The first meeting of GCWA I attended was in 2024. I loved the vibe immediately and joined with a sense that I would meet good people and learn a lot, and I was right.

I know writing is something many of us take for granted – until we have to sit down and actually do it.

I got pretty lucky when it came to getting traditionally published … I mean, yes it was hard work, but there is also a great deal of luck, and ‘right place, right time’ in the publishing industry. I certainly feel very lucky to be in the position I’m in.

Creativity. A most elusive concept. Where does it originate? I don’t pretend to have an answer that more intelligent minds than mine have failed to adequately address over the eons, but still, the wonderment of creating perplexes me.

At some stage as a writer, you will need to write numbers.

I believe we are made in moments—the quiet turning points that define who we become. 

When people talk about a “successful” Kickstarter campaign, what do they really mean? 

When asked what I find helpful with my writing, these 10 basic tips spring to mind

A duscussion of how AI is disrupting the illustration industry.

Setting yourself up for writing success.

Confession number 1. The words don’t always flow like a waterfall, occasionally it’s like a clogged faucet.

Before you start writing your script, it's important to plan out your story. This includes creating a logline, outline, and treatment.

Delve into the elements necessary for crafting a compelling story/narrative.

Back in 2019, I had what I thought was a winning idea for a book. I would single-handedly solve the gender imbalance in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths workforces by writing a book for Australian girls about Australian girls who grew up to achieve amazing success in STEM fields.

Five entertaining and interesting authors from Hawkeye Publishing in Brisbane joined us for a panel discussion on writing and publishing at our November meeting.

My brain swims with ideas of stories, anecdotes and exciting characters. I can’t wait to get them written down, but the thought of sharing them with anyone else can make my head freeze, and my fingers feel as though rigor mortis has set in. Do you sometimes feel this way about getting your words out there?

Why eight? Because, it’s my favourite number!

Well, you’ve finished your project, sculpture, painting, manuscript, music score, or poem. What’s next? You love it. Your mum loves it. You think to yourself: it is the best I can do. But is it good enough?

It’s a bit nerve wracking. You make a cup of tea and sit down (with a biscuit!) to read through the rules and regulations on the competition website.