Green Bay Area

The consensus at our January meeting was to cancel in-person meetings if the Green Bay Area Public Schools close for the day of our gathering because of inclement weather. It does not pertain to a two-hour delay. If cancelled, the meeting will go to Zoom with the link shared here, via FaceBook, and via E-mail.

Ruth Wellens shared her knowledge about short stories at our January 6th meeting.  Her presentation was very informative. Thanks, Ruth!

There’s a new blog post by the frog! 

Our next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, February 3rd, Guests are always welcome. If you plan on attending, please do not feel intimidated. Come and see what we’re all about.  You can also find us on FaceBook.

We meet at Bay Family Restaurant at the corner of Military Avenue and Ninth Street on Green Bay’s west side. The meeting runs from 5:30 to 7:30.

We meet in the back conference room by the hotel check-in desk and bathrooms. If you come early and would like to, you can order food and mingle with other writers until we begin.

—–Writing prompt: Pick a person you have long disliked and paint them in a brighter light.

Check out the posts on our blog page. We welcome new blogs. They help writers become “published.”

Our goal is helping members (and guests) learn more about writing, editing, publishing, legal issues, marketing, public relations, and other publishing aspects in today’s world. After introductions and sharing good news–like a new book coming out, winning a contest, or getting published in a magazine–we offer education on an important writing topic. Then members and guests can share what they have written or are writing.

If you plan on attending and want to read, please let the moderator know when the meeting begins. We ask you to limit reading to give us time for the feedback you want. Feel free to ask questions of those attending to learn more about our craft. It’s an open forum among friends. There are published authors among us and novice writers, so be bold and inquire.

We offer a critique page for members to evaluate the writing of other members. Use the link above for instructions.

Check out our blogs and feel free to submit one for consideration. They usually post on Thursdays…but not always.

2026 Guild Gatherings:  February 3rd, March 3rd, April 7th, May 5th, June 2nd, July 7th, August 4th, September 1st, October 6th, November 3rd, and December 1st. Stay tuned should dates change.

There are no membership fees but if you become active and involved we will build a writer’s page for you on our site. We merely ask for a voluntary contribution to cover the cost of website hosting. If interested, please attend a meeting.

If you have information about writing contests or special programs, let us know and we will post it here.

2026 Next Generation Indie Book Awards

Earn the Recognition Your Book Deserves!
If you’re an indie author or publisher seeking more recognition, more exposure, and the chance to win thousands in cash prizes – this is your opportunity.

Entries are now open for the 2026 Next Generation Indie Book Awards, presented by the Independent Book Publishing Professionals Group (IBPPG) in conjunction with literary agent Marilyn Allen.

This is the largest international awards program exclusively for independent authors and publishers. Whether you’re a self-published author, e-book publisher, small press, mid-sized independent publisher, or university press, you are invited to enter if you have a book writte

Banner - Yellow-Blue Medal

CALL FOR ENTRIES

If you’re a short story writer looking to share your work, gain recognition, and connect with a wider literary audience, there is still time to be part of this year’s awards program.

The Next Generation Short Story Awards is a prestigious, not-for-profit program honoring original, unpublished short stories (5,000 words or fewer) written in English. Writers at all experience levels — from first-time entrants to seasoned storytellers — are welcome. With 30+ categories, the program is open to writers of all genres and ages in the U.S., Canada, and internationally.

Each year, the awards recognize outstanding work through cash prizes, medals, publication in the Anthology of Winners, and professional recognition.

Grand Prize Winners (3 total) receive:

Cash awards of $500, $300, and $200
Trophies and gold medals
Gala invitations and complimentary anthology copies

Category Winners (30+ categories) receive:

$75 cash prizes
Gold medals
Publication in the Anthology of Winners

Finalists are recognized in the anthology and may order silver medals.

In addition to prizes, winners and finalists receive year-long exposure on the Awards website, social media promotion, and digital award stickers to share their achievement.

The entry deadline is Thursday, February 26, 2026

All submissions must be made digitally in PDF format.

Past winners consistently describe the experience as both affirming and professionally meaningful.

Every element of my experience with the Short Story Awards has been pleasurable and profoundly affirming… This experience has not only honoured my work, but also nourished my confidence as a writer.

— Anne Freeman, Author of ‘Honeybee and the Sting of Love’ and 2025 Grand Prize Winner

Enter the 2026 Short Story Awards