Writing YA Queer Romance with Cale Dietrich
In this writing workshop led by bestselling Rainbow List nominee Cale Dietrich, writers will learn tips and techniques for creating authentic queer characters and will engage in writing exercises designed to unlock creativity and write believable three-dimensional characters. In the second half of the workshop, Cale will speak about the process of getting a work of queer fiction published, going through step-by-step the process of getting a book deal. Writing YA Queer Romance is at Broadbeach Library on Saturday 11 June, 1.30pm – 3pm. Book your seat today.

Writers' Block

Gold Coast Libraries present professional free workshops for local writers. Each month there is a new theme and presenter either in person or livestream. Covering a wide range of topics, including world building, self-publishing, developing characters, poetry, memoirs and more, you are guaranteed to learn something new to improve or start your writing process. Book your seat today, and stay updated by subscribing to our eNewsletter.

2022 workshops

• Introduction to Poetry and Lyricism- Are you drawn to the beauty of poetry and song lyrics? Learn how to channel your five senses to expand your perception of the world around you through the power of poetry and lyricism. Presented by Tess Rowley. Saturday 5 March, 10am to 12.15pm at Broadbeach Library. 
• Writing Ethical True Crime - While true crime is nothing new, over the past few years true-crime inspired fiction and true-crime memoirs have become a best-selling and award winning sub-genre. This workshop will explore all the elements of writing true crime inspired fiction. Presented by Ruth McIver. Saturday 30 April at 10.30am to 1.30pm. Online Workshop. 
• Introduction to Screenwriting- Explore the basic skills and narrative structure of the scripted world of Hollywood. Discover the fundamentals of screenwriting, from formatting script, providing scene directions, and using a three-act structure, to learning how to "show not tell". Hosted by Sandra Makaresz. Saturday 7 May, 10am to 12.15pm at Elanora Library. Book now
• Finding Your Voice with Marija Pericic - Explore what makes up voice in writing, and practise strategies to develop your unique writers voice. Book now for this LIVESTREAM workshop from the comfort of your home. Sunday 26 June, 10.30am - 4.30pm. Book your free seat here.
• World Building - Author and interior architect Pamela Jeffs will show how architectural principles can be applied to inform world building fiction. This workshop will teach you how to layer richness into any story setting using concrete, real-world design philosophies and storytelling methodology. Presented by Pamela Jeffs. Saturday 2 July, 10am to 12.15pm at Helensvale Library. Bookings open June 1.
• August Online Workshop - Coming soon.
• Self-editing for Creative Writers - First contact with an editor can point you towards publication. However, some writers expect editors to teach them the basics, but that's just not the editor's role. This course teaches you what you need to know before spending a cent on editors or assessments. Presented by Lauren Elise Daniels. Saturday 3 September, 10am to 12.15pm at Southport Library. Bookings open August 1.
• October Online Workshop - Coming soon.
• Writing Memoir. Memoir is one of the most fascinating genres for readers and writers alike. This workshop examines the fundamentals of memoir writing, giving you exercises and knowledge to evoke the places, people and events of your memory in a compelling fashion. Presented by Kristina Olsson. Saturday 5 November, 10am to 12.15pm at Nerang Library. Bookings open October 1.
• December Online Workshop - Coming soon.

Writing Fridays

Gold Coast Libraries and Queensland Writers Centre have teamed up to offer Gold Coast writers a space to cultivate their habit of writing and connect with other writers in the community. Following the Pomodoro technique, Writing Fridays is a free, volunteer-led program for local writers at all levels. Come along for a great writing space, meet other writers, and find a new tool for guaranteed productivity. Join us at Helensvale Library or Elanora Library from 10am.

If you are looking for short or long courses to do on writing, creative writing and more? Head to LinkedIn Learning via our library website, enter your library card and pin and enjoy access to thousands of courses delivered by professionals, all at your own pace and in the comfort of your own home.

Ben's Book Club - May

Join Ben Hobson each month as he hosts a popular author and chats about their book. Read the book and bring your questions or sit back and enjoy great conversations from the comfort of your home. Larrimah is the book choice for May, a book about a missing man, an eyeless croc and an outback town of 11 people who mostly hate each other. Meet the authors Caroline Graham and Kylie Stevenson on Tuesday May 24 at 7pm.Book your seat here and download your copy here via the Libby App. Keen for more? Listen to the podcast - Lost in Larrimah. Watch the previous book discussions here.

Library Lovers with Maya Linnell

Maya Linnell author and passionate advocate of romance writing, gardening and cooking, will be hosting a monthly online live event. Featuring a guest author, lifestyle expert, local librarian, and a new topic, this is something you wont want to miss out on. So grab your cuppa, and get comfortable for a light-hearted chat about things you love. Participation is welcomed with questions for Maya and her guests. See you on the third Wednesday of the month!

The May guests for Library Lovers with Maya Linnell:

• Cookbook author and radio host, Sally Wise OAM
• 'Money Magazine" editor-in-chief, Michelle Baltazar
• Riverina Regional Library outreach and promotions co-ordinator, Amy Heap. 
• Wednesday 18 May, 7pm - 8pm, QLD time. Register your spot today. A Zoom link will be emailed to you upon booking your seat.

Previous Library Lovers with Maya Linnell can be found here:

• Library Lovers with Maya Linnell 16 March 2022

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Open Book Clubs

Create your own book club and meet at your local library to discuss the books you have read. Ask staff about Book Club Kits to access books for your club.

Set up your own book club

Want to connect with other local readers and form your own book club? We have lots of tips on creating your own book club.

When you've started your book club, you can access our range of book club kits available for loan. Each kit contains 10 copies of a title for the exclusive use of your book club.

If interested in registering to use our book club kits, please complete the Book Club Registration form available at your local library. Once registered, you can book your kits online using your book club's library membership card.