Writers of the Mendocino Coast
Like Us On Facebook ->
  • Home
  • Events
  • Membership
  • Member Bios
  • About
  • Resources
  • Archives
    • Archive 2025 >
      • October 2025
      • September 2025
      • August 2025
      • July 2025
      • June 2025
      • May 2025
      • April 2025
      • March 2025
      • February 2025
      • Jan 2025
    • Website 2024 >
      • November 2024
      • September 2024
      • August 2024
      • June 2024
      • April 2024
      • March 24
      • January '24
    • Website 2023 >
      • February '23
      • January '23
      • March '23
      • April '23
      • May '23
      • June '23
      • July '23
      • August '23
      • September '23
      • October '23
      • November '23
      • December '23
    • Website 2022 >
      • January '22
      • February '22
      • March '22
      • April '22
      • May '22
      • June '22
      • July '22
      • August '22
      • September '22
      • October '22
      • November '22
      • December '22 >
        • Jay Frankston
    • Website 2021 >
      • January '21
      • February '21
      • March '21
      • April '21
      • May '21
      • July '21
      • August '21
      • September '21
      • October '21
      • November '21
      • December '21
    • Website 2020 >
      • January '20
      • February '20
      • March '20
      • April '20
      • May '20
      • June '20
      • July '20
      • August '20
      • September '20
      • October '20
      • November '20
    • Website 2019 >
      • January '19
      • February '19
      • March '19
      • April '19
      • May '19
      • June '19
      • July '19
      • August '19
      • September '19
      • October '19
      • November '19
      • December '19
    • Website 2018 >
      • January '18
      • February '18
      • March '18
      • April '18
      • May '18
      • June '18
      • July '18
      • August '18
      • September '18
      • October '18
      • November '18
      • December '18
    • Website 2017 >
      • January '17
      • February '17
      • March '17
      • April '17
      • May '17
      • June '17
      • July '17
      • August '17
      • September '17
      • October '17
      • November '17
      • December '17
    • Website 2016 >
      • January '16
      • February '16
      • March '16
      • April '16
      • May '16
      • June '16
      • July '16
      • August '16
      • September '16
      • October '16
      • November '16
      • December '16
    • Website 2015 >
      • January '15
      • February '15
      • March '15
      • April '15
      • May '15
      • June '15
      • July '15
      • August '15
      • October '15
      • November '15
      • December '15
    • Website 2014 >
      • January '14
      • February '14
      • March '14
      • April '14
      • May '14
      • June '14
      • July '14
      • Aug '14
      • Sept '14
      • Oct '14
      • Nov '14
      • Dec '14
    • Website 2013 >
      • January '13
      • February '13
      • March '13
      • April '13
      • May '13
      • June '13
      • July '13
      • August '13
      • September '13
      • October '13
      • November '13
      • December '13
    • Website 2012 >
      • June '12
      • July '12
      • August '12
      • September '12
      • October '12
      • New Page
      • November '12
      • December '12
    • Charter Minutes 09 07
  • Contact
  • 2025 Anthology Submission Info
Picture
Sunday, November 9th, from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. 

at the beautiful Stanford Inn and Resort
​

 44850 Comptche Ukiah Rd. in Mendocino
John Liles teaches "Crafting Science Poetry - an Exercise in saying Something True"
During this workshop we will briefly examine examples of scientific research-grounded poetry, identify principal concerns, and outline/write a science poem of our own. (If you are actively working on something grounded in science, please feel encouraged to bring in research material of your own.) 


Liles is a graduate of the MFA program at New York University and former artist-in-residence at the Oak Spring Garden Foundation. His chapbook, "Following the Dog Down" was the recipient of the Omnidawn Capbook Prize.
Picture

Picture
Thank you to everyone who made Ekphrasis 2025 a huge success.
The gallery viewing on Saturday at Mendocino Artists Co-op was great fun and the reading on Sunday at Matheson Performing Arts Center was a hit. We’re already looking forward to next year’s collaboration with our talented local artists!

No WMC meeting in December.

Have a Merry Holiday Season.
​
We’ll see you in 2026 on January 11th at the Stanford Inn for
readings from our new Anthology, Seaworthy!
Picture

Members, Please check your Member Bio​, above.
​If you aren’t there or up-to-date, please send a brief bio (50 words) and a headshot to [email protected]

Picture
artwork by Janis Porter
Join our meeting live on the Facebook page!
People who cannot attend will be able to tune in. Please Log into Facebook to Like and Follow
We are also on Instagram! @writersofthemendocinocoast

UPCOMING EVENTS

Picture
Free and Open to the Public at Fort Bragg Library
Wednesday, November 12, 2:00 to 3:30 p.m.

"Poetry--Beloved Madness: Freeing the Creative Spirit"
​

taught by Elizabeth Vrenios

Ms. Vrenios has been published in numerous anthologies. She is a Professor Emeritus at American University in Washington D.C. and the editor of WMC's annual anthology”




Book-It!

Book Faire at The Sea Ranch LodgeSaturday, December 6, 2025🕛 12:00 – 4:00 PM at The Sea Ranch Lodge

Book-It! is the first-ever Book Faire at The Sea Ranch Lodge — a vibrant new gathering that celebrates books, authors, and artistry in a stunning coastal setting. Timed for the holiday season, the event offers recognition, sales, readings, and meaningful engagement with an enthusiastic audience.

Categories of Participation
1. Artist-Made Books – Zines, chapbooks, self-created or self-published art books (open to all)
2. Local Authors – Published authors from Sonoma or Mendocino Counties
3. Independent Publishers – Publishers of small-batch, artist-made books (open to all)

Eligibility & Details• Limited to 20 participants
• $50 non-refundable table fee, due upon confirmation
• Applications available upon request
• Deadline to apply: November 1, 2025
• Rolling acceptance; notifications by November 15, 2025
Picture
Poetry at the Cobalt
430 Main Street, Fort Bragg

Sunday August 10, 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Featuring Georgina Marie Guardado, the Lake County Poet Laureate Emerita (2020-24) and President of the Mendocino Coast Writers' Conference. Open mic follows. Sign up at the event for five minute poetry reading.

Creative Writing at the
​Fort Bragg Library

Picture

Check out ongoing Creative Writing Courses at
Mendocino College
​

​For more classes, check out the searchable online class schedule; to register, stop by the Coast Center Campus, or apply online.

Picture

POETRY AT THE COBALT
Every second Sunday year round 5-7 pm
THIS IS AN INVITATION TO ALL POETS, WRITERS, READERS, AND LOVERS OF LITERATURE, YOUNG, OLD, IN BETWEEN, KNOWN, UNKNOWN, SUBMERGED, EMERGED AND EMERGING:
Rhyming, free verse, expensive or expansive verse, reverses, metered, learned, unlearned, experimental—all varieties, styles and non-styles are welcome.
430 North Main Street in Fort Bragg

Picture
​Michelle Blackwell, host, encourages members to listen to the most recent podcasts featuring Jean Hegland, Kim Bancroft, Tansy Chapman, Laura Marie Censabella and Maureen Eppstein. New episodes aired quarterly.

  Point Arena Third Thursday Poetry & Jazz
​
7pm
THINK VISUAL
240 Main Street
Downtown Point Arena, CA 
Bring something to sit on, something to eat and/or drink,
your words, music and ears!!

Rhythm Running River (Poetry) on KZYX&Z 1st and 3rd Sundays
 3-5 p.m.
    Dan Roberts: [email protected]

​Cartwheels on the Sky ~ Poets, Poems & Discovery
Saturdays 7-7:30 KGUA - FM Gualala

FORT BRAGG LIBRARY
First Thursdays Open Mic 6-8 p.m.
    Dan Hess: [email protected]

UKIAH LIBRARY
Loba Poetry Series
Open Mic for teen & adults, Third Saturdays 3 p.m.
      Melissa Carr: [email protected]

Writers Reading Ukiah 
     Last Thursday, 7 p.m Reading, 8 p.m. Open Mic
    Poetry, Spoken Word, Short Stories, Songs & Expository Prose.

LOBA POETRY SERIES at Ukiah Branch Library
Reading and Open Mic
Second Saturdays, 3 pm

Linda Noel & Theresa Whitehill
MENDOCINO POETRY SERIES
Last Saturday of the month, 4 to 6 pm
Barth Studio at the Mendocino Art Center
45200 Little Lake Street, Mendocino
email Devreaux Baker, 
[email protected], for more info

Picture
Listen now to our members read their one-minute plays!



i am from the ocean by windflower Townley

I Could Not Stop for Covid  by Holly Tannen
Something New &
Murder She Wrote by Philip Zwerling


M E M B E R   N E W S

​Do you have newly published writing? Have you received a nomination, award or other notable exposure? Send a short announcement and we’ll add it to the website to help spread the word!  [email protected]

Members can join at any time during the year for $65.00, with a renewal fee of $45.00 per year

Welcome to our new members!
​

Welcome to the New Members who have joined our branch during recent months.
Please welcome them when you have the opportunity.
Let them know we are happy they’ve chosen to join WMC!


Tess Albin-Smith, Dot Brovarney, A. Cruise, Barbara MacKay, Lisa Peterson, Joan Stanford, and Marianne Villanueva

Congratulations to member Joan Stanford, who was a featured poet at the Mendocino Open Mic Poetry Series.

​Joan is a registered art therapist and author of "The Art of Play: Ignite Your Imagination to Unlock Insight, Healing, and Joy." She has been leading creativity groups for over thirty years, encouraging people of all ages, especially non-artists and non-writers, to expand their awareness through 'creative play.'

MEMBERSHIP
See information on the Membership page.


Kailyn McCord's latest very personal essay, "Why Was I Ashamed of the Bulge in my Vagina?" is out with The Cut at New York Magazine.

Check it out (no really, go ahead, she wants you to).
Picture

Picture
All members receive one complimentary book and additional books are $12.00. If you need them mailed, contact Elizabeth Vrenios at [email protected].” ​We’re looking forward to the 2026 Anthology, Seaworthy!

​CWC’s Vision & Verse: A Fusion of Art, Photography, Prose and Poetry is now available on Amazon.
Picture

Picture
KELLEY HOUSE CALENDAR
Call for Writers
There are so many stories yet to tell, and they welcome your voice. Articles are 400 to 700 words and can be paired with photos or illustrations usually discovered in their database of 10,000 images. Call the Kelley House curator, Karen McGrath, at 707/937-5791 or email her at [email protected].


Picture
Give yourself permission to write
at least 3-minutes a month by joining The WMC Prompt Group. Instructions and three to four topics are delivered to your email address by moderator, Earlene Gleisner, a self-confessed Prompt Geek. The goal is to inspire and create, while supporting each other. Send your name, phone number, and email to [email protected].


Writing Opportunities
​for Members!

NEWS FROM THE BOARD

At the June monthly meeting of WMC, the 2025-26 board officers were elected by acclamation. They are: 
  • Co-Presidents: Leslie Wahlquist and Nona Smith
  • Vice-President: Catherine Marshall
  • Secretary: Norma Watson
  • Treasurer: Ginny Rorby

Want to Volunteer?
contact [email protected]

NEW THREE-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN
The Writers Club is Reaching Out with all sorts of ideas for
future programs. Check it out in our Strategic Plan 2024-2027, available for download below, or on the About section of the main menu.
wmc_strategic_plan_2024-27-updated_jan2025.docx
File Size: 16 kb
File Type: docx
Download File


Questions? contact: [email protected]
WMC, P O Box 762, Fort Bragg, CA 95437

Do you have a topic on the craft of writing to teach at an upcoming meeting for forty-five minutes?
​Contact
[email protected]
The CWC website includes a calendar of monthly meetings for all state branches. Any of our members can attend the meetings of any other branch for free or for the same fee as their membership pays. To view their meeting topics (many are still on Zoom), click on https://calwriters.org/events/.
WELCOME TO THE 
CALIFORNIA WRITERS CLUB

 - ​FOUNDED in 1909 -
The Mendocino Coast branch is proud to share in this legacy. Our intention is to expand the network
​and provide publishing opportunities for writers.​

Picture
Picture
The CALIFORNIA WRITERS CLUB is a 501(c) (6) educational nonprofit dedicated to educating members and the public-at-large in the craft of writing and in the marketing of their work.

California Writers Club: https://calwriters.org/

California Writers Club calendar for other branch's events:
https://calwriters.org/events-month
Picture
SUBSCRIBE TO THE MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
Email 
[email protected]
Your email address will never be shared or sold. 
Live Chat Support ×

Connecting

You: ::content::
::agent_name:: ::content::
::content::
::content::