Policies | CLWriters

The Executive Director will develop a schedule of specific dates and provide to Board Membership. The Executive Director will send an e-mail to ensure all Board members are able to attend. Board members should respond on ability to attend the meeting. The Executive Director will develop the Board Agenda items with input from Board Members. The Board Meeting Agenda will be provided via e-mail at least one day prior to the Board Meeting. Should Board members have additional items for consideration at the Board meeting, they should provide those to the Executive Director in an expeditious manner so an amended agenda can be sent to Board membership prior to the meeting. The Executive Director will convene the Board meeting on the appointed date as outlined in the Board Meeting Schedule. A quorum must be available to validate voting on Agenda items if a vote is necessary. The Board secretary will take minutes and have a copy available to Board membership via e-mail prior to next Board meeting.

For the anthology publication, CLW provides publishing services through itself or a third-party to publish short stories, novels, books, articles, and any other written documents (“Works”) on behalf of the Author(s).

CLW does not provide these services exclusively to an individual Author and Author is not granting publishing rights for his/her Works exclusively to CLW.

Works submitted to CLW for publication in the anthology, will generally require a separate agreement (i.e., Publishing Agreement) that provides CLW perpetual rights to the Works; however, CLW is generally inclined to allow CLW authors to use their Works for other publications, including, but not limited to, other publishers, contests, or mediums without being considered a breach to the Publishing Agreement. The Publishing Agreement will have more definitive terms and conditions and requires the signature of CLW and the individual author.

More specific guidelines or “rules” will be provided at the time submissions or entries are solicited by CLW.

CLW’s anthology includes submissions of all genres and may include short stories, poems, or other written documents; however, in keeping with CLW’s initial founding principle of being a “family friendly” writing organization, Works provided for the anthology should be family friendly, i.e., no Rated X submissions. If a submitted Works comes into question, it will be discussed by the board members; however, final determination of appropriate content rests solely with the Executive Director.

CLW authors are to exhibit and maintain a high degree of professional integrity and promote a positive image of the writing profession by not participating in plagiarism, misrepresentation of their Works, use of “ghost writers” to enhance their Works, misrepresentation of facts, dishonesty in deed or voice, or any other commissions or omissions which cast a negative image on themselves or the writing profession.

Some publishing venues such as writing contests, magazines, editors, publishers, etc. will not accept Works that have been published or posted by other companies, firms, etc. This may include the Works submitted by authors to CLW and in some cases, the author’s own blog.

CLW authors are to exhibit and maintain a high degree of professional integrity and promote a positive image of the writing profession by not participating in plagiarism, misrepresentation of their Works, or any other commissions or omissions which cast a negative image on the writing profession.

Works submitted to CLW should be the Author’s sole intellectual property and not infringe on copyrights, trademarks, public domain, or other intellectual rights of any third parties.

“Works” is the overall description of any writing product produced by CLW members (writers/authors) and include, but is not limited to, short stories, novels, books, articles, and any other written documents.

The Executive Director will call meeting to order, attendance of members will be taken. If a quorum is present, the meeting will proceed according to Robert’s Rules of Order. If a quorum is not available, the meeting can proceed, but there will be no voting. The meeting will open with a greeting from the Executive Director and the Agenda will be followed. The Agenda will provide for previous Board minutes to be reviewed and approved following a motion and a second followed by a vote. Brief updates and announcements from the Executive Director will follow. New Business will be discussed as outlined in the Agenda. Old Business discussion will follow if there were any items tabled for later discussion. Committee Reports follow with each Committee Chair providing information. When all items have been covered, a Board member will make a motion followed by a second and a vote to adjourn the meeting. A quorum is not required to vote on adjourning a meeting.

CLW’s mission is to assist and encourage writers, in all genres and experience levels, to improve writing skills and move toward publication, if desired.

CLW membership is open to writers of all genres and experience levels who wish to improve writing skills. CLW provides reading, critiquing, and creative writing sessions to help writers improve their craft. Experienced guest speakers are featured monthly to educate, encourage, and inform. Information talks are also provided by general membership members on various topics. In keeping with CLW’s initial founding principle of being a “family friendly” writing organization, Works provided for publication or posting in/on CLW media and guest speakers should be family friendly, i.e., no Rated X submissions or presentations. If a submitted Works comes into question, it will be discussed by the board members; however, final determination of appropriate content rests solely with the Executive Director.

Guest speakers may be suggested by Board Members, and CLW members (authors/writers), or CLW guests.

CLW strives for guest speakers to present at “no cost”, however, some speakers may seek a fee or nominal compensation. Approval for a fee, compensation, or reimbursement must be approved in advance by the Executive Director. Prior to Covid-19, guest speakers were provided a meal at CLW’s hosting restaurant that was paid by, then reimbursed to, CLW’s Executive Director. At the discretion of the board and adapting to a virtual environment, guest speakers may be sent compensation, such as a gift card, not to exceed $25 (unless a different amount is approved by the board) paid by, then reimbursed to, CLW’s Executive Director, or a designated board member. It is envisioned that the “prior to Covid-19” concept will be resumed after Covid-19 restrictions are lifted.

Guest speakers are allowed to bring copies of their books, CDs, etc. for purchase by CLW members at the time of their presentations. CLW members are encouraged, but not obligated, to purchase from the guest speakers.

Guest speakers’ materials are protected by intellectual property rights and CLW members (authors, writers) are to respect these rights. Recordings of presentations may be made available to CLW members only, if the guest speaker grants permission. These remain the intellectual property of the guest speaker and are not to be shared beyond members of CLW.

Following general announcements by the Executive Director, the CLW membership will break into groups.

The Creative Table Group is just that, Creative! Their activities range from catching up on what each member is working on, to incorporating a new member who is just joining, to writing short exercises based on a prompt, or seeing a picture and doing a character development on someone in the picture, sharing poetry, and sometimes taking something from an info talk and expanding on it. The possibilities are unique and endless.

The Carrollton League of Writers (CLW) is created for any and all lawful purposes that facilitate the collaboration of writers and writers’ organizations in the Carrollton, Texas Community and is open to writers of all genres and experience levels who wish to improve writing skills. I (member/potential member) desire to be a member of CLW as evidenced by completion and signing of this application.

Works submitted to CLW should be the Author’s sole intellectual property and not infringe on copyrights, trademarks, public domain, or other intellectual rights of any third parties.

Membership in the CLW requires an annual registration fee of $35.00 payable by March 31. For someone coming in after March, registration fee will be prorated for remaining months at $3.00 a month and approval of membership is immediate; however, individuals must be a member in good standing for six months in order to participate in contests or publications. CLW has the right to review membership and revoke membership privileges in the event a registered member fails to comply with CLW’s by-laws, policies, or procedures.

In keeping with CLW’s initial founding principle of being a “family friendly” writing organization, Works provided for publication or posting in/on CLW media should be family friendly, i.e., no Rated X submissions. The final decision of whether Works is family friendly is at the sole discretion of the CLW’s Executive Director and I (member/potential member) agree to abide by the final decision without recourse.

CLW provides reading, critiquing, and creative writing sessions to help writers improve their craft. Experienced guest speakers are featured monthly to educate, encourage, and inform. Information talks are also provided by general membership members on various topics. Opportunities are provided to socialize and network with others who share the grand passion of writing.

The above sessions, events, and opportunities are conducted at various locations and venues. CLW attempts to ensure all sessions, events, and opportunities are safe, however, risks of harm and injury are inherent in any activity.

I assume any risk, harm, or injury which might occur to me or my property due to my participation in CLW’s sessions, events, and/or opportunities. I hereby release and hold-harmless CLW, its Board members, employees, officers, agents, and assigns from all liability, costs, and damages which might arise from my participation.

Photographs from various mediums may be recorded at CLW sessions, events, and opportunities and I grant permission for the use of my likeness in such photographs.

I agree to abide by CLW dress code when attending public events via Zoom or in person. Dress code is casual (jeans and t-shirts are fine) but please dress as you would in a public venue and have an appropriate background when on Zoom or have your video turned off.

CLW maintains roster of members for distribution to other CLW members. CLW does not sell or distribute personal information to outside agencies. I grant permission for CLW to list my name, address, e-mail, and phone number on CLW’s member roster.

I attest that the information provided on the attached CLW Member Information sheet is accurate.

Members will be notified of Board activities via electronic publication to a public website and allowed to comment and, when deemed necessary by the Board, to vote, either in person or via e-mail for significant items impacting on CLW. Information on the item(s) being voted upon will be sent via e-mail to the person named on the member registration documentation. Member approval is required for approval of the by laws, amendments to the by laws, and appointment of board members.

To provide general submission guidelines for Works submitted by CLW members (also referred to as “writers” and “authors”) for publication and/or in response to various “contests” sponsored by CLW such as the flash fiction contest, anthology submissions, short story contests, articles for posting on CLW media or blogs.

More specific guidelines or “rules” will be provided at the time submissions or entries are solicited by CLW.

"Works” is the overall description of any writing product produced by CLW members (writers/authors) and include, but is not limited to, short stories, novels, books, articles, and any other written documents.

CLW membership is open to writers of all genres and experience levels who wish to improve writing skills. In keeping with CLW’s initial founding principle of being a “family friendly” writing organization, Works provided for publication or posting in/on CLW media should be family friendly, i.e., no Rated X submissions. If a submitted Works comes into question, it will be discussed by the board members; however, final determination of appropriate content rests solely with the Executive Director. Submitter understands that the nature of what is appropriate to CLW is subjective and agrees to abide by the final decision, without recourse.

Works submitted to CLW should be the Author’s sole intellectual property and not infringe on copyrights, trademarks, public domain, or other intellectual rights of any third parties.

Generally, the Works provided to CLW by authors should not have been previously published, should not be pending publication, nor currently submitted for consideration for publication to any third party unless specifically disclosed, in writing, at the time of submission and so indicated in the opening line of the submission(s).

The Works submitted by Authors should not be bound to other third parties, including, but not limited to, publishers, editors, magazines, etc. unless a release or authorization/permission to use is provided to CLW at the time of submission by CLW member (i.e., author).

If the Works contain statements presented as fact, the Author warrants that such statements are true and accurate to the best of his/her knowledge.

Works submitted to CLW for publication, such as the anthology, will generally require a separate agreement (i.e., Publishing Agreement) that provides CLW perpetual rights to the Works; however, CLW is generally inclined to allow CLW authors to use their Works for other publications, including, but not limited to, other publishers, contests, or mediums without being considered a breach to the Publishing Agreement. The Publishing Agreement will have more definitive terms and conditions and requires the signature of CLW and the individual author.

Some publishing venues such as writing contests, magazines, editors, publishers, etc. will not accept Works that have been published or posted by other companies, firms, etc. This may include the Works submitted by authors to CLW and in some cases, the author’s own blog.

CLW authors are to exhibit and maintain a high degree of professional integrity and promote a positive image of the writing profession by not participating in plagiarism, misrepresentation of their Works, or any other commissions or omissions which cast a negative image on the writing profession.

There will be regularly scheduled meetings of the membership and notification of those meetings will be posted electronically on a publicly available website, and/or Facebook group. CLW event information will be distributed via email to the person named on the member registration documentation through a monthly electronic newsletter. No guarantees are made to the frequency or accuracy of the newsletter. The membership will meet weekly as follows: The first, second and last Thursday of the month meetings will be held at the Church of the Nazarene in Carrollton, Texas and the third Thursday meeting will feature a guest speaker and will be held at Marshalls’ BBQ. All meetings begin at 7:00 p.m. Location of these meetings are subject to change by the Executive Director.

The mission of the CLW is to assist and encourage writers, in all genres and experience levels, to improve writing skills and move toward publication, if desired. CLW provides reading, critiquing, and creative writing sessions to help writers improve their craft. Experienced guest speakers are featured monthly to educate, encourage, and inform. Information talks are also provided by general membership members on various topics. Opportunities are provided to socialize and network with others who share the grand passion of writing.

To provide intellectual property rights and ownership for Works submitted by CLW members (also referred to as “”writers” and “authors”) for publication and/or in response to various “contests” sponsored by CLW such as the flash fiction contest, anthology submissions, short story contests, articles for posting on CLW media or blogs.

More specific guidelines or “rules” will be provided at the time submissions or entries are solicited by CLW.

“Works” is the overall description of any writing product produced by CLW members (writers/authors) and include, but is not limited to, short stories, novels, books, articles, and any other written documents.

The by laws of the CLW will be initiated, approved, and posted as follows.

3.3(a) Initiation. A vote on amendment or repeal of the CLW by laws may be called by the Board or may be called by a petition signed by twenty percent (20%) of the in-good-standing general membership. “In-good-standing” means registration fee and annual membership fee has been paid.

3.3(b) Minimum Notice. The Board will electronically post notice of amendment or repeal of the CLW by laws on a publicly available website and electronically distributed to the person named on the member registration documentation.

3.3(c) Notice of Format. The posted notice will include:

3.3(c)(i) Time and place of the vote

3.3(c)(ii) A request for electronic response (i.e., e-mail or text message) from all members

3.3(c)(iii) A brief explanation of the need for the change

3.3(c)(iv) The exact wording to be voted on

3.3(c)(v) The wording of all parts of the current by laws that would be replaced, affected and/or deleted

3.3(c)(vi) A solicitation of members electronic comments prior to the voting deadline

Works submitted to CLW should be the Author’s sole intellectual property and not infringe on copyrights, trademarks, public domain, or other intellectual rights of any third parties.

Generally, the Works provided to CLW by authors should not have been previously published, should not be pending publication, nor currently submitted for consideration for publication to any third party unless specifically disclosed, in writing, at the time of submission and so indicated in the opening line of the submission(s).

The Works submitted by Authors should not be bound to other third parties, including, but not limited to, publishers, editors, magazines, etc. unless a release or authorization/permission to use is provided to CLW at the time of submission by CLW member (i.e., author).

Author retains the ownership of his/her Works and therefore, retains the rights to use the Works in any method desired by Author. Author may grant use to other publishers; however, the right for CLW to use the Works in perpetuity should be disclosed by Author.

In the event Author grants rights or transfers ownership to Works, CLW’s rights to use, in perpetuity, will be incorporated into any transfer and remain in effect as noted in any specific agreement with CLW. Permission(s) granted to CLW by Author and Compensation, if any, to be paid to Author by CLW continue in perpetuity or terminated as described in a specific agreement such as the Publishing Agreement executed for anthology submissions.

CLW authors are to exhibit and maintain a high degree of professional integrity and promote a positive image of the writing profession by not participating in plagiarism, misrepresentation of their Works, or any other commissions or omissions which cast a negative image on the writing profession.

Social media accounts associated with CLW are designed to promote CLW’s brand and stated vision, to promote activities of interest to CLW, and share information relevant to writing and the writing community. A moderator for each social media account will be appointed by the Executive Director. Social media moderators are not equivalent to Board members and have no voting rights in their role as moderators.

Moderators should update social media accounts on a continual basis.
Posts to CLW social media accounts should be of general interest to CLW, CLW members, and /or the writing community.
Posts should not contain offensive, abusive, harassing, disrespectful, or any other unsuitable language. They should not disparage any product, company or individual or any information that could be considered slanderous in nature to any individual.
Posts should abstain from topics considered divisive in nature (religion, politics, social issues, etc.).
CLW’s Board reserves the right to remove any post from social media that it deems inappropriate at its sole discretion.

CLW’s mission is to assist and encourage writers, in all genres and experience levels, to improve writing skills and move toward publication, if desired. CLW provides reading, critiquing, and creative writing sessions to help writers improve their craft. Experienced guest speakers are featured monthly to educate, encourage, and inform. Information talks are also provided by CLW general membership on various topics. Opportunities are provided to socialize and network with others who share the grand passion of writing.

CLW members (authors, writers) will be notified of CLW activities via electronic publication and electronic distribution to registered members.

CLW membership is open to writers/authors of all genres and experience levels who wish to improve writing skills. In keeping with CLW’s initial founding principle of being a “family friendly” writing organization, Works provided for publication or posting in/on CLW media should be family friendly, i.e., no Rated X submissions. If a submitted Works comes into question, it will be discussed by the board members; however, final determination of appropriate content rests solely with the Executive Director.

New members must complete and sign an application for membership. Membership application will be provided by the Executive Director and must be executed and returned by the prospective member with the one-time registration fee.

A one-time registration fee of $35.00 is due for membership at the time of registration. The registration fee includes membership dues for the balance of the calendar year in which registration is submitted. If a member/potential member cannot pay due to financial hardship, they may speak to any board member about the situation to explore possible options. The $35.00 registration fee serves as the annual membership dues until March of the year after becoming a member (author, writer). Annual dues of $35.00 per calendar year are payable on or before the 31st day of March yearly.

Meetings are held weekly, currently on Thursdays beginning at 7:00 PM. Meetings are generally at a designated location. One meeting per month is dedicated to a guest speaker and this meeting is usually at a local restaurant. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, meetings are held virtually using Zoom, Facebook, or other virtual mediums. When Covid-19 restrictions are lifted, CLW’s meetings will resume in a designated location.

To obtain maximum benefit of the CLW, members are expected to attend meetings and support the CLW’s programs. Members are also expected to provide an info talk annually on subject(s) of their choice that supports CLW’s mission. The info talk should be approximately fifteen minutes in duration on a subject that enhances the knowledge of other members.

CLW strives to provide a myriad of writing opportunities for its members by sponsoring various events such as the flash fiction contest, anthology submissions, short story contests, articles for posting on CLW media or blogs. Some of these opportunities have more specific guidelines or “rules” which will be provided at the time submissions or entries are solicited by CLW. Some may even have a nominal entry fee in order to pay for judges and obtain prizes.

Works submitted to CLW should be the Author’s sole intellectual property and not infringe on copyrights, trademarks, public domain, or other intellectual rights of any third parties.

Membership may be revoked in the event a member fails to comply with the CLW bylaws or policies.

Members whose dues are not current may not vote on any issues coming to the general membership for vote. Member approval is required for approval of the by laws, amendments to the by laws, and appointment of board members.

CLW writers/authors are to exhibit and maintain a high degree of professional integrity and promote a positive image of the writing profession by not participating in plagiarism, misrepresentation of their Works, or any other commissions or omissions which cast a negative image on the writing profession.

The governing body of CLW shall be composed of an Executive Director who oversees CLW operations; interacts with the Board; calls meetings; and promotes the interests of CLW. Advisory Board members are:

4.1(a) President. Assists the Executive Director with CLW Board Meetings and Operations. The President has the authority to sign documents approved by the Advisory Board on behalf of CLW . The President may vote on all issues brought before the Board.

4.1(b) Secretary. Takes meeting minutes, maintains business records, and manages membership. Maintains written records of all formal actions and votes of the general membership and the Advisory Board including attendance, votes, and discussions. If the Secretary is not present, the Advisory Board shall designate a temporary Secretary.

4.1(c) Treasurer. Drafts budgets, plans spending, and maintains financial records. Responsible for the supervision of the collection, disbursement, and deposit of all monies of CLW. and overseeing the accounts of CLW. The treasurer is required to provide a written report to the Advisory Board on the financial condition of CLW annually and as otherwise required by the Advisory Board.

4.1(d) Director of Events. Plans and sets key milestones for CLW sponsored events.

4.1(e) Member at Large. Represents the general membership, has no vote, and is appointed for one year starting in January 2020.

Terms of the initial membership of the Advisory Board of Directors shall begin January 1, 2019 and last for 18--24 months depending on the position. The initial term for the Director of Events and the Treasurer will be for 18 months and will terminate July1, 2020. The initial term for the President and the Secretary terms will be for 24 months and will terminate January 1, 2021. Incumbent board members may stand for re-election, but may not serve more than two consecutive years in the same position.

The Executive Director and Advisory Board of Directors are responsible for the following:

4.3(a) Policy and Procedure. Creation, implementation and enforcement of policy and procedures for CLW.

4.3(b) Budget. Develop an annual budget for CLW.

4.3(c) Funds. Collect and disburse funds as necessary to maintain CLW.

4.3(d) Committees. Establish and guide committees working on behalf of CLW.

4.3(e) Record keeping. Maintain a written record of actions, votes, and decisions of the Executive Director, Advisory Board and general membership.

4.3(f) Board Meetings. Conduct and attend bi-monthly (i.e., every other month) business meetings of the Executive Director and Advisory Board. Meet as required to conduct the business of CLW. Meetings may be held in person, via video or audio conference call or any other means deemed appropriate and acceptable by the Executive Director and Advisory Board.

4.3(g) Special and/or Ad Hoc Meetings. Special or urgent need meetings may be scheduled by the Executive Director or a majority of the Advisory Board members. Special and/or Ad Hoc meetings require a minimum of three days’ notice to all Board members; said minimum notice may be waived upon agreement of a majority of the Board members. Special and/or ad hoc meeting may result in approval or requests for committee chairs and/or members to facilitate specific CLW activities or events.

4.3(h) Quorum. A quorum is a simple majority of the current Board of Directors.

4.3(i) Vacancy. A board position is considered vacated through written resignation or after three consecutive and unexplained absences. A vacancy may be filled through an appointment to the vacancy by the remaining Board members. The appointment will be announced to the membership via electronic publication and electronic distribution to registered members for comment and approval by the membership.

4.3(j) Board Voting. Decisions of the Executive Director and Advisory Board shall be made final by agreement of a simple majority of the voting Board members provided that a quorum of the Board members is present at the time the business is conducted. In case of a deadlock or tie, the Executive Director shall break the tie.

4.3(k) Open Records and Meetings. CLW records will be open for review by any CLW member in good standing upon request and agreed upon time and location. CLW will respond in accordance with the applicable Texas openrecords and open-meetings statutes.

4.3(l) Audit. An internal audit of CLW finances shall be made periodically by the Advisory Board.

4.3(m) Authorization. CLW’s name, property, logo, and funds shall not be used or committed without prior Executive Director and Advisory Board approval.

4.3(n) Disputes. Should disputes arise, CLW shall pursue mediation ahead of litigation.

4.3(o) Officers. The Executive Director and Advisory Board of Directors shall select from within its membership the Advisory Board members.

4.3(p) Board Member Appointments and Elections. Elections by the General Membership for open Advisory Board positions will be held beginning in 2020 at least one month prior to the expiration of the Board positions.

4.3(p)(i) Qualifications for Board Membership. Advisory Board members must currently be a CLW member in good standing.

4.3(p)(ii) Nominations for Board Membership. The Advisory Board of Directors may convene a nominating committee of three to five members in good standing to recruit nominees for Advisory Board Membership. The committee shall agree on a Chair for the committee prior to recruitment of nominees. One member of the nominating committee must be a current Advisory Board member. Alternatively, the Advisory Board may appoint individuals who are members in good standing to Advisory Board positions. Appointments require a vote of approval by the general membership.

4.3(p)(iii) Board Approval of Nominees. The nominating committee will present nominations for Advisory Board positions at an Advisory Board meeting for approval.

4.3(p)(iv) Candidates. Candidates may be interviewed by the Board at an Advisory Board meeting prior to a vote on appointment and/or approval.

To provide policy guidelines for the order of succession in case the Executive Director or a board member is temporarily unable to perform duties.

The mission of the CLW is to assist and encourage writers, in all genres and experience levels, to improve writing skills and move toward publication, if desired. CLW provides reading, critiquing, and creative writing sessions to help writers improve their craft. Experienced guest speakers are featured monthly to educate, encourage, and inform. Information talks are also provided by general membership members on various topics. Opportunities are provided to socialize and network with others who share the grand passion of writing.

CLW is an advisory board-operated organization with an Executive Director and a minimum of four board members (also referenced as officers) and a non-voting Member-atLarge. Additional board positions are possible as defined, deemed necessary, and appropriate by a majority of the current board members.

CLW’s mission is to assist and encourage writers, in all genres and experience levels, to improve writing skills and move toward publication, if desired.

If the Executive Director is temporarily unable to perform duties, but is capable of making sound decisions, the Executive Director may appoint a board member to perform his/her duties. Normally, the Board President would be one appointed. If the President is also unable to assume the duties of the Executive Director, another Board member may be appointed by the Executive Director. “Temporary” may mean one meeting or up to six months.

If the Executive Director is temporarily unable to perform duties and is not capable of making sound decisions, the Board President will assume the duties of the Executive Director.

Regardless of the temporary period (one meeting up to six months), the Board will take no action(s) to dismiss or replace the Executive Director. In other words, no coup or seizure/diminishing of the Executive Director’s authority.

If a board member is temporarily unable to perform duties, the Executive Director may assign that board member’s duties to another board member or split the duties among several board members.

While member approval is required for approval of the by laws, amendments to the by laws, and appointment of board members; a temporary adjustment to duties does not require member approval unless a non-board member is assigned duties of a board member or executive director as a temporary adjustment to duties.

To provide an expectation of the character, professionalism, and integrity of CLW members (authors, writers) in their quest to improve writing skills and in supporting CLW’s image and principles.

“Works” is the overall description of any writing product produced by CLW members (authors/writers) and include, but is not limited to, short stories, novels, books, articles, and any other written documents.

CLW authors are to exhibit and maintain a high degree of professional integrity and promote a positive image of the writing profession by not participating in plagiarism, misrepresentation of their Works, use of “ghost writers” to enhance their Works, misrepresentation of facts, dishonesty in deed or voice, or any other commissions or omissions which cast a negative image on themselves or the writing profession.

Works submitted to CLW should be the Author’s sole intellectual property and not infringe on copyrights, trademarks, public domain, or other intellectual rights of any third parties.

Generally, the Works provided to CLW by authors should not have been previously published, should not be pending publication, nor currently submitted for consideration for publication to any third party unless specifically disclosed, in writing, at the time of submission and so indicated in the opening line of the submission(s).

The Works submitted by Authors should not be bound to other third parties, including, but not limited to, publishers, editors, magazines, etc. unless a release or authorization/permission to use is provided to CLW at the time of submission by CLW member (i.e., author).

If the Works contain statements presented as fact, the Author warrants that such statements are true and accurate to the best of his/her knowledge.

CLW’s mission is to assist and encourage writers, in all genres and experience levels, to improve writing skills and move toward publication, if desired.

CLW provides reading, critiquing, and creative writing sessions to help writers improve their craft.

Thursdays

Regular Meeting: Social time for fifteen minutes, announcements, Steve McCluer’s Reading Corner (limited to ten minutes), then breaking into writing and/or critique group time, will occur on the first Thursday of the month beginning at 7:00pm. Executive Director presides over these routinely scheduled meetings. In the absence of the Executive Director, a designated board member will preside.

Guest Speaker presentations will continue on the 3rd Thursday of each month, beginning at 7:00pm. Either the Executive Director or a designated CLW member will lead the meeting and introduce the speaker.

The main critique group will meet every 2nd and 4th Thursday at 7:00pm. They will meet without the regular meeting format. Everyone is welcome. Fifth Thursdays are rare but if they do occur, we will announce the format beforehand.

Tuesdays with a Twist

The 1st and 3rd Tuesdays will be InfoTalks/hangout time and will begin at 7:00pm. The 2nd and 4th Tuesdays will be Write-Ins which also allow for hangout time and will begin at 7:00pm.

Fifth Tuesdays are rare but if they do occur, we will announce the format beforehand.

Meetings end around 9:00 PM

This schedule is subject to change as the needs of our group evolve.

*Note: Prior to Covid-19 restrictions, meetings were held at a designated location. One meeting per month was dedicated to a guest speaker and this meeting was usually at a local restaurant. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, meetings are held virtually using Zoom, Facebook, or other virtual mediums. When Covid-19 restrictions are lifted, CLW’s meetings will resume as they were prior to Covid-19.

To provide general guidelines for participation in the weekly critique group and for Works submitted by CLW members (also referred to as “”writers” and “authors”) for use within CLW.

“Works” is the overall description of any writing product produced by CLW members (writers/authors) and include, but is not limited to, short stories, novels, books, articles, and any other written documents.

A vast majority of CLW’s Works are short stories, responses to writer prompts, flash fiction documents, etc., but some of the Works include drafts of novels, manuscripts, novelettes, etc. in which the authors/writers have invested much time and effort. To protect these Works, members participating in the critique group must be more vigilant and careful to safeguard the Works to preclude unauthorized dissemination of these Works or pertinent portions of the Works.

Critiquing is not synonymous with proof-reading or editing, but can be an emotional issue. Care must be taken to not hurt the author’s/writer’s feelings or demean their Works. The goal of the critique group is to get Works ready for the next level in the publishing cycle. Errors need to be corrected and the document “must flow” and be accepted by the reader, but it is not an avenue to demean the Works or the author/writer. Positive feedback or constructive suggestions are also key to critiques. The author should also understand the subjective nature of critiques and that the critique is not directed towards them personally, but towards their Works, and they are free to accept or reject the feedback offered.

CLW authors are to exhibit and maintain a high degree of professional integrity and promote a positive image of the writing profession by not participating in plagiarism, misrepresentation of their Works, use of “ghost writers” to enhance their Works, misrepresentation of facts, dishonesty in deed or voice, or any other commissions or omissions which cast a negative image on themselves or the writing profession. Works submitted to CLW should be the Author’s sole intellectual property and not infringe on copyrights, trademarks, public domain, or other intellectual rights of any third parties.

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