“Collaborative workshops and writers’ peer groups […] are a wonderful invention. They put the writer into a community of people all working at the same art, the kind of group musicians and painters and dancers have always had.”
― Ursula K. Le Guin, Steering the Craft
About Us
Welcome!
We are a Chapter of the Missouri Writers Guild, a 501(c)3 nonprofit whose purpose is to support, encourage, and promote writers and their craft in our community.
Our Columbia Chapter has served the writers of Central Missouri since 1959. Our membership is diverse, representing many literary genres and levels of both ambition and accomplishment – from writers who seek self-expression alone to writers who pursue publishing.
Funding
Our modest funding comes from generous donors, membership dues, and paid events. 100% of it goes to support writers like you.
What we do
Besides participating in local events such as Unbound Book Festival and Art In The Park, we organize our own writing contests and events:
“Well Versed” Publication
An anthology of prose and poetry! We receive submissions from both members and non-members. The works are judged and, if accepted, published.
Summer Flash Fiction
A contest for members! Each summer month, members receive a prompt and have five days to complete a flash piece of writing based on it.
“Spoken” at Café Berlin
A monthly public reading series, generously hosted by Café Berlin! Co-sponsored by the Columbia Writers Guild and Nightjar Arts Collective.
Membership benefits
Guild members enjoy:
Monthly Meetings
Our monthly meetings feature guest speakers, mini workshops, networking, and more!
Opportunities for Guild Publication
Members can submit their writing to “Well Versed” and “Summer Flash Fiction” contests.
Quarterly Newsletter
Distributed by email, our quarterly newsletter keeps you informed about upcoming nearby writing events, conferences, contests and more.
Discord Access
[Under Construction]
Our Discord forum is a place for members who’ve attended at least one in-person meeting to share about writing, support each other and develop their craft.
Self-Promotion
Opportunities to sell your books, both online and in person at events
Info Emails
We forward info on writing-related events and opportunities nearby and online, so you don’t miss anything.
Ready to become a member?
You do not have to be published or have any experience to join us and learn alongside us.
