Dear Gulf Coast writer and friend,

I am looking for a new level of commitment from our members. This is our 30th anniversary year, and a celebration of that landmark is gaining momentum. While many have been members for a decade or more, even we short-timers feel dedication to this valuable organization.

The Gulf Coast Writers anniversary committee is working hard to develop a celebration worthy of the milestone. And now they are asking for a poll of members to show their interest in a 30th anniversary event.

So let me ask this: will you, your spouse and your close friends commit to attending the Gulf Coast Writers celebration on November 8? We will recognize members of our organization who have earned acclaim. Come and bask in your achievement. We will also welcome a multiple award-winning keynote speaker who is rooted in the literature of Southwest Florida.

Our Anniversary Committee needs to know if you are committed to participating. This is how they will be able to plan our celebration. Please respond to executive@gulfwriters.org. Do it soon, so our fine committee can solidify our plans.

This November event is not only a way to honor our members. It is also a way to show appreciation to our founding members, those who 30 years ago organized our association. I believe it is our privilege to honor those founding members, and I hope you will join us in appreciating this foresight.

The Gulf Coast Writers annual contest is nearing the deadline for submissions. Enter your best work of fiction, nonfiction or poetry before June 30, 2025. This is our writing contest, and we recruit our own members to enter. So far, entries from Florida, the region and the entire country have been received. Put yours in the mix! Go to the website gulfwriters.org to enter, once or multiple times.

In other news, please plan to attend our June 21 meeting. It will be a lively pitch session, kicking off with a brief overview on the power of pitching. Our panel will listen as authors present their two-minute pitches (which can be about current or future books), and each judge will offer feedback after every pitch. We’ll wrap up with a Q&A session to dive deeper into the art of pitching. Authors can sign up by emailing executive@gulfwriters.org. All who sign up will receive a helpful guide to creating a two-minute pitch. This will be a fast-paced, informative meeting. Please plan to come. We’ll meet at 10 AM on Saturday June 21 at Saint Hilary’s Episcopal Church, 5011 MacGregor Ave., Fort Myers.

Our membership is expanding. We are pleased that you are one of us. I hope to see you soon.