Florida Writers Association

**Independent1** · 01-18-2009, 04:06 PM

Does anyone know of a local group?

**Ken Sloan** · 01-21-2009, 10:15 AM

To the best of my knowledge, there isn't one local to the south Walton area. There have been a few abortive attempts, but I don't think they held together. There was one that met at Sundog Books sometime back, but when I asked an employee there the other day, she didn't know anything about it.

If I am wrong about this, someone please jump in and correct me.

There is one in Panama City called the Panhandle Writers Guild (PWG) and another in the Ft. Walton area. I'll send you contact info if you PM me ('m not crazy about posting personal e-mail addresses online).

I'm guessing you were at the David Magee seminar last Saturday morning. So was I...good stuff.

**Susan Vallee** · 02-03-2009, 11:03 PM

Hey!

We had a group that met at Central Square Records, but the attendance was very spotty. Some folks aren't morning people, others didn't like to meet on Sundays, etc. etc.
I'd love to keep the group going or join in another group along 30-A. I guess we just need a consensus on day/time to meet.
Yeah - I was so inspired by that workshop. Great stuff.

**ronfrazer** · 02-08-2009, 05:36 PM

I'd also like to join a group. Perhaps on a weekday evening at one of the restaurants along 30A or 98 in SOWAL?

**SWGB** · 02-09-2009, 12:23 AM

Originally Posted by ronfrazer

I'd also like to join a group. Perhaps on a weekday evening at one of the restaurants along 30A or 98 in SOWAL?

Coffee shops are much better. I highly recommend PJ's.

**citymouse** · 02-12-2009, 03:37 PM

Originally Posted by Susan Vallee

Hey!

We had a group that met at Central Square Records, but the attendance was very spotty. Some folks aren't morning people, others didn't like to meet on Sundays, etc. etc.
I'd love to keep the group going or join in another group along 30-A. I guess we just need a consensus on day/time to meet.
Yeah - I was so inspired by that workshop. Great stuff.

I'd be interested. I used to meet over at a friends' house a couple years back...I'd love to start writing again...My schedule is constantly changing but if a time and place gets set I will make my best effort to be there.

**DuneLaker** · 02-12-2009, 06:08 PM

Originally Posted by Susan Vallee

Hey!

We had a group that met at Central Square Records, but the attendance was very spotty. Some folks aren't morning people, others didn't like to meet on Sundays, etc. etc.
I'd love to keep the group going or join in another group along 30-A. I guess we just need a consensus on day/time to meet.
Yeah - I was so inspired by that workshop. Great stuff.

I went to Central Square Records in Seaside when I thought there was a meeting, but didn't see any writers. I thought it was a cool and comfortable place. Big easy chairs, couch, nice view. I'd go there if something got started. Weekday mornings work for me. The Coffee House next to Publix is also a good spot. There is a nice couch in the back and larger table arrangements can be put together in the front. Wi-Fi available, too. Tell you what, I'll be at the Coffee House, next to WaterColor Publix, on Tuesday, February 17, at 9 a.m. to discuss writing and SoWal writing topics with anyone that shows up.

**DuneAHH** · 02-12-2009, 08:03 PM

Originally Posted by DuneLaker

I went to Central Square Records in Seaside when I thought there was a meeting, but didn't see any writers. I thought it was a cool and comfortable place. Big easy chairs, couch, nice view. I'd go there if something got started. Weekday mornings work for me. The Coffee House next to Publix is also a good spot. There is a nice couch in the back and larger table arrangements can be put together in the front. Wi-Fi available, too. Tell you what, I'll be at the Coffee House, next to WaterColor Publix, on Tuesday, February 17, at 9 a.m. to discuss writing and SoWal writing topics with anyone that shows up.

I'm going to put this on my calendar and plan to see you there!!

**DuneAHH** · 02-16-2009, 08:33 PM

Originally Posted by DuneLaker

I went to Central Square Records in Seaside when I thought there was a meeting, but didn't see any writers. I thought it was a cool and comfortable place. Big easy chairs, couch, nice view. I'd go there if something got started. Weekday mornings work for me. The Coffee House next to Publix is also a good spot. There is a nice couch in the back and larger table arrangements can be put together in the front. Wi-Fi available, too. Tell you what, I'll be at the Coffee House, next to WaterColor Publix, on Tuesday, February 17, at 9 a.m. to discuss writing and SoWal writing topics with anyone that shows up.

D.L. are you still planning to be at The Coffee House tomorrow morning??
I'll be there if you are!
Anybody else??

**DuneLaker** · 02-16-2009, 09:01 PM

DA Yes. I am going to be there. Today is Ken Sloan's 50th Birthday, or at least he celebrated it today. Hope he is up to coming tomorrow. See you at the Coffee House! 9 a.m. DL

**Ken Sloan** · 02-17-2009, 11:26 AM

Originally Posted by DuneLaker

DA Yes. I am going to be there. Today is Ken Sloan's 50th Birthday, or at least he celebrated it today. Hope he is up to coming tomorrow. See you at the Coffee House! 9 a.m. DL

I am really sorry I missed this. I didn't see the post until just now. In all honesty I probably wouldn't have been at my peak after yesterday, anyway.

Thank you for coming out to celebrate with us yesterday. It's great to have such good friends as you here.

Please let me know how the meeting went and when the next one will be.

By the way, I have found another group in Defuniak Springs, in addition to the one in PC, if anyone is interested.

**DuneAHH** · 02-19-2009, 09:41 PM

Planning to meet again on Tuesday 2/24 --- 9:00AM at
The Coffee House.

**DuneLaker** · 02-20-2009, 07:27 PM

In the meantime, check out the events and activities thread. There is another Chautauqua going on in DeFuniak which features a number of Southern writers . Excellent opportunity for small forum with published writers, book signing, etc. Try to make it this weekend and next. (Feb. 20-21 and Feb. 27-28). You can attend some of this in the daytime and still attend all the cool stuff in SoWal in the evening, although they do have some good evening programs, too. BTW Come by the Walton County History Museum on the Circle in DeFuniak if you do travel north. Victor Silvestri has just published a massive historical book of the Sheriffs of Florida, has brochures and will be available around 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. each Friday and Saturday. Book is pricey, but epic.

**someone_else** · 02-21-2009, 03:10 PM

Tues. 2/24 at 9:00 A.M. at the coffee house next to Watercolor Publix? Is this meeting open to those of us who love to write but can hardly call themselves writers?

**DuneLaker** · 02-22-2009, 08:43 PM

Originally Posted by someone_else

Tues. 2/24 at 9:00 A.M. at the coffee house next to Watercolor Publix? Is this meeting open to those of us who love to write but can hardly call themselves writers?

All are welcome. No rules. You never know when true inspiration or luck will strike. We can all hope.

**Redfish Village** · 02-23-2009, 02:44 PM

To the Florida Writers Association:

Please consider the Library and Owners' Lounge at Redfish Village in Blue Mountain Beach as an option for your next meeting space. I think our facility would be an ideal fit your group.

Let us know if you would like to reserve the space for your next meeting.
Good luck with your endeavor!

**DuneAHH** · 02-24-2009, 07:56 AM

Originally Posted by someone_else

Tues. 2/24 at 9:00 A.M. at the coffee house next to Watercolor Publix? Is this meeting open to those of us who love to write but can hardly call themselves writers?

Yep! That would pretty much describe me!

**Ken Sloan** · 02-24-2009, 12:26 PM

I spoke to Redfish Village this morning and accepted their gracious offer for the use of the Library & Owner's Lounge. I also arranged with PJ's to provide us with some coffee and snacks.

The Coffee House was great. We really didn't want to stop meeting there, but wanted a dedicated space that was a little better suited to people standing up and giving readings, etc.

The next meeting will be there (at Redfish) Tuesday March 3 at 9:00 am.

**Ken Sloan** · 02-25-2009, 07:40 AM

Redfish Village has booked the library all day Tuesday and it is no longer available. It is open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, though. Would one of those days work for everyone?

Please pm or call (850-259-7453) with your preference and I'll make the change.

**ronfrazer** · 02-26-2009, 08:39 AM

Any morning is generally good for me. I enjoyed chatting with everyone at the meeting on 2/24 and really appreciated the ideas shared.

**Ken Sloan** · 02-26-2009, 03:33 PM

The meeting has been rescheduled to 10 am on Wednesday (4 March 2009). Please note that the time has been moved back one hour.

We will still have coffee, etc. from PJ's.

Thanks, and sorry for the change.

**DuneAHH** · 03-01-2009, 08:17 AM

Originally Posted by Ken Sloan

The meeting has been rescheduled to 10 am on Wednesday (4 March 2009). Please note that the time has been moved back one hour.

We will still have coffee, etc. from PJ's.

Thanks, and sorry for the change.

Ken, Thanks for making the arrangements & posting. See y'all on Wed.!

**Independent1** · 03-02-2009, 02:02 PM

Glad to here the writers group is getting started. I'd almost given up, see yall on Wed.

Originally Posted by Ken Sloan

I spoke to Redfish Village this morning and accepted their gracious offer for the use of the Library & Owner's Lounge. I also arranged with PJ's to provide us with some coffee and snacks.

The Coffee House was great. We really didn't want to stop meeting there, but wanted a dedicated space that was a little better suited to people standing up and giving readings, etc.

The next meeting will be there (at Redfish) Tuesday March 3 at 9:00 am.

**Ken Sloan** · 03-04-2009, 02:18 PM

We had a great meeting this morning.

Going forward, the group will meet every Tuesday morning from 10 am to noon at the Library & Owner's Lounge in Redfish Village. If you've never been there before, the lounge can be a little difficult to find. You can get directions at the management office or call me directly at 850-259-7453.

Everyone will be responsible for their own coffee, snacks, lunch, etc. PJ's Coffee is right next door and has excellent coffee and pastries.

All are welcome to attend.

And thank you to Redfish Village for making your lounge available to us.

**DuneAHH** · 03-04-2009, 07:25 PM

Thanks Ken, for making the future arrangements for The Redfish Owner's Lounge. It's a WONDERFUL place to meet. YES!... PJ's pastries are scrumchus!!

**DuneLaker** · 03-04-2009, 08:07 PM

The library is a perfect place to meet and the coffee and pastries were yummy! Thanks, Ken. Can't make it every week, but will try.

**blossomunicorn** · 03-08-2009, 06:33 PM

Hi Ken, glad to see that a writers group is starting, I am a bit out of the way but would like to drive out and participate in one of your meetings this March, looking forward to meeting other fellow writers!

Cheers,

Priya

Originally Posted by Ken Sloan

We had a great meeting this morning.

Going forward, the group will meet every Tuesday morning from 10 am to noon at the Library & Owner's Lounge in Redfish Village. If you've never been there before, the lounge can be a little difficult to find. You can get directions at the management office or call me directly at 850-259-7453.

Everyone will be responsible for their own coffee, snacks, lunch, etc. PJ's Coffee is right next door and has excellent coffee and pastries.

All are welcome to attend.

And thank you to Redfish Village for making your lounge available to us.

**DuneAHH** · 03-08-2009, 09:49 PM

Originally Posted by blossomunicorn

Hi Ken, glad to see that a writers group is starting, I am a bit out of the way but would like to drive out and participate in one of your meetings this March, looking forward to meeting other fellow writers!

Cheers,

Priya

Looking forward to meeting you soon!