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).
CAPT. Dylan Conway
Belinda Topan and Rhiannon Elton
May 2023
CAPT Dylan Conway was born and raised in Central Queensland in a small town called Biloela. Like many young Australians living in regional Queensland he was drawn to the life the military could provide and enlisted as a 17 year old to the Australian Defence Force Academy.
After graduation he would then complete his Officer training at the Royal Military College – Duntroon where he joined the Royal Australian Infantry and posted to the 1st Battalion Royal Australian Regiment in Townsville. Since graduating CAPT Conway has served in a number of combat units and training establishments including the School of Infantry training young infantry candidates, the warrant officer and non-commissioned officer’s academy where he assisted with the development of junior leaders and their promotional courses and now most recently the 6th Battalion where he serves as an operations officer.
CAPT Conway is a young a motivated Army member who for the last year has been striving to encourage reading, education and bibliotherapy amongst soldiers and the wider Australian community through his charity Brothers and Books LTD. Key activities his charity has achieved include multiple fundraising efforts which have seen him donate over $140,000 to veteran charities in under two years. He has also established over 30 community libraries around Australia as a part of the philanthropic push to encourage more communities and organisation to read great books. CAPT Conway’s charity platform also reaches over 250,000 people online every month.
CAPT Conway’s love of reading and want to promote bibliotherapy around Australia stemmed from having 9 surgeries on his back. During this time of adversity in Dylan’s life he was unable to walk, socialise or work professionally in the ADF. Dylan turned to reading in order to retain and re-gain purpose in his physically lacking life and this resulted in him reading from sun up to sun down in between hospital appointments. Dylan had his last surgery in 2022 which led to the amputation of his lower back of which Dylan believes he was able to find peace with the life altering surgery due to the meaning he has found through the perspective in books.
CAPT Conway believes that reading and bibliotherapy is the path to not only a more versatile and competent military but one that instils a greater empathy and optimism to the Australian public to both quell mental anguish and inspire future leaders.
CAPT Conway has noted he is very proud to be able to speak to the Gold Coast Writers association today as without the incredible authors who provide the material, he would not be able to do what he does.
Rhiannon Elton weaves tales of mystery and magic as the fantasy detective author of the Wolflock Cases series. Her love for all things fantastical began as a young girl, raised by a fairy and tutored by wizards, where she discovered the power of imagination and the art of storytelling. As a Dungeon Master and seasoned player, she brings her love for games to the page, immersing readers in a world of magic and wonder.
Beyond the page, Rhiannon is a tireless champion of the arts and a beacon of inspiration for aspiring writers. She is the progenitor and organizer of the Logan Writers Festival, bringing together communities of writers, artists, and creatives from all walks of life. As the President of the Logan Chamber of Commerce, Rhiannon uses her platform to promote creativity, growth, and community, always dreaming of a world where magic is within reach for all.
Belinda Topan is a multi-talented individual with a passion for the arts and a love for the written word. She is a renowned vampire author known for her novels about found families and vampires. Her writing is captivating and draws readers into complex worlds filled with richly drawn characters and intricate plot lines.
In addition to her writing, Belinda has recently taken on the role of Arts Champion for the Logan Chamber of Commerce. In this capacity, she is responsible for promoting and supporting the local arts scene and helping to bring recognition to the talented artists in the community.
Belinda is also one of the organizers for the Logan Writers Festival, an annual event that celebrates the written word and brings together authors, publishers, and readers from all over the world. With her passion for writing and her dedication to promoting the arts, Belinda is an important figure in the Logan community and a true champion of the written word.
July 2023
Ky Garvey
Ky Garvey is a mother to two boys who are both diagnosed with Autistic Spectrum Disorder and ADHD. Through her experiences with her boys, she has been inspired to write fun and engaging stories that turn challenges into triumphs. Ky aims to share supportive, inclusive and empowering stories for children.
Ky writes and hosts the podcast Totally Lit! a monthly podcast celebrating reading, writing and creating literature. The podcast features writers, illustrators and all types of creators of books and stories.
Ky's first picture book, Easy Peasy (EK Books) follows Ruby, who has a brand-new pair of roller skates. Ruby is sure skating will be easy, but after a few tumbles she realises she may need her dad’s help after all. Embracing themes of independence, perseverance, and family relationships, this is a fun, engaging story for children learning how to do something for the first time.
Ky will talk about her writing process and her experiences with publishing and launching her first book.
October 2023
Dr. Michael Brohier and Anne Varnes
Dr Michael Brohier (BA Hons Dip Ed M Lit. PhD)
Michael Brohier has been a teacher of senior English Literature for 43 years and has taught in schools in SA, QLD and briefly in the UK. In his most recent professional educational role, he served as Academic Deputy and then Deputy Headmaster at Somerset College for 25 years. He has published a thesis for his Masters- in- Literature on “Parody, Satire and Allusion in the Plays of Tom Stoppard” and a thesis for his Doctorate (PhD) in Education, on “International Education – The International Baccalaureate”. He has previously published a semi-autobiographical novel, “My Story”, and launched a book of collected poems, “My Santiago” at the Somerset Storyfest Literature Festival in 2022. He has served as Chairman of the Somerset Literature Festival for 20 years and currently is the Artistic Director of Somerset Storyfest and an Ambassador for the Literature Festival. His Wordsmith Student Creative Writing, Performing and Publishing Group (at Somerset College), has set new literary standards for 28 years and counts over a 100 avid creative writers from ages 13 – 18, many who go onto make writing a valued lifetime vocation. He is the owner and founder of “Ink and Dust”, a company which runs Writing Master Classes, Creative Productions (Words that Heal), Retreats in Creative Writing, foundational English classes and student mentoring and coaching. Most recently he judged the Gold Coast Film Awards and initiated and judged the Bookness Inaugural Poetry Competition. He runs Bookclubs (Tsunduko) and Poetry Appreciation and Writing Workshops (Ikigai) on a continuing and regular basis at Bookness Bookshop. He also works on a voluntary basis as Biographer for residents of aged care centres enabling the elderly to capture and tell their lives thereby leaving a legacy for families. He is currently working on a second book of collected poems, with the tentative working title, “Asymptote, Life and Divinity – Stories of Love”, and ever looking for avenues to nurture this “one wild and precious life” (Mary Oliver – poet from “The Summer Day”.
Anne Varnes has a background as a psychologist, working primarily with children and adolescents. A mid-life change of direction led Anne to complete a Master of Arts: Editing & Publishing, and a stint with a preeminent Awards organisation developed Anne’s love of children’s and YA fiction and non-fiction. Anne also has experience editing/proofreading academic works such as theses and journal articles and working with picture book authors to develop their ideas and writing.
December 2023
Alex Adsett
Alex Adsett is an Australian literary agent and publishing consultant, who has been working in the publishing and bookselling industry for almost twenty five years. She has managed Alex Adsett Literary since 2008.
As a literary agent, Alex is always seeking amazing manuscripts, with a focus on fiction and narrative non-fiction, especially SFF, crime and romance, for all ages from picture books to adults. She is proud to represent an outstanding stable of authors and illustrators, including Melissa Lucashenko, Isobelle Carmody, Dinuka McKenzie, Jasmin McGaughey and Hannah Sommerville.
As a consultant, Alex provides commercial and strategic advice to authors and independent publishers, particularly regarding publishing contracts. She has worked with many independent publishers and thousands of authors including Mirandi Riwoe, Sarah Malik, Graeme Simsion, Barry Humphries, and Melissa Greenwood. She regularly delivers seminars on copyright and publishing contracts around Australia, and has served on various NFP literary boards including Small Press Network and Queensland Writers Centre.
Having started her bookselling career at Pulp Fiction Bookshop in Brisbane, Australia, Alex moved to Murder One bookstore in London, UK, followed by more than two years working for Simon and Schuster UK. On returning to Australia, she spent three years in her dream job as part of the Rights and Contracts Department of Penguin Books in Melbourne, before moving to the Contracts Department of John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd. She is often to be found on social media or skulking around bookshops. While she is always on the look out for exciting new manuscripts, Alex is only accepting manuscripts in accordance with submission guidelines.
Alex respectfully acknowledges the Yugambeh People, the traditional owners of the land on which she lives and works, and pays her respect to their elders past and present.
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The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, the Gold Coast Chapter
February 2024
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Following a brief introduction and overview of SCBWI, a panel of four published children’s authors will answer questions and share their journeys to publication and beyond. Be prepared for plenty of truth-telling as they discuss the positive and negatives of the industry.
Jo Sandhu is an award-winning author who writes novels for middle grade readers. Her trilogy, Tarin of the Mammoths, is published by Penguin Random House. Book One, The Exile, was a 2018 CBCA Notable book and was a finalist in the Aurealis Awards for Best Children’s Fantasy Book 2017. It was the winner of the 2018 Readings Children’s Book Prize. Other books in the trilogy are Clan of Wolves (2017) and Cave Bear Mountain (2018).
Jo lives on the sunny Gold Coast, Queensland. She is active in the writing community and currently co-leading the GC chapter of SCBWI.
Rebecca Timmis is an award-winning author-illustrator who lives on the sunny Gold Coast. Her favourite things in the world are to write over-the-top, magical adventures and paint digital pictures with her graphics tablet.
Rebecca’s most recent series is the Jawsome series, published by Allen & Unwin in 2023 and 2024. She is also the author-illustrator of the popular MerTales series which follows the adventures of four plucky mermaids. She has also illustrated two picture books, Super Nova, written by Krys Saclier and published by Ford St Publishing (2019), and Reggie Red, written by Josie Layton and published by Larrikin House (2020). Super Nova has since been short-listed for an Aurealis Award.
Rebecca’s writing has been shortlisted for the Text Prize and the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Contest. In 2019 her short sci-fi story, Sticks and Stones, won second place in the Buzzword’s Magazine Children’s Short Story Competition, which is the largest competition for a children’s short story in Australia.
Kate Foster is a bestselling author from the Gold Coast writing middle grade fiction and chapter books. Her work, published with Walker Books UK and Australia, Candlewick Press and HarperCollins, has been long and shortlisted for multiple awards. Kate’s books include PAWS, The Bravest Word, Harriet Hound and The Unlikely Heroes Club.
Kate is also the co-creator of Author Pen Pals, an initiative connecting book creators with students across the country via snail mail, as well as The ASLA DANZ Children’s Book Award which celebrates and rewards positive representation of diverse people in Australia and New Zealand.
Dr. Candice Lemon-Scott is an award-winning, Queensland-based Australian author, editor and presenter. She has published 13 books for children and written one for adults. Her books have been published in Australia, the US, the UK and China and include Ocean Warriors: The Rise of Robo-Shark published by Storytorch Press, Silver the Silly Sorcerer, Hubert and the Magic Glasses, and Jake in Space, a six-book series of space adventure stories with New Frontier Publishing. She also published a Pearson Education fiction title The Day the Energies Saved the World and her latest series, Eco Rangers.
Candice’s adult novel Unloched, received a commendation for an unpublished manuscript in the Victorian Premier’s Literary Awards 2007 and is published with Odyssey Books.
March 2024
T.M. Clark
Zimbabwean-born T.M. Clark weaves her fascination for diverse cultures, wildlife, and storytelling into her literature. Her books cater to a wide audience, ranging from children to adults. She has been nominated for a Queensland Literary Award and is a Children's Book Council Notable. She is the coordinator for the CYA Conference in Brisbane, which offers professional development opportunities to both established and emerging writers and illustrators. Additionally, she co-hosts the Writers at Sea retreat. Tina Marie is passionate about nurturing writers and collecting books for building libraries in Papua New Guinea.
At our March meeting, author of 12 books for Adults and 3 children’s picture book, T.M. Clark will teach a workshop on Story Structure. During this workshop, we will delve into the elements necessary for crafting a compelling story/narrative. Including an exploration of the three-act structure, we'll discuss the setup, confrontation, and resolution phases, analysing how each contributes to the overall story arc. Emphasis will be placed on plot development techniques, including the introduction of inciting incidents, building rising action/tension, and providing satisfying resolutions.
Janeen Vosper and Rochelle Miller
July 2024
For over 20 years, Janeen Vosper worked as the General Manager of Sales for a successful multi-million-dollar, national supply business. As GM, Janeen had plenty of hands-on experience coaching high performing, commissioned-based sales teams. Assisting her team in setting unbeaten sales records thus creating exceptional incomes. Combining her success in sales and as an international speaker, Janeen now provides a wide scope of training for all sizes of businesses. Her goal is to provide individuals with the skills to speak with a confident voice and the words to share their business story with credibility and conviction and become the voice of authority in their industry.
Rochelle Miller works as a Virtual Assistant after holding various administration roles throughout her life. Her career has also included roles in coaching, mentoring, and teaching.
Rochelle has a passion for using story, journaling, and coaching as a pathway for personal development. Her current Work In Progress incorporates both fiction story-telling and a guided journal to assist people in working on their mindset goals.
The Pines Pop-up Bookshop
August 2024
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November 2024
Bookfest
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GCWA authors had an opportunity to sell their books at Logan City Bookfest proudly supported by Kathy Shanks (GCWA member) from Turtle Publishing. Events like this give members of the GCWA opportunities to connect with readers, network and sell books.
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November 2024
Di Taylor and Rosi Ngwenya
Rowena Beresford, Riveted Press
Rowena Beresford is the Managing Editor of Riveted Press (formerly known as Yellow Brick Books).
She has more than twenty years’ experience in book and magazine editing, design and publishing and particularly enjoys working with debut and emerging authors. Rowena has regularly participated in writer’s conferences such as CYA, StoryArts, Omega Writers and more recently, KidLitVic, giving manuscript assessments, taking pitches and joining publisher panels and/or judging competition submissions.
Riveted Press is the proud publisher of CBCA award-winning title Aster’s Good, Right Things by Kate Gordon, and has had titles longlisted and/or shortlisted in a variety of awards including The Tasmanian Literary Awards, The Speech Pathology Australia Book of the Year Awards, and the newly launched DANZ Awards (Diversity in Australia and New Zealand).
DJ Taylor author of Anna's War.
Early in her career Di was a primary school teacher and a teacher-librarian. Her love of children’s literature has been a life-long passion.
Rosi Ngwenya the author of BrilliANT.
A hilarious journey into the impressive micro-world of an ant colony.
November 2024
Runaway Bay Pop-Up Bookshop
GCWA members had the chance to market and sell their books at the Runaway Bay Shopping Centre on 23 November 2024.
The authors all had a great time, made contacts and sold books.
Keep your eye out for more events for GCWA members.
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.
Bonnie Hancock- the fastest and youngest person in history to paddle around Australia, Bonnie Hancock shows how ordinary humans can do extraordinary things.
Rejecting a polished version to bring a raw and real approach to her presentations, Bonnie shares captivating stories from her adventure to teach audiences how to build resilience and find grace under pressure. Bonnie will show inspire you to look at your own ambitions and ask 'Why not?
Setting yourself up for writing success in 2025
Rochelle Agius is a professionally certified health and wellness coach; she has twenty-five years’ experience as a fully qualified and certified trainer and facilitator. Rochelle is also a Gold Coast Writers Association Committee Member.
In this Gold Coast Writers' Association Workshop, Rochelle will facilitate and guide you in starting to:
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Setting and defining your clear writing goals
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Planning and outline what you want to achieve in 3, 6 and 12 months
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Consider your writing process (planner versus ‘pantser’)
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Discuss how you will track your progress and think about a reward system that works best for you
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You will have the opportunity to network with GCWA members, and start to establish your own networking and accountability groups and/or persons.
December 2024
Christmas Party and Workshop
With Andy Mc Dermott
A great time was had by all of the GCWA members and guests. The yummy food was catered by Catering For Good and we all had a wonderful time catching up with new and old friends.
Andy Mc Dermott gave us hints and tips of how to set up a stall at an event or market. What do you need in the way of hardware (Square) and marketing materials (bookmarks, business cards, synopsis sheet. etc). He also gave us his run down on target market, how to sell yourself and how to sell your books. Thanks Andy.
October 2024
Susan Holt and Andy Mc Dermott
As a child, Susan Holt was so shy that she literally would hide behind her mother’s skirt if an adult came along. Now? Well, for the last 17 years, Susan has worked in radio, starting her on air career on a breakfast shift in Melbourne in 2007 with her husband Luke. Since 2016 until earlier this year,
“The Luke and Susie Show” was syndicated across
27 radio stations in Australia.
In 2010, Susan became an author accidentally when she wrote a short story called “The Fountain” to accompany her series of talks at a women’s convention. Finally, thirteen years later, she completed her second book. “Becoming Susan: Finding joy and delight, fulfilment and purpose, fun and meaning in life again” explores her personal journey from an unexpected breakdown after losing her way, towards the fulfilling life that we all long for.
As a business owner, speaker, author, coach and mentor, Susan is passionate about encouraging people to use their time, talent and resources to inspire positive change in themselves and others.
Learn how to avoid the information dump by
utilising your readers’ imaginations to create visual descriptions in your prose. Andy will expand on the old adages, ‘less is more’ and ‘show not tell’ by showing us how to incorporate our descriptions, while maintaining the pace and flow of our story.Learn how to avoid the information dump by utilising your readers’ imaginations to create visual descriptions in your prose. Andy will expand on the old adages, ‘less is more’ and ‘show not tell’ by showing us how to incorporate our descriptions, while maintaining the pace and flow of our story.
Learn how to avoid the information dump by
utilising your readers’ imaginations to create visual descriptions in your prose. Andy will expand on the old adages, ‘less is more’ and ‘show not tell’ by showing us how to incorporate our descriptions, while maintaining the pace and flow of our story.
Andy McDermott - Building Drama into your Descriptions
Learn how to avoid the information dump by
utilising your readers’ imaginations to create visual descriptions in your prose. Andy will expand on the old adages, ‘less is more’ and ‘show not tell’ by showing us how to incorporate our descriptions, while maintaining the pace and flow of our story.
Mary Wong - Optimal Life Solutions
Jackie Washington and Louisa Wright
September 2024
Mary Wong's Optimal Publishing mission is to empower aspiring authors and professionals to realize their publishing dreams by providing them with the knowledge, resources, and support needed to bring their books to life and realise their aspirations.
Having published 8 books, Mary has achieved Amazon international best-selling author status multiple times and received several awards for writing, including international awards for fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. She is currently writing a novel.
With formal qualifications in coaching, counselling, leadership and business, Mary draws upon her writing prowess and excellent communication skills when assisting clients to achieve their writing goals.
An international speaker and multiple Amazon #1 best-selling author, Mary has been the recipient of several awards, including international awards for fiction, nonfiction, and poetry writing, and two Stevie International Women in Business Awards.
When she’s not coaching or writing, Mary loves to encourage her garden to grow (although it is often contrary) and to release her inhibitions through the organic creative process of doodling.
Editing Basics by Jackie Washington and Louisa Wright
A fun and informative infomation workshop with Jackie and Louisa with a lot of fun with Editing Bingo.
Jackie took us through some of the common 'stumbles' that may be found in a writer's work when they start the editing process, from filler words, to apostrophies, commas to capitals.
Thanks to Lizz Curry who allowed her perfect piece of work to be 'adjusted' with stumbles to help us identify where we might go wrong.
GCWA authors had an opportunity to sell their books at The Pines Shopping Centre at Elanora. Events like this give members of the GCWA opportunities to connect with readers, network and sell books.
August 2024
Sisters In Crime Panel - Megan Norris
Georgia Harper, Harrie Blake, JP Powell
Our August panel of JP Powell, Harrie Blake and Georgia Parker discussed all things crime with Megan Norris - whether it is psychological thriller, dark and mysterious or cosy, suburban killers. Find out about one of the most commercial and popular genres in fiction writing. Our panel from Sisters in Crime will include Georgia Harper, Harrie Blake and J P Powell. We will hear how the stories come together and how to write a page turning crime novel. Be ready for all your questions about crime and thriller writing to be answered.
Judy Powell an archaeologist, a historian, a teacher, a writer. She lives on a rural property on Queensland's Sunshine Coast. Her passion is to bring the past to life, to let people see that the ground they walk on has been trod by thousands of people over thousands of years. Each of these people have a story to tell.
Harrie Blake is an avid reader turned writer who loves mystery and adventure in fantastical dimensions. Harrie Blake’s novels are a delightful blend of cerebral puzzles and spine-tingling suspense and promise an exhilarating, and slightly humorous, journey beyond the ordinary. But whether it’s deciphering the clues of a whodunit or unmasking conspiracies, in Harrie Blake’s narratives science, magic and mysteries intertwine to transport readers to worlds on the edge of our imaginations.
Georgia Harper is a psychologist who has worked with both serious violent offenders and victim-survivors of crime. Her career spans correctional, forensic mental health, mental health and rural psychology roles. In keeping with her passion for animal welfare, was the Senior Inspector Prosecutions for RSPCA Queensland.
'What I Would Do to You' is her first novel.
June 2024
Kylie Chan and Christine Betts
The June GC W.A. meeting opened with exciting member news including congratulating Adrienne Easton (check spelling) on the release of her first novel discovering Jooles. We heard an informative and fascinating talk from fantasy. Author Kylie Chan about her work on a soon to be released virtual reality experience being created right here in Southeast Queensland. Our afternoon tea and networking break followed with lots of chatting and enjoying the goodies made for us by our Provedore Christene Kahn, our afternoon workshop was generating ideas for your stories with Christine Betts. it was wonderful to see so many writers working away on the fun exercises designed to tap into your creativity, bypass your critic and get words on paper.
Christine Betts has published two novels and a collection of short stories. Her story How I Got this Tattoo won the 2022 Tasmanian Writers’ Prize. She won the November 2021 QWC RightLeftWrite, shortlisted in the 2021 Scarlet Stiletto Awards, and is published in multiple anthologies. She is a regular In Conversation host for Gold Coast Libraries and Richmond-Tweed Libraries.
Christine has been a member of the GCWA since 2019 and has served as newsletter editor from May 2021 to May 2023 and Speaker Coordinator from May 2023 to July 2024. Christine is the creator of the popular Write and Sip fundraising events and patron/judge of the GCWA Short Story Competition in 2022 and 2023. In 2023, Christine created the GCWA members Critique Group.
A firm believer that writers will save the world, she writes daily and encourages everyone around her to join in. She lives and works on Bundjalung country with her family.
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May 2024
Brian Vining
Brian Vining is a Brisbane, Australia based filmmaker, who studied Film and TV at Queensland college of Art and has worked in the local industry for several years. In 2019 Brian wrapped production on ‘The Last Video Store’ an independent feature film which he has co-produced, written and directed. The film was released July 31st, 2023 on AppleTV, Prime Video, Tubi to name but a few.
Brian also has extensive visual effects and computer animation experience on short films and computer games having worked extensively in the computer games industry for many years as a Senior 3D Artist.
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Eileen O'Hely and The Brisbane Scribes
April 2024
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Author Eileen O’Hely spent her childhood making up stories for her dolls and stuffed toys to act out. After a brief foray as an astronomer, she traded in stars for words and started writing children’s books. In her spare time Eileen likes solving puzzles, playing music and tap dancing.
Illustrator Chloe Finnis spends most of her time finding creative ways to move through life. A vocation in graphic design has seen her return to the whimsy of pen-on-paper illustration, a realisation of her childhood pursuits.
The Brisbane Scribes are Jo Skinner, Jane Connolly, Jennifer Adams, Tatia Power, Bernadette Condren, Marnie Bolton. (click here for more info on this literary powerhouse group.) The Scribes are a group of passionate writers who meet regularly to challenge and be challenged by one another, to support each other’s writing progress, and to celebrate successes.
Jenny Adams, Jane Connolly, and Jo Skinner from the Brisbane Scribes will use their collective wisdom to teach us how to write winning short stories. Perfect timing to hone your entry for the GCWA Short Story Competition. The Scribes are so excited to be invited to speak at the next GCWA meeting. What could be more fun than talking about writing?
Link for the Brisbane Scribes Instagram
Link for Brisbane Scribes website
Jenny Adams –
Jennifer Adams works in corporate communications and change. She enjoys writing and is a founding member of the writer's group The Brisbane Scribes. Jennifer's many conversations about her and her husband's decision to sleep separately led her to write the first version of A Sleep Divorce, titled Sleeping Apart not Falling Apart, to help people understand why sleep is so important and why sacrificing sleep to meet the social expectations of how and where couples sleep isn't worth it.
Link for A Sleep Divorce: How to Sleep Apart, not Fall Apart by Jennifer Adams and Neil Stanley
Jo Skinner –
Jo 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 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, three children, an elderly Pomeranian Papillon cross Pippa and a sprightly rescue cat Jiji.
Learn more about Jo on her Hawkeye author page. https://hawkeyebooks.com.au/pages/jo-skinner
January 2024
Melaina Faranda
Melania Faranda author of over fifty books and with twenty years as a professional writer, Melaina Faranda is published nationally and internationally by ten major publishers. Turning on that creative tap has led to a dozen of those books being written in less than two years. Melaina infuses her teaching with a vitality, generosity, and sense of fun that consistently garners rave feedback from course participants. She conducts creative writing workshops and masterclasses throughout Australia to repeat invitations.
Melaina has worked with ten publishers, scores of editors nationally and internationally, and has invaluable professional skills and techniques to generously share and impart to groups that swiftly become a tribe. She believes learning should be deep, moving (definitely some goose bumping moments), joyous, storied, and fun!
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November 2023
Rowena Beresford
Rowena Beresford is the Managing Editor of Riveted Press (formerly known as Yellow Brick Books).
She has more than twenty years’ experience in book and magazine editing, design and publishing and particularly enjoys working with debut and emerging authors. Rowena has regularly participated in writer’s conferences such as CYA, StoryArts, Omega Writers and more recently, KidLitVic, giving manuscript assessments, taking pitches and joining publisher panels and/or judging competition submissions.
Riveted Press is the proud publisher of CBCA award-winning title Aster’s Good, Right Things by Kate Gordon, and has had titles longlisted and/or shortlisted in a variety of awards including The Tasmanian Literary Awards, The Speech Pathology Australia Book of the Year Awards, and the newly launched DANZ Awards (Diversity in Australia and New Zealand).
Our tagline is ‘Where unforgettable stories are forged’ and that epitomises what we look for in new submissions. They can be quiet stories, like our CBCA Award winning middle grade Aster’s Good, Right Things (Kate Gordon), hilarious stories, touching stories, thrilling stories ... but they must show the potential to become unforgettable.
Riveted Press is represented in the Australian and New Zealand marketplace by Simon & Schuster.
September 2023
Peter Watt and Richard John
Peter Watt writes historical fiction and has 25 years' experience
in publishing nationally and internationally.
Professor Richard John is the Head of Chemistry and a former Dean (Learning and Teaching) at Griffith University. He is a recognised leader in STEM Education in Australia and his influence and contribution spans all levels of education, from pre-K to university. He is a passionate advocate and successful facilitator of STEM pathways for transforming lives–particularly young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.
An award-winning educator, Richard has over 60 research publications in international peer-reviewed journals, and is a named inventor on two patents. He has taught undergraduate chemistry for over 20 years, is the author of a foundation year chemistry textbook (The Chemistry Companion) and co-author of two senior-school chemistry textbooks. He is also the creator and author of the Suzie the Scientist Early Reader Series and the Millie the Mathematician Early Reader Series – school-based reading resources linking literacy with the Australian Curriculum in Science and Maths.
August 2023
Michelle Upton and Cynthia Terelst
Michelle Upton loves writing short stories and novels that examine our darkest fears but then shine a light on the hope and possibility for us all.
Her novel Terms of Inheritance was shortlisted for the 2021 Banjo Prize and was published by HarperCollins Publishers Australia on the 30th of November 2022. Terms of Inheritance was also shortlisted for the 2023 Adaptable: Turning the Page to Screen program run by the Queensland Writer's Centre. Terms of Inheritance is out now in paperback, ebook and audiobook.
After emigrating to Australia in 2006 from Birmingham, England, Michelle is now extremely proud to be an Australian citizen. She lives on the beautiful Redlands Coast in Queensland and loves being close to the water.
Cynthia Terelst enjoyed writing as a child and teenager but put writing aside as she experienced the adventure of life. Recently her love of writing was reignited when a friend spoke to her about the novel she was writing. Since that time, Cynthia has published seven romance novels in her Love Down Under series. She does not shy away from difficult topics, as she feels that they should not be ignored.
Although her friends claim she is a crazy cat lady, she denies this vehemently. She currently has three cats sharing her home: two of her own and the other is her daughter’s. She vows she will never go back to the days when lived with seven.
Cynthia Terelst lives in Queensland, Australia.
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June 2023
Jack Roney
Jack Roney is the author of the crime thriller series The Angels Wept, The Demons Woke and The Shadows Watch. He is a member of the Queensland Writers Centre. He lives with his family in the leafy north-west of Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. His writing is inspired by over thirty years in law enforcement where he has gained experience in criminal investigation, operational skills training, strategic policy, media and communications. He draws on his experience as a former detective to bring authenticity and realism to his writing and to immerse the reader in fast-paced, gritty and emotionally charged stories, with an empathy for victims of violent crime. The three-part series follows Sergeant Jarrod O'Connor, a family man and small town detective, as he hunts down predators to protect the innocent. His latest novel, The Ghost Train and the Scarlet Moon is a historical mystery inspired by the 1947 Camp Mountain train disaster. In 2018 his first novel was shortlisted in the annual Watpad Awards.
Bonnie Hancock and Rochelle Agius
January 2025
