July 2025 News
2025 SWW contest closes soon, a second Writers' Coffee.
Message from the Prez
Happy July! The first half of the year has flown by for SouthWest Writers. We have had some great speakers at meetings and workshops so far. The rest of the year also looks good, so please make sure to attend as many as possible.
One of our key events this year was the launch of Unbreaking the Circle, the 2025 Military Anthology at a Albuquerque Museum on June 20th. The author readings moved the audience to tears and laughs and everything in between. It was an honor to hear these stories. But don’t think you missed it all if you weren’t able to attend because there is still a lineup of readings at various locations through November. For the current list go to: https://www.southwestwriters.com/unbreaking-the-circle/
Our first Writers Coffee was June 28 at Books on the Bosque. We had a great conversation about all things writing. Thanks to those who attended. Our next Writers Coffee will be July 26 at 10 am at the same location. Have a cup of coffee and make some new writing friends. Great for both newbies and pros. See you there!
As you’ll read in Kim’s message below, the submission period for the contest ends July 8. Don’t miss your chance to enter the contest! More information here.
It’s a great time to be a SouthWest Writer!
Judy
Message from the VP and Contest Chair
The submission window will close on July 8. PLEASE make sure to check the submission guidelines before hitting, SEND.
We’ve had to disqualify several submissions because they did not follow the contest rules we’ve listed here. Don’t let this happen to you! Please double or triple check your manuscript to ensure it meets the requirements. This includes font, font size, manuscript spacing, etc…
Our judges can’t wait to read your wonderful words and soak in your creative concoctions. Thank you and good luck!
Kim
Upcoming SWW Events
You can find information about upcoming events on the SWW website here. Here’s what’s on tap in the coming weeks.
Saturday, July 12: Meeting presentation (in-person or Zoom) from 10:00 a.m. until 11:45 p.m. The Ancient Secrets of the Three Act Structure of Storytelling will be presented by Jonathan Miller. More information here.
Saturday, July 12: Workshop (in-person or Zoom) from 12:00-2:00pm. Write Realistic Dialogue will be presented by Kurt Hickman. More information here and register here.
Wednesday, July 23: Meeting presentation (Zoom only) from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Improve Your Pitch! will be presented by Chris Eboch. More information here.
Saturday, July 26: Writer’s Coffee (in person only) at Books on the Bosque. No registration needed, just show up!
June’s Writing Challenge - The Results
Last month we challenged you to tell us a sporting story. See contributions from Ed Johnson, S.C. Poli, and Rick Reichman on the SWW Website here.
July’s Writing Challenge for SWW Members
The monthly challenge is a terrific opportunity to write and submit short pieces based on a prompt. Entries we select for publication will appear on the SouthWest Writers Sage Challenge webpage and will be eligible for inclusion in upcoming anthologies. For more information and our submission guidelines, click here. Email your entry in MS Word or TXT format to info@swwriters.com by July 20, 2025.
This month’s writing challenge: Minute Mystery
Can you write a minute mystery? Give us up to 1000 words of prose or poetry. It can be fiction or non-fiction, and any genre. The elements of a mystery include the situation, question(s) that arise, and a resolution. Let’s see what you can come up with!
Welcome to SouthWest Writers!
The following writers joined/re-joined our community last month. We hope to see you at one of our events in person or online. Write on!
Colleen Jiron, Douglas Lynam, Marcella Martinez, Sam Poli, Douglas Price, Monte-Angel Richardson, Suzanne Shipley, and Kellie Tinnin.
If you’re not yet a member, learn more about the benefits here.
We have resources for writers across our platforms and additional content in our members-only section of the website. Visit our website, ask to join our Facebook Group, check out our blog, check out the session recordings on our YouTube channel, or find our page on Goodreads.