SCWA / The Quill / December 2023
December 2023
Message from the President
'TIS THE SEASON
I'm not one to quote the Bible. I'm a philosopher with a base more in pop music than spiritual texts. When I think of the phrase, "to every thing there is a season," I am most likely thinking of The Byrds, not Ecclesiastes, and yet, here we are, a time to every purpose, under heaven.
As we're gathering the mistletoe and holly, wrapping gifts, and illuminating the holiday light displays, we're also ending 2023. What a tremendous success 2023 was with:
442 active members.
50 paid faculty.
16 active chapters.
10 Summer Series sessions.
Seven Author’s Toolbox sessions.
A special craft series.
A special edition TPR.
An online one-day conference.
The biggest three-day conference we've had since 2016.
Even so, 2024 is poised to be even better. We're welcoming seven new board members to the leadership team in 2024 and that means new skills, new ideas and new approaches to everything. It's an exciting time to be part of this organization.
To everything there is a season and my season as president is coming to an end. I'll still be actively engaged as "past president," but it's time to step aside and let someone else take the reins. We have so much to gain from leadership changes: perspective, energy, growth and talent. It has been the honor of my life to lead this organization. Don't believe me? Check out this link and the video of me talking about the opportunity SCWA gave me.
You're all friends and I'm glad to keep rowing the boat with you; not in the bow calling strokes, but in the seat pulling my weight. There is a time to plant and time to reap, and a time to embrace, and a time to keep from embracing. I've been holding on a little too tight, so it's time to loosen the grip.
Thank you, truly, for sharing SCWA with me. It's the community I have always wanted to be in.
Kasie Whitener
President, SCWA Board of Directors
Membership
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: YOU!!
Each month throughout this year, we have spotlighted an SCWA member so that we can learn more about each other. This month, we spotlight ALL our members - YOU!
NaNoWriMo UPDATE
We've made it to the end of NaNoWriMo! The month was intense, but hopefully fun, for all who participated. We hope you reached your personal writing goals and that maybe some of you will even be NaNoWriMo winners. Thank you for joining us on this crazy, but fun, challenge.
THANK YOU
As I step down from the board at the end of this year, I carry with me fond memories and immense gratitude to each of you. Throughout my tenure, your passion for writing, commitment to growth, and unwavering support for one another have been the heart of SCWA. The diversity of your voices, the depth of your stories, and the dedication you bring to your craft have profoundly enriched our community. Whether through engaging discussions, constructive feedback in workshops, or the simple yet powerful act of sharing your experiences, you have created an environment where creativity flourishes and friendships blossom.
I am deeply grateful for the pleasure of getting to know so many talented and inspiring writers. Your unique perspectives and stories have not only contributed to the vibrant tapestry of our association but have also inspired me as a writer.
Thank you for making my term on the board an unforgettable experience. I look forward to witnessing the continued success and growth of SCWA and to each of you achieving your writing dreams.
Raegan Teller
VP/Membership
Have comments or questions about your SCWA membership?
Contact us at Membership@myscwa.org. We'd love to hear from you.