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Twenty-three years ago, a wonderful thing
happened to the writers in our area - they were
presented with an opportunity to meet one another, to
discuss their plans and dreams, and to share their
knowledge and enthusiasm.
The charter members were, for the most part, folks who
were interested in romance writing, and the newly formed
group was appropriately called The Golden Triangle
Chapter of Romance Writers of America. But it soon
became apparent that writers in other fields were just
as hungry for that all-important contact, support, and
sharing, so our goals were broadened to encompass every
area of the art of communication. In due course, the
group became known as The Golden Triangle Writers Guild
and was granted non-profit, 501(C)4 status.
Its growth and rise in professional standing has been
nothing less than phenomenal.
From an original membership of twenty-four local
writers, GTWG has grown to nearly 1000 writers,
publishers, editors, and agents nation-wide, including
Hawaii and several foreign countries. And the diversity
isn't limited to locale: today GTWG is represented by
fiction and non-fiction authors (in virtually every
genre), poets, playwrights, screenwriters, agents and
editors.
Neither has our success been limited to an expanded
membership. Although many of our members were already
established in their fields, numerous others have become
published since the group's inception.
A most important group was formed that first night, one that has proven
to be as vital to the art itself as to the individual.
Moral supports, education and encouragement, contribute
to the members' professional growth. We feel that GTWG
has also made the publishing industry and the public
more aware of the talent which abides in the individual,
and of the immeasurable value of the written words,
whether for entertainment, information or education.
If
you're a writer, join us. If you're a reader, support
us. We'll all be richer for the experience.
The annual
writers conference, held each October, in Beaumont,
Texas, has gained international recognition in the
publishing industry. It attracts some of the true
luminaries of the publishing industry: from authors to
editors, from educators to publishers. It has hosted
attendees from forty-six states, Europe, Australia,
South America, Canada, and Mexico, drawn to the
educational and professional business atmoshere of the
conference.
Continuing
Programs and Activites
- Monthly Meetings Open to the Public
- Monthly newsletter
- Educational programs through the school systems
- Seminars, workshops and conferences, to educate
and bring together writers and publishers
- Networking with other writers and writers
organizations throughout the United States and
Canada
- Community service through volunteer work and
programs
- Youth writing competitions, elementary, middle and
high schools, assure the writing skills and literacy
of our future leaders
- Scholarship program to writing related educational
and business opportunities
Funding
The
conference and other Guild activities, over the years
have been supported in part by grants from the cities of
Beaumont, Texas Commission on the Arts through the
Southeast Arts Council grants administration program.
Those types of public funding are being spread thinner
and growing fewer, so the board of directors, and the
membership are now turning toward the private sector for
the funds to continue bringing the education and
opportunities of publication to young and old alike.
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