Guild aims to help writers learn tricks of the trade
There's a new literary group in Columbia County, and its founding members say it's the perfect opportunity for writers to learn how to advance their work professionally.
Lucinda Clark (left) and Sharon Schroeder are among the founders of the Columbia County Literary Guild.
Photo by Jim Blaylock
Founding members Lucinda Clark, Sylvia Ramsey and Sharon Schroeder said the Columbia County Literary Arts Guild was formed a year ago to support, direct and teach writers in the Augusta area.
"We want to showcase the literary arts in this town," said Clark, of Martinez, who added that membership is not restricted to Columbia County residents. "We are not trying to do what has already been done. We are looking to take people to the next level."
From 6 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, the guild will hold its first general membership meeting at Georgia Military College, 115 Davis Road in Martinez. The guild, Schroeder said, will meet six times a year and will offer educational workshops and programs to feature local literary talent, including writing contests and social activities to help advance the area's literary arts community.
"We just want people to get together and know each other," said Schroeder, of Evans, referring to the meeting's purpose. "This will gauge the interest to us and it will give us more feedback, so we will know where to go from there."
Serving an eclectic assembly, which includes everyone from screen writers to television writers to poets, Clark said, another goal of the group is to educate writers about the "perils and pitfalls" of the publishing business.
From being savvy on issues such as the legality of publishing to the creation of professional presentations, Clarke and Schroeder said literary artists need to be well-informed on such topics in order to be successful.
"A lot of people think that in this business you die broke. We want to put that myth to rest," Clark said. "(Writers) need to know how to network. Just because you live in Augusta doesn't mean you can't get the respect in the bigger arenas. I'm looking for (this group) to get the respect as a viable profession."
For more information on guild membership, e-mail Sharon Schroeder at sharondschroeder@comcast.net or call 860-6871.