Space Coast Writers Guild

05/30/2026

Today is the last day to submit your short story to the Space Coast Writers Guild Short Story Contest! Get your submissions in by 11:59:59 PM TONIGHT!

https://scwg.org/short-story-contest/

Writers, we can’t wait to read your stories!

05/27/2026

The deadline for submissions to the SCWG Short Story Contest are due May 30th! Anything submitted after 11:59:59 PM on that day will NOT be accepted.

To read the full guidelines and submit your work, see our previous posts or visit scwg.org/short-story-contest/

We have a full lineup of judges waiting to read your work! Good luck!! ✍🏻✏️

05/23/2026

Thank you to Sondée Lima - - for speaking at our May Monthly Meeting. Sondée taught us how to refine our public speaking and marketing skills to engage all types of audiences.

Seminars like this are free to members! Join the guild today and level up your writing! https://scwg.org/membership-matters/

05/13/2026

Join us for our next Monthly Meeting on May 16, 2028. We will be welcoming bilingual business coach, educator, and business communications expert, Sondée Lima.

Authors need more than a strong manuscript—they need a strong presence. In this workshop, you’ll learn how to elevate your delivery, connect with your audience, and present your story with impact.

Sondée will focus on powerful openings and closings, nonverbal and vocal techniques, and shaping your unique author persona onstage. You’ll also learn to craft clear, organized content and visuals that enhance your message. Finally, we’ll cover effective Q&A skills and soft selling—how to engage your audience while naturally guiding them toward your work.

Walk away with practical tools to speak with confidence, clarity, and authenticity at any event.

Lamplighter Village Clubhouse
500 Lantern Blvd
Melbourne, FL 32934

05/11/2026

Thanks to M. Rebecca Wildsmith for speaking with SCWG at our latest monthly meeting! She spoke on indie publishing, self publishing, selling books authentically, intentional social media, and the importance of a long-game mindset.

A writer of supernatural mysteries with a vintage soul, her books have sold over 30,000 copies worldwide, winning them the #1 Bestseller status on Kindle and Audible in 8 countries several times over. Her 1930s era Egyptian murder mystery,Verity Easton also won a finalist placement in the Best Thriller Book Awards.

Check her out on her socials and website:
mrebeccawildsmith.com
TikTok & Instagram:
Facebook: /authormrebeccawildsmith

04/16/2026

The Space Coast Writers Guild short story contest is now open and runs through May 30, 2026.

Eligibility: The contest is open to active members of the Space Coast Writers Guild.

Submission Guidelines:
* Opened April 1, 2026
* Entries must be received no later than 11:59 PM, May 30, 2026. Any submissions received after the deadline will NOT be accepted. NO EXCEPTIONS!
* The manuscript must be 2500 words or less.
* The document must be typed in 12-point Times New Roman font, double spaced, with numbered pages and the title on the first page and at the top of each page.
* YOUR NAME MUST NOT BE ON THE STORY MANUSCRIPT!
* Include a separate cover page to include: your name, phone number, mailing address, email address, title of the story, and word count. None of the above information should be in the short story PDF. If it does, your entry will be immediately disqualified.
* Entry fee: Still only $10.00 for SCWG members. Visit SCWG.org for payment options.
* Send the story and separate cover page as PDF files in an e-mail attachment to [email protected]. You will receive an acknowledgement.

Genre: general or literary fiction, romance, historical, mystery or suspense, horror, science based or alternative. NO children’s stories, explicit inappropriate language or erotica will be accepted.

Limited to ONE (1) submission per person.

All work must be the original work of the submitting author and must not have been published anywhere (including, but not limited to, any SCWG anthologies) prior to submission. The submitting author retains all rights in his or her submitted work.

All submissions are final. No changes or substitutions are allowed once your entry is submitted.

Prizes: One First Place Winner will receive $250.00 and a certificate.
The Second Place Winner will receive $150.00 and a certificate.
The Third Place Winner will receive $100.00 and a certificate.
The Fourth Place Winner will receive a gift card and a certificate.
The Fifth Place Winner will receive a gift card and a certificate.

WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED JUNE 20, 2026

04/11/2026

The next SCWG Monthly Meeting is April 18, 2026. Along with voting for new Board Members, we will be welcoming M. Rebecca Wildsmith as our incredible guest speaker!

Her books, “Hattie Vavaseur" and “Verity Easton”, have sold over 30,000 copies worldwide, winning them the #1 Bestseller status on Kindle and Audible in 8 countries several times over. “Verity Easton” also won a finalist placement in the Best Thriller Book Awards.

During her talk, she’ll navigate the wild world of indie publishing. Taking us on a lively tour through her own foundations of self-publishing, she’ll begin with how to figure out what kind of book you’re really writing and how to build an audience that doesn’t require a crystal ball to maintain.

Digging into the indie toolkit, she’ll explore selecting the right publishing platforms, to crafting covers and blurbs that’ll actually make readers stop scrolling. Then, she’ll get to the good stuff: how to sell your books with an authentic author brand, intentional social media, and a long-game mindset that treats each title as a stepping stone—not a finish line.

We look forward to seeing you there!

IMPORTANT NOTE — NEW LOCATION!!

Lamplighter Village Clubhouse
500 Lantern Blvd
Melbourne, FL 32934

03/11/2026

SPWG is thrilled to welcome award-winning author and publishing consultant Brenda Spalding as our March 2026 guest speaker!

With twenty-eight published books, a deep background in marketing, and years of experience guiding writers on their publishing journeys, Brenda brings a wealth of knowledge every author can benefit from—whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand your reach.

In her presentation, “The Writer’s Platform: What It Is and Why You Need It,” Brenda will break down the essential elements every modern writer needs to build visibility, credibility, and long-term success.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Eau Gallie Library
1521 Pineapple Ave. Melbourne, FL 32935
March 21, 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

09/20/2023

How lovely does our writer, Colleen Pierce, look. She recently appeared on a local speakeasy's Insta Page (Lourdes Library), You Rock Colleen!

09/18/2023