What’s On
Our GCWA meetings include an exciting speaker, and a hands on workshop
Upcoming Event for August 2022
Our next GCWA Meeting is on Saturday, 20 August 2022 at Burleigh Waters Community Centre, 111/135 Christine Avenue, Burleigh Waters.
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, please stay at home and get better quickly.
Entry prices are: Members: $5.00 (EFTPOS payment preferred, although cash is acceptable)
Visitors: $10.00 (EFTPOS payment preferred, although cash is accepted)
Order of Events from 12pm
- 12:00 Start
- 12:05 Introduction
- 12:15 Guest Speakers: Lori-Jay Ellis and Rachael Johnson
- 13:00 Afternoon Tea: Pre-packed refreshments provided or BYO
- 13:45 Workshop: Judy Wollin
- 15:00 Close
Our August Guest Speakers –
Lori-Jay Ellis and Rachael Johnson
Topic – Nurturing Creative Talent
About Lori -Jay Ellis
CEO, Queensland Writers Centre
Queensland born and raised, Lori-Jay embodies creativity and innovation; she brings an enthusiasm and thirst for new ideas as well as a firm belief in nurturing creative talent. Lori-Jay uses her proven leadership success in the arts and business sectors to ensure reduced reliance on traditional funding models and a greater emphasis on sustainable business practices.
She has produced and directed funded short films, and as part of her mid-life crisis became a self- published speculative writer. She has a personal passion for the written word and a genuine love for all things indie. Lori-Jay is empowered by the creative process and its vital role in leading with vision to enable sustainable organisational models.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts (Visual – QUT) and has been CEO of a community arts studio in Sydney, marketing director at a large multinational, and managed a New York art gallery.
Topic – Our Libraries
- An overview of the Gold Coast Library Service –See what your library card can get you.
- What programmes do our libraries offer for writers? – Both online and in-person events and programmes.
- What resources do our libraries offer for writers? – How to get the most out of our library website and e-library.
About Rachael Johnson
- Is a Librarian with Gold Coast Libraries. She’s been working for the library service for just over 10 years, working at all branch locations around the Coast, from Upper Coomera to Coolangatta and everywhere in between.
- Her favourite parts of this job are chatting to customers, especially those who haven’t been to a library in a while, attending the libraries in-person author events and of course all the books!
- Rachael is also a Mum of two and currently work part-time. She loves reading (when she gets a chance) and taking long walks on the beach.
Our August Workshop presented by
Judy Wollin
Topic – Voice. Building Rich Characters
Engaging characters are the essence of all stories. What characters still make you smile? What makes a great character? Looks, brains, what they wear? How they carry themselves? Voice is the answer.
Character voice is critical to building a strong character. If we can’t hear our characters as writers, how can we expect our readers to hear them, get captured by them, and want to read more?
Judy Wollin is presenting a workshop, ‘Voice. Building Rich Characters.’ Key elements of building a strong character voice will be explored, and members will have the opportunity to work on their characters. The workshop will include practising strategies to differentiate characters, strengthen your style, and build dialogue, internal dialogue and tone.
Come along, join the fun.
About Judy Wollin
Judy wollin writes middle-grade fiction because it makes her smile. She has a lifetime of experience working in education as a nurse teaching in hospitals and later as an academic teaching in several universities. She has seen the impact of low literacy, in primary and secondary school students and tertiary students frustrated by their lack of literacy skills. She was motivated to write books for boys that were action-packed and reality based. The aim is to write books boys want to read to engender a love of reading.
Judy loves travelling and lived and worked in the United Arab Emirates and was lucky enough to see lots of the Middle East while she was there. Judy did a road trip from Brisbane to Karumba in far North Queensland via Longreach and Mt Isa in 2019 and will travel to Norfolk Island this year. ‘I love people watching, visiting places I don’t know and speaking to the locals.’
Judy takes every opportunity life presents to pick up ideas for stories. She has a story about the shearer Jackie Howe rolling around in her head.
Judy has published non-fiction book chapters, academic papers, and parliamentary submissions. She has written two series of middle-grade books: Team football and Speed in the Desert. Team football is based on the lives of three boys living in Southeast Queensland. Speed in the Desert is based on two boys living in the Emirates. Judy is exploring publishing opportunities for both.
Judy is excited about being on the Gold Coast Writers committee. ‘The whole organization is so positive it provides a great network for writers.’
Don’t miss anything. Judy’s website (http://judywollin.com), Twitter (@judywollin1), Instagram (judywollinauthor) and facebook (Judy Wollin Writer).
Would you like to join us as a member and take advantage of our member benefits?
Not ready to join, but have further questions about becoming a member, please inquire through our Facebook page.
Every Friday in 2022
Gold Coast Writers’ Association, in collaboration with Queensland Writers Centre and City of Gold Coast Libraries, are excited to announce…
Writing Fridays at Elanora Library
Writing Fridays is a community initiative of Queensland Writers Centre.
Writers at all stages of their creative journey are welcome to come together at Elanora library on Fridays to enjoy dedicated writing time.
What are Writing Fridays?
A volunteer-led opportunity to focus on what you really want to do – spending that quality uninterrupted time writing.
Commencing Friday 5 November 2021 and then every following Friday (excluding public holidays).
Elanora Library
10:00am to 3:00pm
It is important to book on-line. Room capacity is capped so don’t miss out.
What happens?
Have you heard of the Pomodoro Technique?
Pomodoro is writing for 25 minutes, then resting and socialising for five minutes, and writing again for 25 minutes. The creative mind works well with time deadlines and smaller targets.
What to bring?
Your work in progress, computer, notebook, pens, pencil – whatever you use to create stories.
BYO food and water. The library will provide coffee and tea.
Come join us for this fabulous collaboration.
