Whether individuals are current members or simply exploring, GCWAs’ monthly meetings offer an inviting space to connect with like-minded people. The relaxed, pressure-free environment fosters genuine camaraderie and meaningful conversations among those who share a passion for the written word.
GCWA Monthly Meetings
Meetings are held on the third Saturday of each month, except December.
Saturday, February 21, 2026
10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
St. Hilary’s Episcopal Church
Browning Hall
5011 McGregor Blvd
Fort Myers, FL
Gulf Coast Writers Association also offers Zoom access for members who reside out of state or are unable to attend in person. You can access the link on the members-only menu.
For those attending the meeting for the first time and needing access to the Zoom link, please email Christie at czarria57@gmail.com to request a one-time access code.
February 21, 2026 Meeting
Cracking The Code About Book Awards: Everything You Need To Know Before You Begin Applying.
In this informative session, Carol Abrahamson, founder of Book Award Mastery, will join us virtually via Zoom. Carol brings a wealth of expertise and is dedicated to supporting authors in their publishing journeys.
Carol Abrahamson
Carol Abrahamson is the founder of Book Award Mastery, a service that helps authors navigate book awards with a clear understanding and assurance. She simplifies the research and application process while teaching authors how to gain lasting visibility. A former McGraw-Hill executive and past awards judge, Carol has written 42 nonfiction books and has won 75% of the awards she has pursued. She now shares the same proven system with authors worldwide.
What to Expect
At our February meeting, Carol will address:
- A dozen main advantages when you win a literary award.
- Ten ways these advantages convert into concrete opportunities for authors
- Reasons book awards can augment rather than compete with bestseller strategies
- An overview of the literary awards landscape, including:
- How they work
- What they include
- Common elements and realities
- Typical submission process components
- The essentials to win
April 18, 2026 Poetry Slam Monthly Meeting
Before we know it, February will be over, March will have bloomed, and April fun will be here. Lori Swick, the VP of programming, has some fun lined up for us in April. BUT we need to prepare for it.
April is National Poetry Month. Let’s celebrate at our April 18th meeting with a poetry slam. A poetry slam is a competitive poetry reading that blends creative writing, theatrical performance, and audience participation.
- Poets will perform original pieces only, with no props or costumes, focusing on rhythm, emotion, and impact.
- Participants should be prepared to share one to three poems, depending on the number of performers and available time.
- Each reading will have a strict 3-minute time limit.
- The audience will judge performances based on content and stage presence.
- Certificates will be awarded to the first, second, and third-place winners.
- The first-place winner will receive a free lunch after the meeting at Cristof’s.
Whether you’re reading or judging, it will be a rollicking good time, so don’t miss it!
Email Lori Swick to reserve your spot in the poet’s lineup at: ljswick1@gmail.com
How To Find Us
The map application on your phone is beneficial.
We welcome you and have attached a Google Map here, along with some pictures and written directions for the end of your trip below, to increase your comfort level.
- Directions:
- It’s at the foot of the Cape Coral Bridge.
- Stay far right on Colonial Blvd; don’t cross the CC bridge.
- Turn into the church’s first driveway off Colonial (before you get to the McGregor traffic light),
- Then turn right again into the parking lot. Parking on the grass is allowed.
Meeting Place: Browning Hall is in a standalone building east of the actual church.
Enter through the recessed door that faces the handicapped parking signs. Follow the hallway to the center of the building.
Browning Hall, a large auditorium, will be on your right.
