A Southwest Florida Writing Community
Gulf Coast Writers Association, serving Southwest Florida and beyond, is the largest and liveliest writing community in Southwest Florida. We’ve been gathering since 1995, long before Zoom was a thing, and we’re still showing up in person every month in Fort Myers, Florida, with real speakers, real snacks, and really passionate writers.
Whether you are writing your first poem, finishing a novel, publishing nonfiction, building an author platform, or looking for a supportive writing community, GCWA welcomes writers at every stage.
Gulf Coast Writers Association, serving Southwest Florida and beyond, is the largest and liveliest writing community in Southwest Florida. We’ve been gathering since 1995, long before Zoom was a thing, and we’re still showing up in person every month in Fort Myers, Florida, with real speakers, real snacks, and really passionate writers.
November Meeting
Come ready to mingle and make next year magical! For our November 21 Potluck Writers’ Wish List Meeting, bring any brunch-style dish and your ideas for writing presentation topics, workshop skills, or anything else you would like to get out of your membership with the Gulf Coast Writers Association in 2027. We will enjoy a holiday get-together meeting, do a little reminiscing, and draft a plot for a fantastic future.
This brainstorming session will help us shape the meeting calendar for the next year so each meeting delivers the right insights to help us all grow as writers. We’ll use the takeaways from this group to select impactful speakers and develop workshops that stretch us out of our comfort zones.
We hope you’ll join us. The meeting will be held on Saturday, November 21 at St. Hilary’s Episcopal Church in Fort Myers from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Meeting Schedule
The Gulf Coast Writers Association meets the third Saturday of every month. From aspiring authors to award-winning novelists, all are welcome. Our meetings are designed to support fellow writers, share best practices and foster networking within our community.
Meetings are held at St. Hilary’s Episcopal Church in Fort Myers from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Below is the upcoming meeting schedule:
2026 Meetings:
November 21
2027 Meetings:
January 16
February 20
March 20
April 17
May 15
June 19
July 17
August 21
September 18
October 16
November 20
Write To Win: Earn Recognition And Cash Prizes
You may submit unlimited entries. There is only one prize per author. In addition, the winners will be published on our website and possibly in Fort Myers magazine. The 2027 Writing Contest accepts submissions from October 15, 2026 to March 15, 2027. The only way to submit is through our website by completing the entry form once you have read the guidelines.
We’re looking for the best of the best. From seasoned novelists and poets to aspiring authors and creative thinkers, we welcome everyone to submit their best work. The Gulf Coast Writers Association’s 2027 Writing Contest accepts work in three genres: Fiction, Non-fiction, and Poetry. Prizes for first, second, and third place honors will be awarded in each genre.
ENTER TO WINMember Spotlight:
Charley Valera
Charley Valera spent years writing business articles and columns in real estate and aviation magazines before being inspired to write his first book, My Father’s War.
Through interviews with WWII veterans, Charley tells their stories in his book and now in an award-winning documentary. Practicing what he preaches, Charley “thinks big” and surrounds himself with knowledgeable people; his efforts to tell these important stories are an inspiring example of how far the words we write can go. Explore his books, films, and other projects at www.charleyvalera.com
Becoming a GCWA member is your opportunity to
grow your brand and drive traffic to your book.
Don’t miss your chance to shine.
Join today!
