So You Want To Be A Writer…

Since I was a little girl I have always loved writing, but until I joined a writing group I had just been scribbling at home alone for years. I was rudderless and directionless. Joining a writing group gave me connection with like minded people who shared knowledge, resources and different writing expertise. We soon began to be a wandering writing group heading to festivals, book launches and writing workshops. These things all helped our writing and us to grow.

Before long we heard of a convention. It was called the Writers Group Convention. It was held every year and was a place where Writers Groups from all over Queensland met to share stories, celebrate success and hear from a range of wonderful speakers. We had to go. After being welcomed warmly by the fearless Gillian Lloyd – organiser of the Writers Group Convention, we met many more writers, editors, publishers and agents. We found that there were many different types of writing groups who wrote in a range of genres.

There was the sci-fi group, the children’s Writers Group, an exotic group called the Night writers, The Coffee Owls and my own beloved group The Writing Room-Ashgrove. We found that groups gathered in coffee shops, libraries and halls all over the state by day, night and everything in between. Our tribe had grown and ever since we’ve looked forward to what new knowledge we’ll gain, what author’s we’ll meet and dare I say….what prizes we will win. Plus for only $20, Gillian and the team put on a cracking morning tea, where you get a chance to mingle with other writers, browse the displays and check out books and bookish items.

The 2018 Writers Group Convention

The 6th annual Writers Group Convention is coming up on Saturday 21st April at Enoggera Bowls Club in Pickering Street. It will commence at 9 on the dot. (Gillian is very punctual) and will go through to 1:30 pm.

The information packed program will have something for everyone whether you’re just starting out or are already an established writer.

Highlights

1. Karen Tyrrell (Resilience author and speaker) will share her marketing skills, showing us how to promote ourselves and our work.
2. Best–selling crime and thriller author Rachel Amphlett will take us through the techniques she uses to write and successfully publish her range of novels. Learn how to write your way to success.
3. Be inspired by Ocean Reeve who will give us insights into book publishing and share his tips for successful writing.
4. Members of writers’ groups will be discussing the delicate art of giving feedback and will  be available to answer any questions so that you can find the perfect writing group for you.
5. Successful romance author Tania Joyce will tell us how to find support and encouragement for our writing.
6. And there’ll also be ME giving a short insight into writing a regular column and what it entails.

All are welcome to this wonderful event. Come and browse the marketing stalls and look at the latest published works. There’s even a writing competition you can enter where the prize is free entry into the Convention.

So what are you waiting for? Doors will open from 8:30 am and the tea and coffee will be flowing. So whether you’re a lone wolf, a writing eventaholic or an interested reader keen to meet some of your favourite writers and find out what’s it’s all about, there will be something for you. The atmosphere is casual, relaxed and friendly and you will go home feeling inspired. Perhaps the next Liane Moriarty, Mem Fox, Amy Andrews or John Grisham will be sitting next to you.

To find out more head to the Writers Group Convention website or Facebook page, you can get your tickets to the Writers Group Convention here!