In Shakespeare’s time, today’s date would be called Twelfth Night, a raucous occasion punctuated by drinking and mischief making. This is the twelfth day of Christmas in the Christian calendar, and as O. Henry described in his iconic short story, it is the day when wise men invented the art of gift giving.
In whatever manner you have celebrated the holiday season, I hope you have given and received gifts of value to body and soul. For our GCWA 30th anniversary this year, let’s share our literary gifts. Let’s get together over our love of words, our love of self expression through language.
When we gather in this new year for our 30th anniversary celebration [date and agenda to be determined], we’ll each be asked to share those gifts. And starting now, we’ll need a committee of planners. Do you have meeting planning experience? Do you know how to organize seminars or venues or agendas or activities? Let me hear from you. This anniversary event won’t plan itself.
As Membership Chair Jeanne Meeks reminds us, January is annual dues renewal date for most of us. Be sure to establish an account on the website if you haven’t already. This makes dues paying a simple operation. You’ll receive a notification from our website, gulfwriters.org, if you paid via the website in the past. If you’re a new member [one year or less], your membership will renew on the date of joining. For the rest of us, renewal time is January. If you oppose registering on the website, you may pay by check.
Another reason to have an active account on gulfwriters.org is to inform fellow members of your interests and focus. That will help our Communications and Programs teams develop ideas that meet your needs. When you publicize your work on our website, we can help get the word out. Let us help you market your product.
I’m eager to see you again. Our afternoon social in December was a fulfilling way to end the GCWA year. [See the photos on Facebook and in Florida Weekly.] And now, join us on Saturday January 18 at 10 AM in the meeting room at the Lakes Regional Library, 15290 Bass Road at Gladiolus. We’ll have the privilege of hearing Brenda Spalding share how her complex Florida plots come to life.
Also on January 18, Annette’s Book Nook at Santini Plaza on Fort Myers Beach is hosting an author day. Bring your books and do some marketing and mingling with shoppers.
A few of our members are having body parts replaced this month. Another is coming back from an extended date with the coronavirus. We don’t require a doctor’s note if you skip a meeting, but do let us know if you’re in need of support or can offer help. Best wishes to us all for a New Year of health, happiness and inspiration.
