PRESIDENT’S LETTER FOR SEPTEMBER 2023

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We regret the last minute change of venue for the Writing Contest Awards program. The situation was beyond our control. Fortunately, Pastor R.C. Fleeman of Peace Community Church offered the space for our program. 

The readings by the winners were excellent, as were the judges’ descriptions of the winning works. The luncheon was a happy ending to an outstanding event. 


Winning authors of the Gulf Coast Writers Association annual writing contest

UPCOMING MEETINGS

Our next meeting is Saturday, September 16 at 10:00 a.m. at our usual venue, Word of Life Church in Fort Myers. This meeting is our opportunity to show off our own work and get to know each other’s talents! Select to attend by Zoom.

So, if you’ve recently been published in a book or a literary magazine, or if you’ve been awarded a prize for your writing, please bring a portion of that work to read to fellow GCWA members and guests. If you have an unpublished piece you’re really proud of, please bring it and step up! Reads are limited to 5 minutes, and the first 20 to sign up get a place at the podium. Contact Mary Charles (mary@marycharles.com) to put your name in the hat.

We’re happy to announce that Arielle Haughee, publisher of Orange Blossom Books and author of children’s literature, will be back with us in February 2024 to speak about publishing. She’ll tailor her presentation to our members’ preference: would you like to learn about traditional publishing or self-publishing? Please send your vote to mary@marycharles.com by September 30 to give Arielle time to focus her content.

BOOK LAUNCH

 Sold out: Our September 9 event at the Alliance for the Arts to launch our Storm Stories-Hurricane Ian anthology is currently sold out. But you can still see the event. The event will be live-streamed by the  Facebook and Instagram. Even if you don’t have a seat in the auditorium, you can still meet the book’s contributing authors from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Alliance before the start of the event. 

You can also purchase the book during the pre-show at the Alliance. Contributing authors will pay our cost when they purchase directly from GCWA. Paid-up members may purchase Storm Stories directly from GCWA at 30% off Amazon prices. And if you can’t attend the September 9 launch, come to the September 16 member meeting to purchase your copies.

You can also purchase the book from Amazon in e-book, trade paperback and hard cover formats at

retail price. On August 21, Amazon named Storm Stories-Hurricane Ian the #1 New Release for Memoirs in the southern states.  Click on this link for the book at Amazon.com:  Storm Stories-Hurricane Ian.  And here is the QR code:  

OTHER BUSINESS

Many people have fallen behind on their dues. We understand this could possibly be due to the confusion and loss during last year’s devastations and disasters and that some may not even have realizes it. David Aiken, our membership chair, has updated the membership list. Please be prepared to update your status if, by chance, you are not current on your dues see David at the next meeting or renew online via PayPal.

Brian Devitt and Jeff Bogart are working on important upgrades and safeguards to our website. When these updates are completed, only current members will be permitted to keep their books on our website and to access all the important information our website provides.

A YEAR OF RENEWAL

Finally, have you noticed that our organization is increasingly vibrant these days? The pandemic is behind us. Our membership is growing. Our programming is too. So if you haven’t been to a meeting recently, come check us out.

Come early and get ready to make new friends! The meeting begins at 10:00 a.m., live and by Zoom.  The location:

Word of Life Church

6111 South Pointe Blvd.

Fort Myers, FL 33900

We are looking forward to seeing all of you. 


Irene Smith President

Storm Stories – Hurricane Ian Dress Rehearsal

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Tamiami Tale Tellers and Gulf Coast Writers Association Vice President Mary Charles rehearsed yesterday (Friday) in advance of tonight’s sold-out book launch of Storm Stories-Hurricane Ian at the Alliance for the Arts in Fort Myers, Fla.  

The anthology collects the true, personal experiences of residents in Collier, Lee, Charlotte, Sarasota, Manatee, Hillsborough and Pinellas counties, Fla., who lived through Hurricane Ian.  The Tale Tellers will read selections from each of the stories.  Maritime author and Pine Island resident Robert Macomber will read his preface to the book, and contemporary artist Leoma Lovegrove, who contributed artwork for the book’s cover, will also speak. Photo credit:  Jeff Bogart

Storm Stories Press Release

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The ‘Storm Stories – Hurricane Ian’ continues to get attention in the local press. See a recent release from the Pine Island Eagle, below:

Gulf Coast Writers Association set to publish ‘Storm Stories — Hurricane Ian’

A collaborative effort to tell “Stories of Survival, Heroism and Humanity” has come together in “Storm Stories–Hurricane Ian.”

With the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Ian making landfall in Southwest Florida approaching, the Gulf Coast Writers Association, in partnership with the Alliance for the Arts, will release a commemorative book complied from 83 submissions, including poetry and long narratives.

The book’s cover art was done by renowned artist Leoma Lovegrove, who lost both her home and gallery in Matlacha to Ian. The foreword was written by award-winning novelist Robert Macomber, who was among the evacuees from Pine Island.

“In this collection of stories, you will read of that storm’s profound effects on the people and places of this coast, told by those who endured it,” Macomber said. “I am proud to be part of this literary endeavor, for the heart of it is a powerful, vivid story about the better angels of human nature, which emerge when least expected and most needed.”

Lovegrove said working on the project was cathartic.

“After the Ian wave hit, our home on Matlacha was a total loss,” she said. “Part of the house washed out to sea, so all of our personal belongings now reside in the Gulf of Mexico.”

Taking on this art project was very personal.

“When Hurricanes Ian hit, I eased my stress by painting up a storm, and Ian about knocked the wind and paint brush right out of me. I did this project because my paintings tell my story the best. I offered the art before they encouraged me to write my story. I struggled through the writing. It was hard to express myself with words. It’s much easier to paint,” Lovegrove said.

GCWA secretary and project leader Jeanne Meeks describes the project as a labor of love.

It began at post-Ian meeting after the executive committee decided there were enough stories to gather and compile an entire book.

With four acting editors and the Alliance for the Arts partnership, the book received the 83 narratives.

“Our whole purpose was to give people a voice — to get off their chests, the effects of having been through the storm, whether it was the flooding or the aftermath — whatever they went through,” Meeks said.

The book runs the gamut, from submissions from those who took cover from the storm in their attic to those who experienced insurance issues post storm.

Although most stories in the book are from novice writers, some are published authors. The editorial process was performed by members of the GCWA in an effort to clean up any mistakes, without losing the original voice and tone conveyed by the writers, Meeks said.

As one of the four editors, Meeks admits there are several stories that she found particularly poignant, including a story about a man who stepped outside his Bonita Beach condo and was swept away by the storm surge and knocked into nearby mangroves, where he had to hang on for several hours.

“There are several like that — it just breaks your heart — where they didn’t have enough money to replace things — they’re just relying on neighbors and friends,” Meeks said.

Meeks went on to note Macomber’s forward is quite interesting, as he talks about being evacuated from Pine Island, becoming a refugee himself.

Another storyteller acted quickly by going out immediately to shovel mud out of the homes of others and help to replace their rooftops, she said.

“A couple of months later, he was still helping a family get a car and get a place — who were displaced by the storm. He solicited the help from his community up in Ohio, to sponsor this family and make sure they had what they needed — because they’re hard-working people, who just had bad luck. The disaster hit everybody from very poor to rich people and it’s no less devastating,” Meeks said.

Although she didn’t take an exact count of how many writers in the book are from the GCWA, Meeks approximated that quite a few are current members.

“Some people dropped off stories to the Alliance and some only did it over the telephone — somehow recording their voices for the stories. So, that’s a different experience — taking somebody’s voice and transcribing it into a story,” Meeks said.

The 400 to 500 hours spent passing out flyers and stopping people to ask for stories on Hurricane Ian paid off, generating good participation in the group’s first book project.

Read the entire article from the Pine Island Eagle.

Reserve your Storm Stories book from Amazon.

PRESIDENT’S LETTER FOR AUGUST 2023

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Irene Smith

This year GCWA received over 110 writing contest entries, one of the largest responses we’ve had in recent years. The competition was challenging, but thanks to our awesome volunteer judges, who devoted their time and skills, the best pieces were selected.  The top three winners in each category will read their entries at the August 19th Membership Meeting. 

The program begins at 10:00 a.m. We suggest you arrive early to get a good seat. You won’t be disappointed.  A healthy lunch will be available after the presentations, courtesy of GCWA. This will offer you an opportunity to munch and mingle with our contest winners, who are:

Adult Section Youth Section
Category Non Fiction Poetry Fiction Not Applicable
1st Place Pamela Pohlman Sandy Dahlhofer Brad Burt Eric Zhu-West
Winning entry “A Picture of Hell” “Snowflake” “But He Didn’t!” “Right Hand Raised”
Home town Fort Myers, FL Lake Placid, FL Fort Myers,  Roxbury, MA
         
2nd Place Patricia Sheehy Amy Pontius Patti M. Walsh Kurukulasuriya Fernando
Winning entry     “Searching for Me” “Moon Dance” “Ghosts of Clotheslines Past” “Pretty Little Things”
Home town Estero, FL Fort Myers, FL. Fort Myers, FL Fort Myers, FL
         
3rd Place MaryLou Williams Grace Brendel Pauline Hayton Stormi Thomas
Winning entry “Audrey Hepburn and Me” “The Land Before This” “Somewhere in England” “Secret Miracles”
Home town Fort Myers, FL Cape Coral, FL Naples, FL Lake Mary, FL
         

September 9th from 7:00-9:00PM is the book launch event for our upcoming anthology, “Storm Stories-Hurricane Ian” at the Alliance of the Arts. We are very excited about this event, which is part of the Alliance’s month-long commemoration of Hurricane Ian. Contributing authors to our anthology may arrive as early as 6:00pm to purchase their books at cost. Books will also be available to members at that time. 

We desperately need volunteers to assist as greeters, book sellers and floaters at this event.  We also need volunteers to assemble the video portion of the evening, still images and video segments. Please contact Mary Charles at  mary@marycharles.com or call/text her at 718-848-4031. Mary will be at the Alliance for the Arts theatre on Friday, September 8, the afternoon before the event between 1:00-3:00pm. She would prefer getting any borrowed equipment that afternoon.

Our anthology, “Storm Stories-Hurricane Ian”, will be available soon as a trade paperback and hard cover at local book stores, the gift shop at the Alliance for the Arts and the Alliance’s popular monthly Night Market. It will also be obtainable online from Amazon.com in e-book, paperback and hard cover versions.  Pre-publication orders for the e-book on Amazon are now being accepted.

We just learned that the Lee County Library System has ordered one book for each library branch and will order additional copies if there is a demand for more.

Please consider assisting us with the September 9th event. More information on the anthology will be in next month’s newsletter, so keep checking our website for updates!

Don’t forget our August 19th meeting will be held as usual starting at 10:00am-Noon.

Location: Map

Meeting Location:

Word of Life Church

6111 South Pointe Blvd.,

Fort Myers, FL 33919

Irene Smith, President

PRESIDENT’S LETTER FOR JULY 2023

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Irene Smith

Judging for our 2023 Writing Contest has concluded and results will be announced at our July meeting. Winners and their families are invited to the August meeting, at which time prizes will be awarded and some of the winning pieces will be read.  Many thanks to all who participated, especially our volunteer judges, for their time and energy!

Brian Devitt, our Social Media Authority, has asked everyone to follow us on social media.  Our Twitter handle is @GCWA_SWFL, and please join our FaceBook group “Gulf Coast Writers Association” to “like” and “tweet” our recent posts there.  If members are on Facebook, I suggest that they post a mention of our Twitter and Facebook group, including our Twitter handle.

Brian is also assisting Dr. Kesha Dreher as the Lead Webmaster until a permanent replacement can be found.  If you know anyone who is an IT expert, you can contact Brian at bdevitt55@gmail.com.

Thanks to Jeff Bogart, our Communications officer, a notice of our July 22 Meeting now appears in the Fort Myers News-Press online calendars, Bonita Springs & Estero Magazine, Cape Coral Living magazine, Gulf & Main magazine, RSW magazine, and Times of the Islands magazine.  Jeff has reached another group of readers for us.  You can’t pick up a local newsprint without seeing a notice about Gulf Coast Writers Association.

Thank you, Brian and Jeff, for all the effort you have put forth to spread the word about our wonderful organization!

Mark your calendars and save the evening of September 9 for the launch of GCWA’s first-ever anthology, Storm Stories-Hurricane Ian.  More details will be forthcoming in the next few weeks, but this project has been almost a year in the making, and I promise you don’t want to miss it.

Last month’s meeting, featuring prolific author Allie Pleiter presenting on improving productivity and time management, was well attended.  

Here are a few photos from that meeting:

These are a few photos from that meeting.

This month Bob McCarthy, a ten-year member of “GCWA, will demonstrate how to create a video presentation using MSOffice and upload it to YouTube for the world to see. YouTube is the second most significant social media platform worldwide, with over 2.6 billion users. There are 4.65 billion active social media users worldwide. This means that 57.63% of active social media users worldwide access YouTube.

Bob will illustrate step-by-step how to create a working video script and add dialogue or narration resulting in a presentation with impact, whether for sales, marketing, training, or more.

Bob has been a professional writer and editor for more than 20 years. He has worked freelance, in-house, and with partners to help clients get noticed. The Oil Heat Managers Association gave a video he scripted for a Connecticut manufacturer its Best Training Video award. Bob has had articles published in regional, national, and international magazines.

Bob has been a member and officer of GCWA for ten years, and he is now a member of our Corporate Board.

This meeting is another outstanding opportunity to learn how to produce high-quality material from a pro.

Members and first-time guests attend for free, returning guests $5.00. I suggest you come early. Meet new or old friends with whom you share a great love for writing. The meeting will also be available on Zoom for those who can’t make it in person (Registration information will be on the website, gulfwriters.org). 

The July 22 meeting will be held at our usual meeting site starting at 10:00 and ending at noon. Here is that location, along with a map.

Meeting Location:

Word of Life Church

6111 South Pointe Blvd.,

Fort Myers, FL 33919

For directions, see Map

See you at the meeting!

Irene Smith, President

July Speaker – Robert S. McCarthy

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Speaker: Robert S. McCarthy
Topic: How to Create a MS Office Video Presentation
July 22, 2023, 10 a.m. to Noon In person and Zoom Register here for Zoom attendance.

Tired of being the publishing world’s best-kept secret?  Want to catch the attention of agents and increase the audience for your writing?

Here’s an easy way for existing and aspiring writers, editors and others to get noticed, expand readership and sell more books. It’s called YouTube.

Robert S. McCarthy

On Saturday, July 22, 2023, during Gulf Coast Writers Association’s (GCWA) monthly meeting in south Fort Myers, Robert (Bob) S. McCarthy, a veteran writer, editor, and GCWA member, will demonstrate how to create a MS Office video presentation and upload it to YouTube for the world to see!

Winners of GCWA’s Annual Writing Contest, now in its second decade, will also be announced at the meeting. This year’s awards will go to winners in four categories.

The meeting will be held at the Word of Life Church, 6111 South Pointe Blvd., Fort Myers, FL 33919 from 10 a.m. to noon.  General admission is free for first-time visitors,

$5 for subsequent visits, and free for members. The meeting is also available on Zoom. Register here for Zoom attendance.

McCarthy’s talk is part of GCWA’s ongoing series on marketing for writers.  In this series, previous presenters have focused on how to find a literary agent and on preparing to publish.  

PRESIDENT’S LETTER FOR JUNE 2023

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President’s Letter for June 2023

In May, under the tutelage of the multi-talented Claudia Geagan, fifty-two participants eagerly wrote their First 100 Words and read them aloud, receiving great feedback.  One of the best readings came from a woman who had been wanting to write, but never believed she could.  What she wrote amazed everyone, including herself.  No one left the meeting quietly; they left exuberantly!

We expect a similar reaction to our June speaker.  Allie Pleiter, a bestselling author of over 40 books, will present The Chunky Method of Time Management, a system that will get you to typing “The End” with success and satisfaction.  This program is a mix of practical, inspirational, and the nitty-gritty real life of it all that gives aspiring or working writers the tools they need to make the magic happen.  Pleiter will be making her presentation to the group live, via Zoom, so be sure to join us in person or via Zoom.

Location: Map
Word of Life Church
6111 South Pointe Blvd.
Fort Myers, FL 33919

The Hurricane Ian Storm Stories project is a huge success.  Submissions have ended and we have collected about 75 stories and poems.  The book will run about 300 pages.  Robert Macomber, multi-award-winning author and internationally acclaimed speaker who lives on Pine Island, has written the foreword and well-known local artist from Matlacha, Leoma Lovegrove, has given us an original painting to use on the cover.  Mary Charles was interviewed by the Sanibel Captiva Island Reporter, Islander and Current, and Jeanne Meeks was interviewed by WFCU regarding the project.  We are excited about our partnership with the Alliance for the Arts in this endeavor and the committee is organizing a book launch at the Alliance, which will include speakers, a panel discussion, a storm-chaser video, on-stage performances, and light refreshments, all amid the Alliance’s Hurricane art exhibit.  Everyone, especially our authors, is invited, so save the date: the evening of September 9, 2023.  The closing reception for the exhibit is September 28th.

Our Program Director, Mary Charles is requesting input from members on future programs.  What would you like to see: lectures, workshops, word games, other ideas?  Submit your suggestions to: mary@marycharles.com.

PLEASE NOTE:  We are in urgent need of an experienced Webmaster with strong background skills in Information Technology (IT) or Computer Science and Website Development/Design to fill our Webmaster pro bono position.  Website Coding isn’t necessary.  As with all of our board positions, this is a volunteer position.  Experience with GoDaddy, MailChimp, and WordPress is preferable, although some training will be provided to a person with basic IT skills and experience in web design.  If you know someone with this background, who is willing to fill the volunteer Lead Webmaster position, please contact Dr. Kesha Dreher at website@gulfwriters.org and Irene Smith at president@gulfwriters.org.

If you have not renewed your dues, we would appreciate your doing so.  Your membership can be renewed at the meeting through PayPal, or you can mail a check to:

Gulf Coast Writer Association
P.O. Box 60771
Fort Myers, FL 33906

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Irene Smith, President

June Speaker – Allie Pleiter

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June 2023

Speaker: Allie Pleiter
Topic: FINISH THAT BOOK with The Chunky Method!
June 17, 2023, 10 a.m. to Noon
In person and Zoom – Register Here
Meeting Location: Map
Word of Life Church
6111 South Pointe Blvd.
Fort Myers, FL 33919

FINISH THAT BOOK with The Chunky Method

Do you feel like you can never find the time to write? Have you been chipping away at the same manuscript forever without much progress? Do you need a system that can get you to typing “The End” with success and satisfaction? Wrangling a fickle muse to meet a deadline—or just to get rid of that looming blank page—is a life-skill for everyone who wants to get serious about their writing.
Allie Pleiter, the bestselling author of over 40 books, shares the nuts and bolts of how to manage your muse. You’ll learn how to set goals and deadlines that reflect your personal writing style and speed–and smart ways to get faster when you need it. Join the thousands of other writers who have mastered the writing process using Pleiter’s popular Chunky Method. With a useful mix of the practical, the inspirational, and the nitty-gritty real life of it all, this workshop gives aspiring or working writers the tools they need to make the magic happen.

What others have said about The Chunky Method Workshop:

Implementing the Chunky Method has charged my writing with confidence, quadrupled my productivity, organized my days, and enhanced my enjoyment of life. Allie is my hero! — Linda H.

“I was overwhelmed, but now I feel fantastic” — Michelle S.

Before The Chunky Method, I spent years worrying about how I was ever going to finish my novel, let alone a series of stories, with a busy schedule and a demanding day job. I feel far more confident now, and the method works – it’s my custom method, after all. I’ve already written far more than before the Chunky Method. — M.V.

I feel empowered. I feel much more in control of the process now. I feel good that I have a plan and schedule that work with me. I feel like I am going to achieve success, and in a timely manner instead of a scattered one. Thank you again for some of the most valuable, and applicable information I’ve received in over fourteen years of conferences and online classes.” — Becki

Allie Pleiter bio:

Award-winning bestselling author Allie Pleiter writes both fiction and non-fiction working on as many as four books at a time.  She teaches writers how to be consistently, dependably productive and create the content today’s market requires. The author of over 60 published titles, Allie has spent a decade in the publishing profession with over 1.6 million books sold worldwide.  In addition to her own writing career, Allie maintains an active writing productivity coaching practice and speaks regularly on resilience, the creative process, authorship, and her very favorite topic—The Chunky Method of time management.

Links:

website: alliepleiter.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alliepleiterauthor/

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/alliepleiter

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allie-pleiter-6a021b139

Twitter: https://twitter.com/alliepleiter (@alliepleiter)

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/453346.Allie_Pleiter

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Allie-Pleiter/e/B001H6IEUO/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_ebooks_1

Click the link below to review a short video of Allie promoting the Chunky Method Webinar on Jun 17, 2023

https://youtu.be/8AorlkO1a70

 

PRESIDENT’S LETTER FOR MAY 2023

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President’s Letter for May 2023

Storm Stories is our biggest initiative in years and is becoming a major success.  With over 50 stories submitted so far, and the deadline extended until May 15, we expect a book approaching 300 pages.  A foreword by award-winning novelist Robert Macomber and a submission by longtime Matlacha artist Leoma Lovegrove add celebrity luster to this effort.  The Alliance for the Arts will include GCWA and our anthology project in the launch of its September exhibit commemorating the anniversary of Hurricane Ian.  WGCU, our local PBS station, has interviewed Jeanne Meeks about the Storm Stories project and has published a story online.  A radio version will also air.  It will launch at The Alliance on September 1, 2023.

We are still collecting GCWA Writing Contest entries until May 31st,2023.  Entries can be submitted online or mailed.  Online entries can be submitted @ www.gulfwriters.org.  Mailed entries can be mail to:

Gulf Coast Writers Association
P.O. Box 60771
Fort Myers, FL 33906

We are expanding and have another new officer.  Brian Devitt will be our Social Media Officer.  Together, with Jeff Bogart, they will explore every media outlet to get the word out that GCWA is alive and thriving.  Jeff Bogart has been putting out lengthy notices to as many of the news media as possible.  This has brought additional newcomers to our meetings.

People who attended April’s Membership Meeting may have had their pictures taken.  This was a regular practice a few years ago.  However, when the woman who took the photos retired, the picture taking ended.

We wish to resume doing this because it was extremely popular.  If you are attending May’s meeting and would prefer not to have your photo taken, please let our photographer, Jeff Bogart, know.  Otherwise, smile when you see the camera unless you are writing The First 100 Words.

The recent workshops, run by highly informative speakers, drew large audiences and were well received.

So what is next?  We would like YOUR input about future meetings.

Would you like a meeting, or would you prefer to listen to members read their works?  Or possibly diversify the meeting format throughout the year; one devoted to essays, one for short fiction, another of poetry or children’s stories.  This would help us get to know each other and make us better able to assist each other.  There would be a word limit and a few guidelines.

How about a meeting for the steps to getting published?  Would you be interested in a writing retreat weekend?  One of our members is exploring ideas about this.  Any suggestions you might have for when or where such an event might take place would be appreciated.

Any comments you have on any of this can be emailed to me @  president@gulfwriters.org.  I will collect all of the ideas and explore them with the Executive Committee.

Looking forward to hearing from you and seeing you on Saturday, May 20, 2023, at 10:00am.

Location: Map
Word of Life Church
6111 South Pointe Blvd.
Fort Myers, FL 33919

Come in person — no Zoom will be offered this month. If you have not renewed your membership, you can pay your dues at the meeting, or through PayPal, or by check mailed to:

Gulf Coast Writers Association
P.O. Box 60771
Fort Myers, FL 33919

 

 

 

 

 

 

Irene Smith, President

May Workshop – The First 100 Words

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May 2023

Workshop: The First 100 Words
Topic: The Importance of the First 100 Words
May 20, 2023, 10 a.m. to Noon
In person – No Zoom Offered
Claudia GeaganMeeting Location: Map
Word of Life Church
6111 South Pointe Blvd.
Fort Myers, FL 33919

You only have one opportunity to make a memorable first impression.  “The First 100 Words” is based on a book by the same name, written by Stephen Parish and editors at Lascaux Books, a literary publishing house.  According to the blurb in the book, the first 100 words of a manuscript are as important as all the words that follow.  They comprise a first impression.  If poorly chosen, they may be the only words an editor reads.
“This is a workshop, not a lecture,” says Claudia Geagan.  May’s attendees should bring notebooks and fast-writing pens and be prepared to participate.What distinguishes being a scribbler from a genius?  Claudia’s workshop may provide you with some insight in that direction; she is a master at word minimalism.
After a financial career in major corporations in big cities, Geagan retired to South Carolina and later to Southwest Florida.  She began authoring personal essays and a smattering of flash non-fiction and poetry and has been published in at least eight Literary Journals.
While at Furman University’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, Geagan taught “Writing the Personal Essay” and has been nominated three times for a Pushcart Prize.  Pushcart is the most honored literary project in America!
Geagan is one of the judges for this year’s GCWA Writing Contest.  “If your work doesn’t get past the first readers, it doesn’t go anywhere.  In the case of Literary Reviews, these first readers are often bored grad students.  The opening must intrigue.”

April Workshop – Tell Your Hurricane Story

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April 2023

Workshop: Tell Your Hurricane Story
Topic: Develop Your Hurricane Ian Story
April 15, 2023, 10 a.m. to Noon
In person Only – No Zoom
Jeanne MeeksMeeting Location: Map
Word of Life Church
6111 South Pointe Blvd.
Fort Myers, FL 33919

Plan to attend our meeting on Saturday April 15, 2023.  This program is a workshop to help us develop our stories about the Hurricane Ian experience.  Prose or poetry – whatever your favored writing style – the only rule is that it must be true (or mostly true).
Jeanne Meeks and Mary Charles conduct memoir workshops in their home communities.  They’ll bring some of their experience and advice, along with some challenging exercises, to our April 15th meeting.  It will be a fast-paced hour in which we’ll each develop or refine a story about the September 28, 2022 storm.
The stories you write on Saturday will become part of the permanent record of Hurricane Ian.  We’re creating an anthology of storm stories to be printed before the anniversary of Ian’s visit.  In partnership with the Alliance for the Arts, we intend to have this book on display and for sale during their planned month-long exhibit in September 2023.Join us this Saturday, April 15, 2023 at 10:00 am.  Because it’s a hands-on workshop, we’ll be meeting in person only.  There will not be a Zoom component this time.

GCWA is In The News…

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GCWA In the News

Florida Weekly carried a story about GCWA’s writing contest in the Arts and Entertainment section on page 3.  It appears in the Fort Myers, Bonita and Naples editions.  The three editions appear to carry the news release almost entirely verbatim.  (In the Fort Myers print version and online versions, for example, the wording is the same as that in the news release except that the last, boilerplate paragraph is omitted. The online versions, on the other hand, of the Naples and Bonita editions omit Irene’s quote about the Youth section of the contest but include a portion of the last, boilerplate paragraph.)  This week’s Charlotte online edition does not carry the story, nor do the online editions for Key West and Palm Beach.

 

A copy of the story from the Fort Myers print edition is attached. Here also is the link to it on the Florida Weekly website:   https://fortmyers.floridaweekly.com/articles/gulf-coast-writers-association-announces-writing-contest/ .

Click on the links below to review three more news stories about GCWA’s writing contest, appearing recently in the Cape Coral Breeze, Lehigh Acres Citizen, and WCGU News:

Clip–Cape Coral Breeze

Clip–Lehigh Acres Citizen

Clip–WGCU

PRESIDENT’S LETTER FOR APRIL 2023

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President’s letter for April 2023

In our broadest initiative in many years, Gulf Coast Writers Association is partnering with the Alliance for the Arts to remember Hurricane Ian in words and art.

The words are the job of us Gulf Coast Writers, of course. We will produce a book of prose and poetry submitted by our members and the public, telling the story of Hurricane Ian from a personal perspective. This anthology will debut during the month-long art and interactive exhibit installation in September at the Alliance for the Arts.

The deadline for inclusion in the printed Storm Stories book is May 1. To help us put our stories down in writing, our April 15 meeting will be a workshop to develop or refine our Storm Stories.

Come with your work in progress or simply a blank notebook and pen. Two of our members, Jeanne Meeks and Mary Charles, will facilitate creating or fleshing out your story. Both Jeanne and Mary conduct memoir workshops in their home communities. They will bring their experience and skills with exercises to help us tell our stories.

We expect a big turnout on April 15 among our members for this workshop. But we also extend an invitation to all Hurricane Ian survivors with a story to tell. Tell your neighbors. Encourage them to attend and write their stories. This initiative is not just for highly skilled writers. Ask the EMS worker down the street to participate, or the lineman you met during restoration, or your friend in the police. Stories can be submitted to the GCWA website, whether or not you attend the April workshop.

This workshop may also help you refine your other writing project: submission to the annual Gulf Coast Writers Contest. That deadline has been extended to May 31. You can enter in fiction, nonfiction or poetry. Just enter. This is another opportunity to be published. All 1st, 2nd and 3rd place entries, with submitters’ permission, will be featured on our website, in addition to other prizes.

We’ll see you on Saturday April 15, 2023, from 10:00am to noon.

Location: Map
Word of Life Church
6111 South Pointe Blvd.
Fort Myers, FL 33919

Come in person or via Zoom. And if you have not renewed your membership, you can pay your dues at the meeting, or through PayPal, or by check mailed to:

Gulf Coast Writers Association
P.O. Box 60771
Fort Myers, FL 33919

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Irene Smith, President

GCWA Writing Contest 2023 News Release

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GCWA

Gulf Coast Writers Association

CONTACT: Jeff Bogart, 917-608-3477

For Immediate Release

Best Writing Contests of 2022, recommended by Reedsy

                                                     GCWA Announces Writing Contest

                                                    –Open to GCWA members and the public

                                                  –Two sections: Adults 18 and over, youth 11 to 17

                                                            –Deadline for entries: May 31

 

FORT MYERS, FL., March 27, 2023–A writing contest open to the general public including adults and youth was announced today by the Gulf Coast Writers Association (GCWA), with winners to be named in July.

Submissions are being accepted in the Adult section from persons 18 years old and older in four categories: Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, and Children’s Stories.  In the Youth section, submissions are being accepted from persons 11 to 17 years old in three categories:  Fiction, Nonfiction and Poetry. 

The deadline for entries, to be submitted online, for both sections is May 31 at 11:59 p.m.

“This annual contest advances our goal of encouraging writing and recognizing outstanding writers,” said Irene Smith, president of the Fort Myers, FL, based nonprofit in making the announcement.

GCWA’s contest last year received recognition from Reedsy, a marketplace of freelance publishing professionals, as among the Best Writing Contests. 

Winners will be announced at the GCWA monthly meeting on July 15.  The list of winners will be posted on the organization’s website (https://gulfwriters.org).  All monthly meetings, currently held at Word of Life Church, 6111 South Pointe Blvd. in Fort Myers at 10 a.m. on the third Saturday, are open to the public.

Judges for the contest are members of GWCA as well as experienced writers from the community. Judging is done on a blind basis and members who submit entries will not judge their own entries. 

Adult Section

Sponsors of the Adult section of the contest include Ft. Myers Magazine and writers’ guides Firstwriter.com and Duotrope®. 

All winning entries in each category will be published on the GCWA website. 

There is no limit to number of submissions but entrants may win only one prize.  GWCA members may participate in the contest in addition to the general public. 

The entry fee for the Adult section is as follows:  Non-Members: $20/1st submission, $10/each additional entry.  Members: $10/1st submission, $5/each additional entry

Youth Section

Winning entries will be published on the GCWA website.  Entries are free and limited overall to three per person.  Only one prize to an entrant will be awarded.

“A winning entry would look good on any student’s college application,” noted Ms. Smith.

Entry Forms

Entry forms, guidelines, judging criteria and additional information are posted on the GCWA website.  Additional information for entrants is also available by emailing specialprojects@gulfwriters.org .

Only entries submitted online will be considered.

About GCWA

Founded in 1995 and incorporated in 2004, the Gulf Coast Writers Association, Inc. (GCWA) provides a forum for fellowship, education, and information for writers.  GCWA’s well-regarded annual writing contest draws a wide-range of authors.  Based in Fort Myers, the organization attracts members from throughout Southwest Florida from Marco Island to Tampa.  At monthly meetings, speakers and workshops offer expert advice on such topics as writing techniques, publishing, and marketing.  Participants at these meetings also have the opportunity to read their works.  The organization’s members include published as well as unpublished writers and professional editors, agents and publicists.  The literary genres run the gamut from poetry, adult fiction and nonfiction to children’s and young adult, historical fiction, romance, mystery/thriller, memoir, essays and screenplay.  Members include full-time writers as well as corporate professionals, teachers, and business owners, all still working or retired. GCWA’s website is https://gulfwriters.org/ 

GCWA n POB 60771, Fort Myers, FL 33906  n Not for Profit 501(c)3.

 

PRESIDENT’S LETTER FOR MARCH 2023

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President’s Letter for March 2023

The new deadline for this year’s Writing Contest has been extended to May 31, 2023.  This extension offers flexibility and perfect timing for any work you would like to submit for the contest.

Overwriting rather than underwriting a script is challenging.  We LOVE our work; however, like parenting, disciplining ourselves is difficult, but necessary.  In the GCWA March 2023 meeting, take what you learn from Arielle Haughee to Crisp Up That Prose!

We strongly recommend you bring some of your writing that needs revision for a hands-on portion of the class.  Bad habits can produce cumbersome prose.  The program may also include a mini workshop that offers insight on how to edit like a surgeon, discarding what is unusable; this is typically a challenge for most writers.  You’ll leave with easy strategies to use in your writing and an editing checklist to help you spot fluff.

Arielle Haughee (Hoy) is a six-time RPLA-winning author and the owner of Orange Blossom Publishing.  She is currently taking submissions for romance, women’s fiction, young adult, and nonfiction to female audiences.  More information can be obtained at orangeblossombooks.com.  Arielle is proficient as an editor, speaker, and writing coach.  Books about love, humor, and wellness for women and children are requested.

Arielle received the President’s Award from FWA in 2020 and the Children’s Book of the Year Award in 2021for Pling’s Party.  Pling is an exclamation point who can only be in a book twice, but hilarity ensues when he continues to jump into the story and make things too exciting.

Our March meeting will be held on Saturday, March 18, 2023, at 10:00am -Noon.

  Location: Map
Word of Life Church
6111 South Pointe Blvd.
Fort Myers, FL 33919

Remember, you can attend physically or via Zoom.  If you have not renewed your dues, we would appreciate your doing so.  Your membership can be renewed at the meeting through PayPal, or you can mail a check to:

Gulf Coast Writer Association
P.O. Box 60771
Fort Myers, FL 33906

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Irene Smith, President

March Speaker – Arielle Haughee

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March 2023

Speaker: Arielle Haughee
Topic: Crisp Up That Prose!
March 18, 2023, 10 a.m. to Noon
In person and Zoom – Register here
Meeting Location: Map
Word of Life Church
6111 South Pointe Blvd.
Fort Myers, FL 33919

Crisp Up That Prose! – Tight writing is a necessity for attracting agents and editors as well as keeping readers interested. In this workshop, we’ll discuss frequently used fluff words, strategies for cleaning up sentences, and bad habits that can make prose cumbersome. We’ll utilize three strategies–cut, replace, and trim down–to make your writing as efficient as possible. Bring some of your writing that needs revision for a hands-on portion of class. You’ll leave with easy strategies to use in your writing and an editing checklist to help you spot fluff.
Arielle Haughee (Hoy) is a six-time RPLA-winning author and the owner of Orange Blossom Publishing. She is an editor, speaker, and writing coach, and was previously the Executive Vice President and Marketing Chair for the Florida Writers Association. She was honored with the President’s Award from FWA in 2020, and in 2021 Pling’s Party was awarded Children’s Book of the Year. Her press, Orange Blossom Publishing, publishes books about love, humor, and wellness for women and children. She is currently taking submissions for romance, women’s fiction, young adult, and nonfiction of interest to the female audience. More information at orangeblossombooks.com.
*Arielle is presenting via  Zoom; however, like usual, we are meeting in person and on Zoom.

GCWA 2023 Writing Contest

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GCWA 2023 Writing Contest

The deadline has been extended!!!

Please submit your work before the new deadline of 5/31/23

Best Writing Contests of 2022, recommended by Reedsy

Deadline: 11:59pm on May 31, 2023

Writing Contest is open to GCWA members and the public — adults 18 and over, youth 11 to 17.  Winners will be announced at the GCWA meeting in June 2023.

 


Documentation for 2023 Contest (adults 18 and over)

Writing Contest Announcement 2023_LTD

WritingContest Guidelines 2023_LTD

Online Submission Form

Documentation for 2023 Youth Writing Contest (age 11 through 17)

Youth Writing Contest Announcement 2023_LTD

Youth Writing Contest Guidelines 2023_LTD

Online Submission Form

If you have questions please email specialprojects@gulfwriters.org

Sponsor or Donate to keep this contest Free for Youth entrants. Contact specialprojects@gulfwriters.org


All submissions must include full payment made by check to GCWA.
DO NOT MAIL CASH. The Check should be for your entries only and not for other monies owed to GCWA. You can also pay below with PayPal.

paypal
Member Contest Entries Non-Member Contest Entries

Entries




Entries



Thank you to our Sponsors

 

 

 

The Best of Luck @ The Alliance for the Arts

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THE BEST OF LUCK

STORYTELLERS BRING STORIES OF LUCK TO THE ALLIANCE FOR THE ARTS

By Mary Lou Williams

 

 

The storytelling series at the Alliance for the Arts began the 2023 season this January with stories of “New Beginnings.”  The second program in the series was “Stories of Love” for the month of February and Valentine’s Day.  The third and last program for this season will be performed on Friday, March 3rd, 7 pm to 9 pm.  The Storytellers of the Round Table and the Elephant Showcase Storytellers will take the stage to tell “Stories of Luck,” both good and bad.

The storytellers will be Lisa Leonhardt, Mary Lou Williams, Pamela Minton, and Dr. Joel Ying.  Lisa will tell a personal story called “Sisterly Love” and a folk tale called “The Three Sisters.”  Besides being about sisters, these stories are about luck, lucky sisters, and unlucky sisters.  Mary Lou will tell a literary story called “The Chaser” and a fractured folk tale called “The Rumpelstiltskin Rap.” In each of these stories there is a character who looks suspiciously like a leprechaun.  Pamela will tell two personal stories, “The Fishing Trip” and “The Worst Job I Ever Had,” in each of which the worst of luck turned out to be the best of luck.  Dr. Joel will tell an Irish folk tale called “The Man with No Luck” and a Greek myth called “Pandora’s Box.”  In these stories, luck is a matter of perception.

Experience the power of the spoken word.  Captivating, spellbinding, and entertaining.  The stories will be followed by a Talk Back, which is a Q&A session with the audience.  Meet the storytellers.  Discover the stories behind the stories.  The Talk Back is an innovation that proved to be popular last season and continues to be popular this season, too.

The Alliance for the Arts is located at 10091 McGregor Boulevard in Fort Myers.  The ticket price is $18 for members and $20 for non-members.  To purchase tickets visit www.artinlee.org or call 239-939-2787.

 

*****News Flash*****

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Hot news re the Truist/Suncoast situation! 

Mike received a call and letter from Chairman of Truist…….

And a recent bad report about Suncoast.

You won’t want to miss this.

See you on February 18th!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

Irene Smith, President

Gulf Coast Writers Association

 

PRESIDENT’S LETTER FOR FEBRUARY 2023

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President’s Letter for February 2023

If you found our Gulf Coast Writers Association (GCWA) January meeting explosive, be assured that February’s assembly will be a continuation of the saga between David and Goliath.

Mike continues his fight with both Truist Bank and Suncoast Credit Union, both of whom deny any responsibility for the bank theft.  Since our last meeting, Mike has made eight additional calls to the banks and to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) investigator assigned to the case.  LCSO confirmed that the originating bank was Suncoast Credit Union; they issued a new subpoena for additional documents, including info about the account the money was transferred to at Suncoast.  LCSO expects to hear from Suncoast Credit Union in three to four weeks from the time the second subpoena was issued.

On Tuesday, January 1, 2023, Mike and I spent an hour speaking to someone at Suncoast Credit Union in Cape Coral.  Again, we were told, according to their records, there is no proof of the fraudulent transactions.

Mike sent a registered letter, on January 31, 2023, to the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Truist Bank, William H. Rogers Jr.

Any additional info will be available at the February meeting, including the dirty tricks they pulled recently.  Someone is determined to make this go away, but it isn’t on our end!

In the meantime, most of you have platforms on which you can share your frustration with the banks and their determination to absolve themselves of this theft.  Choose your words wisely.  Do not lie or exaggerate.  You can pass along the word about the large number of complaints submitted to Truist Bank (865 as of last month) as not yet resolved.

At our meeting on February 18, 2023, we will share any updates with you.

Our Guest Speaker, Molly Jebber of Springboro, said she wanted to be a writer since age 12.  She never told anyone about it. “I had no background in writing,” Jebber said. “Then several years ago, my husband, Ed, asked me to quit my demanding job and move to Florida.”

Ed was supportive and encouraged her.  “I had no background in writing,” Jebber said.  I knew nothing whatsoever about fiction, which is what I hoped to write.”

In Florida, Jebber met an editor and asked him what he thought of her aspirations.  He was brutally honest, saying that, frankly, it would be too hard.  “He told me I had to have very thick skin and be used to rejection and a lot of criticism, and who wants that?”

Jebber knew she needed to educate herself on the craft, so she researched online and signed up for writer’s conferences.  “At my first conference, I signed up for a 10-minute agent meeting, not realizing the purpose,” she said.

That first meeting, with agent Mary Sue Seymour, changed Jebber’s life and trajectory forever.  “After she stopped laughing, Mary Sue explained the process,” Jebber said.

“I hadn’t written the first word of my first book, so I didn’t have anything for her to critique.  I was so embarrassed.”

But Seymour, the owner and founder of the Seymour Agency, based in New York, saw something special in Jebber and called her back.  Seymour then blocked another 20 minutes on her schedule.

“I had these little prayer cards and she asked if I would mind giving her one,” Jebber said. “Then she looked at me and said, ‘I need you.’”

Seymour explained that Amish romance was starting to sell because of an increased interest in the Amish way of life among the general public.

“I have always loved the Amish, Jebber said, but stories about them don’t always show who they really are.”

Jebber returned to a few of her favorite Amish communities in Ohio to do some research.  She wanted her book to be historical but wasn’t sure if the Amish would speak to her.  They not only answered her questions but gave her additional insight.

After that, the first three chapters of her first book, “Change of Heart,” seemed to flow quickly.  Jebber needed an agent, but the authors she knew and even her family and friends told her getting a big agent in New York was nearly impossible.  Jebber sent her first manuscript to her friend Mary Sue, who critiqued it and sent it back.

While out shopping, Jebber got the call she never thought she would.  Kensington Publishing Corp., in New York City, wanted to not only publish “Change of Heart,” but they also wanted a three book series and offered her a contract.

Her first book was published in June of 2015, followed up by a book nearly every year since.  Sadly, Jebber’s friend and mentor, Mary Sue Seymour, passed away in 2016, shortly after her second book, “Grace’s Forgiveness,” was published.  She is currently under contract with Kensington through 2023 when she will publish her eleventh book.

Writing stories is a search of the soul and a capture of life and experience to share with the world.

We expect you to be much encouraged by your own writing endeavors when you hear what Molly has to say.

See you on Saturday, February 18, 2023, at:

Location: Map
Word of Life Church
6111 South Pointe Blvd.
Fort Myers, FL 33919

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Irene Smith, President

SWFL Reading Festival

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GREAT NEWS!!

Gulf Coast Writers Association (GCWA) is pleased to announce we will, once again, be participating in the upcoming Southwest Florida Reading Festival.  The festival will take place outdoors on the Fort Myers Regional Library campus, located in downtown Fort Myers, on Saturday, March 4, 2023 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The festival has a first-rate reputation with a diverse line-up of nationally acclaimed, bestselling authors, and consistently receives rave reviews from authors and attendees.  You can learn more about this year’s activities, authors, and other information at https://readfest.org.

GCWA is sponsoring a booth and offering our author members one of the following opportunities to sell your books at this well-attended event:

1. In Person [Half Day or Full Day]: Attend in person (with your books) either in the morning (10:00 am – 1:00 pm) OR afternoon (1:00 pm – 4:00 pm), for $20.00; or for the full day (10:00 am – 4:00 pm) for $35.00.

2. Book Sales Only – GCWA will display and sell up to 20 of your books if you cannot attend in person. You will need to bring your books to the GCWA general meeting on February 18, 2023 or drop them off at the festival no later than 9:00 am the morning of the festival.  Other arrangements can be made by contacting Christie Zarria at specialprojects@gulfwriters.org.  The cost for this service is $35.00, regardless of the number of books sold.

Based on our experience last year, display space will fill up quickly, so please contact Christie at specialprojects@gulfwriters.org to REGISTER SOON!  This is strictly on a first come, first serve basis for the benefit of GCWA members.  If you are not a member, but would like to participate, please consider joining GCWA.  PLEASE NOTE: The Reading Festival is NOT accepting individual author applications, so you must sign up with GCWA if you would like to participate.

A few guidelines:

  • The booth is 10’ x 10’ and comes with one 8’ table and 2 chairs.  We will provide another 6’ or 8’ table, a couple of smaller card tables, and some extra chairs in order to have more flexibility with our setup (#lessonslearnedlastyear).  GCWA strongly suggests bringing your own chair just in case.
  • As you can imagine, space is very limited, so we ask that you please limit participation to just yourself or one other person.
  • Again, because of space, please do not bring anything other than books and a chair for yourself; we simply don’t have space for elaborate displays, posters, etc.  Small easels and a small signage are ok.
  • This is an outdoor event, so please check the weather and dress accordingly.  There are restrooms and food and drink concessions within a reasonable walking distance, but you may also bring a small cooler with food/drink.  Please wear comfortable shoes.
  • Please refer to the Reading Festival Guidelines for other details or contact Christie with questions.
  • If you’d like to volunteer to help setup or man the booth, please contact Christie.

Hope to see you there!

February Speaker – Molly Jebber

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February 2023

Speaker: Molly Jebber
Topic: Let’s Talk Agents, Publishing, and Marketing
February 18, 2023, 10 a.m. to Noon

In person and Zoom meeting (Chick link to register)

Location: Map
Word of Life Church
6111 South Pointe Blvd.
Fort Myers, FL 33919

Molly will provide what to have in place before you acquire an agent and/or publish.  She’ll share what editors and agents expect and are looking for when they consider acquiring your work in today’s market.  She’ll also give us marketing tips she’s found successful.

Molly Jebber is a best-selling and award-winning author.  Her Amish Historical Romance books have made Publisher’s Weekly Best Ten List, USA Today, and have been in featured interviews on newspaper sites, and popular magazines across the U.S.  She’s a national speaker for Women’s Christian Connection.  She has served as a keynote speaker for writing conferences, and as a guest lecturer at libraries and events across the U.S. on writing, publishing, and marketing.  Molly just signed a contract with Sony Pictures/Pureflix to make a movie of LIZA’S SECOND CHANCE.  She loves God, her family, and friends.  She says yes to cupcakes, and no to coconut!

Visit http://www.mollyjebber.com for her full book list, new releases, speaking events, and her Sony/Pureflix Liza’s Second Chance movie updates!

Handout_01   Handout_02

Storm Stories – Hurricane Ian Anthology Submission

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Tell your Hurricane Ian Story

We are writers. We endured a life-changing event. We need to write about it.

Each of us was impacted by the disaster of September 28, 2022. Gulf Coast Writers Association (GCWA) is gathering Storm Stories from members and the public for a book to be published on the anniversary of that awful day.

Where were you? How did you fare? What have you learned? Who became your hero? Write the story of your experience and join the chorus of those who will never forget.

Submission is easy. Use the “Online Submission Form” link provided below to upload your story. A committee of our members will review and edit submissions, and the anthology will be printed in time for the September anniversary.

Deadline for submissions is May 15, 2023. Click the “Online Submission Form” link listed below to submit your story to GCWA. Also, please feel free to invite your friends and neighbors to share their storm stories. This project is for everyone who has a Hurricane Ian story to tell. There is no age limit or word limit. Submitters must agree to editing by GCWA and accept that not all stories will be published in the anthology. The GCWA website will publish the names of the stories chosen to be printed by August 1, 2023.

You can also submit your story to our partner in this project, The Alliance for the Arts (artinlee.org). The Alliance is planning a month-long event during September including a Hurricane Ian-inspired art installation by Florida artists, documentary-style photography by famed local artist Kinfay Moroti, listening booths to hear oral story submissions, and our book of Storm Stories.

Tell your storm story. It needs to be told and remembered.

Online Submission Form

If you have questions please email specialprojects@gulfwriters.org

All submissions must be in Word (.doc) format.  Permission must be given to publish prior to your submission.

 

Sponsored in partnership between GCWA and Alliance for the Arts

GCWA

 

Bonita Springs Public Library Local Author Meet & Greet

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Members of Gulf Coast Writers Association (GCWA) have been invited to participate in the Bonita Springs Public Library “Local Author Meet & Greet” on April 1, 2023, from 1:00pm to 3:00pm.  This is a joint initiative with the Friends of the Bonita Springs Library.

By reserving a table, you’ll be able to meet enthusiastic readers, discuss your writing, and offer your books for sale.  The address of the Bonita Springs Public Library is 10560 Reynolds St., Bonita Springs, FL 34135.

Reservations are free of charge, but space is limited.  If interested in participating, please respond soon to reserve your table.  Should you be interested in sharing your table with another author, please include that in your reply.

Respond to Kimberly Christensen, Reference Librarian, Bonita Springs Public Library, office (239) 533-4864; email KChristensen@leegov.com

We encourage our members to participate in this event.  Any opportunity to meet readers and give exposure to your work is positive.  GCWA officers will also be there to represent our organization and support our authors.

2nd Annual Del Shores Foundation Writers Search

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The 2nd Annual Del Shores Foundation Writers Search is accepting scripts through the end of February.  This contest is open to Southern LGBTQ+ screenwriters and playwrights.  This could be an opportunity for Gulf Coast writers in other genres to spread their wings.  Use the code “DSFFL” for free submission.  See the graphic for further information.

Love Is In The Air At The Alliance For The Arts

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LOVE IS IN THE AIR AT THE ALLIANCE FOR THE ARTS

 

 

 

STORYTELLERS BRING STORIES OF LOVE TO THE FOULDS THEATRE

By Mary Lou Williams

Storytellers of the Round Table and Elephant Showcase Storytellers will take the stage at the Alliance for the Arts on Friday, February 3, 2023, from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm (EST) to tell their tales of love lost and love gained.

The tellers, in order of appearance, will be Dr. Joel Ying, Rhonda Brazina, Mary Lou Williams, and Marilyn Graham.  Dr. Ying will be the MC; he will tell two folk tales, “The Marriage Boulder” and “The Spring of Youth.”  Both tales originate from Asian folklore.  Rhonda will tell her own personal love story about how she, a hopeless romantic who liked candlelit dinners and red roses, fell in love with a logical realist, who thought flowers were a waste of money.  Mary Lou will tell a literary story, “The Birthmark,” by Nathaniel Hawthorne and a fractured fable about “Truth and Story,” who fell in love.  Marilyn will tell a legendary tale called, “The Real McCoy” that features a ghost and may or may not be true.  She will end with a folk tale called “Martina the Beautiful Cockroach,” an entomological love story.

Experience the power of the spoken word.  Captivating, spellbinding, and entertaining.  The stories will be followed by a Talk Back, which is a Q&A session with the audience.  Meet the storytellers.  Discover the stories behind the stories.  The Talk Back has become a popular feature of our storytelling events.

The Alliance for the Arts is located at 10091 McGregor Boulevard in Fort Myers.  The ticket price is $18 for members and $20 for non-members.  To purchase tickets visit www.artinlee.org or call 239-939-2787.

President’s Letter for January 2023

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President’s Letter for January

This year began with the continuation of ‘negotiating’ with Truist Bank.  Michael Cole is working diligently with one of the fraud analysts at Truist and with the Lee County Sheriff’s Office to get our funds restored.  Hopefully, we will have more information to share with you at our January meeting.

One of our members, who was a professional financial attorney, suggested the amount might be below the bank’s deductible and that could potentially be the reason why they do not want to pay it.  Gee–this sounds like the homeowners insurance companies!

The latest info will be available at our January 21st meeting.  We hope to have as many of you in attendance as possible because we really need your support and encouragement for other members.  We have been polarized for too long.  Now is the time to step forward and say, “I am not going to take this anymore!”

One of our authors is bringing people with her who probably haven’t been able to attend for fear of driving, etc. Carpooling is an efficient and effective way to save gas and to spend time with like-minded people; it is one way we can be of assistance to our fellow writers.  This author recently left one writer’s group because of the “cliques” that were ruining the organization.  This type of behavior has destroyed two other local groups that used to exist in our area.

GCWA is blessed not to have that issue.  The reason is simply because we follow our constitution.  When we have differences, we collaborate and iron them out at our monthly Executive Committee meetings.  Many elder members had to retire; however, we have been blessed by the new residents who have relocated to our area.

If you want an exciting and thorough understanding of what life was like in Southwest Florida years ago, our January guest speaker, Clarissa Thomasson’s four novels offer delightful reading.  In addition, add five children’s books, two award-winning stage plays, and a new novel for 2022.  Her complete bio is listed on the first page of the website.  Check it out when you get a chance.

The 2023 Writing Contest details can be found on the GCWA website as well.  There is still time to submit your entries–the deadline has been extended to February 28, 2023.

Our January meeting is scheduled to be held on Saturday, January 21, 2023 at 10:00 am – noon.  Remember, the meeting will be offered, both, in person and via Zoom.  We offer quite a few diverse ways to renew your membership.  A payment can be made while physically attending the January meeting, you can pay online through PayPal, or you can mail a check to:

Gulf Coast Writer Association
P.O. Box 60771
Fort Myers, FL 33906

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Irene Smith, President

January Speaker — Clarissa Thomasson

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January 2023

Speaker: Clarissa Thomasson
Topic: Suspending the Disbelief
January 21, 2023, 10a.m. to Noon

In Person and Zoom Meeting – Register Here

Location: Map
Word of Life Church
6111 South Pointe Blvd.
Fort Myers, FL 33919

“Suspending the Disbelief” reflects the writings of Florida Historical Authors: Marjorie Rawlings, Marjorie Stoneman Douglas, Patrick Smith, Carl Hiaasen, and my own Florida books. The Florida setting of each of these authors directly affects both the characterizations and the plot and makes their stories come to life.

Clarissa Thomasson was born and raised in Miami, Florida. She received a BA in English Literature from Duke University and a MA in English from the University of

Florida. Thomasson taught English, journalism, and creative writing in Montgomery County, MD, until her retirement. Her first two novels, Defending Hillsborough and Reconstructing Hillsborough were chosen by the North Carolina Association of Public School Librarians for use in the high school study of the Civil War. Lorinda’s Legacy was “pick of the month” at Greensboro, NC Barnes and Noble.

In 2000, Thomasson returned to Florida and now resides in Venice, FL. She has written five children’s books in her Little Green Monkey series, four novels: Florida Shadows, Florida Secrets, Florida Sunset and Surviving Sarasota set in Southwest Florida, a World War II novel—Over the Bridge—and Venice Dreamers, which highlights Venice’s original settlers. Thomasson’s stage plays, Over the Bridge and Florida Shadows, each won first place in the Clarence “Bud” Jones Playwriting Competition at the Firehouse Theatre in LaBelle, FL, in 2014 and 2015.

Thomasson is also a freelance writer–having written for GRAND magazine, Yesterday in Florida—where she won a 2005 Florida Trust for Historic Preservation Award for her contributions to Florida history—and Eastside Venice Neighbors—where she authored monthly articles on Florida history. She is also a contributor to the Venice Gondolier.

Thomasson’s newest book, Forgotten Florida, tells the story of the earliest American settlers on Florida’s west coast, was released September 1, 2022. More information at saltmarshpublications.com.

 

SPECIAL REPORT: January 4, 2023

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Gulf Coast Writers Association Victimized by Theft

In September and October of 2022, during the lead up and aftermath of Hurricane Ian, we had $4,000 stolen from our bank account, via account-to-account transfers, from our account at Truist Bank.  This left us with only approximately $1,000 to operate.  All of this took place around the time of hurricane Ian.  We filed a fraud claim with Truist.  They did an investigation and denied our claim, despite overwhelming evidence that we were the victims of fraud.

Their reason for denial given was, “We have determined that the transactions were authorized and therefore not eligible to be returned.”  When Mike Cole asked who authorized these transactions (only Mike is authorized to do so), they continually refused to reveal who the thieves were, even though they know who the perpetrators are.

These account transfers were initiated by another bank, which Michael Cole found out to be Suncoast Credit Union.

Mike opened a case (#22-480794) with the Lee County Sheriff’s Office; they claimed banks do this all the time.  Mike was told they would wait and see how Truist respond to him and will then submit a subpoena for the relevant bank records, if necessary.  They have since subpoenaed the documents and the investigation is ongoing.

I have read the complete transaction report on this activity, rest assured; this was no amateur job.

It is clear the bank has no intention of returning our stolen funds; although, we continue our efforts to have them restored.

I ask YOU: why do banks protect the criminals and not their depositors?  How safe is anyone’s money if the banks are permitted to persist in this behavior?

The answer is obvious: There are 16 full pages of lawyers in this area but not one handles fraud cases.  I stopped calling after 15.  The reason is obvious…there is no money to be made for the lawyers.

For three months and a countless number of hours, Michael has met with and documented every conversation he has had with Truist officers and their Centralized Fraud Claims Team members, and all have the same answer, “I cannot give you that information.”

Mike contacted local TV media, but again, absolutely no acknowledgment of his request.

We are also in the process of moving our business to another bank, which we hope will be more attentive to the security of our deposits.

Ever since the COVID crisis, our membership attendance and renewals have dropped by nearly 90%.  We understand some people didn’t wish to go out or gather indoors with a crowd of people, but for most, times have changed.  Without financial stability, we cannot survive as an organization.

I would like to make this very clear…this is not a request for charity.  We are asking that you renew your membership, so we can continue our goal of encouraging emerging writers, and to create an inclusive environment for writers and would-be writers.

Our January meeting will be held on Saturday, January 21, at 10:00am-Noon.  Remember, you can attend physically or via Zoom.  You can renew your membership through PayPal or mail a check to:

Gulf Coast Writer Association
P.O. Box  60771
Fort Myers, FL 33906

Details of that meeting will be discussed in the January 2023 President’s Letter.

Irene Smith, President

President’s Letter for December 2022

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President’s Letter for December 2022

With winds cresting 150 MPH, SW Florida has survived the Perfect Storm.  We may still be walking about with glazed eyes and exhausted bodies, but we are making the best of a bad situation.

This month, I asked our officers if they wished to convey something encouraging, uplifting, or humorous about their battle with Ian.  Here are a few of their feelings:

“Dear GCWA members, I want to encourage everyone to stay positive and safe.  Also, as we are about to begin a new year, let’s focus on our families and see if we can begin anew to also get back to writing.  Some may find that this is a good time to reflect and write about family, feelings, and life experiences.” Susan Grunin, Board Member

“I joined GCWA three years ago to get help for a writing project I had taken on because I was a “closet” writer with NO experience or credentials to my name and I knew I needed guidance.  Well, the project fizzled out, but I’m still here three years later because my experience with GCWA has ignited a desire that lay dormant in me for most of my 72 years!  Gulf Coast Writers Association has welcomed me with open arms and has been a continuous source of inspiration and motivation, from their amazing monthly programs, with top notch speakers, down to the camaraderie and encouragement I’ve found in critique groups and interaction with the board of officers.  Whether you’re an acclaimed published author, with impressive credentials, or a nobody like me, GCWA is a GREAT place to be if writing is in your blood!  This group has a passion that’s contagious.  You will not be disappointed–come see for yourself.” Christie Zarria, Special Projects

“In my professional capacity as a psychotherapist, I have often encouraged trauma victims to write about their experiences as a way of dealing with stress and PTSD.  I did this myself, albeit many years after my return from the Viet Nam war.  Many people in SW Florida have experienced trauma and loss, either directly or indirectly, from hurricane Ian.  Writing about it could help them cope.” David Aiken, Membership

“As a writer, I sincerely believe we create stories in order to make sense of life’s events.  The kinds of stories we tell can change the past and the future.  In Fort Myers, the story of 2022 is one of resilience, of renewal, of perseverance, and of neighbors helping neighbors.  In this Christmas season, it’s a story that brings joy.” Claudia Geagan, Special Projects

“A sudden burst of homelessness was not in my master plan for life.  But Ian said phooey to my plan.  I sit in my borrowed bed in a dark borrowed house on October 1st.  My car sat in the garage during hurricane while waters rose to the rafters.  I was invited to go with neighbors to buy a replacement car from Enterprise Car Sales.  I have never bought a car looking like a vagabond, but I now own a car I don’t like, and I am happy.  I am still living communally with two other neighbor families in a temporary situation, which we must vacate by mid-December.  I’m hoping one of our houses will be livable by then so we can all camp out there until our own homes are habitable.  This is a new situation for me — not knowing where I will live next month was not on my radar.  There is such a feeling of finality in being suddenly cast adrift from a life we have all cherished.  I want to believe that we’ll build back and become the caring community we took for granted until September 28th.  I have stopped whining.  My bumper sticker on the car I don’t like says, ‘Not to spoil the ending, but everything will be okay!’” Mary Charles, VP and Programs

“The devastation of Hurricane Ian has affected us in many ways.  Months later, our hearts still break into a billion tiny pieces as we drive through the once beautiful cities of our area.  December is typically a month of holiday spirit and cheer.  Yes, we are hurting deeply—some even angry; however, just like with everything else, we have the option to make a choice.  We can either allow the havoc and destruction of hurricane Ian to depress and demotivate us or we can pull up our bootstraps, ask our higher power to give us strength and peace in the midst of the storm, and decide to uplift our mindset.  We must not allow our surroundings and emotions to dictate our moods and actions or to shut us down.  Let’s use the month of December to reset and purposely decide to grasp onto what little holiday spirit we can muster up.  Sometimes, we just have to ‘fake it until we make it!’” Dr. Kesha Dreher, Webmaster

Now, back to business:

Our GCWA 2023 Writing Contest is in full swing.  Because of the storm, we have extended the contest deadline to February 28, 2023.  This information will also be on our website.

On behalf of all of us, we wish all of you a blessed and happy Holiday season…be it Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or Soyal.  Draw close to your loved ones and provide aid to those who desperately need it.  “There, but for the Grace of God, go I.”

We look forward to seeing many of you in January.  Full details of future GCWA expeditions will be provided at that time.  Get ready because we have some power-packed programs lined up that will clear the cobwebs from your eyes.

May God bless and keep all of you safe and sound.  Have a blessed holiday.

Irene Smith, President
Gulf Coast Writers Association

 

President’s Letter for November 2022

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President’s Letter for November 2022

Four hundred years ago, on November 11, 1620, the Pilgrims suffered through a 66-day journey filled with severe storms and loss of many lives before they landed in America.  Their main issue was finding bare necessities, such as shelter, safety, and food.  Many were severely ill, but at that point, there was no turning back.  They were eternally grateful for their lives and determined that they would live.  There was no government in place to help, like it is today, so they had to do whatever it took, by any means necessary, to survive, and survived they did!

The storm has brought on unforeseen circumstances for most, if not all of us.  As we celebrate Thanksgiving this year, we will certainly be thankful, but it will not likely be celebrated the traditional way for many of us.  However, just like the Pilgrims, together, we will stand strong and make do..  Most of our lives have been turned upside-down and it is difficult, some days, to find things to be thankful about.  One thing we can be thankful for is our beautiful, sunny weather because it could definitely be a lot worse.  Imagine trying to recover from this tragic storm while, at the same time, being forced to deal with and suffer through horrific cold weather with snow like other states?

We regretfully apologize that we have to cancel the November Membership Meeting.  Most of our officers and an untold number of our members and neighbors are simply not physically, mentally, or emotionally ready to meet.  Even our speakers have postponed.

We believe 2023 will be a better year; therefore, we are planning to hold our first meeting of the year on January 21, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. – Noon at Word of Life Church in Fort Myers and also on Zoom.  If you are attending via zoom, please sign up for the program.  Honestly,  we believe you will enjoy the program more if you are physically present.  The opportunity to meet and enjoy the company of other members is extremely uplifting and encouraging during these discouraging times.

Location: Map
Word of Life Church
6111 South Pointe Blvd.
Fort Myers, FL 33919

Note: Google maps or your GPS may direct you to the back of the building.  The entrance to the parking lot is on South Point Blvd. between Quigley Eye Specialists and Buckets Restaurant.

Details for the 2023 Gulf Coast Writers Contest will follow in the December Newsletter.  We are excited to inform you that we are considering joining the Reading Festival again this year; that info will be added to the December newsletter as well.

Have a Miracle story to tell us relating to Ian?  We are hoping to get a collection of stories to share on the GCWA website and possibly on another type of platform, such as presenting the stories at the monthly meetings.  We are in the process of collaborating about the details..  If interested, please send your story to:  President@gulfwriters.org.

May God bless and keep all of you safe and sound.  Have a blessed Thanksgiving Day.

Irene Smith, President
Gulf Coast Writers Association

President’s Letter for October 15, 2022

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President’s Letter for October

To all of our members and visitors:

First and foremost, it is our profound hope that all of you are safe in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian.  Due to the storm, we were obliged to cancel our meeting for Saturday, October 15, 2022. We truly apologize for not contacting you sooner, but without power or internet, there was no way to inform everyone of the cancellation.  Some are still experiencing limited to no internet service.

Many are exhausted, but are continuing to work on cleaning up debris and replacing damaged items. All of our officers are safe; but they have unfortunately,suffered some form of damage.  Many suffered heartbreaking losses that were painfully incomprehensible.  However, on a positive note, we still have our meeting venue.  The Word of Life Church sustained minimal damage, so when we are ready to resume our monthly meetings, we can continue to have them in a safe and comfortable venue.

In spite of the horror we have experienced, Governor Ron DeSantis has done an awesome job collaborating with and bringing in outside assistance and resources to get our area back up and running as quickly as possible.  Initially, all odds seemed against us.  False rumors spread that it would take months before we had sufficient water and power. If this was meant to defeat us, it definitely did not happen!

One of the greatest and most inspiring sights, for me, was the morning the storm finally died.  In my neighborhood, everyone was outside with their chain saws and hatchets helping each other clear the fallen trees and stacking them for easy pickup. Neighbors, whom I usually only exchanged a few words, were eager to hold full conversation to ensure all were okay. We now share a common bond all due to Hurricane Ian.

We were all negatively affected by Ian; however, instead of concentrating on the horror stories, my request is that we focus on the Hallelujah stories. I believe many of us have them…our GCWA family does. If you would like to share your “Good News” with us, please do so by sending your Miracle story to:  president@gulfwriters.org.  We will read and publish as many of them as possible.

Currently, we do not plan to hold the October and November 2022 monthly meetings because many people are still very unsettled, and attendance would certainly be affected.  If by any chance the situation changes, we will certainly let you know.  Please continue to check the website for updates at www.gulfwriters.org and stay tuned for November’s newsletter posted next month.  The newsletter will offer updates about upcoming GCWA meetings and events.

May God bless and protect all of you until we meet again.

Irene Smith, President

Gulf Coast Writers Association