"The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

An advisor we cherish, agent Marly Rusoff, recently made the observation that SCWA is reinventing itself. It hadn’t occurred to me that the path we’ve chosen was perceived that boldly, but there’s truth in that.  

When we look back at the accomplishments of our members and our board in 2020, there’s much to be proud of. Our writers created wonderful prose and poetry across all genres for which they achieved much recognition. We congratulate and brag about you. As for the board, our 2020 Annual Report reflects the results of the work your dedicated board members provided. It’s pretty amazing, and I’m fortunate to be part of this team.

We look ahead with much hope and promise. Our 2021 objectives reflect an ambitious agenda that fits with Emerson’s philosophy, something I believe applies to organizations too. 

Our board wishes you much personal and professional success in 2021.

Read the 2020 SCWA Annual Report.

Read the 2021 SCWA Business Plan, which includes the organization’s objectives.

SCWA will hold its 2020 Annual General Meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2021, as part of the February board meeting, at which time we’ll recap 2020 and discuss plans. Members are welcome to participate and dialogue with the board. Please register in advance with Laura Corbin, administrative assistant, at writersassociationsc@gmail.com so she can provide you with the Zoom link.

Other SCWA news:

We welcome new board director Len Lawson, who is no stranger to South Carolina’s writing community with his award-winning poetry. We’re delighted to have Len’s support and guidance on how SCWA can better diversify to reach minority writers. 

The submission window for Catfish Stew has closed with record-setting interest in this members-only publication. Congratulations to all of the authors selected. (See the graphic below.) Our Publications Team under the direction of managing editor Amber Wheeler Bacon will have the 2021 edition ready in time for our conference in April. Similarly, we’re anxiously waiting for the selections of award winners with our partner, the South Carolina Academy of Authors, for the Carrie McCray Nickens and Elizabeth Boatwright Coker fellowship awards.

Registrations for our April 16-18 virtual conference are off to a strong start. The talent of the faculty – composed of writers, agents and editors – and the workshop content, provides attendees with knowledge about all areas of the writing life including craft and publishing, revision and promotion. For more details and to register, go here. Student scholarships are available that include free conference registration, a 10-page critique, and a one-year SCWA membership. Click here to apply.

Don’t forget our programs of Writing Conversations and Become an Author, which are free and open to the public. Please go to myscwa.org/virtual-events to register. Take a look at our new virtual genre groups at myscwa.org/chapters/ and get in touch with a leader listed if you’d like to join.

Mike Lee, president, on behalf of your board of directors

Come write with us!