President's Note
Welcome to 2025!
We had a festive end of year celebration last month, and it was fantastic to see so many of you come along during such a busy season of commitments. I hope everyone took some great takeaways from Andy’s bookstall presentation and put the skills into practice over the break. It was a hot topic that generated a lot of great questions from the group. Well done to Andy on an entertaining, inspiring workshop. Another hot hit of the day was the delicious spread of sandwiches and snacks prepared by Catering for Good.
I want to acknowledge the volunteers who have worked so hard at providing quality GCWA events over the past year. From planning, to administration, to the practical set-up for each event, it takes a dedicated team. Thank you also to all the members and guests who have turned up to and participated in the meetings. Your presence makes our community the warm, inviting space that it is.
As we venture into 2025, GCWA is committed in its purpose to offer relevant, inspirational speakers and content, along with helpful support for your writing. We are excited to begin the year with an extraordinary speaker, Bonnie Hancock, who will certainly inspire you to overcome challenges and pursue your dreams!
Our member-only critique groups are commencing soon, with the new Tweed group leading the charge on 15th January. If you are not yet a member, head over to the membership page on our website and have a look through some of the benefits – critique groups are one of them!
I wish you a successful and prosperous year ahead, and I look forward to seeing you at one of our upcoming events.
Rochelle Miller, GCWA 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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18th JANUARY 2025
MEETING ORDER OF EVENTS
Members and guests 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. 11:45 Arrive and register 12:00 News and brief announcements 12:10 Speaker: The inspirational Bonnie Hancock 13:15 Afternoon Tea & Networking Break 13:45 Workshop: Setting Yourself Up For Writing Success with Rochelle Agius 14:45 Raffle 15:00 Close To book your spot at the meeting and help us with the headcount, please click here. Entry is also available at the door. GCWA members: $5.00
Visitors: $10.00
EFTPOS payment preferred; however, cash is accepted. |
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| | The fastest and youngest person in history to paddle around Australia, Bonnie Hancock shows how ordinary humans can do extraordinary things.
Rejecting a polished version to bring a raw and real approach to her presentations, Bonnie shares captivating stories from her adventure to teach audiences how to build resilience and find grace under pressure.
Bonnie will inspire you to look at your own ambitions and ask, ‘Why not?’
bonniehancock.com |
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Setting yourself up for writing success in 2025
Rochelle Agius is a professionally certified health and wellness coach; she has twenty-five years’ experience as a fully qualified and certified trainer and facilitator. Rochelle is also a Gold Coast Writers’ Association Committee Member.
In this GCWA workshop, Rochelle will facilitate and guide you in starting to: Set and define your clear writing goals. Plan and outline what you want to achieve in 3, 6 and 12 months. Consider your writing process (‘planner’ versus ‘pantser’). Discuss how you will track your progress and think about a reward system that works best for you. You will have the opportunity to network with GCWA members and start to establish your own networking and accountability groups and/or people.
Please bring along a notepad and pen so you can fully participate in this workshop. |
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| | | 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.
For something a little different, check out writer/director Damian Hussey's Q&A about his film Girls' Night Out here. Congrats Damian!!!
And in case you are new or missed December's instalment in all the busyness of the festive season, let's celebrate last month's successes again – after all, 'Why not?'
Sandra Mayer delights young readers with her children's book, A Dandelion's Wish. A poignant tale of hope, love and the magic that lies within a dandelion's delicate kiss.
Jacqx Melilli takes us for a peek behind the vaudeville curtain in her book, When the Glitter Fades. Dive into a world where beneath the facade of dazzling performances lurks secrets, murder and mayhem.
S E Holmes brings us a powerful narrative with her book, Don't Walk RUN!: Escape domestic violence and let the healing begin. Having experienced domestic violence in her own life, she writes with great authority, empathy and practical support for women.
Natalie Forbes has published her lively rhyming picture book, Saturday, Sunday, Busy Day, Fun Day. This delightful book contrasts the frenetic energy of a busy Saturday with the leisurely pace of a slow Sunday, assuring us that fast days and slow days are an equally exciting part of family life.
Alison L Robson claimed victory in the Totally Lit Micro Fiction Competition with her story, 'Ticking Timebomb'.
Congratulations to all our phenomenal members on these remarkable accomplishments! Your dedication and creative talents inspire us all. Well done!
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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| | DANZ Boldly Launches Into Its Second Year!
The ASLA Diversity in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand Children’s Book Award is back for 2025 to celebrate and spotlight even more underrepresented children’s book creators!
www.thedanzchildrensbookaward.com |
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BOOKSHOP
Advertising Member A$50.00 Website Advertising for 1 year (Member)
Advertising Non-Member A$120.00 Website Advertising for 1 year (Non-Member) Email gcwa.websitemanager@gmail.com for details of specifications required |
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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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| | | | | Each month the Gold Coast Libraries offer
brilliant workshops and author talks.
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| | Writers Plus! We've got everything to support your writing journey. Whether you're just starting out or already published, we have something to help take your writing to the next level. Attend one of our monthly Masterclasses, led by an industry expert, to learn and extend your knowledge and skills. Drop into a writing session utilising the Pomodoro Technique at Writing Friday, Writing Saturday or Writing Sunday. Or just use our spaces for free Wi-Fi and creative environments great for your writing projects. Don't forget to check out the latest writing books while you're in there. For more information go to Gold Coast Libraries |
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| | Join Australian children’s authors Kate Foster and Kristin Darell for an engaging interactive writing workshop. Explore the key aspects of writing to help you craft your very own adventure story.
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.
ALL WRITERS WELCOME!
For more information go to Gold Coast Libraries |
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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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| | 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 Rochelle at gcwa.president@gmail.com |
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