Editor's Note
A big hello to everyone!
For those of you who haven't met me yet, I'm Jackie and I have the honour of taking over from Jane as Association Editor - some big shoes to fill!
I look forward to bringing you inspirational and informative news from our wonderfully creative writing community. The newsletter may be a little shorter from now on, but everything you need to know will be on our website.
Please join us at the next GCWA meeting on Saturday 18th November at Mudgeeraba Community Centre, starting at midday, and this month you can bring a friend for FREE!
For those of you starting to book in Christmas festivities, we are planning our Christmas drinks for Saturday 9th December - details to follow on our website and social media pages.
I look forward to meeting you and having a chat.
Jackie Washington, Editor
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President's Report
Greetings GWCA Members,
As we wrap up another eventful month, I’m excited to share some highlights with you.
Inspiring Presentations
Our October 2023 meeting was a resounding success with a fantastic turnout. We were honored to host two incredible speakers, Anne Varnes from the Queensland Writers Centre and Dr. Michael Brohier from Storyfest. For those who missed out, don't worry! Dr. Brohier's presentation on the ‘Shifting Landscape of Memory’ is now available on our website and social media platforms.
Celebrating Creative Excellence
At the same meeting, we had the pleasure of announcing the winners of the 2023 GWCA Short Story Competition. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Carin Needham, our outstanding winner, and all the talented finalists. A big round of applause to our dedicated judges, who worked tirelessly to evaluate and provide feedback in a highly competitive writing field.
Bookfest Triumph
Our tables at BookFest received an overwhelming response, and the writers' stands were a sight to behold. If you haven't already, make sure to check out our social media for snapshots of this impressive event.
Enhanced Governance
Behind the scenes, the GWCA Committee has been hard at work, ensuring our governance processes are compliant and efficient. As this work progresses, you can access important policy documents and other information on our website.
NaNoWriMo and Beyond
November marks the start of the much-anticipated NaNoWriMo event. Have you set your writing goals yet? Once you've embarked on your writing journey, make sure to explore our expanded Competitions and Resources page. Additionally, we have ‘Promotions Wednesday’ on our social media platforms, exclusively for our members. Don't forget to visit our dedicated book sales page on our website.
Until next time, keep your creative fires burning and your pens scribbling!
Rebecca Findlay-Debeck, GCWA President
Create, Inspire, Connect. |
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NOVEMBER MEETING ORDER OF EVENTS
11:45 Arrive and register
12:00 Meeting start - brief announcements 12:05 Speaker: Carolyn Martinez, director Hawkeye Publishing Q&A with Rebecca Findlay-Debeck 12:45 Introduction of Hawkeye authors and their work
13:15 Afternoon tea and chat with Hawkeye authors - books available to purchase (light refreshments provided or BYO) 13:45 Hawkeye panel discussion
14:30 The Ten Penners will launch their latest anthology Backyard Beasts - available to purchase 14:45 Raffles drawn
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
This month, bring a friend for FREE!
EFTPOS payment preferred; however, cash is accepted. |
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Meet our November speaker: Carolyn Martinez
Director of Hawkeye Publishing
About Carolyn
Carolyn Martinez is an Editor, Literary Competition Judge, Author, Ghostwriter and owner of Hawkeye Publishing and Hawkeye Books. The former newspaper editor has a MA (Writing) through Swinburne University, Australia, and a published portfolio spanning 30 years. Carolyn teaches The Art of Self-Editing, Developing Non-Fiction Ideas Through to Publication, Show Not Tell, and Winning Short Story Competitions. She appears as a panellist for Pathways to Publication. She is author of 3 non-fiction books, and 5 children’s books. She is a sought-after editor, and co-author of the bestselling writing guide: Winning Short Story Competitions: Essential tools for the serious writer.
Following the Q&A with Carolyn, a panel of Hawkeye authors, Natalie Kile, Troy Henderson, Peter Long, Kate Steele, Eileen O’Hely and Julie Miller, and illustrator Paul O'Sullivan, will discuss their writing process and publishing experiences. This is a great opportunity to pick the brains of trade published authors.
For more information, please head to the GCWA website |
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To read the winning stories, head over to the GCWA website |
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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.
We are very excited to congratulate GCWA members Christine Betts and Jane O’Connell for taking out the top prize at SelfPubCon 2023 in "The Art of the Title Competition". Their winning title, Real Friends Stab You in the Front is a non-fiction, self-help book about criticism for creatives and learning to appreciate the gift of feedback. Christine and Jane have won a generous publishing package from Gatekeeper Press worth $7,000, along with a selection of editorial, design and publishing services from the Alliance of Independent Authors (ALLi) members. SelfPubCon is the international self-publishing advice conference run in association with the London Book Fair (UK), Digital Book World (US) and Frankfurt Book Fair (Germany).
We are also excited to share that two of our very own GCWA members, Kellie M Cox and Alison Robson, have been shortlisted in the prestigious Sisters in Crime, Scarlet Stiletto Awards. Out of 250 entries, Kellie and Alison made it to the top 25 stories. Watch this space as the winners are announced at the award ceremony in Melbourne on 25th November. Good luck to both of our members!
Congratulations to Selena Budgen who has released her great grandfather's book, Men Must Die, which he wrote after WW2. It can be found on Amazon
Congratulations also go to The Ten Penners who will launch their latest anthology Backyard Beasts at the meeting on Saturday (available to purchase), and a big shout out to Kathy Shanks, Turtle Publishing, who organised the inaugural Bookfest - as one participant said, 'I thoroughly enjoyed the experience.' As did we all, thanks Kathy.
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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 | 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 Wednesday 15th November 2023 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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| | |  | | Each month the Gold Coast Libraries offer
brilliant workshops and author talks.
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 | | Sonya Leeding - In Conversation with Christine Betts Join author and detective Sonya Leeding in conversation with Christine Betts. Sonya will be discussing her debut book, a harrowing true story of losing her husband to a botched armed robbery and finding resilience through her grief.
Blue Widow reveals the real people behind the police uniforms; the mothers, fathers, children, and siblings; and how—in a split second—life can be heartbreakingly and permanently altered. | Venue: Southport Library
Date: Wednesday 22 November 2023
Time: 6.30pm – 7.30pm
Bookings Required.
More information on session times and bookings at Gold Coast Libraries. |
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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 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 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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 | | 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 Sunday at Southport Library. Book online at Gold Coast Libraries or drop in on the day. |
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| GCWA MEMBERS CALENDAR
November 2023
15 November – Critique group – Venue – Bookness at Mudgeeraba 5.30pm. 18 November – GCWA meeting – Carolyn Martinez and panel of writers from Hawkeye Publishing. 22 November – In conversation with Sonya Leeding at GC Library (Christine Betts).
December 2023 7 December – In conversation with Michelle Upton at Bookness (Kellie Cox) Book Launch of ‘Emergency Exit Only’ 9 December – GCWA Xmas drinks all details TBC. 16 December – GCWA meeting – Literary Agent, Alex Adsett on the Top Ten Tricks and Traps of Publishing Contracts. Xmas book sales/nibbles. |
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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 Rebecca 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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