SAVE THE DATES
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October 22: Special Pre-Conference Class: Empowering Characters' Emotions, facilitated by Margie Lawson. Sponsored by the Florida Writers Foundation. Orlando Marriott - Lake Mary, FL
October 23 - 25: 8th Annual Florida Writers Conference: Lighting the Way, Orlando Marriott - Lake Mary, FL
Watch for conference mailings with more details coming soon.
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25+ years publishing & consulting experience* writer, editor, coach* workshops* e-news, promotions, * websites, blogs, social networks* manuscript evaluations
* proposals, queries
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Greetings,
We hear you! Last month we emailed FWA's first member satisfaction survey, and we heard from more than 33% of you -- an outstanding rate of response. Thank you! All the data and the hundreds of comments you wrote have been read, evaluated, and discussed. We value your feedback so much, and you can be sure it is being taken into account as FWA plans for the future.
Overall, members praised their FWA experience, but you also pointed to areas where FWA can improve, and we will respond to those needs as best we can. Response may take the form of direct action, but sometimes communication is just the ticket.
For example, some members wondered why there were no longer discussion forums on the main website, but perhaps they're not aware of the active forums in the FWA Network -- the online community for members. Some members questioned the need for advertising during the annual conference, but perhaps they don't know that FWA depends on commercial sponsors for funding and speakers to donate their services in order to keep your annual conference fee as low as possible.
FWA is an all-volunteer organization, and like most groups, can be strained trying to do all it wants to do, because it depends on a small cadre of volunteers to plan and implement programs. If you see an area where FWA needs improvement or have a particular skill or expertise to share, you are invited to contact the leadership of FWA to volunteer. Many hands make light work. You can help make FWA the organization you want it to be.
Spring has sprung since the last e-News. We hope this issue finds you well in this season of renewal and growth. Read on, and see your FWA membership benefits in action.
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STATE-WIDE NEWS
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 2009 Royal Palm Literary Awards
March 1 through July 13, 2009 the Royal Palm Literary Awards committee is accepting submissions for the annual competition. Early submissions get a break on the entry fee, so don't delay. Details...
Opportunity to be Published
FWA will publish a collection of fiction and nonfiction stories written by members on its first anthology: FWA Collections: From Our Family to Yours.
The selection committee will choose up to 60
of the best ones, and Suzette Standring, former President of the National Society of Newspaper Columnists, will select her top ten stories. Previously published material will be considered, as long as the author retained rights. Learn how you can submit your story for consideration. Details...
Warch your mailbox for details about the 8th Annual Florida Writers Association. Bookmark our new conference blog and check it often for the most up-to-date information about the October conference. Read on...
240+ FWA members meet online in the FWA Network. If you haven't joined the Network or visited lately, you're missing out on opportunities to learn about writing and publishing or build relationships that can enhance your writing career. Discussion forums, genre groups, calls for submission, blogs, and more. Register now...
Open Volunteer Positions
 Conference volunteers are needed for a variety of jobs during the annual writers conference in October. Contact Frank Ridge, Volunteer Chairperson to learn more.
It's time to plan ahead! If you are interested in directing the annual conference for 2010, let us know. This is a great opportunity to give back, get more involved, add to your professional resumé, and have lots of fun! Contact Chrissy Jackson to apply.
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FWA WRITERS GROUP NEWS
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Warm welcome to two new FWA Writers Groups, the Sebring Group led by Barbara Beswick and the New Tampa/Wesley Chapel Group led by Toni Martin. NTWC Group Blog
Jack Foard has been appointed Naples Writers Group Leader. Robert Gelinas has stepped down as leader of the group. Bob has faithfully and capably served FWA on the Board of Directors and in his region for many years. Welcome, Jack, and thanks for taking a leadership role. Many thanks to Bob for his fine leaderhship and service to the Florida Writers Association.
Osceola/Kissimmee group is working with local schools and Friends of the Library to hold a writing contest for Middle Schoolers. Read on...
Learn how to write haiku on the Lady Lake blog. Read on...
Looks like they share blogging duties in the St. Petersburg group. It's resulting in some lively and educational posts. Read on...
Have you checked out FWA's Virtual Group? All members can participate, and you don't have to leave the comfort of your own home to do so. There's a virtual critique group happening in the FWA Network, and on the group's blog, Chris Hamilton shares his wisdom about using the Internet and online tools to support your writing career. Read on...
April 18: St. Augustine's Ancient City Writers meeting will feature author and retired U.S. Navy Captain William Kerr, who will be discussing The Series Character. Read on...
 April 19: Third Annual Do it Write! one-day writers' conference sponsored by the Pasco/New Port Richey group. This is an outstanding learning and networking opportunity. Details...
The Gulf Coast Literary Competition preliminary round of judging is over. Winning entries will be evaluated by acquisition editors who will rank them and make
suggestions that will be sent back to the authors. It is our hope that
the editors will ask for full manuscripts and consider them for publication. Details...
This is just a selection of what's happening in local FWA groups across the state. For information about writers group meetings in your area, or to learn about what FWA members are doing in various locations around the state, click the links in the sidebar.
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FLORIDA WRITERS FOUNDATION
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 We are very pleased to announce Karen Lieb has been named the new president of Florida Writers Foundation. Dan Griffith will remain on the board as director. Chrissy Jackson will remain as vice president. Karen is already working with the Department of Education on a project! Look for more FWF news soon.
The Florida Writers Foundation (FWF) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation committed to promoting literacy throughout Florida.
Donate goods or services to FWF for the silent auction to be held at this year's Florida Writers Conference, and you can publicize your business while you support this important cause. Details...
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