About Chicago Writers Association
A community built around the belief that writers are stronger together.
Every writer's path is different.
Some are just beginning. Others have published books, built careers, or spent years quietly working toward a manuscript they hope to finish one day. Most discover the same thing along the way: writing may be solitary, but the writing life doesn't have to be.
The Chicago Writers Association was founded in 2003 with a simple vision: create a place where writers from Chicagoland and around the world could find one another. We organized as a nonprofit organization in 2006, and in 2008, CWA received federal 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status.
What began as a small literary community has grown into one of the Chicago area's leading organizations for writers, connecting authors across genres, backgrounds, experience levels, and publishing paths through education, publications, contests, professional opportunities, and year-round programs.
More than two decades later, our purpose remains the same: helping writers connect, grow, and thrive within a vibrant literary community.
Our Mission
The Chicago Writers Association supports and connects writers through education, community, and opportunities to grow their craft and careers.
Writing deserves community.
Writers grow through encouragement, conversation, and shared experience.
Every writer belongs.
We welcome writers across genres, backgrounds, publishing journeys, and levels of experience.
Literature strengthens communities.
Supporting writers creates richer conversations, stronger cultural connections, and more vibrant communities.
Leadership
Chicago Writers Association is led by a volunteer Board of Directors made up of writers, editors, educators, publishing professionals, and literary advocates committed to strengthening the literary community. If you are interested in becoming a board member, please read the job description, and you are welcome to submit an application. Please email the completed application to info@chicagowrites.org.
Back row, l to r: Christa Haynes, Shawn Shiflett, Christina Rodriguez, Chris Reid, Marcie Hill, Ben Durham, Philip Janowski, Jotham Austin
Front Row: l to r: Samantha Hoffman, Randy Richardson
Not pictured: Dan Burns, Charlie Monte Verde, Maggie Smith, Caroline Huftalen
Community Partners
Testimonials
“When I moved to Chicago four years ago, joining the CWA was as important to me as setting up the utilities and changing our address at the post office. This association provides a real sense of community—writers supporting writers at all stages of their career. And every year it just gets better and better!”
—Kelly O’Connor McNees, author and editor
“In the Chicago Writers Association, I’ve found a community of engaged and very supportive fellow writers. It’s an organization that its hundreds of active members treasure, myself included.”
—Christine Sneed, author, teacher and Chicago Public Library’s 21st Century Award winner
“The Chicago Writers Association is a gift to any writer who understands that as joyous and rewarding writing can be, it is essentially a solitary and often frustrating pursuit. CWA helps to create personal friendships and professional networks among Chicago area writers of all genres, and its committed and talented leadership instills our writing community with a sense of common purpose and shared pride in this city’s incredible literary history.”
—Pamela Ferdinand, author and journalist
“I’ve been a member of the Chicago Writers Association for several years, and have lost count of how many times I’ve reaped encouragement, and advice, and opportunity, and friendship in this wonderful group. CWA has been an absolute touchstone for me as a writer.”
—Mary T. Wagner, author and lawyer
“CWA connected me immediately with like minds, the brethren of writers I was looking for. It’s an incredibly welcoming group that made a huge difference in my getting continually published. I would recommend the association to any level of writer, poet, journalist, or memoirist.”
—David W. Berner, author and journalist
“I love being a member of Chicago Writers Association. In fact, I not only tell every writer I know about it, but I also encourage them to join.”
—Toneal Jackson, author, motivational speaker and radio show host
“I don’t want a writing group that has anyone who takes without giving. Every single writer has something to offer another writer.”
—Diana Laskaris, attorney, author, and founder of the Chicago Writers Association
“I have no idea where my writing is going, but I want to thank the CWA for being such an inspiration. Since joining this group I’ve taken a deep breath and finally started sharing my work with others, however small the audience may be. I’m looking forward to this personal journey; it’s an adventure that has been waiting on the sidelines for way too long.”
—Geralyn Magrady, writer, blogger and CWA member
Join the Community
Whether you're looking to improve your craft, connect with fellow writers, pursue publishing opportunities, or simply find your place in Chicago's literary community, we'd love to welcome you.
Contact
Feel free to contact us with any questions.
Email
info@chicagowrites.org
Find us on social media under @chicagowrites