Testimonials
What people are saying about GCWA
Joanna Penn Workshop - May 2010
"Enjoyed Joanna's energy and passion for her topic. The topic was aimed at the audience and full of very informative content. Was good to have a link to the notes.” - Ceresse Gardner
"Enjoyed the thoroughness of the presentation, the depth and breadth, Joanna’s amazing personality and energy” - Jeannie May Barker
“Great presenter. Extremely knowledgeable. People-aware person” - Jeff Allen
“The information provided, and Joanna’s positive manner has encouraged me to believe I can do this.” - Claire
"Enjoyed Joanna's enthusiasm and encouragement that I can achieve the goals I have. Your honest and unguarded sharing of what you know.” - Amanda Worlley
“Everything was explained so clearly. I can’t wait to start blogging and tweeting. I’m sure my new business will benefit from all this knowledge. Your speaking style and content is exceptional.” - Andy McDermott
“Enjoyed all the information. Joanna’s bubbly personality. I had all the right answers and am inspired to try harder to get results. Thank you.” - Marion Martineer
“Everything great. Loved powerpoint. Inspired by enthusiasm, ways and means explained to utilise the web for promotion of the brand. Learning how to brand is superb.” - Jill Smith
“Amazing speaker. Held a room full of people’s attention with her knowledge and energy for five hours. Her presentation on all facets of the workshop was first class.” - Fay O’Neill
“Enjoyed energy, the back up info so we could sleep through and still learn! PS. I couldn’t sleep.” - George Lewis
“Fantastic energy, excellent useful information, clear and concise organisation, brilliant powerpoint presentation. Involved the group – appropriate workshopping/exercises.” - Joan Small
“The enthusiasm, passion and knowledgeable information, presented in such an easy style. So much useful and comprehensive information to apply, with heaps of options to act on.” - Angelika Heurich
“Joanna presented in a fun, informative manner, it was highly enjoyable. Well done!” - Jennifer E. Taylor
”Joanna's style and enthusiasm was entertaining. Joanna embraced a very wide range of topics” - John Clark
“Joanna is so enthusiastic, she enthused us all as well. Joanna has given me a whole new medium to explore in marketing for which I am very grateful and determined to conquer to be successful” - Tina Ross
“Enjoyed Joanna's energy and personality and accent; the useful info; Joanna's acceptance of very different people, levels and interests”. - Lynette Reilly
“Joanna’s delivery style is so energetic, her enthusiasm is infectious. Overall, very valuable."- Dr Mike Clancy
Tina Ross
Thank you so much for making me so welcome on my first visit to the G.C.Writers' Association. You have exceeded all my expectations and I am very excited to now be a new member.
Amelia Willmer
After reading a snippet in the local paper I went along out of curiousity to the meeting on 20 February. The experience exceeded my expectations and I look forward to the next meeting on 20 March when I will join the 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 2008
"Please pass on our gratitude to the organisers of the Children's Writing Competition and the GC Writers Association for their tireless efforts to inspire children to use their imagination through writing." - Daynia, Adam, Xavier and Aedan Ruth
"This is just a quick letter of thanks and appreciation for the Children's Competition you hold every year. I have entered it often and just recently placed 2nd and 3rd in the 14-17 group. This competition is a fantastic way to build young writers and give them an extra boost. You're doing a fantastic job." - Lauren Turner
"Thank you for sending an award and prize for me today. Please allow me to attempt your writing competition next year again. I do believe that creative writing is a wonderful thing for everyone to learn. Thank you once again for my nomination." - Masaichiro Oi
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
"...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." - Gerard
"...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." - Sue
"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." - Claire
"...thought it was a fantastic day, great company, great venue, great subjects, great time. Thanks everyone." - Audrei
"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." - Terry
"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. Great way to spend a Sunday!" - Di
"...a terrific day: glorious weather; superb Brisbane riverside/cultural courtyard setting; excellent event organisation; 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." - Donna
"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." - Joan
Gold Coast Writers Children's Writing Competition 2007
"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."
Organisation and Services
"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.
"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.
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.
"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.
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