Jennie Weckleman, Secretary

Our Beginning

The Founding of Marco Island Writers
Gwen DeCrow, Founder     
In the spring of 2011, as Marco Island resident and writer Gwen DeCrow was involved in writing her first book, she felt the need for some direction and encouragement from other experienced writers. Knowing that the island has a creative heartbeat, she decided to try to form a small group of writers. Gwen distributed flyers to area businesses and the library and asked editors of local newspapers to include the information in their clubs and organizations listings announcing the formation of the monthly Marco Writers Networking Group. With approval from the local library, a meeting room was reserved and two people attended the first monthly meeting held on Wednesday, June 8, 2011. More marketing of the group and word of mouth led to two different people attending the July, 2011 meeting. In the meantime, the publicity was seen around town and Gwen started getting phone calls of interest and email contacts. She started an email distribution list notifying "members" of upcoming meetings and speakers. On a rainy third meeting night in August, 2011, nine people attended and extra chairs were gathered for the diverse, enthusiastic writers. A special guest speaker, a New York Bestselling author was scheduled for September 14th in a larger room at the library and the group was on its way, with a request by members for a longer meeting time. The October meeting was held at the group's new home, the Fifth Third Bank community room on Elkcam. The group continued to grow to sixty members on the list and thirty attending monthly through "season" and the group held its one year anniversary in June 2012.

About Us

Our Present and our Future

We’re committed to making this the best networking and resource for all our local writers.

Presenting our 2019 staff:

President: Joanne Tailele Secretary: Jennie Weckelman

Vice President: Michael Meguid Treasurers: Connie Gaertner, Betsy Perdichizzi

Farmers Market: Richard Goldhaber Anthology: Elisabeth Noyes

Young Writers: Elisabeth Noyes Webmaster: Joanne Tailele

Members at Large: Dolores Burton and Betsy Perdichizzi

Beginning in June 2018, MIW will meet the second Wednesday of every month from 6-8 p.m. at the Mackle Park Community Center, 1361 Andalusia Terrace, Marco Island. Current membership exceeds 75 members of all skill levels and genres. First-time visitors are always welcome and always FREE.

Our main focus is to network with other writers and authors, support each other in our writing endeavors, and grow in our craft. Meetings are typically broken into two segments. The first hour starts with new announcements, followed by a speaker or a workshop. Speakers may be local authors, publicists, or editors. The second hour varies. Sometimes we do Flash Fiction from a prompt. Sometimes authors share their work, and sometimes we break into small groups to discuss topics or critiques.

We encourage writers of all genres and skill levels to join us. Whether you only have a bright idea for the next great American novel, or if you are already a published author, we believe you will find a home here among other writers that share your passion for the written word. Together, we can work through the ever-changing maze of our industry. From the creative stages of writing to the grueling part of editing and re-writes (and re-writes) and publication, we are here for you all the way. Come and join us. Annual Membership $50.00 per year. Family memberships are $75.00. Please contact marcoislandwriters@gmail.com for details or download the application here. Half-year memberships are available after June 1st.

Published books featured on our website and SquareUp Online store. Non-published or published short stories and poetry posted on a rotation basis on our website. Entry to all meetings plus free or discounted fees to all special events. Member of the Marco Island Chamber of Commerce. Reciprocity with Gulf Coast and Pine Island Writers for all events and meetings Included in mass e-newsletter Special notices to members only. Door Entry. First Time Visitors are always FREE. Returning guests may pay $10.00 at the door to attend all meetings without buying a membership.

We look forward to growing as an organization and giving back to the community through our books and sponsorship of college students with an interest in writing.