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tHe Newsletter of PeNNwriters iNC. JaNuary/february 2017 • Vol. XXV No. 1
The History of Pennwriters by HeatHer Desuta, Newsletter eDitor & 2017 CoNfereNCe Co-CoorDiNator, area 1
welcome to a brand-new year for making and celebrating milestones! with the start of each new year, we’re given an opportunity to re-examine the paths we’re taking in working toward and meeting our goals. something i’ve been working hard at is coordinating the 2017 Pennwriters Conference. this event will mark the organization’s 30th annual conference, and we’ve chosen “Making Milestones” as a theme. i want all of us to be thinking about the milestones in our writing lives and all the steps we’re taking to make tomorrow’s milestones. let’s be mindful of the progress we make, and let’s celebrate our achievements. Pennwriters has come a long way, and we’re glad to have you with us. e History of Pennwriters— In 1986, fifteen aspiring romance novelists met published author Nancy Martin at a writer’s symposium at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown. ey formed a group called Romance Alive. Members supported each other at booksignings, formed critique groups, went to conferences together, and paid to bring in speakers. Membership grew quickly, and the name was changed to Pennwriters. e first conference, held at Pitt Main, was an enormous success, boasting around 200 attendees. But attendees weren’t all romance writers. Having pulled in writers from so many genres, the board rethought the group. After a membership vote, Pennwriters went multi-genre and incorporated. e conference became a way for Pennwriters members to bond as they attended workshops and panels given by high-powered editors and agents, as well as authors dedicated to helping attendees improve their craft. With social events that included awards banquets, masquerade parties and mystery theater dinners, conference attendees had a chance to display their creativity, showcase investigative talents, learn about one another and form friendships. Pennwriters also brought many talented editors, agents and authors to workshops and luncheons held throughout the state to educate and inform the members. An annual highlight was the agent luncheon held in Pittsburgh every December. e semi-formal event gave Pennwriters members an opportunity to not only hear industry news firsthand but also to rub elbows with writing industry professionals.
e group’s small newsletter grew into a sophisticated multi-page offering that is published bimonthly. e group created a website. Pennwriters Presents was created, to give members the opportunity to engage in Q&A with a guest speaker—often an agent, editor or multi-published author. Over the years, guests have included published authors, attorneys, corporate executives, editors and individuals from nearly every walk of life. ese things continue to evolve to serve members and promote the organization. Pennwriters has an accomplished history. We’re proud to celebrate this milestone at the 30th annual conference in May. If you would like to share any photos, memorabilia, or stories about the organization or a past conference or event, please email me at thepennwriter@gmail.com. As you can imagine, this is a busy time, so be sure to type “Pennwriters History” as your email subject line. ank you! I look forward to your responses.
T H E 2017 P E N N W R I T E R S A N N UA L W R I T I N G CO N T E S T I S N O W O P E N. S E E P G.9 F O R D E TA I L S — >