| Welcome to the April newsletter! |
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| Hi Writers! I'm a huge fan of podcasts and I've been listening to the Book Marketing Show Podcast this past month. We are so lucky now, to have free and simple access to expert information on topics from writing craft through to even the most intricate elements of publishing and marketing. Arguably, the hardest aspect of being a writer is finding our audience. Not only do we have to write, we also have to make time to build a ‘platform’? While we toil over our words, we have to learn how to build websites and a TikTok following?
Marketing can be trying and tiring, but look at it this way- the best part about starting out with a small (tiny, infinitesimal) ‘platform’ is that usually our best work comes later. It's marvelous, really! I may be speaking only for myself here, but we share our early, not-so-great work with a small audience and through time and effort and learning and growing, hopefully our work gets better as our audience grows. Christine Betts
Newsletter Editor |
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President's Report
Wow , what a stellar meeting in March!
We had a room full of members and guests. Stacey King shared her publishing knowledge, and our table of ‘Frustrated Editors’ imparted their editing wisdom upon us.
We also had a record-breaking day for two reasons. The raffle tickets sales were the highest ever. Thank you to everyone who supported the raffles and congratulations to all the lucky winners. More exciting news is that we welcomed a record-breaking seven new financial members into our writing circle on the day. This is after an incredible six new members joined in February.
We want to improve the association’s financial position through raffles and book sales as we believe all creatives should be paid for their time. Although the committee positions remain voluntary, we would like to reward our presenters . Too often, writers are not paid adequately for the talent they share, so in 2022, we aim to see writers paid for their worth.
There is a real buzz in the air and an energy at our meetings. Thank you to the hard-working volunteer committee, our members, and our guests for creating such a fun, inviting and inspiring space for creatives to come together.
We would love to keep adding events to the calendar and have thrown around some ideas for a Trivia night, a Whiskey and Write night or, if whiskey is not your thing, a Gin and Genre night. We have plans for a writing competition and an engaging line-up of presentations and workshops for the year.
If you have an idea for any other group or activity, I would love to hear from you. A Critique Group has been floated around, but our committee is at capacity at the moment. If any of you think this is something you might like to coordinate, please email me at gcwa.president@gmail.com. I look forward to hearing from you and any feedback you might like to share.
The April meeting clashes with the Easter weekend, so instead of our normal Saturday meeting, we are co-hosting an event with Somerset Storyfest at HOTA Reads. I hope to see many of you there. It’s going to be a fun event !
Remember that the Burleigh Waters Community Centre is being renovated though May and June, so our meetings for these months will be held back at Fradgley Hall, above the Burleigh Library in Park St.
Until our next event, keep writing, be inspired and be inspiring!
Kellie M Cox
President
Create, Inspire, Connect. |
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Our next meeting is on
Saturday 21 May 2022
at Fradgley Hall, above the Burleigh Library in Park St, Burleigh Heads. |
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| Monday 11 April | 5.00pm arrival for 5.30pm start
The Basement HOTA , Home of the Arts
HOTA Reads - In partnership with Gold Coast Writers' Association and Gold Coast Film Festival and presented by Somerset Alumni Association Submit your short piece to be performed in a film industry 'table read' by an award-winning director and professional cast. Read More... Click here to secure your tickets and remember, Somerset Storyfest members receive a discount on tickets! | | |
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| | | | | Writing Fridays is back at Elanora Library Every Friday 10am to 3pm - All writers welcome
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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| | | What legacy do you want to leave behind? Writing a memoir can be one of the most liberating things you’ll ever do. How to Write and Sell Your Memoir Even if You’re Not Famous is a free online workshop designed to help you get started on writing your memoir. Read more...
Location: Online
Date: April 14,21,28 and May 5,12, 2022
Time: 9:00 am 7:00 pm |
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| | BOOK LAUNCH/FUNDRAISER
ALL PROCEEDS TO BE DONATED TO THE SMITH FAMILY: AUSTRALIAN CHILDREN'S CHARITY JOIN GOLD COAST AUTHOR ANDY MCD as he launches his latest novel, X, with a fun night of music, dancing, fundraiser raffles and prizes. Held in conjunction with Gold Coast City Soul Spinning classic Soul and Motown on original vinyl. Read More... Mermaid Waters Hotel Oriana Room
Fri May 6th, 7.00pm til midnight
Tickets $20 Adults - Kids $5
(includes entry and platters, bar available)
Get your tickets here! |
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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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| More GCWA membership information here... |
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| | | Right Left Write is run in conjunction with our weekly newsletter, Pen & Pixel. Each month we’ll announce a prompt word or theme, then it’s over to you to create a short story of up to 500 words and right, left, write. Queensland Writers Centre members can enter for free and non-members can enter for a $5 fee. Read more... |
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| | | Why I write... In a few sentences, tell us why you write. To be published in the GCWA newsletter. Email: gcwa.news@gmail.com |
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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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| Feedback Welcome! You may have noticed the changing face of the Newsletter and the Website. Please let us know what you think of the changes. Contact Us... |
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| | | | Advertise your books with the GCWA |
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| | | Click to see our previous Guest Speakers |
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