GCWA 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 with real speakers,
real snacks, and really passionate writers.
2026 GCWA Annual Writing Contest
The Gulf Coast Writers Association 2026 Writing Contest is currently accepting submissions. The contest has three categories: Fiction, Non-fiction, and Poetry. First Place in each category wins $200 and publication on the GCWA website. Second and third places also win cash prizes.
So sharpen your pencils and find your keyboard, whatever it takes to tell us your story or poem. Our
Judges can’t wait to read your work.
Southwest Florida Reading Festival
GCWA is proud to participate in the Fort Myers Reading Festival.
Join us:
Saturday, March 7, 2026,
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Fort Myers Regional Library
for the Southwest Florida Reading Festival.
GCWA will host a booth featuring 12 of our member authors. While author spots are full, the event is completely free to attend, and we invite members, future members, and the community to come enjoy the fun, meet local writers, and celebrate the love of reading.
In addition to our local authors, the festival will feature over 24 famous authors.
Spotlight
Member Spotlight: Dr. S.K. Grunin
Dr. Susan Grunin is a retired college professor and author of the children’s book series, “Life Lessons and Tales of Little MisFit.” The first two books in the series, “Life Isn’t Always What It Seems” and “Life Isn’t Always Fair,” have earned the NABE Pinnacle Achievement Award. Book Three of the series, Life Is Like a Fountain – It Has Its Ups (Opportunities and Successes) and Downs (Disappointments and Failures) was recently published on January 30, 2025. In total, the series will contain seven books.
Dr. Grunin is also an accomplished artist who creates original oil paintings and photography, with numerous pieces available for purchase through her company, SKG Creations, and on her website- www.Skg-Creations.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!
