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David Tensen GCWA

David Tensen

Decentre Everything GCWA

Workshop

 

Join poet and author David Tensen for a practical, inspiring workshop focused on the art and craft of poetry writing. David will share insights into his personal writing process, creative techniques, and how he shapes ideas into powerful, publishable poems. Alongside exploring poetry writing, David will also provide guidance on the self-publishing journey — offering insider tips on pricing, publishing models, and avoiding common pitfalls for those looking to share their work with a wider audience. This interactive workshop is perfect for aspiring and emerging writers wanting to develop their skills, gain creative confidence, and learn how to successfully bring their writing into to the world.

Biography


David Tensen is an Australian poet, author, and teacher whose evocative writing has touched readers worldwide. His six self-published books spanning poetry, prose, and children’s books have sold thousands of copies globally, and he has guided numerous authors through profitable self-publishing journeys. In 2021, he formed Poetry Chapel to walk people through the publishing journey, and together they produced three collections (anthologies) featuring the work of over 40 poets. David also teaches and researches small business education at the University of the Sunshine Coast, alongside working part-time as an aged care chaplain. He is passionate about demystifying the self-publishing world and delights in bringing people’s books into the world.

Socials and book link : https://davidtensen.com/

Briony Benjamin GCWA

Briony Benjamin

Life Is Tough But So Are You GCWA

Speaker

Briony Benjamin is an accomplished storyteller who will be joining us as a guest speaker to share the story behind writing her non-fiction book, Life Is Tough But So Are You. In her presentation, Briony will reflect on how she transformed personal adversity into a published work, offering insight into her creative process — from capturing raw, honest moments through video blogging to structuring those experiences into a cohesive and uplifting narrative. She’ll discuss the challenges and breakthroughs she faced in turning lived experience into a relatable, practical guide for others navigating tough times. Briony’s session will provide valuable takeaways on finding your story, connecting with an audience through authenticity, and the unique process of bringing a personal story to life on the page.

 

Biography

Briony Benjamin is a storyteller and speaker with an incredible story of resilience. Originally on a finance career path, she followed her passion for words and creativity, producing videos for causes like WWF and leading video content at Mamamia. Life threw her a major curveball with a stage 4 lymphoma diagnosis, which she documented through video diaries. After her recovery, a viral video led to her book Life is Tough But So Are You, offering support to others facing life’s toughest moments. Now, Briony uses her experiences to inspire audiences with humour, heart, and practical wisdom about facing adversity and living life boldly.

Socials:

https://www.instagram.com/briony_benjamin/

https://www.facebook.com/BrionyBenjaminSpeaker/

https://brionybenjamin.com/event-resources/

Burleigh Waters Community Centre

Gold Coast Writers' Association
Monthly Meeting

GCWA Logo

The next GCWA Meeting is on Saturday, 19 July 2025, 
at Burleigh Waters Community Centre

111 Christine Avenue,

Burleigh Waters. 

Members and visitors welcome.


Meetings include exciting speakers and a hands-on workshop, so don't

forget to bring pen & paper, or your laptop.

 

Please arrive 10-15 minutes early to complete the entry process, so we
can start on time.

Entry prices are: Members $5.00 
                              Visitors $10.00

(Online booking is preferred. However, EFTPOS and cash is accepted at the door.)

NEW START/FINISH TIMES

 Check In

12:00 pm to 12:15 pm 

Meeting

12:30 pm to 3:30 pm

GCWA July Monthly Meeting

MEETING ORDER OF EVENTS

  • 12:00 Arrive and register

  • 12:30 Meeting starts - News & brief announcements

  • 12:40 Speaker: Briony Benjamin - Turning Videos into a Voice on the Page

  • 13:45 Afternoon tea & networking break

  • 14:15 Workshop: David Tensen - The Art and Craft of Poetry Writing

  • 15:15 Raffle

  • 15:30 Close

Would you like to be a guest speaker?

Do you have knowledge or experience to share with a welcoming, passionate community of writers?

The Gold Coast Writers' Association is always on the lookout for guest speakers and workshop presenters who can inspire, inform and encourage. Whether your expertise lies in writing, publishing, editing or a related field, we’d love to hear from you. All genres and topics are welcome.

Spots are limited throughout the year, so if you have something special to share, now is the time to let us know. Tell us why your topic would resonate with our members – and how you can help support their writing journey.

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