

# Event Details

- **Event Name**: GCWA Meeting & Workshop - January 2026
- **Event Start and End Date**: Sat, 17 Jan, 2026 at 02:15 am – Sat, 17 Jan, 2026 at 05:30 am
- **Event Description**: Members &amp; Visitors welcome

Burleigh Waters Community Centre
12.15pm - 3.30pm (AEST/QLD time)

Entry prices:
Members: $9.00 online (or $10.00 at the door)
Visitors: $14.00 online (or $15.00 at the door). 

Book online at:
https://events.humanitix.com/gold-coast-writers-association-meeting-17th-january-2026


GUEST SPEAKER/WORKSHOP PRESENTER
In the first session, Lauren Hackney will explore how creative paths can evolve in unexpected ways - from picture books to screenplays - and how mindset, adaptability, and connection are key to building a lasting creative career.

This will be followed by an interactive workshop where attendees will identify their own “next chapter” - mapping out how current writing goals might open unexpected doors.

Key focus points:
- Mindset: Reframing setbacks as redirections
- Writing: How storytelling skills translate across media
- Marketing: Building visibility and community through authentic connection

At the heart of it all, Lauren's message is simple: Writing can take you anywhere.

Lauren Hackney is a Queensland-based author and screenwriter who began writing stories with her children in 2020 after her aviation career ended and her husband suffered a near-fatal heart attack. What began as a healing journey turned into a creative path, culminating in her internationally sold chapter book The Lolly Shop, which she has since adapted into an award-winning animated screenplay.

Lauren's storytelling blends heart, humour, and a touch of magic - often inspired by family, the bond they share, and resilience. She is also the host of a YouTube interview series spotlighting authors and creatives across the literary world.

Lauren's Awards &amp; Recognition include:
Semi-Finalist – New York Script Awards (2025)
Honourable Mention – Story Monsters Book Awards
Quarterfinalist - Stage 32 New Voices in Animation 2024 and 2025
Multiple Coverfly Badges &amp; Placements for The Lolly Shop screenplay
Network ISA Fasttrack Fellowship Second Round 2025
Network ISA Table Read Finalist 2025
Featured in book signings, podcasts, and promotional campaigns across Australia, the USA, UK, and New Zealand
Published and distributed internationally through IngramSpark


ABOUT GCWA
The Gold Coast Writers’ Association is a not-for-profit organisation.
Our mission is to encourage and support writers from all genres, age groups, and levels of experience to grow, learn, and excel in their craft.
Our events offer the opportunity to connect and share with like-minded people in a relaxed environment.

Guest speakers are invited from all genres of writing. Speakers are encouraged to share information about their writing life, discuss their techniques, and sell their books.

We encourage guest speakers to include a mini-workshop for members during their presentation.

Workshops are held at each meeting. These workshops provide informal opportunities for members and visitors to enjoy hands-on writing, listening, and reading activities in small groups.

Membership offers the additional advantages of being able to sell your books at the meetings, attending our member-only critique groups, and much more.

If you would like to become a member, please join at one of our monthly meetings, or online on our website: https://www.goldcoastwriters.org/membership 

Please email info@goldcoastwriters.org with any questions.
- **Event URL**: https://allevents.in/burleigh-waters/gcwa-meeting-and-workshop-january-2026/200029361255217
- **Event Categories**: workshops, art, literary-art, meetups, storytelling
- **Interested Audience**: 
  - total_interested_count: 36

## Ticket Details

- **Ticket URL**: https://events.humanitix.com/gold-coast-writers-association-meeting-17th-january-2026?utm_source=AllEvents.in&utm_medium=event-discovery-platform&utm_campaign=burleigh+waters-events

## Event venue details

- **city**: Burleigh Waters
- **state**: QL
- **country**: Australia
- **location**: 111 Christine Ave, Burleigh Waters QLD 4220, Australia
- **lat**: -28.0823
- **long**: 153.43159
- **full address**: 111 Christine Ave, Burleigh Waters QLD 4220, Australia, 111 Christine Ave, Burleigh Waters QLD 4220, Australia, Burleigh Waters

## Event Organizer details

- **affiliate_id**: 2
- **organizer**: Gold Coast Writers' Association (https://allevents.in/org/gold-coast-writers-association/26058459)

## Event gallery

- **Alt text**: banner
  - **Image URL**: https://cdn-az.allevents.in/events3/banners/5b57e865b575e0220271b7f63eb40401040995093c2175b81010c426a81d73cc-rimg-w1037-h526-dc617d95-gmir?v=1768558293
- **Alt text**: thumbnail
  - **Image URL**: https://cdn-az.allevents.in/events3/banners/e03030e88a01053b5cede995c816582884d2460ea34846e5fcc5a298c2fe32ec-rimg-w300-h300-dc617d95-gmir?v=1768558293

## FAQs

- **Q**: When is the event happening?
  - **A:** Sat, 17 Jan, 2026 at 02:15 am
- **Q**: Where is the event happening?
  - **A:** 111 Christine Ave, Burleigh Waters QLD 4220, Australia, 111 Christine Ave, Burleigh Waters QLD 4220, Australia, Burleigh Waters
- **Q**: Who is organizing the event?
  - **A:** Gold Coast Writers' Association
- **Q**: What type of event is this?
  - **A:** workshops, art, literary-art, meetups, storytelling
- **Q**: Where can I find ticket details about GCWA Meeting & Workshop - January 2026 ?
  - **A:** You can find ticket details about this event on AllEvents.

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