Florida Writing Resources
Posted by David Duhr in 
Next in our State Writing Resources series is the Sunshine State. Florida is home to a great many writers and cool writing programs. Popular writers from Florida include Julie Orringer, Karen Russell, and crime-novel legend John D. MacDonald.
Presented in no particular order are ten Florida writing resources, from conferences to local critique groups to literary magazines. If you live in Florida or are planning a move there, these are some organizations you might want to take a peek at.
1) Florida Center for the Literary Arts at Miami Dade College
A college-wide academic and cultural initiative that promotes the appreciation of literature in all forms and engages South Florida’s diverse community in an exchange of ideas. The Center serves both students and residents of Miami-Dade County.
2) Florida Writers Association
A resource for writing groups, conferences and workshops across the state.
3) South Florida Writers Association
The purpose of the South Florida Writers Association is “to establish and maintain a forum for fellowship, education and information among writers; assist in establishing and supporting high literary standards; encourage and promote interest in literary achievements in the community.”
4) Florida Freelance Writers Association
Job listings, promotion, networking and more.
5) Florida Writers’ Conference
Annual Orlando conference bringing in guest writers and panelists and offering four days of readings, panels, workshops and other events.
6) Sanibel Island Writers Conference
Participants at all stages of development are invited to attend a variety of morning workshops in fiction, poetry, songwriting, children’s literature, journalism, screenwriting and creative nonfiction; afternoon panels in publishing and editing; and nightly readings and concerts. All scheduled events are presented by celebrated and experienced writers and teachers.
This chapter of the Florida Writers Association holds meetings on the first and third Wednesday of every month.
8) Gulf Coast Writers Association
Located in Fort Myers, the Gulf Coast Writers Association provides a forum for fellowship, education and information among writers in the community.
9) Florida Publishers Association
Offers Florida’s book publishers, self-publishers, authors, publishing industry friends and publishing vendors an opportunity for education and networking, provides its members with support, and is a clearinghouse for up-to-date book publishing information.
An association of active and retired journalists and other media professionals that encourages excellence in journalism and journalism education, networking, engagement with newsmakers, and community service.
Help us add to this list, Floridians! Do you run a local writing group or a lit journal we should be aware of? Feel free to share info and links in the comments section below.
Eckerd College Writers’ Conference: Writers in Paradise
Located on the coast of the picturesque Boca Ciega Bay, the Twelfth Annual Eckerd College Writers’ Conference: Writers in Paradise offers an intimate eight-day experience of workshop classes, roundtables, panel discussions, Q&As, readings, book signings, and receptions with our award winning-faculty and guest speakers.
Great addition, Christina! We’ve added the conference to our list of Florida resources for writers at https://www.writebynight.net/florida/. Thanks so much for reading.