1 Jun 2022

WAG Members Participate in Women Writing for (a) Change Book Festival, Jacksonville

by | posted in: WAG Membership, Writer's Life / Writer's Notebook | 3


WAG was well represented at the recent Author Showcase and Book Festival on May 14 hosted by the Jacksonville chapter of Women Writing for (a) Change, held at the beautiful historic Jacksonville home of organizer Jennifer Wolfe. Thirty-five authors were joined by Hands-on OCEANS Education team from the Jax Zoo, Friends of Peace Park Labyrinth, and the Native Plant Society. Wolfe’s historic home served as a museum for the OCEANS art exhibition.

A total of 36 authors, plus numerous volunteers, created a joyful and rewarding ambiance for book lovers and casual passersby as well. Award-winning Gainesville author, Cynthia Barnett, read from her latest book, The Sound of the Sea: Seashells and the Fate of the Oceans, while a number of WAG authors read passages from their works as well.

WAG members attending included Terry Bechtold, Carolyn Brown Spooner, Cynthia D. Bertelsen, Bonnie T. Ogle, Pat Caren, Kimberlely Mullins, Mallory O’Conner, and Julie Warmke Robitaille.

 

WAG member Bonnle Ogle, with the historic home in the background

 

Highlighted was a list of 200 books banned in the state of Florida. Women Writing for (a) Change works to create a community among women and encourage them to use their voices for change. Their goals include support for teachers in particular, respect for a variety of opinions, and action supporting democracy through the voting booth. Wolfe jokingly told attendees, “I hope everyone here has a book banned to give a platform for women writers!”

WAG member Kimberley Mullins reading on the back patio

 

 

WAG member Pat Caren (on far right) in the reading circle in the front yard

 

WAG member Mallory O’Connor being recognized for her contributions to Women Writing for (a) Change

 

WAG member Cynthia D. Bertelsen in the front-yard display area

 

[Editor’s note: WAG would love to see articles on any and all topics of interest to writers. Please send your ideas or finished pieces to Cynthia D. Bertelsen at BlogEditor@writersalliance.org for consideration. Remember: these posts are more than just posts, for they are actual articles and can be cited in your CV/résumé in the same way you would a short story, essay, or any other writing credit you may possess.]

Follow Bonnie Ogle:
Bonnie T. Ogle is secretary of the Sunshine State Book festival and a WAG board member. She writes science articles for reluctant readers. Her children's books include Sounds and Smells of Christmas, The Pledge of Allegiance with the Pledge Rap, Miranda and the Golden Frogs, the middle grade novel Freaky Frogs, and the middle grade chapter book Titanoboa, the Late Great Snake. Her upcoming publication State of Irony, Florida will be her first book for adults! It is currently available on Vella.

3 Responses

  1. Mary Bast
    |

    I’m SO glad to know WAG was represented! When I lived in Cincinnati before moving to Gainesville in 2001, I was a member of founder Mary Pierce Brosmer’s first circle of Women Writing for (a) Change, and it changed my life. Thanks Bonnie, for the essay and photos.

  2. Skipper Hammond
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    This website would be a good place to publish an article about the work of Women Writing for (a) Change. I’m sure many women in WAG would appreciate an opportunity to learn about the organization and what it is doing.

    • Cynthia D. Bertelsen
      |

      Good suggestion. Maybe Mallory O’Connor would be the best person to do that.