WAG. Where We’ve Been. Where We Could Go

Join us on Sunday, September 12, at 2:30 p.m. via Zoom for a conversation about the Writers Alliance of Gainesville (WAG) and what it offers its members and the community. The program will be moderated by Jess Elliott, Skipper Hammond, and Wendy Thornton.

Thornton, an original founder of WAG and a past president, will discuss WAG’s history and our community outreach. Next, Elliott, our current president, will discuss WAG’s many member benefits, which all members may not be aware of. Finally, Hammond, a former Critique Pod Coordinator, will invite members to speak about what WAG means to them and what they want from WAG.

History – Thornton will give a brief background on why and how WAG was formed, how it has evolved, and its community outreach by participation in, or support of, such programs as ArtSpeaks and 352Arts, as well as through joint projects with other Gainesville organizations or institutions (e.g., Local Author Series with the public library, Sunshine State Book Festival with Santa Fe College, and the Matheson COVID book project with the Matheson History Museum).

Member Benefits –  Elliott will discuss WAG’s many member benefits, which include: a free copy of the Bacopa Literary Review, published annually; membership in one or more critique pods in order to solicit feedback on one’s writing; bi-monthly receipt of the WAG Digest, which includes writing tips, contests, etc.; use of a beta reader through our beta reader program; membership in WAG’s private Facebook group for interaction with other WAG members; participation in local book festivals when WAG erects its tent there; and discounts on WAG-sponsored events such as writing workshops.

Members may also take advantage of opportunities on WAG’s website. Their books can be listed there, with a link to Amazon. If a member offers a service such as editing, design, etc., his or her service and contact information can be listed on the services page. We also invite members to submit blog posts for the website blog and to apply to serve on the speakers’ bureau.

What Does WAG Mean to You and What Do You Want From It? –  Hammond will lead this important discussion. She will invite old-timers to share why they joined WAG, what they have gotten out of it, and what skills they might share with other members. She will also invite new members to speak up and answer questions like these: Why did you join WAG? What do you want from WAG? What are your goals? What has WAG done before that you’d like to see again? Are you willing to volunteer to make an event happen? How can we make things better in the future? What would you like to see?

We encourage all members to get involved and not just watch from the bleachers. Events don’t run themselves. WAG is an all-volunteer force and can use small and large help. Let’s get involved! Attend meetings and events! Meet other members! We all learn from one another.

JOIN VIA ZOOM

Link to Join this Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89973131287?pwd=UWc4WXRaaDl0OWVQWmgwbTBiNHdVQT09

Meeting ID: 899 7313 1287
Password: 316819