Presidency Message

I'm surprised that I'm happy to be here as ANWA President! Really. For years, I watched contently as others ran the show, but here I am and we're on our way.

A standing ovation to Kerry Blair for the great newsletter she has put out for the past year. We also thank all who have helped her by getting in your minutes and articles.

We are excited to welcome Carla Parsons as our new newsletter editor. To help her out, each member is expected to submit two, yes, TWO items during the next twelve months to the newsletter. It can be an article, poem, challenge, writing tip, motivational idea, etc. Boot up your computer and get creative.

The general presidency has come up with some great ideas for the next year.

• To promote our membership, we ask you to add a "signature" to your email, telling what ANWA is about and inviting writers to look at our website. The email signature is usually found in the menu under tools. I copied my wording right off the ANWA website, page one.

How easy can it be? Who knows? Maybe your signature will attract our next member.

• Our newsletter will carry a new column titled "Writing 101." Each month we'll feature a new writing tip. Make is a point to incorporate that skill into your writing for the month. By the time the next skill is discussed, you should have it down pat.
  
  
• We plan to run contests. Our first, the Take Action Award, will promote the idea that even rejection letters are good because they prove you are taking action. (Of course, a congratulatory note is better!) No rejection notes reveal that you haven't been submitting. How many of these dreaded letters do you have dated in 2003? More details to come.

Set your goal that 2004 will be the year for action. Submit that novel or article, sing your song, publish your poem, collaborate, write in your journal more often, go to your monthly chapter meetings. Take action!

The strength of ANWA is in its chapters. We become better writers by receiving feedback on our writing, by sharpening our skills, and by WRITING. Every member needs to commit to keep ANWA alive by attending her chapter meetings.

Some may think, "I haven't written anything and have nothing to share, so I don't need to go." The truth is WE need YOUR ideas and feedback.

I love my Daytimers Chapter. I love the ladies, and most of all, I like that I don't have to give up evening hours from my family. Each sister in my chapter is unique and as individual as is her writing. I gain a lot from them.