From the President

President Says... every life is a history lesson

I was listening to NPR not too long ago, and I heard a curious expression. I think they said it was an old African saying, “When an old man dies, a library burns to the ground.”

They were referring, of course, to the vast amount of knowledge that’s lost every time someone dies. This is especially true of our more “seasoned citizens.” As writers, we like to think we have the capacity to fill volumes. We could even fill the Library of Congress, if we set our minds to it, but it made me think about those among us who aren’t writers. Their knowledge and experience could fill a library as well, and while we strive to commit as much as we can to paper, what about those who never know the thrill of writing? Who will chronicle their adventures?

It also made me think about lost libraries in the literal sense. The library of Alexandria, for example, was destroyed not once but twice. What knowledge has been lost due to the ignorance of those who seek to change history by destroying the past? We can only imagine what literary treasures have been lost forever. How sad to think that the only way to advance a society is to destroy the previous one!
Even in modern times, lives are lost and wars fought because of the suppression of writing or the creation of damaging propaganda. Books are banned, or worse, burned in the middle of the street for all to see. The heart and soul of humanity can always be found in literature. As writers, it is our job to make sure those words are preserved for generations to come. Otherwise, we will see history not as a documentary on the History Channel, but the lead story on the Nightly News.

We should never forget how important words are, or how powerful. After all, this country was founded on the need for freedom of speech. And for those who have been entertained by the stories of a grandparent or seen a grandchild’s eyes light up when you’re telling a few tales of your own, you already know the value of storytelling perfection. It would be a shame to lose such a valuable treasure because of ignorance, neglect or apathy. Until we find a way to keep the libraries open forever, let’s work together and be sure to read as many of those books as possible before the library burns down.

Ron Schumacher, President
Georgia Writers Association

President Says... Hello!

Hello. My name is Ron Schumacher and I am the incoming president of Georgia Writers Association.

This is a very exciting time for GWA. We have new officers and an enthusiastic executive board, and all its members have good ideas and high energy. And we are over 500 members strong. With that much intelligence and creativity, there’s no task that we cannot complete. I encourage all of you to take an active role in helping us to achieve our goals for ourselves, one another, and the communities in which we live; to encourage literacy and writing excellence; to be successful as writers; and to make a positive impact on the world.

That being said, I would like to remind everyone that we are only as strong as our members. We need your help to reach our goals as an organization. We need your enthusiasm and your time to make us better than ever.
I hope all of you look to GWA as an organization where creative energy and ideas take root and grow strong. Remember: it is YOUR organization.You dictate the course that we will take. You might think of GW as your opportunity to connect with others of like mind so each can make a difference in the world through the power of your written words. And as we all work toward becoming better writers and poets, we can have some fun in the process.
I have been asked to set down for you my goals and ideas for my term as president.

Here is what I intend to pursue:
1. Strengthen GWA’s already excellent programs and established collaborations. Ensure implementation of our new partnerships for our Young Georgia Writers and Writing in the Schools programs, and set in motion expanded services to be available directly to schools in active members’ school areas.
2. Expand the Professional Level memberships in order to bring many more paying writing assignments to freelance members,
     a. by enhancing our website to make us even more a leading resource in writing, editing, and information on the          general business of writing, and
     b. by offering limited, targeted accessibility of our membership database at the website to support writers and to          attract customers and possible employers.
3. Develop interactive CD-ROM’s as either companions to published member’s works or as electronically published books that will be for sale through the GWA website.
4. Develop interactive 3D “Virtual Worlds” online for children of all ages to exchange story ideas and answers to life’s tough questions.
5. Enable a few enhancements to the GWA website to help us become the leading resource in writing, editing, and the general business of writing.

These are some of the areas I feel are part of the next logical steps for Georgia Writers Association. Your ideas are always welcome and together I hope that we will make this the best year ever. See you at the next meeting and keep writing!

Ron Schumacher, President
Georgia Writers Association

President Says... Goodbye.

Every mother longs for the day her children will be independent and leave the nest. Every mother also dreads the day her children will be independent and leave the nest. I have those same mixed feelings as I pass the presidential baton to a very worthy new president, Ron Schumacher.

Most of you know Ron; he’s the enthusiastic, yet calm man who has been our vice president for quite some time, now. I know he will be a great leader; he has already shown his potential.

When I consider all my feelings, I realize that turning the leadership over to someone else is similar to submitting a manuscript. We spend years molding, forming and improving both, and then we have to be brave enough to let go and allow others to have control. The process is not easy, but it is necessary, if we are to grow as an organization, and if we are to present our works for publication. The good news about turning over the presidency? At least no one is going to send me a rejection letter. The deal is done.

I’m stepping down as president, but I won’t be gone. I’ve been a board member for almost seven years, now, and I’ll be pleased to serve as past president on the board, as well. I’ve enjoyed watching the organization grow from a great idea—a fledgling just growing wings—into an eagle that soars over all of Georgia and beyond. I’ve seen a glimpse into the future, too, and I urge you to keep your eyes open. Watch while Georgia Writers multiplies and offers more services and events than ever before. For example, Georgia Writers member Glenda Ivey, with guidance and advice from Geri Taran, has now formed the Florida Writers Association, a sort of sister organization to Georgia Writers. As we are informed of news and happenings taking place in our neighboring state, you will be too, as members of Georgia Writers.

Meanwhile, remember Georgia Writers is a volunteer organization. As with any organization, you get out of it what you put into it. Georgia Writers is for you. Volunteer. Renew your dues timely. Become involved, and you’ll be rewarded many times over.

I know.

Congratulations to Ron and to all incoming officers and board members. The future looms brighter and better than ever, especially with all of you holding up your lights to lead the way.

Bobbie Christmas, BZEBRA@aol.com

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