Vision:
The Chicago Writers Association (CWA) is a voluntary, not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting the 4 C's of writing: creativity, commerce, craft and community. CWA strives to:
- Foster a visible, supportive writing community.
- Provide genuine, constructive feedback and access to resources.
- Assist writers at all levels achieve their writing goals.
- Build a bridge to unite all facets of Chicago's diverse literary culture.
- Promote Chicago as a place of literary distinction.
Who we are:
CWA's diverse membership ranges from professional freelancers and published authors, to writers aspiring to be published and those who write as a creative outlet. Our members write both fiction and non-fiction, including novels, short stories, poetry, plays, feature articles and essays. Some work in specific genres such as romance, history, religious, horror, science fiction, biography, or memoirs.
Most members live in Chicago or surrounding areas, though some choose to participate from afar via the CWA online discussion group.
History:
The CWA was founded in 2003 by Diana Laskaris as an online discussion group with the goal of bringing writers together to share information, experience and encouragement.
In July 2005, the CWA's newsletter, The Clarion, edited by Walter McElligott, made its debut. And in March 2006, the CWA launched its website, originally designed and administered by David Hanley.
Then in November 2006, the CWA formed a Steering Committee with the goal of guiding the organization's continued growth as a community and resource supporting writers of all genres, styles and formats. At the direction of the Steering Committee, the CWA in December 2006 obtained approval from the State of Illinois to operate as not-for-profit organization. In 2008, CWA became a federally registered 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. All donations are tax deductible
Board Officers:
President: Randy Richardson
VP and Secretary: Paul Neilan
Treasurer: Diana Zwinak
Board Directors:
Adam Woodworth
Jennifer Brown Banks
JD Gordon
Donald G. Evans
Daniel P. Smith
