Hi Gulf Coast Writers,

It’s a new year and for many returning from the frozen north, a big welcome back. January’s meeting will be our first since November and we’re looking for a big crowd Saturday the 19th at Zion Lutheran Church on Winkler. The formal meeting will start at 10:00 am but come early for coffee, conversation and a good seat.

Our speaker will be Chris Angermann on the topic “What every writer should know about Publishing” – the does, the don’ts, the benefits and drawbacks, and more. With his back ground ranging from journalist to ghost writer to director to carpenter to cabbie, this promises to be an entertaining and informative hour with Chris.

We will be needing a new ‘kitchen volunteer’ for this year as after more years than we can count Jan Niemen has announced her retirement from that duty. We all have appreciated Jan’s dedication and thank her so much.

As always, check with the web site www gcwahistory.me for all details of our association.

See you all Saturday. Bring a treat to share with the coffee!

Tom Nelson, President

Dear Gulf Coast Writers.
Your GCWA executive board trusts you have enjoyed a wonderful Christmas and we wish you a very Happy New Year. As we enter into this new year of 2013 I would like to remind you of a few future events.

After changes of location for the October and November gatherings we will be back at Zion Lutheran on Winkler for the January 19th meeting starting at 10am; come early for coffee, snacks and a good seat. Chris Angermann…journalist, ghostwriter and director of theater will speak. With a wide variety of experiences, his topic “What Every Writer Should Know about Publishing” is guaranteed to enlighten and entertain us.

Entry’s for the annual GCWA writing contest were closed as of Dec 1 and have since been sent to the respective judging teams. Forty-five entries were received vying for the cash prizes and bragging rights when winners will be announced at our March meeting.

Ann Dalton will be presenting a work shop on Pine Inland, January 5th. Check the web site for details regarding her topic of invasion of privacy and defamation issues.

Your nominating committee is actively pursuing nominees for the next slate of officers to be voted upon at the March meeting. If interested in becoming a nominee please contact; Pat Jana, Linda Kruleski, Richard Georgian, Martha Jeffers, and Donna Rodio who form this group. A new web-master is high on our future needs!

Should any member see a need to change or revise a bi-law or our constitution, this should be brought up in our January’s meeting. This will give ample time for consideration by our March annual meeting.

Oh, yes folks, a reminder that annual dues should be paid in January. At $25 it’s still the best bargain in town.

Regards,

Tom Nelson, President

Dear Gulf Coast Writers,

I want to remind you of our forthcoming meeting this Saturday, November 17th at 10am. We are meeting once again this month at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 2439 McGregor Blvd. ( This another temporary change due to scheduling conflict at Zion Lutheran.) As always, there will be no December meeting to allow all to enjoy the holidays as you travel to and fro.

Saturday we will be hearing from attorney Ann Dalton. Her topic is Copyright Traps and Pitfalls. What every writer should know, as taught by a creative arts attorney. Bring your questions for Ms. Dalton. This should get interesting.

Last month, Gulf Coast members, Richard Georgian and Kyle Miller entertained and enlightened us on how to market our books once we have them published. Go out into the world with the question on our lips, “Who do you know that wants to buy a book?” Or perhaps shouting, “Books for Sale, Books for Sale!” Kyle and Richard have this marketing down pat and provided a delightful and worthwhile program on the right way to do this. Thanks to you both.

Remember, for you procrastinators, the GCWA Writing Contest entrees will close December 1st. Cash prizes will be awarded in March to the successful winners. Don’t be bashful; send in your best writings in the fiction, non-fiction, poetry and play writing. See the web site for details.

As we approach the new year and with a new slate of officers to be installed in March, we will be looking for a few roles to fill. One that requires special skills is that of Webmaster, currently held by Judy Loose. Over the recent three years, Judy has brought the level of our website to new professional heights and now wants to turn it over to a new keeper. If you feel so moved, please contact Judy or myself so we can discuss the challenges.

See you Saturday; come early for coffee and snacks.

Regards,

Tom Nelson