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Every project needs one of these ….

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And Prana Writers is fortunate because it has two … maybe more.
What am I talking about? I’m talking about the Choinski Factor…

When you have someone who will say, ‘I can do that!’, whether they’d done it before in their lifetime, or not, and it is done superbly – that’s the Choinski factor. The way the Choinski element operates is that, whether it is the first time through, or they are seasoned professionals, whatever it is they are doing will be done to the highest quality imaginable. In fact , I suspect the way Choinski principle triggers is that the less experience, the more energies are injected – and with incredible outcomes. That’s when you really know it’s the Choinski Factor at play.

Here are some examples of the Choinski factor at work with ‘Undertow':
– Slush wrangling
– Interior layout
– Exterior layout
– Author spotlights

I do think one should be selective in deploying the Choinski factor. The energies at play should only be directed at the most important jobs – the mission critical stuff. You don’t want it wasted. I’ve actually heard it said that a team imbued with the Choinski factor is like a team with super powers. We’ve certainly seen evidence of that here with the anthology. All I can say is ‘Thank God for the Choinski factor.’

The Choinski factor was brought to Gold Coast Anthology by Penner and Jasmine Choinski.

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

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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.

Anatomy of a Launch

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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.

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

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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.

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

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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?

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

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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.

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

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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.

…Meet Our Gold Coast Anthology Authors…………..Jocelyn Hawes

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Jocelyn Hawes was inspired by this photograph. Looking out through the natural archway formed by Cave Creek undercutting the soft volcanic rock at Natural Bridge, Springbrook National Park, Queensland, 1959 [picture] / Ray Sharpe, photographer. Asset name LS-LSP-CD522-IMG0002

Jocelyn Hawes was inspired by this photograph.
Looking out through the natural archway formed by Cave Creek undercutting the soft volcanic rock at Natural Bridge, Springbrook National Park, Queensland, 1959 [picture] / Ray Sharpe, photographer.
Asset name LS-LSP-CD522-IMG0002


Jocelyn Hawes Dear Sam

What are you reading at the moment?
I read books in many different genres including thrillers, romances and family
epics. I enjoy Kerry Greenwood’s Phryne Fisher books. Kerry does an amazing amount of research and takes the reader down many interesting paths.
Tell us about your story in one sentence.
Dear Sam is a poignant story about a mother’s love for her son who is serving in the AIF during the dark days of 1942.
What attracted you to the story you selected?
I chose the photograph Forest 3 because The Natural Arch is one of my favourite places in the rain forest hinterland. It is a magical place with easy access down well constructed paths. In my story it is Sam’s special place.
What’s your connection to the Gold Coast?
Members of my family have been visiting the Gold Coast for five generations since my great grandparents built two house on the waterfront at Labrador.
What else have you published?
I have some small successes in writing competitions as well as having a number of short stories published in other anthologies. In conjunction with a committee of cousins we have self-published two family history books. One children’s book was published in 1997 called The Clancy Kite.
Anything else you’d like to add?
I write in many different genres including plays and stories for children. I am currently working on two picture books for children about the environment.

……..Meet Our Gold Coast Anthology Authors…………..Elli Housden

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Elli Housden, Editor and Contributor

Elli Housden, Editor and Contributor

Elli Housden Snapper Rocks

What are you reading at the moment?
I’m reading 10 Short Stories You Must Read in 2011 (a bit late) which features Australian writers like Cate Kennedy and John Birmingham as well as some newer writers.
What’s your favourite place on the Gold Coast, and why?
My favourite place on the Gold Coast is the Broadwater. I love to see the dolphins swimming up and down this stretch of water as well as watching the sun come up behind South Stradbroke Island.
What’s your connection to the Gold Coast?
I’m a new resident of the northern end of the Gold Coast, and I’m loving the relaxing pace and lack of traffic snarls that I left behind in Brisbane.
What attracted you to the story you selected?
The photo I selected matched the title and plot of my story perfectly.
Tell us about your story in one sentence.
‘Snapper Rocks’ involves the misadventure of two young children who are lured onto the beach by a fisherman with the promise that they will see a whale.
What else have you published?
I love reading and writing short stories. I’ve edited two anthologies, A Stack of Stories and Five Senses, containing some of my stories and some by other Australian authors, for the educational market. I work for an international educational publisher, based in Melbourne and have written and edited about half a dozen other titles for secondary schools. In the future, I hope to publish a trilogy of YA novels, two of which are awaiting editing and the third, to be set on the Gold Coast during Schoolies Week, is germinating in my over active imagination. I also review YA books for Saturday edition of The Courier Mail.
Anything else you’d like to add?
Since my arrival on the Gold Coast nearly two years ago, I have started a book group for ladies who also like to lunch. With the help of the wonderful local library service providing book bundles, it has been a huge success and I’ve met some great locals and some very nice other ‘newbies’. Reading and talking about books is a great way to socialise. At the moment we’re reading The Dinner by Herman Koch.

………Meet Our Gold Coast Anthology Authors………….Di Morris

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In 'the clearing,' a place of mystery and revelation. Written by Di Morris. Twin Falls in the Warrie National Park, Springbrook, Queensland, 1956 [picture] / Ray Sharpe, photographer. Asset name LS-LSP-CD521-IMG0008

In ‘the clearing,’ a place of mystery and revelation. Written by Di Morris.
Twin Falls in the Warrie National Park, Springbrook, Queensland, 1956 [picture] / Ray Sharpe, photographer.
Asset name LS-LSP-CD521-IMG0008

Di Morris The Clearing

What are you reading at the moment?
Summer of the Hot Tubs by Annie Proulx. I love her short story collection (which includes Brokeback Mountain). It is full of Wyoming characters, written with droll humour, an acute eye for detail encapsulated in brilliant spare prose.
What’s your favourite place on the Gold Coast, and why?
The beach, because the sound soothes and the visual is always changing. Obviously also, the Lamington Plateau and other rainforest places in the Hinterland.
What does your story convey about the Gold Coast?
I hope it conveys the fact that the rainforest is near and that it is a wonderfully replenishing retreat for all kinds of people. Also that we have to cherish the green environments we have left.
What attracted you to the photo you selected?
It fitted a story that was languishing in a bottom drawer.
Tell us about your story in one sentence.
Three very disparate characters meet at a Rainforest Resort, the result of which is a blend of humour, sensuality and empowerment for all three.
What else have you published?
Articles in British magazines and newspapers, two short stories in One Book Many Brisbanes, book reviews in M/C Reviews and TEXT Journal, short story and poem in Idiom 23, Song for Tallebudgera music and lyrics, and an M.A. Creative Memoir entitled ‘Photographs and Stories’.
What are you working on now?
One of five unfinished novels, working title ‘Prep School Story’. It’s set in a small English Preparatory School.
Anything else you’d like to add?
I have just returned from a road journey from Gold Coast down the East Coast of Australia culminating in Phillip Island, Victoria and exploring all the towns and coastal features on the way. I was struck by the fact that each place, whether large or small, had its own particular atmosphere.
I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the stories in ‘Undertow’ because I’m interested to see this composite view of Gold Coast over time which I hope the anthology and the archival photographs will provide. The City of Gold Coast has an identity that has been largely subsumed by holiday brochures and its history of corruption that went with the glitz and glam image. I’m glad to see the inception of this celebration of ordinary lives in story.