|
| |
 |
|
After a few fledgling attempts, the Prairieland Romance Writers officially
came into being on September 27, 1992. That’s when its first meeting was
held at the Conestoga Mall in Grand Island, Nebraska.
Although only a handful of individuals attended, their enthusiasm
and interest was enough to convince the group’s founder, Sherry Siwinski,
a.k.a. Sherry James,
that PRW was here to stay. Sherry,
a bookseller by trade—but a book writer at heart—was determined to see
the small group flourish. |
|
And
flourish it did. In October
of 1995, the Prairieland Romance Writers became a Chapter of Romance
Writers of America. And
although its numbers still remain relatively small today, there is among
it a vast pool of talent. Eighteen years after its inception, PRW can
boast of having seven published authors as well as a plethora of creative and
contest-winning achievers among its membership.
|
Out going PRW President,
Julie Miller, passes the gavel to new President, Sue Baumann. |
|
Kristin Gabriel/Eckhardt and Julie
Miller celebrate Kristin's second RITA® win for Best Traditional Romance,
July 2000, in Washington D.C. |
Although
there are many benefits to belonging to a writer’s group, one of PRW’s
greatest strengths is the support and encouragement each of its members
shows for the other. Said Ms.
James, “The talent within PRW is immense. It’s because of that
talent and the support we give each other that so many members have gone
on to know such great success.” She
noted that whether a writer has met success or is still in search of that
mark, they are equally encouraged to write the story that’s inside of
them.
It
is said that writing is an isolating business. For members of the
Prairieland Romance Writers, many of who live miles apart, the
brainstorming, critiquing and networking they enjoy at their monthly
meetings offer a land bridge that lessens that isolation. As the years
unfold and the group evolves, one thing remains certain. The Prairieland
Romance Writers can certainly be proud of the strong spirit and creative
gift that has made this small but mighty Chapter shine. |
Top
of Page
| |
|
™
