Dear Writer Friends
Gulf Coast Writers Association was born in 1995. It’s a point of pride that GCWA is now the largest writers’ group in SWFL, 30 years after founding with a handful of members.
But being old and big isn’t enough. We want to celebrate our 30th anniversary in a way that both honors our heritage and looks ahead with passion. And if it lights a fire under our writing, better still. Let’s honor ourselves and our history in a way that fulfills us as writers and creators.
To do this, we need organization. We need ideas. We need a team to bring us together for a celebration in 2025. Two members have already stepped up. Will you? If you have ideas, have participated in a writers’ conference or have been on the organizing team for a business or club activity, you are needed.
This is not my committee. It’s yours. Become a part of it. Come together with other members who have ideas and energy. I’d like to announce the 30th Anniversary Team members at our February 15 meeting, so let me know ASAP. Zoom is our friend. Meet wherever you are — snowy cabin, big city highrise or beach cabana.
I hope to see you a week from Saturday, February 15, at the Lee County Library at 921 SW 39th Terrace in Cape Coral. Claudia Volkman, professional editor, will conduct a workshop on the art and process of editing. And Brian Devitt will lead our first open critique session. Brave members have already stepped up to submit their work for discussion. Its intent is benign and helpful commentary on submitted work.
We’ve just learned of a day-long literary workshop in Fort Lauderdale on March 15. Led by former Writer’s Digest contributor Chuck Sambuchino, this conference features classes on the craft of writing plus the opportunity to meet with literary agents and editors. Go to https://writingworkshopsouthflorida.com/ for more info and to register. The fee is surprisingly reasonable.
Finally, if you get an abrupt notice that your membership is cancelled, don’t be upset. It isn’t. The glitches in our website are being addressed. If you’ve paid your membership dues for 2025, thank you. If not, please respond when the website notifies you. [We’re working on the tone of those messages too.]
Looking forward to seeing you on Saturday February 15 at 10 AM. Meanwhile, keep in touch about our birthday!
Mary
