What People Say about
Gold Coast Writers Association

Karl Farren Workshop
on Songwriting - May 2008

Very user friendly, great musical examples nad an attentive tutor ... Maggie

An adventurous and enjoyable day to expand the mind on different ways of writing lyrics, music and rhythm. Karl kept the workshop moving, with fun and interesting activities to expand our imaginations, and many examples he played himself and from CD's. An exciting and creative day. .... Joan

Children's Writing Competition -
Comments From Xavier Ruth's mum
(Xavier won the 7-10 year old section)

Comments received on Talk Given at Southport for Adult Learners' Week - Terry Spring, Sue Pearson, Joan Small

Really useful info – can we have more on the subject please?

Watch out for my best-seller.

Well done to all! 

Very well presented and informative.  A great overview of necessary elements for budding writings to know

Bus Trip to Brisbane Writers' Festival 2007

Gerard ‘...enjoyed the Brisbane Writers Festival because I got some very useful information from the authors I listened to, especially from the questions that I asked them and the helpful responses. I also had time between the authors meetings to have a quick look at the Museum, which has changed its exhibits since my last visit, and the incredible ‘infinity' space in the Gallery of Modern Art...I will make use of the valuable advice I was given by the writers and would consider the day trip to the Writers Festival to be a definite success. Thank you for the opportunity to go on this trip.'

Sue ‘...decided to attend because of the bus that was put on by GCWA and I am very, very glad I went. I thoroughly enjoyed osmosing in a sea of writers, atmosphere, and books... books... books. It was most interesting and enjoyable listening to a cross section of genres and meeting some of the authors. I picked up information and ideas for my own writing and found that the day proved to be a confidence booster to boot. All sessions that I attended were free and if GCWA offers a bus again next year, I will be on it. Thank you to the GCWA.'

Claire commented, ‘Where else can one listen to a Swedish stand-up comedian/magician ... and hear a vampire book described by a Nobel prize judge as 'a masterpiece' ... and in the same day listen to a Russian ballerina — born at the time of the Bolshevik revolution—tell of her life experiences? Not to be missed.'

Audrei ‘... thought it was a fantastic day, great company, great venue, great subjects, great time. Thanks everyone.'

Terry's impressions were that ‘Once we set off, the day became an excursion into the varied writing experiences of published authors. I found their world thought-provoking, stimulating, and enthralling and Tom Keneally's seminar was especially entertaining. The Brisbane Festival was well organised and a most rewarding experience.'

Di contributed: ‘Just to let you know that I had a very enjoyable, stimulating day at the Brisbane Writers Festival. I attended the talk with Chester Porter QC. What a privilege to be in the presence of such a great mind. Going in a group, by bus, is such a trouble-free, relaxed mode to attend these things. No navigation or parking worries. G reat way to spend a Sunday!'

Donna thought it was ‘a terrific day: glorious weather; superb Brisbane riverside/cultural courtyard setting; excellent event organization; beyond-description opportunities (and many of them at no cost to attendees) to hear (and question) authors and presenters one normally only “meets” on bookshelves or through the media…with free GCWA transport to/from Brisbane topping the day off. Bring on next year! The only disappointing thing was that just 15, out of a possible 200 or so GCWA members, used the free bus, which may mean a review of the situation next year.

Joan said, ‘The GCWA bus trip to the Brisbane Writers Festival was a wonderful opportunity to take part in an excellent event. I find it challenging to drive to Brisbane , and parking is expensive, so having the bus made it easier and gave the opportunity to share with other writers on the trip. Everything ran smoothly, and Wendy and I fitted in four talks, time to browse the books, and coffee breaks. A full day; most informative and enjoyable. Please do it again next year.'

'Thank you to all the organisers and sponsors of the Gold Coast Writers' Association 2007 Children's Writing Competition. 
Winning this competition has been a pivotal point in Xavier's young life and has inspired him beyond belief. He wears his medal everywhere! This ripples outward to his fellow students, teachers and to myself, as his mother, that all the countless trips to the library and hours spent reading aloud really do make a difference. 
When I asked Xavier how he liked the awards ceremony he responded with 7-year old enthusiasm, "It was totally WICKED!" With gratitude from our family and especially from Xavier. Keep up the "wicked" work. ~Daynia Ruth

Meetings:

I wanted to get in touch and let you know how much I enjoyed yesterday’s meeting. The positive energy and support was wonderful to see. I have joined the Association...J.B.

Thanks for the opportunity to be a member of such a great club. I came to my first meeting earlier this month and was totally blown away by the energy in the room. I know that I’m just going to love being a member, and have already signed up for the workshops next year. You all inspire me and what more could I ask for? Hope to meet you in person at the Christmas meeting. Cheers.

One of the things that drew me into GCWA was the friendly professionalism with which the group is run. Amongst other things, I think the web site and the newsletter are both excellent, gold star credits to those who manage them, and to our group as a whole. And the monthly meetings--I really look forward to attending. They are well-organised, welcoming, interesting, informative--and always quieten the rumblings of a cranky tummy! ... D.M.

Phyllis McDuff Workshop:

Thank you for the wonderful workshop you facilitated yesterday for the Gold Coast Writer Group.
Your way of systemising information was particularly helpful.
Phyllis, I also appreciated the generous way you offered to help people individually and the assistance you gave me. H.S. (Gold Coast Writers member.)

Your workshop on Writing Memoirs was not only inspirational but also practical, with many down-to-earth tips for organising material and writing an effective, readable and marketable autobiography.
You gave us a simple method to select the most exciting parts of our lives and organise them into a manageable whole.
Your presentation style was easy to listen to, easy to follow and easy to understand, and you gave us time to ask questions that you answered fully. You also set an example in how to present a book to an audience, both in your manner of speaking and your personal presentation. I have taken away much from your workshop that I will be able to apply in my future writing and publishing. J.S. (GCWA member)

Comments received on a Survey conducted by Gold Coast Writers 2006

Keep up the good work! Your efforts are very much appreciated. Please accept my personal gratitude. Congratulations to a very hard-working committee ...M.C, Member

Our committee has made an outstanding contribution to the development of the association. I think the agenda is great. Member

Loved the Byron Bay trip, 2006

I participated in both the Paint 'n Prose and the bus trip to Byron Bay. thank you all for your efforst in organising this. The Sub Committees do a wonderful job. Writeabout is always very interesting. ...Member

The Executive Committee is excellent. A lot of work has been done... Member

GCWA has continued to expand, educate and entertain. It is a vibrant organisation. You all do a wonderful job. Team GCW is first class! Keep on with what you are doing .You are enthusiastic, innovative, and deliver the goods. ... Member

Raffle

During the meeting of June 16th I was fortunate to win the monthly raffle. I am writing to thank the person responsible for choosing the gifts - items that complimented each other, all relevant, applicable and significant to the written word. In appreciation.... D.W. Labrador, Qld.