Editor's note
We are now almost two weeks into the submission window for the GCWA 2023 Short Story competition - how are your stories coming along? Are you polishing a piece you had already written or starting from scratch? Either way, our judges are ready and waiting to begin reading, so hop to it!
I've been thinking a lot about short stories lately, and re-reading some of my favourites from Australian writers: Tim Winton's Wake, Helen Garner's Postcards From Surfers, all the stories in Shadowboxing by Tony Birch. More recently, I loved the gentle and melancholy Natural Wonder by Tracy Ellis, winner of the 2022 ABR Elizabeth Jolley Short Story Prize. Four wildly different stories but each one with a strong sense of place.
At the extremely short end of the scale, do you know about Ernest Hemingway's famous six-word masterpiece? Once you read it, you will always remember the emotion of those six words. If you're curious, make yourself a cuppa and search for the story online - it's guaranteed to take you down a lovely, writerly rabbit hole.
Of course, for the GCWA Short Story competition you have a lot more words to play with - up to 1000 beautifully crafted words in fact. And don't forget the theme, 'On A Street in Your Town', requires you to mention a street name somewhere in your story. Submissions close on Thursday 31 August 2023.
Best of luck writers!
Jane O'Connell, Editor
eWriteabout |
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President's Report
Hello everyone and welcome to June!
A year ago I travelled to Larrakia Country (Darwin) for the NT Writers Festival. There, I attended workshops, panel discussions and author talks at different locations around the tropical city. I crammed into the World War II Oil Storage Tunnels to listen to live readings of speculative fiction. On the lawn at the Museum and Gallery of the NT, I watched writers and poets read their works as the sun set over the Timor Sea. My festival highlights included an in-conversation event with local author Jennifer Pinkerton about her book Loveland, and a panel discussion and performance by members of Yothu Yindi.
The NT Writers Festival alternates between Darwin and Mparntwe (Alice Springs) each year. I was planning to attend in 2023, but other adventures have taken priority for now. I encourage writers to attend these ‘destination festivals’ - if there is a place you want to visit, why not see if they have a writers festival? It is a wonderful opportunity to hear from local creatives and the unique stories of their location. You don’t need to venture far either: on the Gold Coast we have Logan Writers Festival, Byron Writers Festival and Kyogle Writers Festival on our doorstep. Further afield is the Outback Writers Festival in Winton, and Capricorn Coast Writers Festival in Yeppoon. Writing communities are everywhere. Wherever you go, you will find your writing ‘people’!
The immersion of Indigenous culture and storytelling at the NT Writers Festival was my inspiration to take the role of President of the GCWA for the 2022-2023 term. I was so moved by my experience and believe there is so much we can all learn from First Nations about storytelling. This is what drives my passion to engage with First Nations creatives through Gold Coast Writers' Association.
Kate Kelsen, President
Create, Inspire, Connect. |
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The Gold Coast Writers' Association invites First Nations members and guests to deliver the Acknowledgement of Country statement at the beginning of monthly meetings. We are also seeking First Nations Committee Members, Guest Speakers, Workshop Presenters, and Blog Contributors.
To express your interest or suggest other ways we can support and encourage First Nations within our writing community, please contact GCWA President Kate Kelsen at gcwa.president@gmail.com
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| WE HAVE A NEW HOME!
GCWA is delighted to announce our meetings will be
at the MUDGEERABA COMMUNITY CENTRE
every third Saturday, starting in June 2023.
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| WHAT'S ON AT THE GCWA THIS MONTH? |
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JUNE MEETING ORDER OF EVENTS
12:00 Meeting start 12:05 Opening and news 12:15 Jack Roney's Crime Fiction Workshop 13:00 Afternoon tea: Refreshments provided or BYO 13:45 Jack Roney's Crime Fiction Workshop 15:00 Meeting close
Members and visitors are encouraged to arrive 10-15 minutes early
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. Entry price for Members: $5.00
Entry price for Visitors: $10.00
EFTPOS payment preferred however cash is accepted. |
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Meet our June speaker: Jack Roney
Jack Roney is a traditionally published author and former detective. He draws on his 33 years’ experience as a police officer to immerse his readers in fast-paced and gritty crime thrillers and mysteries. His novel The Ghost Train & The Scarlet Moon was the runner-up in the Hawkeye Publishing Manuscript Development Prize. His first novel, The Angels Wept, was shortlisted in the Wattpad Awards and in 2021, he was selected for the Qld Writers Centre Fishbowl Residency. Jack has also been a police consultant for the ABC television series, Harrow.
In his workshops, Jack offers a unique and personal insight into the real world of policing in the context of writing crime fiction and will answer all your burning questions. Learning outcomes of the workshop include: Police tropes & cliches Debunking the myths Australian police jurisdictions & procedures Suspect interviews Investigation protocols Developing character & theme Case study analysis |
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The GCWA Short Story competition is back!
We want to read all about the streets of your town – wherever that may be. Word count is up to 1000 words and you must mention a street name somewhere in your story. Submissions are open from 1 June to 31 August 2023.
Full details and competition terms can be found on our website. |
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| | | | | | We'd love your feedback! If you have some tips and suggestions for the committee, please email Kate 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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| | 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, Queensland Writers Centre and the 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 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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| | Each month the Gold Coast Libraries offer
brilliant workshops and author talks. |
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| | | Loraine Peck's new release at Broadbeach Library | | Loraine Peck is back with a new psychological thriller The Double Bind. Sequel to the best selling The Second Son, winner of the 2021 Ned Kelly Award for Best Debut Crime Fiction, Peck's latest work is already receiving rave reviews.
The Double Bind follows Amy and Johnny Novak as they try to escape their criminal past and start anew in a quiet northern town with their 11-year-old son. But when their secrets catch up with them and they face threats from all directions, it becomes a race for survival. Loraine Peck is a Gold Coast-based author who has been praised for her ability to create deep, rich mysteries with family at their core. With a background as a magician's assistant and a love of crime fiction, Loraine's novels have been shortlisted for several awards, including the Davitt Awards and the Danger Award by BAD Crime Sydney.
Loraine Peck will be interviewed by bestselling author Megan Norris, who is known for her novel The Messiah's Bride. As a fellow crime fiction author, Megan Norris is well-equipped to ask Loraine the right questions and get to the heart of what makes her novels so compelling. Don't miss this opportunity to hear from two talented authors in the genre!
Venue: Broadbeach Library
Date: Wednesday, 28 June 2023
Time: 6.30pm – 8.30pm
Book Now!
More information on session times and booking at Gold Coast Libraries. |
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| | Rainbow Poetry Open Mic Night at Southport Library
It's PRIDE Month and time to celebrate! Calling all members of the LGBT+ community! It's time to celebrate Pride Month and what better way to do it than by joining our annual Rainbow Poetry Open Mic Night. This event is a safe and inclusive space where you can express yourself through poetry and spoken word. Share your own work, a published piece, or come along to support and enjoy the performances. This is a fantastic opportunity to connect with others in the LGBT+ community and celebrate our diversity and resilience. So come one, come all and let's make this Pride Month one to remember! The event is free but booking is required. Hosted by our friends at GC Rainbow Communities.
Venue: Southport Library
Date: Wednesday, 21 June 2023
Time: 6.30pm – 8.30pm
Book Now Spread the word and invite your friends to join in the fun. We look forward to seeing you there! |
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| | A literary night with Anna Funder at Broadbeach Library
Meet one of Australia's most acclaimed and awarded writers, Anna Funder, who returns with her latest genre-breaking novel, Wifedom.
Join us for a literary night at the library as Anna Funder discusses Wifedom, a blend of memoir, literary criticism and biography, in conversation with author and journalist Frances Whiting. Winter warming hot drinks and refreshments will be served on arrival at this event for book lovers.
Wifedom explores the forgotten life of Eileen O'Shaughnessy, the wife of literary great George Orwell. One of the most important literary marriages of the 20th Century is recreated in a biographical narrative of her life based on newly discovered letters between Eileen and her friend Norah Symes Myles. Eileen O'Shaughnessy's own literary brilliance helped shape Orwell's work, but she was written out of his story.
Set against the backdrop to some of the most significant historical and cultural moments in history, including the Spanish Civil War and World War II in London, Wifedom presents an intimate view into the private life of George Orwell as he creates his writing self. Through this, Anna Funder blends in her own journey to creating her writing self, as she questions what it takes to be a writer and a wife.
Anna Funder originally trained as a human rights lawyer, before turning to full-time writing in the late 90s. She is the author of international bestsellers Stasiland and All That I Am, which won Australia's most prestigious literary award, the Miles Franklin Prize.
Venue: Broadbeach Library
Date: Friday, 28 July 2023
Time: 7.00pm – 8.00pm
Book Now |
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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 is a great chance for busy weekday people to connect with your local writing community and finish writing your story.
Writing Sunday is a Queensland Writers Centre initiative, following the Pomodoro Technique of 25-minute blocks with 5-minute breaks. Every third Pomodoro, there is a 15-minute break to relax and recharge with a lunch break. The idea behind the method is to train the mind into working effectively to reach smaller targets, improving the overall writing time and productivity.
Writing Sunday is every 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month at Southport Library. Book now or drop in on the day. |
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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 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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Feedback Welcome!
You may have noticed the changing face of the GCWA's newsletter and website. We would love to know what you think of the changes.
Contact us here |
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