewsmp.com.au/
Mark Grant from Costless Payment Solutions
Donated $150 voucher for consultation
https://costlesspaymentsolutions.com/author/markgrant/
Terry Springer - Long term GCWA member
Donated $25 gift voucher from QBD
https://www.babelcube.com/user/terry-spring
Our special donations for our March raffle came from Dendy Cinemas Southport and Joan McEwan, a Transformational Health and Business Expert.
Dendy Cinemas Southport kindly donated free movie passes and buy one get one free passes for our members. Dendy cinemas are an independent cinema chain showing arthouse and mainstream films, plus theatre and opera screenings.
https://southport.dendy.com.au/events--offers
Joan McEwan helps entrepreneurs master the energetics of their health so they can experience more abundance in their business, increase their energy and vitality and use their intuitive abilities to make powerful decisions that move their business forward. Joan donated a voucher worth $350 for her services which take people on a journey to create personal transformation to master their health energetics to align to their health and business blueprint. She also kindly donated one of her books, ‘Show Up: How women can lead in the resources sector through times of change.’
https://joanmcewan.com/ |
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 | | Early Bird registrations are open to the public. Some events are strictly limited, so get in early! First to be released are Early Bird tickets for the 3-day Festival program: · Standard tickets $320 (plus GST) · Seniors, concession and companion card holders and students $249 (plus GST) Early Bird registrations will close Friday 31 May with ticket price increasing 1 June. Single day, single session, and special event tickets will be released at a later date. The full program will be released in July and subject to change. For ticket inclusions, terms and conditions, please visit the Festival’s website and register today! https://www.whitsundayswriters.com/tickets/ |
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If you would like to order a GCWA badge with your name and member number, email our treasurer 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 us at the Saturday meeting. |
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| | |  | | Each month the Gold Coast Libraries offer
brilliant workshops and author talks.
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 | DISCOVER A DEBUT AUTHOR
Meet debut author P.A. Thomas as he chats about his page-turning murder mystery set in Byron Bay, The Beacon. |
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 | WRITERS PLUS MASTERCLASS WITH ALLY BLAKE
Are you passionate about crafting compelling love stories? Join award-winning author and renowned speaker, Ally Blake, in an exciting workshop designed just for you! For more information go to Gold Coast Libraries |
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 | THINK BIG! WITH GOLD COAST WRITERS' ASSOCIATION
This year, the Gold Coast Writers’ Association is setting its sights high and invites you to join them in doing so. 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, 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 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 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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