The Mystery
A New York newscast started with: “It’s 10 PM. Do you know where your children are?”
You’re scratching your head, asking what does this have to do with me as a writer and as a member of writing organizations such as The Florida Writers Association (FWA)?
I believe it is one of the most important questions we need to address as writers and caring human beings. It is our commitment to do what we can to nurture our children and create opportunities that help answer the question above for some of our children, so we do know where they are and have the satisfaction of knowing we’re helping them reach their goals.
That is why the FWA established the FWA Youth program (FWAY).
FWAY Offers
- The FWAY Online Writing Group: The FWAY Writing Club
- A youth-centered website and FWAY Facebook page
- In-school and public library writing groups: FWAY Writing Clubs
- Annual Youth Writers Conference
The 6th Annual Youth Writers Conference takes place October 20, 2018, at the Hilton Orlando/Altamonte Springs. There, young writers can:
- Meet and mingle with NYT Bestselling authors
- Interview with top publishing agents and editors for a moderate fee
- Enjoy exciting skill-building workshops with top presenters
- Honor the winners of our contests at the Youth Awards Luncheon
- Participate in a book signing event with hundreds of FWA members
Learn more about the Youth Writers Conference and register here…
FWA Membership Also Includes
- Free first entry in the Royal Palm Literary Award competition honoring the best in published and unpublished work in many genres
- Two free entries in the FWA Collection competition—a wonderful opportunity to be published.
- Full access to the resources of the FWA, including blog posts, magazines, and the new e-zine
Sign up to become a member of FWAY here…
Goals
As a classroom teacher, I believe a critical factor in student success is helping students set short and long-term goals. In my own life, having early goals compelled me to work hard in school and avoid borderline and illegal activities, pitfalls for too many of our youth.
FWAY helps students set and achieve their goal of becoming authors. In supporting them, we are helping ensure their success and our future as an organization. We know where our children are and welcome them as future FWA members.
You Can Help
When I was young there wasn’t any organization to support my writing, to make me feel what I did mattered. We need to let students know there is an encouraging association for future writers to get a head-start to their dreams. Here’s how you can help:
- Encourage youth writers to check us out at our website: floridayouthwriters.org
- Let middle and high school students know about our great conference
- Start a writing group in your local school or library. Find out how at floridayouthwriters.org
- Join our free trial membership
Imagine the Possibilities
If each of us select a local school or library to disseminate information about FWA’s Youth Writing Program and Conference. Helping our youth is not only doable, but invaluable to us as individuals, and as an organization. It is why I accepted the challenging role of FWAY chairman. Please help spread the news that FWA cares about youth writers.
We’re helping them as we would have wished to be supported when the writing bug first bit us.
Please use the contact form at floridayouthwriters.org, and I’ll gladly send you materials to duplicate and place in a library or school or share with a middle/high school writer to let them know of the opportunities FWAY offers.
Join us on this exciting mission.
Do you know where your children are?
On October 20, they’ll be at the great 6th Annual Florida Youth Conference, and you’ll be proud of helping them.
