Bulletin Board

Compiled by Emma Marl

On the career path

It’s true, contributing some volunteer time to Writergrrls can help your career. Earlier this year, member Jen Matthewson asked the list for advice on how to get started as a professional writer. It was suggested that she contribute to the Zine and doing just that has paid off, literally.

Jen wrote a piece for the Zine, Writing Can Be a Grrl’s Best Friend.: "It was the first article I've ever written that didn't appear in a school publication (and the first one I've written since high school!)" Then she approached The Writer magazine with the article. "I got a call from the senior editor at The Writer today, and they want to publish it in an upcoming issue," said Jen. "I’m so happy I’m almost in tears."

Jen currently earns her living as a marketing assistant and her ambition is to use writing to make a difference in the world. She commented: "I really couldn't have done something like this without the Writergrrls. They're just such a great support group."

Bookfest success

Writergrrls had a rewarding couple of days at Bookfest in October, thanks to the efforts of a number of members. It was our second year of having a booth at this two-day event.

Special thanks are due to numerous members, particularly Jane Hodges and Sharon Glantz who did the lion’s share of the organizing. Lisa Toftemark once again proved her worth as our PR/marketing leader. Wendy Blake, with assistance from Sue Kidd and extensive backup from Stephanie Shenk, produced print versions of the Zine, and Sunny Monroe compiled a Writergrrls photo album. Last, but not at all least, there was a small army of Writergrrls who volunteered, many for the first time, to staff the booth in shifts alongside Steering Committee members. Thanks to each of them, and everyone else who helped with this event.

Honorable mention

Gabriella Herkert is celebrating receiving an honorable mention in Writer's Digest Your Assignment 151 contest earlier this year. Her literary award acceptance speech will be published in December 2002.

Changing faces

Writergrrls has been welcoming a number of new volunteers and saying farewell to others who have done their bit. Founder member Jenny Neill has stepped down after more than four years leading the organization, in part to pursue her screenwriting ambitions. We thank her for all the time and effort she has put into helping make Writergrrls the vibrant, growing organization it is today.

Stepping into Jenny’s shoes as List Admin is a group of Writergrrls: Phoebe Smith is acting Lead List Admin, backed up by a team of volunteers who successfully migrated the list to a new system and will continue to make sure it runs smoothly.

After completing more than a year of service, Steering Committee Facilitator Angela Fountas has stepped down, in part to give more time to her novel. Angela did a wonderful job of keeping the SC meetings on track during some very busy times. Taking over as Facilitator is Elaine Leyda.

Finally, Sharon Glantz has also completed a year overseeing Events. She was the prime mover behind the big Local Scene Buffet event earlier this year, and played a major part in the arrangements for Bookfest.

We need you!

Writergrrls would not exist without the time and effort of volunteers. If you have skills and experience to share, or want to build your resume and portfolio, or just want to contribute to a great group, please get in touch.

The Steering Committee is looking for people to become involved in supporting our group’s activities, including PR and marketing, events and fundraising. You can contribute as much or as little time and effort as you can spare while making great contacts and developing marketable skills.

To find out more contact one of the Steering Committee members or come along to a monthly meeting.

Share your news

To contribute to the Bulletin Board, please write a brief description of your announcement, including any contact information and links if appropriate, in 200 to 300 words. Take a look at the information on submitting articles for details of how to send it in. For information about Writergrrls meetings and events, including our monthly members meeting, take a look at our