January 2019 Meeting

Due to the MLK holiday, the library will be closed for our regularly scheduled weekend. We will meet instead on the 26th for - New plans, opportunities, formatting, and more.

We hope to see you there!

November Meeting

August/September Meetings

Merrilynn Williams shared valuable tips from the SFA writing workshop led by the Writers League. Group members made plans for future events and projects.

A special congratulations to member Melinda Pouncey on her acceptance and publication!

The official book launch is today:

Road Kill 3: Texas Horror by Texas Writers

Publisher: Hellbound Books

Launch date Sept 29, 2018

Place: Fleur Fine Books, 1720 Magnolia Ave, Suite 104, Port Neches, TX

From 3 - 5 pm

Phone: (409) 344-0876

For ordering information: https://www.amazon.com/Texas-Roadkill-Horror-Writers-Road/dp/1948318431/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1538260586&sr=8-2&keywords=road+kill+texas+horror

Several authors from Hellbound Books who appear in this anthology, or others from this publisher, will also be in attendance, including Joe R. Lansdale (who was in RK1) and Stephen Graham Jones.

TGCW's next meeting will be October 20th.

June and July Meetings

June 16 - Dianne Ellis and Melinda Pouncey led a lesson on rewriting and proofreading. Visitors from Vidor Pet Quarterly discussed their publication and goals.

July 21 - Member Critiques and reviewing submission guidelines.

Please let us know if you have any particular speakers you wish to hear from, or want and special topics covered in future meetings. You may leave suggestions in the comments below, or approach a board member at the next meeting On August 18.

Happy Writing!

May 19 Meeting

Sylvia Ney will talk about setting goals and writing short stories, flash fiction, newspaper/magazine articles, poetry, and other forms in 10,000 words or less. Directed writing practice, critiques, and submission preparation will follow. Sylvia will also share writing opportunities and news.

Writers should come prepared to share their own work, experiences, and goals for the future.

We look forward to seeing you all soon!


HAPPY WRITING!

Feel free to request speakers, topics to be covered, markets, or genre practice at future meetings.

April 21st Meeting

In honor of National Poetry Month, this meeting will focus on writing poetry in all forms. Authors should come prepared to share their own poems, experiences with publishing poetry, and goals for the future.

If members do not write poetry, they should come prepared with their own shorter works: flash fiction, response to prompts, journaling, etc.

Wendy Lanier has extended an invitation to "a writer’s event in Wimberley, Texas "Serious Writers, Inc." is sponsoring a one day Tour Stop on April 17. You can learn more at http://www.seriouswriter.com/wimberley/

Sylvia Ney has shared a list of other conferences, workshops, etc. on her blog. You can find that list:
http://writinginwonderland.blogspot.com/2018/01/2018-conferences-workshops-and-literary.html

Feel free to request speakers, topics to be covered, markets, or genre practice at future meetings.

March 17 Meeting

Members who attended the 15th annual Jambalaya Writer's Conference will share their favorite news, tips, and exercises from the event.

Writing practice and critiques will follow.

To learn more about the conference, see member Sylvia Ney's blog post Sharing Your First Conference.

February 17 Meeting

Merrilynn Williams will offer a short lesson, followed by directed writing practice and work on submissions for the next FIRST LINE magazine with the prompt: "I wanted you to be the first to know," Rowan tentatively confided in me." 

Don't forget about the changes and update to out meeting format and dues which can be seen in the January 31st announcement.

We look forward to seeing you all soon!

HAPPY WRITING!

TGCW Changes and Plans

Due to many members still struggling in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, we will waive membership dues for 2018. That's right, 2018 TGCW membership is free!

We will also be implementing a new format for our meetings:

20-30 minutes for news and lessons.
20-30 minutes for writing - this time will be directed by free form, assignments, or a variety.
30-60 minutes for critiques and polishing.

We hope this is the year you will each become a happy and prolific writer. Please check back periodically for updated meeting and event information.

HAPPY WRITING!

January 20th Meeting

We invite you to join us on January 20th for the first 2018 meeting of the Texas Gulf Coast Writers Group.

This meeting will include new formatting for the group, news, event notices, exciting opportunities, and more.

We hope to see you all for the start to a great year!

December 16 Meeting

At this months meeting we will be finalizing plans for 2018. This includes voting on board members, arranging workshops, and conferences.

We will also take time to review markets and critique any work brought by members.

A few opportunities:

FICTION CONTESTS

Glimmer Train Family Matters Prize
Eligibility: All writers
Prize: $2,500
Entry Fee: $18
Deadline: January 2, 2018

K. Margaret Grossman Fiction Award
Eligibility: All writers
Prize: $1,000
Entry Fee: $10 for 1 story; $15 for 2 stories
Deadline: January 15, 2018

The Masters Review Short Story Award for New Writers
Eligibility: Emerging writers only
Prize: $3,000 + publication + agency review
Entry Fee: $20
Deadline: January 15, 2018

Moment Magazine-Karma Foundation Short Fiction Contest
Eligibility: All writers
Prize: $1,000 + possible publication
Entry Fee: $25
Deadline: January 15, 2018

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NONFICTION CONTESTS

Ellen Meloy Fund for Desert Writers
Eligibility: Emerging, mid-career or established writers are all welcome to apply
Prize: $5,000
Deadline: January 15, 2018

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POETRY CONTESTS

92Y Discovery/Boston Review Poetry Contest
Eligibility: Poets who have not published a full-length poetry collection
Prize: $500 + publication + reading
Entry Fee: $12
Deadline: January 12, 2018

Colorado Prize for Poetry
Eligibility: All poets (except affiliates)
Prize: $2,000 + publication
Entry Fee: $28
Deadline: January 14, 2018

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TRANSLATION CONTESTS

French-American Foundation Translation Prize
Eligibility: Translations published for the first time in the U.S. between January 1 and December 31, 2017
Prize: $10,000
Deadline: January 15, 2018

National Endowment for the Arts Translation FellowshipsEligibility: Published translators
Prize: $12,500 or $25,00
Deadline: January 11, 2018

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MULTI-GENRE CONTESTS

Mississippi Review Prize
Eligibility: All fiction writers and poets
Prize: $1,000 + publication
Entry Fee: $15 hard copy; $16 online
Deadline: January 1, 2018

Society of Midland Authors Literary Awards
Eligibility: Authors born in, residing in, or with strong ties to one of the 12 Midland states
Prize: $500
Entry Fee: $10
Deadline: January 6, 2018

Iowa Review Awards
Eligibility: All writers and poets
Prize: $1,500
Entry Fee: $20
Deadline: January 31, 2018

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WRITING FELLOWSHIPS & RESIDENCIES

Steinbeck Fellowship in Creative Writing
Eligibility: New writers of any age and background
Prize: $10,000. Residency in the San José area is expected during the academic year.
Deadline: January 2, 2018

Yaddo
Eligibility: Any artist, except those enrolled in full time undergrad or graduate programs
Prize: 2-week to 2-month residencies
Deadline: January 1, 2018

Dartmouth Poet in Residence
Eligibility: Poets with at least one full-length collection of poetry
Prize: $2,000 + 6-8 week residency at the Frost Place
Entry Fee: $28
Deadline: January 5, 2018

November 18 Meeting

This month is an informal meeting.

Many members will be absent this month due to this being the start of Thanksgiving week. However, the library is still open for anyone who wants to gather together to work on NaNoWriMo, or other projects.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Postponed: TGCW Anthology

The Texas Gulf Coast Writers first Anthology has been postponed for an undetermined amount of time. Many members are dealing with the effects of Hurricane Harvey and disaster relief. Therefore, our original plans to produce the groups first anthology have been postponed until members lives have had a chance to return to some semblance of normalcy.

We will announce continuing plans with the group, and here, when the time is appropriate.

You can find the original announcement and plans here.

October 21 Meeting

Our scheduled speaker, Linda Todd, had to cancel. Instead, Merrilynn Williams has agreed to share some tips, exercises, news, and fun stories from a few conferences she recently attended.

We hope you'll have a chance to join us. We look forward to seeing you Saturday!

September 16th Meeting

Hi all!

We hope you are all recovering from the hurricane madness. Please keep in touch and let us know how you are doing. Since so many are still dealing with cleanup and other post Harvey madness, there is no program scheduled for the September meeting this Saturday. However, the librarian has assured us the room will be open if you would like to come hang out, visit, or work on your projects.

We will send out updates and news soon.  For more information, please keep visiting our blog, or email me if you need anything. 

Hope to see you all again soon!

Sylvia Ney

http://www.sylviacney.com/

August 19th Meeting

We hope you'll join us for our next meeting on August 19th. Our speaker will be Rachel Windham, auhor of nonfiction, inspirational, and childrens books. 

Rachel considers herself a multifaceted author whose writing purpose is to weave the thread of God’s love into each of her works. Ranging from children’s books and juvenile fiction to resource and devotional tools, Rachel’s books offer inspiration, education, and practical applications for spiritual growth. 

Rachel’s writing has been published in anthologies, magazines, and newsletters and has contributed to school curriculum and church projects. She posts a weekly blog, Tips & Tidbits, on her website, rachelwindham.com. 

As a member of Bayou Writers Group, SWLA Children’s Book Writer and Illustrator Guild, and American Christian Fiction Writers Group, Rachel seeks to expand her knowledge of the writing craft and hopes to write adult fiction in the future. 

Although Rachel loves stringing together words, her greater passion is family. For over 27 years, Rachel has shared her life with her true love, her husband, Eddie. Together, they are enjoying their two adult children, Gabriel and Autumn. Apart from family activities and writing, Rachel volunteers in the community and serves in her church. For down time, she can be found scrolling through social media, visiting with friends, traveling with her family, or reading a good book.

You can learn more about her at:  http://www.rachelwindham.com/

Be sure to check back often for updates and news. We have several exciting opportunities coming, including the first Texas Gulf Coast Writers anthology. For more information, please visit: http://tgcwriters.blogspot.com/2017/06/tgcws-first-anthology-call.html

The Write Support!

It's time once again for the annual southeast Texas The Write Support. You're all invited to attend this day of writers helping writers. ATTENDEES will include fiction, nonfiction, and poetry professionals.

The Write Support

June 24, 2017

10 am – 4 pm

Howells Furniture Conference Room – 2^nd Floor

6095 Folsom Dr, Beaumont, TX 77706

COST: FREE to all TGCW members. For all others, the cost is $10 at the door. Table space may be limited and will go to the first to reserve, please RSVP to Sylvia Ney. 

Schedule:

10 am – 1 pm              Bring your latest manuscripts and questions to share for honest feedback, and to encourage needed reviews. This is strictly time for critiques, edits, reviews, and general work on your manuscripts.

LUNCH                      On your own at your discretion. There are many restaurants within a five mile radius of this location.

1 pm – 4 pm                Come sell your books, and check out the work of others, ask questions, make connections, learn current industry news, or seek more critiques. This afternoon is geared more toward the publishing and purchasing aspects of writing, but anyone is welcome to continue to work on their own projects.

Hope to see you there!

June 17th Meeting

Our next meeting will be on June 17th, and Linda Whittington Hurst will be our presenter.

Linda Whittington Hurst is an award-winning author and illustrator who was born and raised in Norfolk, Virginia, where her father was a Realtor and her mother a seamstress and housewife. She had one brother, Jim, who was her friend and protector when she was growing up. She met and married her husband of 47 years, Don, at college. They have two children, Chris and Geoff. Currently, Linda and Don are retired and live in Lake Charles, Louisiana.

Although Linda dreamed of becoming a writer when she was a child, her dreams did not come true until she was an adult. Linda began writing while living in Dallas, Texas and homeschooling her two sons. Her first venture into writing was to develop a home school curriculum for elementary age children. After her sons graduated high school and went on to college and the military, Linda returned to teaching. As a college professor, she was friends with Bill Martin, Jr. and her academic mentor, Michael Sampson, both picture book authors. They encouraged her to pursue a writing career.

In 2011, Linda won the Pinnacle Award for Outstanding Teaching while serving as a professor at McNeese State University. That award allowed her to publish her first picture book, The Adventures of Red Feather: Wild Horse of Corolla, which went on to win the Writer’s Digest Honor Book Award. Later that same year, a novel she co-wrote with her best friend in Dallas, Linda Lee, won the Bloom Honor Book Award for a middle grade mystery. Since that time, Linda has written over sixteen children’s books. Her latest, Skinny Bill: The Story of Bill Martin, Jr., debuted at her alma mater, Texas A&M University-Commerce, in May at the Bill Martin Symposium, in honor of the 50th Anniversary of Brown Bear, Brown Bear.

In addition to writing children’s books and educational books for elementary teachers, Linda enjoys editing for other writers and teaching courses on how to write children’s books. In her spare time, Linda loves to garden, paint, play the piano and, of course, read. A horse lover from her childhood, Linda is always on the lookout for interesting stories about horses that she can include in her books.

For more information, contact her via e-mail linda@lindawhurst.com

TGCW's FIRST Anthology Call

This has been postponed due to hurricane recovery efforts!



Texas Gulf Coast Writers Anthology

Texas Gulf Coast Writers first Anthology is now open for submissions, with a tentative publication date of December 2017.  The deadline for submission is September 30, 2017 via TGCWAnthology@gmail.com.  This is the only source we will be using for accepting submissions. 

Guidelines for Submissions

1.      Must be a 2017 member of Texas Gulf Coast Writers Association or pay a $25.00 submission fee.

2.      Stories and poems should be 5,000 words or less.

3.      Stories should be in MS Word, Times New Roman, 12pt, and double spaced.

4.      All Stories: We are open to all genres. Fiction, Non-Fiction or Poetry.  Please indicate which category you are submitting both in the subject line of your email, and in the header of your submission.

5.      Multiple Submissions: You may submit up to three stories and/or poems.

6.      Writers should include a two- to three-sentence biography that will appear in the book should their story be accepted by the board for publication.

7.      Make sure your name and contact information, as well as your bio, are part of the attachment.

8.      Content must be suitable - think PG13 – no excessive profanity, vulgarity, violence, etc.

What happens after I submit my story or poem? Please be patient after you press the SEND button. Wait for an email response that says: 
Thank you! Your information has been received. This is your confirmation that we have received your story or poem and that it has been entered into our database. This is the only confirmation you will receive.

How will I know if my story is selected? We do not send rejections. If you have not heard from us 30 days before the book’s on-sale date, that means we have decided not to use your story or poem. Submission is not a guarantee your manuscript will be published. IF your work(s) selected, you will be contacted and given a chance to review final edits.

PAYMENT - If your work is selected to appear in our anthology, you must sign a contract agreeing that this is your original, unpublished work, and that you grant TGCW the right to first publication. All rights will revert to you 30 days after the release of the book. In return, you will be PAID with one free copy. Any other profits will go to Texas Gulf Coast Writers.

May Meeting and Member News

Our next meeting will be on May 20. Sylvia Ney will be sharing news about several markets, and leading writing practice. Bring any work you would like to share for critiques, editing, etc for after the lesson.

DON'T FORGET! - June 24 is our second annual "The Write Support".  For more information visit here.

Get your copy of VIP of Southeast Texas.  Dorothy Sells Clover is a contributing writer for the May 2017 issue! 

We hope to see you at the meeting!