Welcome

~Join us at 6:30 p.m. each month----Click for our next Meeting Schedule. For our Location see the Map!
Note: On nights events are planned off-site, the option of group critique or writing workshops may be held at usual meeting time and place.

Hi, ---Our first Third Saturday workshop had a great turnout. Twenty of us gathered at Word Traffic to hear Glynn Marsh Alam’s presentation on characters that grow and develop. Glynn got everyone writing and sharing, and I know everyone enjoyed the afternoon as much as I did. A number of new faces were there, and several are interested in joining TWA. I will email them and thank them for coming and invite them to visit our website and come to a meeting.

Donna has also invited participants to her BLOG site if you wish to share TWA or literary related information.
Donna's BLOG for TWA

In their first-ever opportunity to show their talents in a public forum, the students of the Big Bend Writers' Guild provided the program to members of the Tallahassee Writers Association in a special meeting May 14.

The meeting was special not only because it was held on a different day and in a different place than the usual time and location, but because the students themselves had worked hard in polishing their writing and reading skills to show the TWA what they could do. They were excellent and won rave reviews from their audience.

Michael Dorsey, the BBWG's senior who graduated from SAIL High School shortly after the TWA meeting night, served as master of ceremonies and provided some juggling tricks to keep things moving. What we didn't expect was an ongoing "comedy routine" by Michael with BBWG Co-Coordinator/TWA Treasurer Ted Simmons. The two exchanged barbs and witticisms that kept their audience laughing and added a touch of humor to the evening's event.

Colin Wulff, who's fairly new to the Writers' Guild, read two of his works and surprised the crowd by singing a couple of solos from Broadway favorites.

Several BBWG regulars showcased their works of poetry and fiction, including: Victoria Mid Garcia from Godby High; Shannon Callaway; Nia Dickens of Leon High; Riley Ewell of Lincoln High; Sila Lott, Lincoln; and Daphne Hudson, Lincoln.

Michael read some of his fantasy fiction, including the story that won him first place in this past yearâ€™s BBWG Writing Contest. Lesli Froeschner, a teacher-sponsor from Godby High, read the award-winning story, Mr. Finnegan's Famous Ice Cream, by student Mallory Roberts, who wasn't able to attend the May 14 program because of work.

Teacher-sponsors Sterling Mullett, Susan Womble, Laurel Matthews and Lesli Froeschner attended the program to support their students and later raved about the readings and performances. Comments from other TWA members and guests were positive and upbeat about the BBWG students and plans are to make the program an annual event.

In January we filled out surveys indicating what our needs are. A top request was a workshop in character development, and most of us said Saturday afternoon was a good time.

----TWA president Anne Holt will also present a free writers workshop titled Write, Publish, Promote! July 19 from 1-4 p.m. Again, Word Traffic Books is allowing us to use their facilities. Look for more details on this workshop in the next Markings. Come and enjoy this event at Word Traffic Books is located at 1227 E. Lafayette St. across the street from Cabo’s. It has comfortable couches and chairs for a fun and intimate workshop setting.

If we get a good turnout for these workshops, we will continue them, so mark your calendars and make plans to be with us. Creative nonfiction and point of view will be future topics.

You are invited to an Official Book Launch/Book Signing for “Newt’s World: Beginnings” by Susan L. Womble
Spend the Second Saturday with Susan and meet Newt!! There will be door prizes, signings, readings, and refreshments- Fun for all ages

We received entries from 20 states, as well as Canada. The winning entries from the 2007 Seven Hills Contest are now published in the 2008 Seven Hills Review. --Purchase the 2008 Seven Hills Review--

Finalist judges were librarian Lenita Joe, children’s literature; newspaper editorial editor Mary Ann Lindley, essay; Dr. Carolyn Ellis of UF Communication Dept., memoirs; and novelist Glynn Marsh Alam, short stories. Their biographies are also published in the 2008 Seven Hills Review. ---See the contest results--

Please Note---For all writers who are interested, Karen Schneider hosts a writing workshop that meets monthly at a time and place separate from TWA's monthly meeting. Participating writers share manuscripts two weeks in advance by email and provide constructive written and oral feedback to one another. Current members are writing primarily in fiction and creative nonfiction."

---Also TWA member Karen Schneider’s essay " Range of Desire ," will be anthologized in the second edition of The Best Creative Nonfiction, edited by Lee Gutkind (due out in July 2008).

Join the Big Bend Writers' Guild on the second Saturday and the Tallahassee Writers Association on the third Saturday. Remember -- the place is Word Traffic Books, 1227 E. Lafayette St., next to Lindy's fried chicken and behind Ross department store near the North Magnolia Drive-Apalachee Parkway intersection in Tallahassee. It's where you'll find anything but the ordinary.

For more information call Marci Elliott at (850) 877-3657 or Ted Simmons at (850) 894-6181.

Did you know ?---You can donate to The Tallahassee Writers' Association and NOT Spend A Penny! Its simple, quick and automatic, and----- TWA will profit from it.

There are many writing opportunities , conferences, and contests coming this year. Please check these links for more information.

Our member's books are listed free of charge on the "Members' Books" page. Please check this link see if yours is listed---If it is not listed, contact the webcoordinator if you wish to use this service provided for you.

Welcome . . .to the website of the Tallahassee Writers Association of Tallahassee, Florida.