January 2026
Lauren Hackney
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It was wonderful to see so many dedicated writers turn up to our meeting last Saturday. Lauren Hackney took us on a deep dive into the domain of self-publishing. One of the stand-out points was the importance of promoting yourself and your work in a way that is intentional, but stays true to who you are as an author, and not comparing to others' methods and results.
Lauren also led us through a few etiquette guidelines when networking with publishers, including suitable timeframes for follow up and appropriate ways to approach them.
Thank you, Lauren for offering your time on Saturday. We all learned a lot from your presentations!
November 2025
Edwina Shaw and Gabrielle Davis
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What a great turnout for our last meeting of the year.
Edwina Shaw took us through a meditative exercise to help us get to know a character better.
We were suprised to find the character revealed aspects of themselves we had not yet considered or were the opposite of what was expected.
Gabrielle Davis shared her expertise in social media, how to harness it effectively to build a strong, authentic following.
She provided practical tips on how to increase online visibility, strengthening your brand presence, and making your content work smarter for you.
This was an invaluable opportunity to learn proven strategies for our attendees who are trying to grow their reach and engaging their audience with confidence.
We look forward to welcoming everyone back on 17th January with an exciting calendar of events for 2026.
October 2025
Renae Black and Rochelle Agius
What an educational meeting we had this month.
Rochelle Agius took us through a great writing exercise using character and plot points to move our character from one scene to an entirely new one. Rochelle's wealth of knowledge and training took us through these steps and it was great that we could work in groups and see other writers' characters and how the plot points drove them to different scenarios.
Renae Black with her social work experience explained the realities of trauma and how these experiences can shape characters and well as story lines.
Write & Sip
September 2025
Natalie Forbes & Sandra Mayer
Traditionally published Children's Picture Book author Natalie Forbes, author of Saturday, Sunday, Busy Day, Fun Day, with Sandra Mayer self-published author of 21 titles, went through the ins and out of writing a children's picture book. Touching on, character, voice, setting, what appeals to children in language and layout. Lots of resources were shared with attendees as well as examples of writing in rhyme or prose.
The authors discussed similarities and differences between being traditionally published and self-publishing with all the successes and pitfalls of both.
September 2025
Brian Falkner
Thank you to our members who energetically participated in our AGM on Saturday. We were encouraged by your support towards the endorsement of our new committee for this term. Congratulations and welcome to the new committee! We can’t wait to see where the next 12 months leads us.
Following the AGM, our guest speaker, Brian Falkner, had us on the edge of our seats with his vibrant, humorous presentation of creating suspense in our writing. Brian taught us some engaging suspense techniques to keep our readers glued to the page. He had fantastic examples from his own and others’ writing that left us all inspired to implement these techniques into our own work.
We look forward to seeing you at our next meeting on Saturday, 18th October.
August 2025
Vijay Fitzgerald
Vijay Fitzgerald is a multi-genre writer and story coach who helps others transform raw experience into powerful narrative. She holds a Master’s in Creative Writing (Ireland), won the 2019 Screencraft Cinematic Short Story Award, and ranks in the top 10% of short-thriller writers on Coverfly’s Red List.
Under her pen name Lakshmi Vee, she writes romance and romantasy. Her debut novels, The Perfect Plan and Like Fire, I Rise are set for release in 2025 and 2026. Vijay designs immersive, interactive workshops and journaling retreats that equip writers with both insight and practical tools to tell their stories with confidence.
Vijay presented a wonderful workshop titled : Word by Word: A Writing Immersion for Voice, Character & Scene
This immersive, hands-on workshop is for any writer. Whether you're halfway through a manuscript, returning after a break, or starting with a blank page, this session will help you explore the beating heart of the story: voice, character, and conflict.
Through guided writing exercises (and, depending on the group, some optional partner or small group activities) you’ll work on your own stories or start new ones, moving them forward.
Come with a pen, a notebook, and a story inside you, waiting to be heard. No experience
necessary. Just a willingness to try.
Word After Word.
By Vijay Fitzgerald
I was so annoyed with myself. That voice inside my head kept looping: I should know better. I should do better. I should…
I hate ‘shoulds’.
So I began to question everything: my approach, my ability, my vision.
Fueled by a tornado of emotions, I flipped through handwritten notes, playlists, quotes. I even pulled out my pristine project plan for the novel. It was so shiny it could’ve been hung in a museum. The best project plan ever! The project manager in me was smug, and smiling. The writer in me? Quietly giggling, because nothing was going to plan.
And then, I spotted it: a beautiful Christmas present from a friend. Encased in a wooden frame, smooth, cursive writing in gold pen, on cream paper against vintage pink floral. A powerful reminder:
“A word, after a word, after a word is power.”
— Margaret Atwood
Not just a quote. A key.
I realised I was wrestling the whole novel into shape like some wild beast. And there is a place for it, but moving from draft one to draft two perhaps wasn’t it. I sat down. I breathed. Then I asked the universe for answers (because that’s where a logical person places power, right?).
I asked myself one simple question: What is this story about?
Well, the universe didn't give an answer. It gave me three better questions:
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Who has the most to lose?
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Who should tell the story?
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And how should she tell it?
The clarity didn’t come with a revelation but something that we all know as writers. The truth of every story is that they are born from tension. From stakes. From perspective. They come alive not when we force them, but when we drop inside them.
So I started again. Not from the beginning but from the very spot of the second draft lens, armed with basics: Voice. Character. Scene.
My ego won’t let me deny that I’m a planner, and a damn good one. I had a beat-by-beat outline, scene-by-scene for the arc of my story. But I realised that in preserving the plot, I wasn’t paying attention to the story that wanted to be told or the evolution that naturally happens when we rewrite. I learnt that for me to keep the story alive, I need to make the plan more of a fluid tool, and not a checklist. At least not this time. The plan will have its moment to shine, just not yet.
I had been on a mission to finish, to publish, to be productive, but I forgot that writing is an act of listening. Listening to our characters. To ourselves. To the voice that’s been waiting patiently behind the noise. And when we stop fighting the direction the story wants to take, and just start listening, word after word, we end up with pages of the story that actually wants to be told.
July 2025
Briony Benjamin and David Tensen
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.
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.
Write & Sip June 2025
Vijay Fitzgerald
Writing a memoir may seem a little daunting. Where do you even start?
Guest Presenter, Vijay Fitzgerald, will deliver a practical workshop incorporating some important tools to get our writing started. She will teach us how to work with emotions and develop story arcs in memoir writing.
Vijay holds a Masters in Creative Writing. She is also the winner of the 2019 Screencraft Cinematic Short Story Award. Vijay has a passion for teaching writing skills to assist other writers to achieve story success.
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June 2025
Josh Hale and Damian Hussey
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Josh Hale was born in San Leandro, California to an Australian Mother and American Father. Josh’s family first relocated to Queensland Australia in1992 when he was 14 years old. He has lived between the US and Australia since the early 2000s. Josh’s debut feature film Digital Athletes: The Road to Seat League, a Mockumentary about E-Sports was created on a 5k budget filming on the Gold Coast of Australia. The film was well received on the film festival circuit. It had its World Premiere at the Gold Coast Film Festival in 2017, where it was nominated for Australian Independent Film of the Year. The film then went to the United States where it had its North American Premiere in San Francisco. The film Won Best Comedy at the San Francisco International New Concept Film Festival, it Won the Diamond Award at the New York Indie Film Festival.
Josh’s Second Feature Film shot in mid 2019, an indie Horror film titled House of Inequity, financed by investors that approached Josh on his festival run for his debut feature. The film had a budget of $150K. Shot on the Gold Coast of Australia featuring a local and international cast. House of Inequity was an Official Selection at the Gold Coast Film Festival 2021. On its festival run it was accepted into 28 festivals and won 14 awards, including but not limited to – Best Indie Feature, Best Horror and Best Director. Most notably, an Official Selection at the Chicago International Horror Festival. Josh produced the Australian Independent Film, The Lost One, shot in September 2020 and released for distribution with Indican Pictures.
In 2021, Josh was also honoured to win the prestigious Gold Coast Screen Professional of the Year award. House of Inequity is distributed by Gravitas Ventures in North America and can be found on Amazon Prime, Tubi and in various Walmarts across the US. Josh’s third feature Blue Horizon, staring David Cook, Chantal Elyse and Australian Musical legend Pete Murray, was shot in 2022/2023 and is about to embark on its worldwide festival run. He is planning on entering pre production on his 4th feature film at the end of 2025, the film has been green lit from international financiers. Josh spends his down time on the Gold Coast with his cat. He currently has many projects in various stages of development and production.
Facebook -www.facebook.com/josh.hale.9237
Instagram - www.instagram.com/josh.hale__
Damian Hussey began his journey in 2010 and made his feature film directorial debut with The Lost One (2020), followed by his second feature, Girls’ Night Out (2022). His talents as a cinematographer shine in indie films such as Ashburn Waters (2013), Alice (2016), Bliss of Evil (2021), and The Girl Behind the Screen (2024). His work has been recognised at international film festivals, earning numerous accolades.
Currently, Damian is developing his latest script, The Streak, a comedic tale about two Aussie larrikins who bet on streaking at the Cricket World Cup. In addition, he is adapting another screenplay, Gunpowder, into a graphic novel, with its first issue released in 2024 and the second issue set for release in March 2025.
Since discovering a passion for teaching in 2016, Damian has been sharing his knowledge and inspiring the next generation of filmmakers. He is dedicated to helping others pursue their dreams and build meaningful careers in the industry.
Website – damianhussey.com
Facebook – www.facebook.com/damian.hussey.9
Instagram – www.instagram.com/damianhussey/
Shop – freefallcomics.com/product/gunpowder-issue-1/
Kickstarter – www.kickstarter.com/projects/freefallcomics/gunpowder-issue2
May 2025
Kathy Shanks and Jo Skinner
Kathy Shanks is a publisher, author, and speaker dedicated to helping writers navigate the self-publishing world with confidence. With a passion for guiding authors through the complexities of publishing, marketing, and optimising their books for success, she empowers writers to turn their creative vision into a thriving, market-ready product.
Website: turtlepublishing.com.au
Jo Skinner is a Brisbane based GP who writes contemporary women's fiction as well as freelance non-fiction articles about women's issues and mental health. She also has a long distance running habit. When she is not working or writing you will find her accruing kilometres while plotting her next story.
She lives with her husband and three children.
Jo had her first story published when she was in primary school, where she won a writing competition with her winning entry being placed in a time capsule.
Her great love is writing contemporary women's fiction. In August 2023, she was delighted to get a phone call from Carolyn Martinez of Hawkeye Publishing, advising she had a contract for her novel, The Truth about My Daughter, which was released on 14th April 2025.
Website - www.johannaskinner.com
April 2025
Foster Burton and Jack Roney
Before Foster was a historical fiction author, he was just about everything else. It’s true... well, almost. He hasn’t worked every job, though his resume (if he had one) would read like he'd selected ‘All’ on a job application website. Here are just a few, in alphabetical order: app development (project management); bartender; barista; branding (project management); car consignment; car sales (classics only, thank you very much); car restoration; carpentry (on his own houses); Dominoes pizza-cutter; drafting; insurance sales (yuck); marketing; motorcycle salesman; motorcycle test rider (allegedly); photographer… you get the picture. The running joke from one of his dear old aunts is that he'll know what he wants to do when he gets older.
But while his career thus far has been as varied as the quality of a Bunnings sausage, it has certainly led to many interesting experiences, allowing him to meet people from every walk of life; all of which he draws on as inspiration and weaves into the pages of his stories.
He currently lives in a beautiful hidden pocket of NSW in a valley called Upper Orara, with his darling wife (and chief supporter of his madness), Belinda, and their two delightful children, Wilbur, and Holland. When he isn't writing, you’ll find him tinkering with an old classic car, or exploring some farfetched corner of New Zealand with his family (or on the ride-on mower in summer).
Ky Garvey and Sandra Mayer
February 2025
Ky Garvey is a children's author, podcaster and a disability and carer advocate.
Her first picture book Easy Peasy was released in February 2023 through publisher EK Books. She is also the creator and host of literary podcast Totally Lit. Ky has won, or been shortlisted in a number of writing awards including Hunter Writers Centre Grieve writing competition, Carers Queensland writing competition and most recently, The Logan Laureate. She lives in Brisbane with her husband, two sons, cat and her cavoodle. She loves pub trivia, roller skating and pinball. Although, not all at the same time.
Presentation: Playing to your Strengths to Establish a Writing Career
In this presentation, Ky Garvey will discuss her experience as a published picture book author, highlighting the journey to publication. She will also explore how her podcast, Totally Lit, has contributed to, and enhanced, her career. Additionally, Ky will share insights on how she utilises social media to foster community and maintain connections with both readers and fellow writers.
Sandra Mayer was born in New Zealand and is a self-published author and screenwriter with a portfolio that includes 19 children’s picture books, 2 children’s novellas, and 9 screenplays. She currently resides on the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia. Sandra is a mother to two children and also has a deep passion for caring for and nurturing a diverse range of animals.
Sandra is an active committee member of the Gold Coast Writers’ Association, where she also manages their website.
Her books are available on her website, www.sandramayerwriter.com, as well as on Amazon, eBay, and Etsy. Additionally, you can often find her at local Gold Coast markets - visit her website for more details.
Workshop: AI Disrupting the Illustration Industry
Sandra Mayer will guide us in the use of AI programs in creative industries, specifically focusing on illustrating. The session will provide insights into the tools available for authors and creators, particularly those working with illustrations and design.
