The Beginning: Six Writers and a Dream (1995)
In April 1995, something magical happened in Ilene Flores’ living room. Six Southwest Florida writers—Eugene Craig, Ilene Flores, Jill Goodman, Crissie Dice, Jeri Magg, and Beverly Hannermen—gathered to discuss forming a local writers’ group. Within just two hours, they created what would become the Gulf Coast Chapter of the National Writers Association.
From the beginning, they had a clear mission: to establish a foundation that educates and supports local writers, regardless of their level or genre of writing. Ilene Flores, already a member of the National Writers Association’s South Florida Chapter in Miami, was elected as the founding Chapter President.
Rapid Growth and Early Success (1995-1996)
The group’s first official meetings began at Mrs. Appletons (located next to Office Depot) with a modest $3 fee to cover donuts and coffee. What started as six writers blossomed into something extraordinary.
By March 1996, attendance had grown from 16 to 60 members in less than a year. The group published its first newsletter, aptly named “WRITE,” and held its first annual meeting. The inaugural Board of Directors included:
- President: Ilene Flores
- Vice President: Jill Goodman
- Treasurer: Joanne Lalli
- Secretary: Crissie Dice
- Publicity Chair: Jeri Magg
- Newsletter Editor: Jill Goodman
- Parliamentarian: Walter Bittner
With annual dues set at $10, the group sought a Speaker Chairperson to manage their expanding roster of monthly guest speakers.
The Growing Years (Late 1990s-2000s)
Success brought its own challenges. As membership multiplied, the group began a pattern of meeting room relocations as they outgrew venue after venue. Camaraderie and engaging monthly guest speakers continued to attract growing crowds.
The early 2000s marked a period of significant expansion, with Gulf Coast Writers Association sponsoring the acclaimed Southwest Florida Writers Conference, not once but twice. It became an established hub for literary activity.
The organization hosted and supported numerous area events, workshops, writing contests, and conferences each year. This increased activity attracted higher-quality membership and elevated the group’s reputation.
Monthly attendance regularly exceeded 50 members, with new visitors attending every meeting.
Peak and Recognition (2010s)
In 2015, Gulf Coast Writers Association celebrated its 20th anniversary. What was once just an idea that started in Ilene’s living room had grown into something real.
By 2019, the group had gained momentum. Monthly meetings drew close to 100 people, and several critique groups were going strong—proof that the dream was not only alive but thriving.
The organization was flourishing, with a diverse group of authors, agents, writing teachers, columnists, editors, and publishing houses. Even Writer’s Digest recognized the club’s excellence, requesting a link to the Gulf Coast Writers Association’s website.
The Ultimate Test: COVID and Resilience (2020-2022)
Their resilience was tested in 2020 when COVID-19 closed everything down. Monthly in-person meetings came to a sudden halt, but the Gulf Coast Writers Association remained strong. A core group of officers and members refused to give up, quickly adapted to Zoom meetings, and found new ways to honor their writing contest winners when traditional celebrations were implausible.
The popular writing contest resumed in the spring of 2021, followed by in-person meetings in the fall. By 2022, attendance steadily grew again.
From Tragedy to Triumph: The Storm Stories Legacy (2022-2023)
Just as the group was recovering from COVID in September 2022, Hurricane Ian devastated Southwest Florida, severely affecting many members. Rather than let this tragedy defeat them, the Gulf Coast Writers Association transformed Hurricane Ian’s trauma into something meaningful.
Out of a desire to give the local community a voice, they shared their Hurricane Ian experiences, and the landmark anthology “Storm Stories” was born. Compiled and edited by a small, passionate group of Gulf Coast Writers Association members, Storm Stories featured 80 contributing authors from all walks of life, each sharing their own devastating storm experience.
Storm Stories became an instant success, earning a “#1 Best Seller” in the Anthologies category on Amazon. One year later, in September 2023, Storm Stories launched an event that was a sold-out success, garnering local media attention and proving that the Gulf Coast Writers Association had not just survived adversity—they had emerged stronger than ever.
Today: A Thriving Independent Community
Gulf Coast Writers Association is now an independent entity supported by a strong and growing membership. A dedicated Board of Directors guides it, committed to enhancing programs, assisting members, and upholding high professional standards. Membership now exceeds 150 individuals.
Monthly meetings feature dynamic speakers who offer valuable insights on writing, marketing, and publishing. The organization continues to foster a welcoming environment, attracting new visitors and members alike.
What began with six writers in a living room has evolved into a cornerstone of Southwest Florida’s literary community. Gulf Coast Writers Association is living proof that when passionate individuals unite around a shared dream, extraordinary things can happen..
The legacy continues. The story is yours to write…