We inform, support, encourage & promote writers
“Writing is a socially acceptable form of schizophrenia. “–E.L. Doctorow At the August meeting of the Kansas Writers Association, several members jokingly referred to their writing experience as “hearing voices.” Although schizophrenia is a serious mental illness, most writers have regular occurring bouts of voices in their heads. Fellow KWA member B.D. Tharp talks about “the…
Our 2012 Scene Conference is taking shape fast! We’re thrilled to have landed author William Bernhardt as our keynote speaker for the event, which is set for March 16-17. William’s bestselling novels explore politics, power, ambition, crime, and the law. He’s written more than 20 books and teaches several writing workshops and seminars of his…
We’re putting out the call: our annual Prose and Poetry Competition is accepting submissions! Win a little cash, earn some cred, and get feedback on your writing. We have several categories in adult and youth divisions. Winners will be published in an anthology, and awards will be presented at our annual Scene Conference in March….
Doubt is one size fits all. It comes in many sizes, shapes and colors. Kind of like a Snuggie. It covers and envelops our bodies and spirits and hearts, squeezing out all imagination. Doubt is just another word for fear, and that can be paralyzing. Think back to when you submitted your writing for the…
I have a new favorite website for writers: Guide to Literary Agents. Chuck Sambuchino’s advice on agents is insightful, and he frequently shares up-to-the-minute news on what’s happening at the agencies. Like this: New Agent Alert: Halli Melnitsky of Zachary Shuster Harmsworth Chuck starts off with a reminder: Newer agents are golden opportunities for new…
I’m gearing up to talk about Editing and Revising this Saturday at our monthly meeting (you ARE planning to attend, aren’t you? There’ll be snacks, and air-conditioning). Funny thing about writers: Mention rewriting or revising, and you’re guaranteed an eye roll, a groan, or a slump in even the squarest of shoulders. Why do we…
A Barnes & Noble rep sent this announcement our way. Chatting with local authors, discovering new reads, and throwing some support to an area library: sounds like a good way to pass a hot summer afternoon! The Barnes & Noble at Bradley Fair, located at 1920 N. Rock Road, will host eight Kansas authors at…
The mother bird constantly scans her surroundings, on the hunt for sustenance for her hatchlings. Alert and ready, she keeps her eyes focused so as not to miss the tiniest movement. A writer is constantly scanning her surroundings, on the hunt for fodder for her work-in-progress. Alert and ready, she keeps her eyes (and ears)…
We’re peeling back the layers of fiction genres and sub-genres at our monthly meeting this Saturday, May 21. But we’re also making time to let our members strut their stuff. You’re invited to bring something you’ve written and read it aloud. It can be a short story, poem, essay, or a scene from your novel….
Congratulations to all the winners in the 2010 KWA Prose and Poetry Contest! Click here to see the complete list, or click on the KWA Contest tab at the top of the page. Our next contest will open in August and continue through November. Write now and be ready this fall!