Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Year-End Review

Congratulations to TGCW and it's members on the successful first FULL year of the group. We've accomplished so much together, and have so much more planned for the future!

A quick look back:

- In January we established our by-laws.

- Soon after, critique groups were formed among members.

- The spring brought TGCW their first group contest. Learn more: http://www.texasgulfcoastwriters.blogspot.com/2013/04/national-poetry-month-appreciation.html and http://www.texasgulfcoastwriters.blogspot.com/2013/03/tgcw-logo-contest.html

- In the summer, members voted on an official logo for TGCW.

- July also offered TGCW's first workshop led by Lamar professors: learn more: http://www.texasgulfcoastwriters.blogspot.com/2013/07/tgcw-workshop.html

- Each month TGCW enjoyed an official meeting and speakers:   January 14 - Business Meeting,
February 11 - Susie Clevenger of Houston, a photographer and writer. Learn more and find links to her social media at susieclevenger.com, March 11 -   Merrilyn Williams - Flash Fiction, Editing, April 8 -  Elizabeth Ludwig the award-winning author of No Safe Harbor. To learn more, visit ElizabethLudwig.com and her popular literary blog, The Borrowed BookMay 13 - Shelly Vitanza, Editor-in-Chief, SoutheastTexas.com's Events Book, June 10Debra Johnson of Beaumont. She is a speaker, author, editor and historian, July 8- Jason Whitney, author of children's book, The Seed, August 12- Jerome Cabeen, Memoirs of a Reluctant Servant, September 9- Dorothy Sells Clover, author of Cornucopia: A Book of Poetry, October 14- Lucy Dennis author of  The Tracks of His Tears, A Miscarriage of Justice, November 11- Sylvia Ney's "Platform and Promotion" lesson and group activities, and December 9  - Sharing, socializing, and planning for 2014.

It has been my honor to serve as President and I look forward to an exciting 2014 with my TGCW friends. Happy New Year!

Sylvia Ney

 

Saturday, November 9, 2013

November Meeting

Updates in RED...

For our November 11th meeting: We will be voting on our 2014 officers. Postponed until December. Please leave a comment or email the president to confirm if you want to run for a position so that ballots may be prepared for the meeting. If you would like to review what those positions are: http://www.texasgulfcoastwriters.blogspot.com/p/by-laws.html 

We will also spend @ 15 minutes reviewing group business before we enjoy a "platform and promotion" workshop. We want our members to have the opportunity to promote themselves as well as the group. We will provide a short lesson and then break out sessions based on individual preferences and needs. We also have opportunities for those not interested or ready to work on social media. Please email your homework to Kathy Haskins!

Remember, our December meeting is set as "Sharing, socializing, and planning for 2014". Happy Writing!

Sylvia Ney,
TGCW President
http://www.writinginwonderland.blogspot.com/

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

October Speaker: Lucy Dennis

Author Lucy Dennis


Author Lucy Dennis, born and raised in Port Arthur, thinks of her writing in the same vein as her breathing, 'needing both to live.' The 54-year-old writer graduated from Lincoln High School and soon pursued her higher education at Prairie View A&M University and Lamar University. Her studies included classes in Creative and Screenplay writing. Despite the fact that as a wife and mother she put aside her desire to be an author,  she continued to put pen to paper through the years.

Encouraged by life and a quiet home (due to children all grown) Lucy sat and wrote her first book, Thugs and Why Women Should Run From Them. Her second literary piece, The Tracks of His Tears, A Miscarriage of Justice was kindled by the harrowing experience her brother underwent due to opposition of the Jim Crow laws. "A need to silence him, death was a must."

   In the works are her novel, A Step Away From Slavery coupled with her poetry book titled Pangpane's Dance. Lucy has three lovely children and seven grandchildren. She enjoys playing chess, while discussing one of her favorite topics, politics.

Saturday, August 24, 2013

September 9 Speaker: Dorothy Sells Clover




Dorothy Sells Clover is a single parent.  She resides in Beaumont, Texas and has been employed with the Beaumont Independent School District for 21 years. She has worked as a librarian for the last 5 years. Writing has always been a passion of hers… but just recently God placed on heart to express herself with the beautiful art of poetry.  Within the last 3 years, she has written over 170 successful poems that have touched many hearts. She has shared her poetry publicly during open mic nights at local bar and grills, social events, libraries, churches, and schools. She also enjoys writing personalized poems for birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, and the like. She is a published author and gifted orator. She loves to ride her bicycle and also loves to dance. Ms. Clover is the founder and host of Poetry Renaissance, an event held every third Thursday at The Art Studio Inc. in Beaumont.  Dorothy is an active member of the Story Circle Network and Texas Gulf Coast Writers. Her book, CORNUCOPIA: A BOOK OF POETRY, has been well received in and around Southeast Texas.  It can be purchased from several book outlets online.

 

Friday, August 2, 2013

Preparing a Writers Gathering

by Sylvia Ney

Conferences, workshops, retreats – they are a part of every writers life. We read about them, hope to attend them, but what goes into putting those events together? Here are a few answers to questions I’ve been asked by group members.

How much experience do you have planning workshops, retreats, and conferences? I’ve been a part of planning these events for more than 10 years.


How far ahead of a workshop, retreat, or conference do you start working to put it together? As soon as you know it's going to happen, the planning begins.
What does that planning look like? First, you try to decide who (speakers, presenters, workers) and how many will attend. Secondly, you make a budget and research what will be the expenses of running the event. Event location fees, Lodging, food and speaker’s fees are the most important considerations. You will need to decide how to split the costs evenly between attendees.

Then what happens? Be aware of what tools and services your location will provide: outlets for various technology, work space, seating, and food - and what you need or will be allowed to bring yourself.  Some speakers will prefer their own equipment and provide materials for attendees. Others will expect you to provide everything. Make sure you keep a clear communication line open between yourself and your presenters so that day runs smoothly.
You mentioned tools. What type of tools would be needed? You have to determine beforehand what will be provided, what attendees need to bring with them and even what you want to ban from the event. Some writers prefer to hand write their notes, drafts or perform edits; just as many prefer to do all of their work on their laptop. So, will you provide pens and paper? Will internet be available to attendees who want it – some of us can’t live without tweeting and facebook. Also, internet connection is useful for research, but like the cell phone, it can become a bigger distraction than an aide. A printer may be desired as well. I prefer to leave the printer out of events because you eat into your group time waiting for something to be printed out. Consider asking your attendees to print their work before coming unless you plan to allow large amounts of individual time. You also need wires, charger, extra batteries and everything necessary to ensure the technology is always working. A TV and DVD player may also be desired. Some speakers will use powerpoint, slideshows, etc. Will you provide your own projection unit or expect speakers to bring their own? If it’s a larger event, microphones, speakers, and a soundboard may all be used. An alarm clock or timer can help you stay on schedule. Coordinators will be needed to help during larger events – be clear on each individuals responsibilities. Comfortable clothes are a must!

How do you determine a schedule? If you keep the gathering small, you can tailor your schedule to specific needs. You may want a single day experience, or if you all have the time, an entire weekend or (in writer’s Heaven) a whole week. If you are planning a large gathering, you may want to have speakers, break-out sessions, critique times, scheduled agent and editor pitch sessions, etc. The first talk, class or workshop should provide an overview of the schedule and what you hope to accomplish, even if it has been discussed beforehand. From that point, try to alternate between group and individual time.
What do you mean by group versus individual time? You will have planned sessions with speakers or directed activities. Be sure you leave time for writer’s to brainstorm, plot and critique together as well as solitary time – this may be a whole hour for lunch or personalized sessions, or just a series of 15 minute breaks throughout the day. This gives the writer a chance to digest, plan the next sessions to attend, or even begin implementing tips offered. Also, nothing keeps the creative juices flowing like time with friends that share your passion. I have heard of some retreats that offer time at a spa, massages, shopping, dinners out etc. Obviously, the amount of time and options you have available will be determined by the length and size of the event. A few friends getting together for the day might just enjoy a leisurely lunch together.

Is there work to be done after the event? Yes, the follow up. If you didn’t provide a critique sheet to the attendees, you’ll want to do so soon. A week or so after the event, seek feedback. Ask each participant what made the gathering great and ask for any suggestions to make future events even better. If you are lucky, then you didn’t plan this occasion alone, and you also have a group to help you review.
What other considerations are there? Learn to play the “what if” game. "If Speaker A cancels, who do I have as a back-up?", "If we wind up with 100 people instead of the 150 I'm planning for, can we still break even?", "If we have 250 registrants, do we have a place to put them?" “If someone asks for money back because they couldn’t attend or they were dissatisfied, what is our policy?” – hopefully, you have decided and stated this somewhere before individuals begin paying. Try to plan for as many possibilities as givens.   

Retreats, workshops, and conferences are meant to be a relaxing time of creativity and accomplishment. By planning ahead, you’ll save time and ensure success for everyone involved.

Sylvia Ney is an author, speaker, and teacher. You can learn more about her or connect with her at her blog Writing in Wonderland.

Saturday, July 27, 2013

August Speaker: Jerome Cabeen




Jerome Cabeen served as a Catholic Missionary in Honduras, Central America from 2004 until 2008. During his time in Honduras he made missionary visits to Costa Rica, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Bolivia and Colombia. He married Clarisa Chavarria-Lara in Tegucigalpa, Honduras in June of 2008 and shortly there-after the couple embarked upon a journey as missionaries to Liberia, Africa from 2008 until 2010.

While in Africa Cabeen and his wife made stops in Sierra Leone, Ghana, Ethiopia, Egypt, South Africa and Swaziland.

Jerome Cabeen is a native of Houston, Texas and graduated from Sam Houston State University in Hunstville, Texas in 1990 with a degree in Fine Arts. He taught and coached basketball in Houston and Orlando, Florida for twelve years before hearing the call to become a missionary in 2003. “Memoirs of a Reluctant Servant” is Cabeen’s first book.

Jerome and Clarisa reside in Beaumont, Texas with their cats “Hendrix” and "Ginger."


Make sure to visit Jerome and “Memoirs of a Reluctant Servant” on FACEBOOK as well as at : www.readreluctantservant.com

Monday, July 22, 2013

TGCW Workshop

On Saturday, July 13, 2013 Texas Gulf Coast Writer's sponsored a workshop.

Jim Sanderson: Multi published author in multiple genres. He is the head of the Masters in English program at Lamar University and a member of the Texas Institution of Letters, an organization whose membership is by invitation only and whose members include Carmac McCarthy and Larry McMurtry. Anyone interested in Screenwriting may wish to speak with him. You can learn more http://www.inkbrushpress.com/sanderson.php and https://sites.google.com/site/jim2sanderson/homeDr. Jim Sanderson spoke on scene,summary, and POV.

Gretchen Johnson: a talented woman whose fiction has appeared in Amarillo Bay and whose collection of stories just came out from Lamar University Press. You can see it: www.lamaruniversitypress.org  Gretchen Johnson offered exercises in research and writing the short story.

Jerry Craven: Press Director for Lamar University Press, Press Director for Ink Brush Press, Editor-in-Chief of Amarillo Bay, a member of the writing faculty at Lamar University, he is an active member of The Texas Institute of LettersSFWATACWTCCTE. To learn more: www.jerrycraven.com 
Dr. Jerry Craven spoke about publishing poetry and short stories

The day included sessions with each professor, a Q/A Panel with all speakers, and time for book signing and socializing.   We will soon be posting pictures from this day.

To see us on the Lamar University website: http://www.lamaruniversitypress.org/resources/GulfCoastWriters-2013.pdf

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

TGCW Logo Winner

     Bobby Rabalais' wonderful design won the TGCW logo contest!

     Bobby Rabalais is the Senior Designer and President for new vision multimedia. The company

new vision multimedia opened its "cyber doors" on May 2001 with the DBA

filed to the state of Texas on November 2000.

     Bobby received two degrees graduating with honors from The Art Institute of Houston. The

first was a Visual Communications Degree (Graphic Design) in 1990. In 2001, he received

a degree in Multimedia, which also encompasses animation, web design, and videography.

Bobby also held the position of 1999 - 2001 President of National Vocational and Technical

Honors Society at AIH and was a member of the Dean's List. Graduating in the top 1% of his

class, he was chosen as the keynote speaker to close the ceremony.

     Since 1988, Bobby has excelled in graphic design, web design, print, and photography. In

past projects, Bobby has been the non-linear editor producing 30-minute television programs

through Media 3 Productions that air on television stations such as Telemundo 48, Univision,

and more.  He has designed full ad campaigns for clients such as The Lone Star Rally, Pets

Jam Charity Weekend, Hill Country Holler Rally, MotorMet Car & Bike Shows, SummerFest

Concert Events, and much more.

     We thank him for this logo and his generosity in working with us to meet our design needs.

Monday, July 1, 2013

Summer Writers Workshop

Join the TCGW for their first workshop, a series of sessions with professors from Lamar University, each with experience in a different area of writing or publishing. The workshop will conclude with a Q & A time with the panel of  speakers and will provide opportunities for networking and socializing.

Saturday, July 13, 2013
8:00 a.m.— 2:00 p.m. (lunch included)
Lamar University, Maes Building, Room 101
$20 for TGCW members, $30 others
There will be an additional $10 charge if the fee is not paid by July 8.
A registration form is below.

Our distinguished panel of speakers includes:
    Dr. James Sanderson—an author published in multiple genres, Writing Director of the English Department of Lamar University, member of the Texas Institute of Letters https://sites.google.com/site/jim2sanderson/home
    Gretchen Johnson—her fiction has appeared in Amarillo Bay and she has a collection of stories recently published by Lamar University Press. You can see it: www.lamaruniversitypress.org
    Dr. Jerry Craven—member of the writing faculty at Lamar University, Press Director for the Lamar University Press and for Ink Brush Press, Editor-in-Chief for Amarillo Bay, and a member of the Texas Institute of Letters (www.jerrycraven.com)

2013 TGCW Workshop Registration Form 
Mail payment with the following information:

NAME:_________________________________________________
ADDRESS:______________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
PHONE ________________________________________________
EMAIL ________________________________________________
FEES:
_________ $20 for TGCW Members (Must be received by July 8)
_________ $30 for Non-Members (Must be received by July 8)
_________ Additional $10 at the door on July 13
_________TOTAL
     
You can mail this with your payment to:   
Texas Gulf Coast Writers
P.O. Box 252 
Bridge City, TX 77611 

Monday, June 24, 2013

July Speaker: Jason Whitney


 
 
Jason Whitney, author of the children's book, The Seed, was born premature with multiple medical complications, making him a fighter who has always wanted to prove he could do what others said he couldn't do. Despite his medical issues and discovering he was dyslexic at a young age, he has done just that in his 41 years.

 
So, who is Jason other than a father of 4 and the CEO of US Secure Coins, a company he founded? He is all over the place. He is driven and full of life. He will usually pass those who say "it can't be done" up on the way to doing it. He is full of love and compassion and finds happiness in helping others. He is a guy who is not afraid to wear his emotions on his sleeve even if that gets him in trouble sometimes. He feels that he was born for a specific purpose and although he has many outstanding accomplishments he is still on the hunt for how he can help do God’s work. He is “thankful” for all of God's blessings...his beautiful wife, four incredible kids, family, friends, house, job, and trials because they help one grow. He spends his spare time, when he has it, with his family, coaching his 2 youngest girls’ soccer teams, volunteering at his church, and giving back to his community of Beaumont, Texas.

~~
Come meet Jason on July 8!

Thursday, June 6, 2013

June Speaker: Debra Johnson

Debra Johnson


SPEAKER AUTHOR HISTORIAN ...Debra Johnson has served as Vice-President of the Golden Triangle Writers Guild and President of the Beaumont Heritage Society. She edited the anthology It's In the Gulf, a project of G.T.W.G. She won 1st place at the 2009 G.T.W.G conference in Fiction-Mainstream, and 1st place in the Short Story category.

Debra has written regular columns in local and regional magazines. She enjoys being a freelance writer. Her articles include biographies, hotel and restaurant reviews, farming, historical pieces, travel, and whatever suits her fancy.

Debra is a sought after speaker, telling the story of Triple D Johnson Farm, a designated historical farm that has been in her family since 1893. The farm is run by Debra and her husband Richard and is agriculturally productive.

She maintains a blog, Dream Weaver, for mature people who are open-minded and seek honest dialog on general topics with a keen interest towards race relations and peaceful resolutions. Debra states, "My blog dignifies and signifies spirituality and respect for a higher power which I refer to as God. Blessings to all that visit me here. Welcome my friends!"

~~

We look forward to hearing Debra speak at the June 10th meeting.

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Logo Contest Deadline

Only two weeks left to submit to the TGCW Logo Contest. The submissions will be voted on at the June 10 meeting and the winner will be paid $50 for their entry. The logo will then be used on all official group communications.

For complete details: http://www.texasgulfcoastwriters.blogspot.com/p/logo-contest.html

Tuesday, May 7, 2013

May Speaker: Shelly Vitanza



Shelly Vitanza is wife to Carl and a mom to 10-year-old Joshua, a Boy Scout Den Mom and community and church volunteer. She is a native of Beaumont and graduate of Kelly High School and Texas A&M University, class of 1990. In 2008 Shelly launched the website SETXsocialcenter.com, one calendar for all events in Southeast Texas, and two years ago she began publishing the monthly magazine, The EventsBook. Her company recently merged with SoutheastTexas.com and she is now the Vice President of Marketing for SoutheastTexas.com, and has a weekly radio show on Clear Channel promoting the big events happening every week in the area.

Sunday, April 21, 2013

National Poetry Month Appreciation: Poetry Reading on April 20, 2013

Participants in the Open Mic Poetry Reading

A love of poetry was shared at the Beaumont R.C. Miller Library on April 20, 2013. Many of our members showed up to read their poems, and there were also some additional participants. We each read at least three poems in a round-robin open mic format. A great time was had by all.

Members of TGCW at the podium

The winners of our poetry contest were announced as well. A big thanks goes out to our judge, Susie Clevenger, and to all who participated in our first official contest! Here are the winners:

1st Place- Sylvia Ney
2nd Place- Patricia Kyle Rach
3rd Place- Debra McElwee

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Jambalaya Novel Excerpt Contest

Congratulations to the winners of the Jambalaya Novel Excerpt Contest this past weekend!

James Tate tied for third place and Sylvia Ney received Honorable Mention.

Monday, April 1, 2013

April Speaker: Elizabeth Ludwig



Elizabeth Ludwig is the award-winning author of No Safe Harbor, Book One in the Edge of Freedom series. Her work has also been featured on Novel Journey, the Christian Authors Network, and The Christian Pulse. Elizabeth’s debut novel, Where the Truth Lies (coauthored with Janelle Mowery), earned her the IWA Writer of the Year Award. Her first historical novel, Love Finds You in Calico, California, was given four stars from Romantic Times. And her popular literary blog, The Borrowed Book, enjoys a wide readership. Elizabeth is an accomplished speaker and teacher, often attending conferences and seminars where she lectures on editing for fiction writers, crafting effective novel proposals, and conducting successful editor/agent interviews. Along with her husband and two grown children, she makes her home in the great state of Texas. To learn more, visit ElizabethLudwig.com.

Monday, March 18, 2013

Critique Group


Members of the Texas Gulf Coast Writers meet every Monday, except the night of the monthly meeting, at 6:30 pm in the Port Arthur Public Library for socializing and critiques. For more information about the library: http://www.pap.lib.tx.us/
If you are interested in joining a critique group, but this location and time is not good for you, please email us to make other arrangements.

Thursday, March 7, 2013

March 11 Meeting

Merrilyn Williams  will be speaking about flash fiction at the next TGCW meeting. We will meet at 6:30 pm in the club room of the West End Lodge Aprtments at 4215 North Major Drive in Beaumont, Texas.

Merrilyn Williams is a life-long learner, an avid reader, an educator, and proud mother of two college students: Julia, a fine arts graduate and budding playwright, and Eric, who will be McNeese's drum major in the fall.

She graduated from PNG and Lamar University with a BA in English and History and teaching certification for grades 7-12. She is a Master Reading Teacher.

Merrilyn began teaching fourth grade reading in the Lower Rio Grande Valley and received her elementary teaching credentials from Pan American University before being recruited to teach in New South Wales, Australia where she spent ten years. While there, she began teaching the writing process, and became associated with the writers groups in Albury/Wodonga and in Sydney.

She has continued attending writing courses, and she dabbles in poetry - particularly poems inspired by the places she has visited. After Merrilyn returned to Texas, she was recognized by one of the teachers of a writing class she attended as "a writer". She says it was an exceptional moment for her to be recognized before peers.

“I've always been a reader and have written, but have only lately begun to actively seek to publish my work.”

Tuesday, March 5, 2013

TGCW Logo Contest

TGCW presents a logo contest. We want a logo to represent our area and purpose. The logo will be used on the website, blog, facebook page and any official communication representing the group. The winner will receive $50 and recognition through our social media.
Rules are below. Submission deadline is June 4, 2013.


SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

1. Email your entry(ies) to texasgulfcoastwriters@gmail.com or mail your entry(ies) to TGCW PO Box 252 Bridge City, TX 77611.

2. Contest is open from March 1, 2012 to June 4, 2013. There is no entry fee.

3. Maximum of two color entries per artist, no b&w, will be considered. All mediums are welcome. Please include contact information (name, address, email, phone number) in your email or attached to your entry so we can contact the winning artist.

4. All entries will be voted on by Texas Gulf Coast Writers members at the June 11, 2013 meeting. The winning logo will be displayed on our TGCW documents (letterhead, envelopes, business cards, advertising, as well as on the website, blog, facebook, etc.)

5. $50 will be paid to the winning artist. The winning artist will also receive a blog post about them with any desired links and a certificate of credit.

6. Please familiarize yourself with our group by visiting our website: http://www.texasgulfcoastwriters.com/ and blog: http://www.texasgulfcoastwriters.blogspot.com/ . We are seeking a logo that depicts the spirit of the gulf and reading/writing/publishing.

7. The winning entry will be reduced in size for use on letterhead, newsletters, and other correspondence. When reduced to approximately 1½ inches by 1½ inches, the design should maintain all color and detail.

8. All artists are welcome to submit. Submissions must be each artist’s original creation and not used for any other purpose.

GOOD LUCK AND THANK YOU FOR PARTICIPATING!

Friday, March 1, 2013

2013 Texas Gulf Coast Writers Poetry Contest


TGCW presents its first poetry contest. Judging will be done by qualified professionals and may include comments and suggestions on each entry with a possible score sheet. Rules are below. Submission deadline is March 31, 2013. Winner(s) will receive a certificate and the option to post your winning entry on the TGCW blog.

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

Poetry: rhymed or unrhymed up to 20 lines

COVER SHEET: Use a separate cover sheet for each entry. Put your name, complete address, telephone number, and email address (if applicable) in the upper left-hand corner. In the upper right- hand corner, list number of words or lines (whichever is applicable). Double space six times and center the title. Double space again and type the first line of your story/poem (to avoid confusion in case of a title being used by more than one member). DO NOT PUT YOUR NAME ON ANY OTHER PAGE! Cover sheets will be kept in a special envelope by the President for identification of the winning entries and will not be sent to the judges with the submissions.

ALL ENTRIES

Entry Fee: $5 per poem for paid TGCW members and $10 per poem for non members.

This must be your original unpublished work. Publication on the Internet is publication.

Poems must be typed but may be single-spaced and may begin at the top of the page. Use font size 12 and Times New Roman only.  Fasten cover sheet to your submission with a large paperclip. DO NOT STAPLE ANYTHING!

DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES IS March 31, 2013 – anything received after this date will not qualify!

Emailed entries are not accepted. You may turn entries in to Laurie Kolp or Sylvia Ney at the March 11 meeting OR mail in your submission(s) to TGCW PO Box 252 Bridge City, Texas 77611.

Entries which do not conform to these rules will be disqualified and not judged. Judges often write comments directly on the submission. Each entry will be judged but we cannot guarantee all judges will write comments on either the score sheet or submission. Decisions of the judges are final.

Winner(s) will be announced at the April 20th poetry reading at the Miller Library in Beaumont, Texas. Anyone interested can read and share their poetry that day.

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Susie Clevenger

Susie Clevenger, author of Dirt Road Dreams, spoke with TGCW about her photography and poetry. The photos below are provided by her husband Charlie Clevenger. You can learn more about Susie at susieclevenger.com .




 
 
 

Sunday, February 3, 2013

February 11 Meeting

Susie Clevenger will be speaking at the next TGCW meeting. We will meet at 6:30 pm in the club room of the West End Lodge Apartments at 4215 North Major Drive in Beaumont, Texas.

Susie Clevenger is an author who refers to the whole world as her muse and translates her observations of life into verse.  As a young girl she spent many evenings dreaming of what lay beyond dirt roads, wanting the freedom to express what was inside of her. Susie recently published her first poetry collection, Dirt Road Dreams, which brought that yearning for personal expression to print.

Susie is a coordinator for the New World Creative Union, and a member of the online writing community, Imaginary Garden with Real Toads. Her work has been featured online in The Creative Nexus, Poetry & Prose Magazine, and The Brinks Gallery.

She is also a photographer who enjoys further artistic expression through her camera lens.

You can find links to Susie’s written work and photography as well as links to connect with her on social media at her author’s page: susieclevenger.com
 

Thursday, January 31, 2013

2013 Officers


Left to right: Publicist - Kathleen Haskins, Vice President - Laurie Kolp, President - Sylvia Ney, Treasurer - Debra McElwee, and Secretary - Lanell Stuart. 

Thursday, January 17, 2013

January Meeting Recap

I'm so pleased to announce we had 20 members present and six visitors. I enjoyed talking with you all!

Member News -  Congratulations to those who are just starting or resuming writing. It is a beautiful, frustrating anfd fulfilling work. Also, congratulations to those who shared news of recent and upcoming publications. If you'll send me the information, we will share your news on our blog/facebook page.

Voted on 2013 Officers: President - Sylvia Ney, Vice President - Laurie Kolp, Secretary - Lanell Stuart, Treasurer - Debra McElwee, and Publicist - Kathy Haskins. 

Passed By-laws -  See the above tab.

Membership Application - turn in at next meeting with your 2013 dues of $20.

Complete Member BIO - Please return this if you have not done so. Your TGCW officers will be scheduling speakers, critique groups, workshops etc. based on this feedback.

Web Page - Blog - Please feel free to send any news, links etc. you would like to share. 

 
Open Mic at Miller Library in April - If you're interested in reading or sharing poetry, please contact Laurie Kolp. This will be the week of April 15, possibly on a saturday from 1 -3. Laurie will share more as the time for the event draws near.

Next Meeting - Feb. 11 - Please feel free to contact me before then with questions or news.

Happy Writing!
Sylvia Ney
http://www.writinginwonderland.blogspot.com/

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

January 14th Meeting

Our next TGCW meeting will be held on Monday, January 14. Don't forget, we are now meeting in the club room of the West End Lodge at 4215 North Major Drive in Beaumont @ 7 pm.

The purpose of this meeting will be both business and sharing. Please remember it is the responsibility of ALL members to share their thoughts and opinions. This is the only way your officers can serve you properly and we can all benefit.

We will vote on our by-laws and our 2013 officers, complete membership applications, and member bios.

We will discuss plans, speakers and activities for our group in 2013.

Our remaining time will be to share. In previous discussions and at the December meeting we began sharing our favorite resources, tips for using our writing time effectively, and writing goals. Please feel free to bring examples of your favorites.

I will also be sharing news about several writing conferences as well as submission and market opportunities.

As always, please feel free to share your thoughts and concerns. Let's make 2013 the year we enjoyed the most writing success - at least so far!

Sylvia