The mission of California Writers Club is to educate writers of all genres and levels of expertise in developing the craft and marketing of their work.

CWC is a nonprofit educational corporation. Members write novels, short stories, screen plays, poetry, nonfiction articles and books,and more. Over half of our member writers are published. In addition to professional and aspiring writers, CWC membership is open to non-writing literary experts.

 

The 1906 San Francisco earthquake brought

together literary figures in informal gatherings

at the Oakland home of poet Joaquin Miller

and at Coppa's Restaurant in San Francisco.

Among those who shared their work and

challenges were Jack London, Herman Whitaker,

George Sterling and Austin Lewis. The group

grew and in 1909 California Writers Club was founded with Austin Lewis as the first president. It began with one branch in Berkeley, California.

 

In 1913, CWC incorporated as a 501(c)(3) educational nonprofit organization. Today, over 1,800 members belong to 22 branches around the state. Members of each branch enjoy the benefits of any branch they visit. In 2003, CWC led the effort to gain a legislative resolution making the 3rd week of October the California Writers Week in perpetuity.

 

The Orange County Branch, California Writers Club received its charter in 2001. It began when two local writers tired of the long drive to the closest branch in San Fernando Valley and searched for writers closer to home.

Our activities include:

  • monthly programs of speakers on various
    aspects of writing and publishing
  • panel discussions
  • 3-minute readings
  • competition judging
  • critique groups
  • read the Orange County brochure here

To learn more about the statewide organization visit www.calwriters.org. 

 

Executive Committee

2021-2023

  • Brian Gaps, President
  • Mary Vensel White, Vice President
  • Tracy Neis, Secretary
  • Elisabeth Rhoads, Treasurer
  • Jeanette Fratto, Hospitality Chair
  • Colleen Janssen, Membership Chair
  • Kelli Devan Edwards, Newsletter Editor
  • Allene Symons, Director
  • Carol Celeste, Director

(from left) Mary Vensel White, Kelli Devan Edwards, Author Joe Ide, Colleen Janssen, Brian Gaps