The organizational meeting for the Writers' Guild, a new writing program developed under the Lakes Area Arts League, was held Tuesday, October 21, 2008 at the Attoyac River Gallery, Shelbyville Street, downtown Center square. The meeting was hosted by gallery owners, Ed and Tresa Konderla.
Attendees included Lesly Johnson, Judy Doyle, Ed and Tresa Konderla, Danny and Andi Foster, David and Maelinda Swanzy, Terri Lacher, Nancy Dickerson, David Danley, Vonda Anderson, Robert Anderson, Suzanne Walker, Ellen Cogswell and Nancy Fox.
The overall mission of The Writers’ Guild is to provide a forum of support and information to both beginning and experienced writers and poets, to create a circle of assistance to those interested with marketing literary works for publication and to establish a peer network for writing improvements, discussions and critiques. Future writing guild topics will include providing educational opportunities at area writing conferences and classes, presenting guest speakers, writing competitions, and hosting informal roundtable discussions on various literary genres.
A welcome was extended to the members present by Andi Foster and Suzanne Walker, guild coordinators, and special thanks to hosts, Ed and Tresa Konderla. After introductions of members, the following overview was presented:
Writing Interests, Networking and Publishing (Words and More Words!)The Writers' Guild belongs to the group and all suggestions are needed for topic presentations and informative lectures. The guild members were invited to network with each other based on their individual writing interests.
Monthly Guild MeetingsMonthly guild meetings will be held on the third Tuesday, September through May, with guest speakers presentations on specific writing topics as suggested by the members.
Independent Writers’ GroupsThe guild will provide opportunities for members to form individual writing interest / critique groups to network and share writing techniques. Each writers' group will set their own schedule and share at regular guild meetings. Group leaders are needed for each interest writing group.
Members’ Profiles and Fees
The annual fee is $10; fees are waived if current Lakes Area Arts League member. The member profile asks for permission to share writing interests and backgroup information with the group for postings on future websites and writing blogs.
Writers’ Links
One goal of the Attoyac Writers' Guild is to provide writers and members with resource links for information - Regional, Resources, Small Publishers, On-Line Magazines, Poetry, Journals, Conferences. Resource contributions are needed from the group to add to the list
Writing CompetitionsThe Attoyac Writers' Guild will sponsor writing competitions for community and members at least twice a year with members receiving entry discounts.
Writing WorkshopsFuture plans include to host genre based writing workshops locally for members and community.
Writing Related Events
An opportunity of the Attoyac Writers' Guild is to support local readings and other writing related events (book signings, book clubs), which includes building partnerships with local and area libraries.
On-Line Discussion Forums / BlogsMembers with blogs encouraged to share, to create, and to network on the writer's on-line community.
Community Projects & Long Term Vision
One of the main goals of the Attoyac Writers' Guild involves action with mentoring and assisting with the adult literacy program. Another goal is to involve the local and area students with the writing programs and competitions. Previous writing competitions sponsored by the Lakes Area Arts League include an essay writing competition for students and a Haiku Poetry Competition, which was open to all age groups. The response was overwhelming and receptive to the art of writing leading to the decision to create and form a Writers' Guild to promote and preserve the art of writing.
Introduction to Poetry Reading Nights
Lesly Johnson suggested to the group to have the monthly Poetry Reading Nights on the same evening as the regular guild meeting. The group agreed with the proposal; as the membership grows, then an alternative evening will be discussed. Participating members will have the opportunity to be creative by presenting their own original poetry or reading their favorite master poet selections.
Other DiscussionA point was raised concerning giving the guild an official identity - the name Attoyac Writers' Guild was suggested; everyone voted in agreement for the new name.
Two door prize drawings were held after the meeting closed with winners, Terri Lacher and Nancy Fox. Congratulations!
The November 18, 2008 meeting topic will be Jack Kerouac’s Life and Works, presented by Nancy Fox, Department of English and Philosophy lecturer with Stephen F. Austin State University.
The Attoyac Writers’ Guild meets every third Tuesday evening, 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., September through May.
Details for participating in the Attoyac Writers’ Guild can be obtained by contacting Program Coordinators, Andi Foster, 936.590.0298 or Suzanne Walker, 936.591.1655 or via email
laal@ndemand.comThe Lakes Area Arts League is a non-profit organization established to promote interest and knowledge of all areas of the visual and performing fine arts through education and appreciation while enhancing the culture and tourism of the community and surrounding areas.
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Robert Anderson read his original poem "Evergreen" at the guild's first Poetry Reading Night.
Nancy Fox presented Jack Kerouac's Life and Works at the guild meeting, which included an informative discussion on Kerouac's "Essentials of Spontaneous Prose" and on the collection of his autobiographical novels, prose, poetry, buddhist writings and dreams.
Attoyac Writers' Guild members (left to right) Judy Doyle, Nancy Fox and Jolene Busby after the meeting.
Congrats to Tem Morrison for winning the door prize!
