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Category Archives: Gold Coast Anthology

……Meet Our Gold Coast Anthology Authors………….Britt Melville

Posted on May 13, 2014 by Penner Choinski
Could this be author Britt Melville, caught in a tidal time warp? Unidentified girl with a 'body board' for surfing, Snapper Rocks, Coolangatta, Queensland circa 1920 [picture] / Photographer unknown. Asset name LS-LSP-CD803-IMG0010

Could this be author Britt Melville, caught in a tidal time warp?
Unidentified girl with a ‘body board’ for surfing, Snapper Rocks, Coolangatta, Queensland circa 1920 [picture] / Photographer unknown.
Asset name LS-LSP-CD803-IMG0010

Britt Melville That Girl No More

What are you reading at the moment?
Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn. I’ve just been on holiday and it was the perfect page-turning thriller. I’m also reading Stasiland by Anna Funder because I love true stories. It’s brilliant but stayed in the suitcase while I was away.
What’s your favourite place on the Gold Coast, and why?
I’m happy anywhere the sand meets the sea. A walk and a swim is a cure for many things (between the flags of course!) I do prefer the quieter beaches. We’re lucky to have so many to choose from.
What’s your connection with the Gold Coast?
Before I moved here from Brisbane in 2013, the Gold Coast meant Christmas holidays and days at the beach. I’m learning it’s about much more than that.
What does your story convey about the Gold Coast?
I know many people will share similar memories to me, coming here on holidays with their family. In part, it’s a short walk down memory lane. But it’s also a cautionary tale. Just because our beaches are busy and there are lots of people around, we can never be complacent about water safety.
What attracted you to the photo you selected?
I saw this girl and immediately thought, “That could be me!” She looked so carefree and happy. Like I used to be.
Tell us about your story in one sentence.
That Girl No More is true story about innocence lost and how we always believe our parents will save us.
What else have you published?
This is my first submission and first published story. After working as a copywriter for fifteen years (getting paid to write for others) it feels a bit like I’ve shown up to work with no clothes on – but I’m enjoying it! (www.missword.com.au)
What’s your main genre?
I’m attracted to memoir. I think recording personal histories is important for families, and also to help people make sense of their lives.
What are you working on now?
More stories from my own life. In the future I hope to help other people write their own stories.

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Posted in Gold Coast Anthology, Gold Coast Anthology: Undertow, Spotlight on Authors, Uncategorized, Undertow | Leave a comment |

Anatomy of a Launch

Posted on May 11, 2014 by Janis Hanley

Well it’s done. Undertow is launched, and is setting sail. What a fantastic day it was yesterday. The day started with Kerry and I chatting with Peter Scott on ABC radio. Then while I was chairing the panel session at the Local Studies library, Kerry was coordinating the launch venue set up and the launch itself.

It’s not customary to ‘lift the veil’ on what it takes to launch a book, but because this is essentially a community project, I thought is was worth relating the extraordinary work that Kerry Gibb put in to bring this together.

The organisation started back in February. Here’s just some of Kerry’s to-do list—there is much that’s not here, and possibly Kerry doesn’t remember:
– look for sponsors
– look for venues – decide on the Community Centre Southport – high standard, new venue.
– book venue and attend to conditions
– look at catering options
– find house to live in and move to new house (Kerry really did this within a week. This doesn’t sound like anything with the launch, but refer to next point)
– discover that new home has no internet connection and there is a nine month wait to get one!
– work out licensing issues so we could serve wine
– design launch invitations
– compile list of invitees and email addresses
– send out invitations and post invitation to as many social media sites as possible
– attend to RSVPs
– order and fund books for launch
– cajole kids and their friends to assist with set up and food/drink service
– start getting everyone collecting items and Prana Writer books for raffles
– wrestle with Vistaprint for hours to design and order banner and business cards
– arrange for launch cake that will knock the socks off everyone.
– order and pick up icing replica of book – take icing to cake icer
– twist arms for someone to be MC.
– send many emails/ FB posts

One week out
– revisit venue
– work out running sheet for the day – timing, speakers etc.
– Take delivery of beautiful banner
– arrange printing of paper invitations for last minute invites
– meet with team to work out- raffle, thank-yous, hall decorations, food, alcohol, book sales, cash floats, credit card payments, timing etc etc etc
– attend to copious amounts of paperwork to enable online credit card transactions though PayPal
– edit speakers notes
– work out change needed for cash floats, and go to bank to pick up change.
– organise PWs to pick up platters
– sort out last minute venue issues
– design posters for the day
– arrange PWs to print posters for wall, and copies of “Coral Sea Monster” book
– pick up the most awesome book launch cake in the history of the planet.
– post photos of most awesome launch cake in the galaxy
– send even more emails and Facebook posts.
– liaise with speakers and MC.
– work with Jasmine to midnight the night before launch getting PayPal app working.
– buy soft drinks, ice and launch bits and pieces.
– arrange and download video of Louise to play at launch
– do PowerPoint of photos
– arrange loan of AV equipment for the day

Day of launch
– arrive at ABC studios 7am to do a radio spot to promote launch
– cajole son and friend to dress as waiters – black tie
– load car with books, food, drinks! AV equipment, most amazing cake, and teenagers – boys almost dressed.
– Arrive at venue at midday with car bursting with food, most amazing cake miraculously still intact , drinks, books, teenagers trying to do up black ties
– safely unload all of the above
– coordinate set up of venue – seating, tables, table decorations, food, microphone and podium, book sales, drink and raffle sales,
– forget to put up banner (specially priority delivered) because Janis got part way through, had to go to panel and left it where no one would find it.
– do battle with audio for video and background music, but retire defeated.
-finish set up with ten minutes to spare, just in time to not sit down, but start welcoming guests …
– keep things running in the background
– deliver speech
– barely have a moment for food
-start packing up and cleaning
– quick photo with authors
– pack car, squeeze in with leftovers, teenagers, and half demolished most amazing book launch cake.
– arrive home and enjoy glass of red, knowing that the most amazing book launch with the most amazing cake had just been delivered.

…that’s just to give you an idea of just how amazing Prana Writer Kerry-Lea Gibb is.

And because Kerry organised all this, I do not know who else to thank apart from The Choinski Family for supplying ALL the wine for the launch and some of the platters and person power carrying boxes, cleaning, setting up, and clean-up at the end. Nicola for dressing the tables and putting raffle prizes together, Jasmine for handling book sales, Tom for doing an excellent job MCing and all PWs for food and support; Kerry’s kids and their friends for food and drink services as well set up and clean up assistance.

Outside the PWs it gets sketchy …

Rob Molhoek MP for a great speech and support of the Anth.
Kyla Stephan, Local Studies for entertaining speech
Greg Davidson, Artist and Author for his ‘Robot Man’ sculpture come presentation TV
Alison- for most Amazing Book Launch cake IN THE KNOWN UNIVERSE … MORE ABOUT Alison in her own post.

And most importantly, all the authors and guests for making it a wonderful occasion. I think 44 attended the panel session and 70 the launch.

All just amazing. Thanks Kerry for organising an unbelievable launch.

Note PW=Prana Writer

PS. The great thing about a blog is that all omissions and errors can be readily corrected.

20140511-211442.jpg

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Posted in News, Uncategorized, Undertow | 1 Comment |

……Meet Our Gold Coast Anthology Authors………Rebecca Fraser

Posted on May 6, 2014 by Penner Choinski
Horror aficionado and speculative author Rebecca Fraser

Horror aficionado and speculative author Rebecca Fraser

Rebecca Fraser: Coralesque

What are you reading at the moment?
Like most readers and writers, I’ve got a number of books on the go. Current reads are ‘Swallow the Air’ by Tara June Winch, ‘The Gate Theory’ by Kaaron Warren, and Tim Winton’s ‘The Turning’.

What’s your favourite place on the Gold Coast, and why?
That’s a difficult question – so many to choose from. Probably Burleigh Headland. The walk from North Burleigh along the Esplanade, round the Headland / National Park, down to Echo Beach and back again was one of my favourite things to do when I lived on the Gold Coast.

What’s your connection with the Gold Coast?
I moved to the Gold Coast in 1981 and left two years ago to live on the Mornington Peninsula. I will always have a special fondness for the Gold Coast. It was the backdrop of my formative years and, in some ways, I feel like we grew up together. It is a city of great beauty, diversity and contrasts, stuffed with fabulous characters and stories.

What does your story convey about the Gold Coast?
Hopefully a sense of nostalgia. I think for most people of my vintage, the 90’s was a defining decade. Coralesque is set in 1991, and I have incorporated a few landmarks and iconic pop culture references to underpin the sense of setting and place. The Gold Coast has always played happy host to a range of cultures and sub cultures. Surfing, for some, is akin to a religion.

What attracted you to the photo you selected?
I have always had an affinity with the ocean, so I was drawn to it immediately.

Tell us about your story in one sentence.
I think the cover blurb nailed it: A surfer becomes horrifyingly one with the sea.

What else have you published?
I started taking my writing seriously in 2007. Since then my short stories and poems have appeared in a number of anthologies and magazines. If you’re interested, my published works are listed here: http://rebeccafraser.wordpress.com/published-work/

What’s your main genre?
I’ve been drawn to speculative fiction since childhood. I have a bent for the dark, quirky and unsettling. I adore horror, although don’t like to pigeon hole myself purely as a horror writer as I enjoy exploring and experimenting with other genres.

What are you working on now?
I’m studying towards a Masters of Creative Writing, so that takes up a fair bit of time. There are a couple of Australian spec fic anthologies I’m working on submissions for, and a couple of longer works in progress. At the moment they are making more noise in my head than the rattling of fingertips on keyboard!

Anything else you’d like to add?
It’s a pleasure to share the table of contents with a talented group of writers and be part of an anthology that celebrates the city that I love.

Happy writing, happy reading and, of course, happy days.

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Posted in Gold Coast Anthology, Posts about Prana Writers, Spotlight on Authors, Uncategorized, Undertow | Leave a comment |

…….Meet Our Gold Coast Anthology Authors…………Kay Gibb

Posted on April 30, 2014 by Penner Choinski
War Bride author Kay Gibb

War Bride author Kay Gibb

Kay Gibb War Bride

What are you reading at the moment?
The signature of all things – Elizabeth Gilbert
What’s your favourite place on the Gold Coast, and why?
I live and work in Varsity Lakes. I love the little university village. The atmosphere is great, there are so many hidden gems in the forms of restaurants and coffee shops. My kids and I love to gate-crash the student trivia evenings at one of the local restaurants – it’s just such a great culture.
What’s your connection with the Gold Coast?
I moved here in 2008 from South Africa. We weren’t sure where we would settle, but the minute I drove down The Esplanade at Burleigh I felt immediately at home. We’ve lived here ever since.
What does your story convey about the Gold Coast?
I’m intrigued and excited about the role the Gold Coast played for injured American and Australian troops during WWII. I think it’s a history that’s been somewhat forgotten – certainly the Gold Coasters I’ve discussed it with have been largely unaware. I hope my story inspires an interest in this piece of history for others.
What attracted you to the photo you selected?
The innocence of the girl in the picture. I always feel that war steals the innocence of everyone who lives through it.
Tell us about your story in one sentence.
Romeo and Juliet meets a Gold Coast couple during WWII.
What else have you published?
Regretfully I have a large body of published work, but all in the academic field. I’ve had a portion of fiction published in The Coral Sea Monster – another Prana project. I would love to have more time to devote to my fiction writing.
What’s your main genre?
I love to write about love, death, history, murder – so if you can fit that into a genre please let me know!
What are you working on now?
On paper, a memoir surrounding my move to Australia. In my head, a trilogy set on the Gold Coast – and yes – with one large chunk during WWII!
Anything else you’d like to add?
I find myself constantly torn between my love of reading, and my love of writing. How do other authors find time in the day for both?

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Posted in Gold Coast Anthology, Posts about Prana Writers, Spotlight on Authors, Uncategorized, Undertow | 1 Comment |

We made the Bulletin!

Posted on April 27, 2014 by Janis Hanley

Bullie Article1This week-end’s Gold Coast Bulletin (Sat 26th April 2014) ran a great piece on the anthology.  The article was written by Barbara Dyer and featured stories Three Wishes by David Stringer, War Bride by Kay Gibbs and Jumpinpin by Thoraiya Dyer (no relation). You’ll find the article on page 33.  Make sure you buy a copy.

‘Opening floodgate of talents’ is an excellent headline – and that’s really how the whole process of the anthology has felt.  Not only has it drawn on the great talents of writers through the stories, but we have discovered great talents within Prana Writers in putting the publication together, and drawn on many great talents of those supporting us through the process.  In all, a flood of talents.

Thank-you to all, and special thank-you to Nicola Tierney for organising the press release, and Barbara Dyer for putting it together.

 

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Posted in About the Anthology, News | Tags: gold coast, Gold Coast Anthology | 7 Comments |

……Meet Our Gold Coast Anthology Authors………..David Stringer

Posted on April 24, 2014 by Penner Choinski

Prana Writer David Stringer brings to life  a mysterious couple. Wedding portrait of unidentified couple at their Mudgeeraba bush wedding, Queensland, 1924 [picture] / Photographer unknown. Asset name LS-LSP-CD136-IMG0015

Prana Writer David Stringer brings to life a mysterious couple.
Wedding portrait of unidentified couple at their Mudgeeraba bush wedding, Queensland, 1924 [picture] / Photographer unknown.
Asset name LS-LSP-CD136-IMG0015


David Stringer Three Wishes

What are you reading at the moment?
Currently reading New Scientist’s “The Big Questions”, and Ayya Khema’s “Being Nobody, Going Nowhere”.
What’s your favourite place on the Gold Coast, and why?
Fav place in GC is the Surfer’s Paradise Esplanade on the foreshore, because of its wonderful fusion of the city with nature.
What’s your connection with the Gold Coast?
I came to the GC because my son and daughter came here to live.
What does your story convey about the Gold Coast?
I thought it interesting how many people from other parts of Australia retire to the GC.
What attracted you to the photo you selected?
Can’t really answer this, as Janis chose it for me. But I do love the way the man seems to tower over the woman so protectively.
Tell us about your story in one sentence.
A whimsical look at what we wish for and the meaning of a life now over.
What else have you published?
My novel: “Islands of the Heart”. The web page may be accessed through
www.publicious-authors.com then David Stringer.
What’s your main genre?
Serious adult fiction.
What are you working on now?
I always try to have an entry in the Short Story, Poetry and Essay competitions run
by the Australian Book Review, (ABR). An essay I did in 2011 made the top 20 out
of 200 in that competition, the Calibre Competition.

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Gold Coast Anthology Undertow Sales

Posted on April 23, 2014 by Janis Hanley

Gold Coast Anthology: Undertow Sales

Paperback Copies

For Sale!

$19:95

                                                                                                             Plus postage
 
                                                 Fill out the contact form below to order a copy direct from Prana Writers
                         

IMG_3451IMG_3453

 

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Posted in Books, Gold Coast Anthology, Gold Coast Anthology: Undertow | Tags: gold coast, Gold Coast Anthology | Leave a comment |

……Meet Our Gold Coast Anthology Authors………..Betsy Roberts

Posted on April 18, 2014 by Penner Choinski

Betsy Roberts captures the essence of the beach in the 1960's. Crowded beach scene, Burleigh Heads, Queensland, circa 1959 [picture] / G. A. Black, photographer. Asset name LS-LSP-CD1009-IMG012

Betsy Roberts captures the essence of the beach in the 1960’s.
Crowded beach scene, Burleigh Heads, Queensland, circa 1959 [picture] / G. A. Black, photographer.
Asset name LS-LSP-CD1009-IMG012

Betsy Roberts No Lime Ice Cream

What are you reading at the moment?
At the moment, I am reading John Safran’s Murder in Mississippi., a compelling investigation into the killing of a white supremacist leader in the Deep South. Written with the same incisive, brilliant and witty style that characterizes Safran’s TV documentaries, it is not only a murder mystery, but character study and travelogue – everything I love in a book.
What is your connection with the Gold Coast? And favourite place?
My family moved to Tweed Heads in 1952, just as ‘The Gold Coast’ was becoming an idea. (I remember thinking the kidney-shaped pool at El Rancho Motel was the height of luxury). I grew up on a farm in what is now called Bilambil Heights (then Highfields), but Dad always made time for bushwalking and the beach, so I have a soft spot for both the old original O’Reilly’s cabins in Lamington National Park, and for Rainbow Bay. Most of my working life has been with the Gold Coast Public Library Service.
Describe your story in one sentence.
No Lime Ice Cream is a miniature snapshot of teenage angst, framed in a sixties Beach Kiosk.
What atracted you to this particular photograph?
What attracted me to this particular photograph was that it pretty much replicated what could be seen on all the southern beaches on any given weekend back then. Hopefully, No Lime Ice Cream gives an impression of beach life as it was back in the sixties. But of course, pain, embarrassment and desperate crushes did not fade away with The Beach Boys.
What else have you published?
I have had one story published in the Australian Women’s Weekly, another (also inspired by a Gold Coast photo) in the GCAC Gallery Catalogue, and a travel article in Vacations & Travel.
What are you writing now?
I am in the process of polishing/redrafting a novel, set in the local area, that has growing up and leaving home as its main theme.
Anything else to add?
I love reading short stories (particularly Australian and writers of the American South), and most of my writing has been short fiction.

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BOOK LAUNCH INVITATION

Posted on April 18, 2014 by Penner Choinski
Gold Coast Anthology Book Launch

Gold Coast Anthology Book Launch

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……..Meet Our Gold Coast Anthology Authors………………J.S. Choinski

Posted on April 17, 2014 by Penner Choinski

J.S. Choinski Deliver Me

What are you reading at the moment? I just started reading Charles Palliser’s Rustication, a gothic thriller. I’ve also been playing TellTale’s The Wolf Among Us, based on the graphic novel series, Fables.

A flood story with a twist, by J.S. Choinski Delivering bread via a boat which was rowed through flood waters to stranded homes, Waterford, 1947. [picture] Asset name LS-LSP-CD098-IMG0069

A flood story with a twist, by J.S. Choinski
Delivering bread via a boat which was rowed through flood waters to stranded homes, Waterford, 1947. [picture]
Asset name LS-LSP-CD098-IMG0069

What’s your connection with the Gold Coast?
I moved to the Gold Coast from overseas, when I was 9 1/2 . It has been my home ever since.
What does your story convey about the Gold Coast? I wanted to explore the Hinterland (a lesser known aspect of the Gold Coast) and touch lightly upon some of corruption that lies beneath its postcard exterior. What attracted you to the photo you selected? It was quite hard choosing between photos – the historical ones were filled with untold stories – but I had an internal vision of these men determinedly rowing to help people, which resonated with all the horrific floods that have happened in Queensland in the last few years.
Tell us about your story in one sentence. Even the smallest evil has consequences and must be atoned for.

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