Georgia Writers Association
[Georgia Writers Association] 1(GWA)is a statewide nonprofit 501(c)(3) support organization for writers in all genres and at all levels of their careers. It was founded in 1994 by Geri Taran, a poet, writer and artist, who served as the Executive Director and driving force of the organization until July 1, 2006, with poet, prize-winning author and Professor of Creative Writing Anthony “Tony” Grooms, author of a collection of poetry, Ice Poems (1988), a collection of stories, Trouble No More (1995 and re-released by Kennesaw University Press in 2006), and a novel, Bombingham (2001), and Susan L. Graham a literary agent.
The first general meeting was held at the Sandy Springs Library in May 1994 and the first Georgia Writers Newsletter (later renamed the News/Mag) was published simultaneously. This bimonthly publication, which quickly grew to twenty pages, has continued, uninterrupted to this writing (June 2007). Monthly meetings also continued, uninterrupted, for nearly fourteen years.
Speakers at each meeting have traditionally offered a brilliant array of information on a wide variety of subjects related to writing in all genres, from freelance writing for targeted markets, to play and screen writing; from researching facts for forensic accuracy for a mystery, to writing for children and young adults. Meeting speakers have also covered the publishing and marketing of one's work— and much more. Networking sessions among active members attending meetings continue to produce not only an exchange of information on writing skills, but tips on job opportunities as well.
It was not unknown to have ninety people at a monthly meeting and membership swelled to over five hundred writers from all over the state. “Pods,” sprung up in Macon, Augusta, Columbus, Rome, Athens and elsewhere.
THE GEORGIA AUTHOR OF THE YEAR AWARDS
The Georgia Author of the Year Awards (GAYA) was established in 1964 by the founders of the Dixie Council of Authors and Journalists. In 1984 that organization became the Council of Authors and Journalists (CAJ). Ten years later, in 1994, the CAJ had diminished, having lost its drive and its leadership and five months after Georgia Writers Association was created, responsibility for the then thirty-year-old awards was accepted as an integral part of GWA. The Georgia Author of the Year Awards event has flourished and remains the oldest literary award in the Southeastern region of the United States.
The purpose of the Georgia Author of the Year Awards, (GAYA) is similar to that of Georgia Writers Association itself; to recognize and acknowledge Georgia's wealth of outstanding writers and to acquaint them with the public and one another, thus continuing our literary heritage.
Two additional awards are given: The Lifetime Achievement Award- see at http://www.georgiawriters.org/Lifetime-Austin.htm (honoring Harriett Austin at the 39th GAYA) and http://www.georgiawriters.org/Lifetime-Tucker.htm (honoring Memye Curtis Tucker at the 43rd GAYA). The Taran Family Memorial Awards - see at http://www.georgiawriters.org/Taran_Memorials.htm
GAYA is unique in that independently-published authors and those whose books have been published by traditional publishers are both recognized. The thinking behind this is that every author's work deserves an opportunity to stand against the works of other authors.The writing of a book, any book, requires not only a certain degree of talent but also requires commitment and focus. In these days of deteriorating language skills and ease of independent publishing it is hoped that independently-published authors will give greater regard to both the art and the skill required to produce works of lasting value and to pay serious attention to the editing process.
Eligible are all Georgia-resident authors whose books will have been published (publish date) during the current calendar year (2007). Official guidelines are printed on every form currently (found at http://www.georgiawriters.org/GAYANom-44th.pdf) and must be followed to avoid disqualification. Anyone may submit a book for consideration or nomination. Questions? phone 770-423-6597 or email GAYA@georgiawriters.org.
Nominations officially open on September 1 each year and close January 15 of the new year.
Judging Criteria
All books are judged on a 100 point scale with points awarded in 3 categories:
- 40 points - Distinctive voice/creativity/originality/style/content
- 30 points - Technical/craft/clarity/focused/enduring value/editing
- 30 points - Execution/imaginative/emotionally evocative/satisfactory resolution
Yearly award winners
- Georgia Author of the Year Awards 1997 http://www.georgiawriters.org/35awards.htm
- Georgia Author of the Year Awards 1998 http://www.georgiawriters.org/36thWinners.htm
- Georgia Author of the Year Awards 1999 http://www.georgiawriters.org/37thwinners.htm
- Georgia Author of the Year Awards 2001 http://www.georgiawriters.org/38thwinners.htm
- Georgia Author of the Year Awards 2002 http://www.georgiawriters.org/39thWinners.htm
- Georgia Author of the Year Awards 2003 http://www.georgiawriters.org/40thWinners.htm
- Georgia Author of the Year Awards 2004 http://www.georgiawriters.org/41stWinners.htm
- Georgia Author of the Year Awards 2005 http://www.georgiawriters.org/42ndWinners.htm
- Georgia Author of the Year Awards 2006 http://www.georgiawriters.org/43rdwinners.htm