Space Coast Writers Guild (SCWG)

Monthly Guild Meeting
2026-10-17 13:00 - 15:00 UTC
Valerie Allen: Mega Marketing with Mini Money

Valerie Allen is a well-known figure in Florida’s writing community, celebrated for her expertise in publishing, marketing, and the business of being an author. A psychologist and award-winning writer, she has published across genres—fiction, short stories, children’s books, nonfiction, and guides for writers—and has long been active in local literary organizations, including the Cape Canaveral Pen Women, serving on the Space Coast Writers Guild Board, and co-founding Authors for Authors. Many of our members know her from her popular workshops, conferences, and book fairs held throughout Brevard County.

In her presentation, Mega Marketing with Mini Money, Valerie will break down the essentials of book marketing in a way only she can—clear, practical, and refreshingly doable. She’ll explore the three skill sets every author must master (writing, publishing, and selling) and reveal how readers truly make purchasing decisions. From effective word-of-mouth strategies to leveraging hard-copy materials, to navigating the “electronic highway,” Valerie will show you how to promote your work with confidence—without breaking the bank.

Location:Lamplighter Village Clubhouse500 Lantern Dr, Melbourne, FL 32934

Cocoa Village Fall Art & Craft Fair
2026-10-17 00:00 - 2026-10-18 23:59
SHOWCASE YOUR WORK!

Four times a year, the Space Coast Writers Guild is honored to participate in the Cocoa Village Art Shows, one of the region’s most vibrant cultural gatherings that draws thousands of visitors from across Florida. As a recognized nonprofit, we’re given a free booth—and in the spirit of community, we pass that opportunity on to you, our members.

If you’re a published author and ready to connect with readers, sell your books, and represent the Guild, this is your chance to shine in a lively, supportive environment.

We have up to 6 table spaces available per show.

The event generally runs from 10 AM to 5 PM, with different setup and teardown times for each day.

Spaces are filled on a first-come, first-served basis, and applications are reviewed by the Table Space Crew Committee.

For more information regarding the Table Space Crew, guidelines, and the required application for event participation, please click HERE.

Good luck to all the participants!

Monthly Guild Meeting
2026-09-19 13:00 - 15:00
Karen Whiting: Topic To Be Announced

More information to come, so stay tuned.

About the Speaker:Coming soon

Location: Lamplighter Village Clubhouse 500 Lantern Blvd, Melbourne, FL 32934

Monthly Guild Meeting
2026-08-15 13:00 - 15:00
Brad Haizlip: An Author’s Journey

Join us on Saturday, August 15, 2026, for a special presentation by author, artist, and podcast host Brad Haizlip.

In An Author’s Journey, Brad will share how his creative path unfolded—from his early inspirations and how his books began, to the ins and outs of publishing, and the launch of his podcast. He’ll also touch on the role of art, design, and travel in shaping his work. The session will close with a lively Q&A.

Brad will have his books and custom merchandise available for purchase, including pins, magnets, keychains, and bookmarks.

About the Speaker:Originally from Munster, Indiana, Brad Haizlip is a graduate of Purdue University and the American Academy of Art in Chicago. He has worked in advertising and graphic design for over 35 years, is a world traveler, nature photographer, and artist, and now shares his creative voice as both a book author and podcast host.

Location: Lamplighter Village Clubhouse 500 Lantern Blvd, Melbourne, FL 32934

Monthly Guild Meeting
2026-07-18 13:00 - 15:00
Two Minds, One Story: The Art of Co-Authoring

Judilee Butler (standing) & Gaga Gabardi

Judilee Butler (aka Phoebe Korneal) presents Two Minds, One Story: The Art of Co-Authoring. What happens when two writers become partners in storytelling? In this engaging presentation, Judilee Butler shares the joys and challenges of writing with a co-author while living more than five hundred miles apart.

From creative collaboration to the practical realities of publishing, this session explores topics such as:

• Handling differences in opinion while weaving a story together• Scheduling writing and editing sessions• Splitting the workload fairly and effectively• Managing book proceeds and joint finances• Writing in tandem from different states• Marketing and promotion• Website creation and online presence

Filled with personal experiences, humor, and practical insight, this presentation offers an honest look at the realities—and rewards—of co-authoring a book.

BIO: Judilee Butler (aka Phoebe Korneal) is a retired writer currently living in Buffalo, Wyoming, after relocating from Florida with her husband. Alongside her co-author, who resides in the mountains of Colorado, she has embraced co-authoring as both a creative outlet and what she affectionately calls their “escape room”—a joyful therapy for the adventures of octogenarian life.

Location:Lamplighter Village Clubhouse500 Lantern Dr, Melbourne, FL 32934

Monthly Meeting
2026-06-20 13:00 - 15:00
Member Q&A & Scholarship Fundraiser

Join the Space Coast Writers Guild this June for a special evening of conversation, community, and giving back as we bring back our popular biannual Member Q&A Session—now held each June and December.

This relaxed and engaging gathering offers members the opportunity to ask questions, share ideas, discuss Guild initiatives, and connect with fellow writers in an open forum atmosphere. In the spirit of fellowship and literary celebration, the evening will also feature raffles, themed gift baskets, giveaways, and fundraising efforts supporting the SCWG Scholarship Fund for high school juniors and seniors.

All proceeds and donations help us invest in the next generation of writers by providing encouragement, opportunity, and financial support to emerging young storytellers.

Members who would like to contribute raffle items, gift baskets, or donation items for giveaways are warmly encouraged to participate. Together, we are not simply funding a scholarship—we are helping launch a dream and shaping the future of the written word.

Location:Lamplighter Village Clubhouse500 Lantern Dr, Melbourne, FL 32934

Monthly Guild Meeting
2026-05-16 13:00 - 15:00
Sondee Lima: From Page to Stage, Mastering Public Speaking as an Author

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.

Sondee will focus on powerful openings and closings, nonverbal and vocal techniques, and how to shape 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.

Location:Lamplighter Village Clubhouse500 Lantern Dr, Melbourne, FL 32934

Cocoa Village Art & Craft Fair
2026-05-09 00:00 - 2026-05-10 23:59
SHOWCASE YOUR WORK!

Four times a year, the Space Coast Writers Guild is honored to participate in the Cocoa Village Art Shows, one of the region’s most vibrant cultural gatherings that draws thousands of visitors from across Florida. As a recognized nonprofit, we’re given a free booth—and in the spirit of community, we pass that opportunity on to you, our members.

If you’re a published author and ready to connect with readers, sell your books, and represent the Guild, this is your chance to shine in a lively, supportive environment.

We have up to 6 table spaces available per show.

The event generally runs from 10 AM to 5 PM, with different setup and teardown times for each day.

Spaces are filled on a first-come, first-served basis, and applications are reviewed by the Table Space Crew Committee.

For more information regarding the Table Space Crew and guidelines for event participation, please click HERE.

Good luck to all the participants!

Monthly Guild Meeting
2026-04-18 13:00 - 15:00
M. Rebecca Wildsmith: “Write. Publish. Sell: The Keys to Self-Publishing and Effective Book Marketing”

M. Rebecca Wildsmith writes supernatural mysteries with a vintage soul and a sharp modern twist. She penned her first whodunit on a clacking typewriter at age eight and has been hooked on twisty plots ever since. 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 help her fellow writers navigate the wild, wonderful world of indie publishing. Taking them 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.

Her goal isn’t to hand you a magic formula, but to spark the clarity, courage, and curiosity you’ll need to build a publishing path that’s unmistakably yours.

Location: Lamplighter Village Clubhouse 500 Lantern Dr, Melbourne, FL 32934

Monthly Guild Meeting
2026-03-21 11:00 - 13:00
Brenda Spalding: The Writers Platform-What It Is and Why You Need It

We’re 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. Her session will cover:

How to build a strong, sustainable author platform

Social media marketing—what matters today and what doesn’t

“Get your butt out the door”—the power of in-person engagement

Newsletters: how often to send and what to include

Pay-per-click advertising—when is it worth it?

Outsourcing marketing—questions to ask before you spend a dime

Brenda’s passion for helping authors shines through in everything she does. A past president of the National League of American Pen Women (Sarasota Branch), she is an active member of several statewide writing organizations and frequently speaks at conferences, book clubs, and writers’ groups. Through her company, Braden River Consulting LLC, she supports writers at every stage of the publishing process.

You won’t want to miss this informative, motivating, and highly practical session designed to elevate your voice and expand your author reach.

www.bradenriverconsulting.com | www.brendamspaldingauthor.com

Location: Eau Gallie Public Library 1521 Pineapple Ave, Melbourne, FL 32935

Cocoa Village Spring Fine Art & Craft Fair
2026-03-07 00:00 - 2026-03-08 23:59

Monthly Guild Meeting
2026-01-17 11:00 - 13:00
Terri Lewis presents The Best of Both Worlds: Navigating Hybrid Publishing

Authors today face more publishing paths than ever — but which one actually leads where you want to go?

Award-winning author, Terri Lewis, will join us in January to pull back the curtain on the world of hybrid publishing, comparing it with both traditional and independent models so that writers can make empowered, well-informed decisions. Drawing from her own experience navigating the industry, she’ll share:

✨ How to find and evaluate a reputable hybrid press✨ Why distribution matters more than most authors realize✨ The real advantages (and real pitfalls) of hybrid publishing✨ What a publicist can — and cannot — do for you✨ The true costs involved and how to avoid costly surprises

Terri recently won the Miami University Press 2025 Novella Prize, and her novel, Beyond the Bird in Flight: A Novel of an Abducted Queen, was named one of The Washington Independent Review’s Best Books of 2025. A lifelong lover of medieval history, she has traveled extensively throughout Europe, enchanted by the quiet stories hidden in old castles and winding cobblestone streets. Terri finely crafts her writing through workshops with renowned instructors, and her short fiction has appeared in multiple literary magazines.

Terri now lives and writes in Denver, Colorado, alongside her husband and two lively dogs, and she is excited to help fellow authors navigate their own publishing journeys.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Location: Eau Gallie Public Library 1521 Pineapple Ave, Melbourne, FL 32935

Monthly Guild Meeting
2025-12-20 12:00 - 14:00
Our Annual Holiday Session, featuring the SCWG Marketing Roundtable

Join us for our annual Holiday Session featuring our first “Marketing Roundtable,” where Jim Nelson, Jo Roland, Kip Koelsch, and other guild members will answer questions and share their marketing know-how.

Our Holiday Session is a warm and festive tradition for members to reflect, reconnect, and recharge for the year ahead.

We’ll share Guild highlights from 2025, preview upcoming opportunities for 2026, and host the Marketing Roundtable.

As always, your SCWG Board has planned a gift giveaway with small surprises and lots of laughter.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Location:Eau Gallie Public Library1521 Pineapple Ave, Melbourne, FL 32935

Cocoa Village Holiday Art & Craft Fair
2025-12-06 00:00 - 2025-12-07 23:59
Showcase Your Work!

Four times a year, the Space Coast Writers Guild is honored to participate in the Cocoa Village Art Shows, one of the region’s most vibrant cultural gatherings that draws thousands of visitors from across Florida. As a recognized nonprofit, we’re gifted a free booth — and in the spirit of community, we pass that opportunity on to you, our members.

If you’re a published author and ready to connect with readers, sell your books, and represent the Guild, this is your chance to shine in a lively, supportive environment.

We have up to six available table spaces per show.

The event generally runs from 10 AM to 5 PM, with different set-up and tear-down time frames for each day.

To reserve your spot, please submit the Event Application via the button below.

Spaces are filled on a first-come, first-served basis, and applications are reviewed by the Table Space Crew Committee.

For more information regarding the Table Space Crew and guidelines for event participation, please click HERE.

Good luck to all the participants!

Event Application

Monthly Guild Meeting
2025-11-15 12:00 - 14:00
Anna Myers: Ten Rules Every Fiction Writer Should Know

Join us for a masterclass in storytelling with award-winning author Anna Myers. A traditionally published writer of 17 middle grade and young adult novels—including Red-Dirt Jessie, Tulsa Burning, and Assassin—Myers brings decades of experience to the page and the podium.

In this practical and inspiring session, Anna will share The 10 Rules Every Fiction Writer Should Know, offering timeless guidance to sharpen your instincts, avoid common pitfalls, and elevate your storytelling. She’ll also spotlight one of her favorite craft topics—why dialogue matters, and how to use it to build character, reveal conflict, and keep readers turning pages.

Whether you’re a novelist in the making or simply looking to improve your narrative skill set, this presentation will be packed with wisdom. Arrive ready to take notes, ask questions, and walk away with a toolbox of writing how-tos you’ll return to again and again.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Location: Eau Gallie Public Library 1521 Pineapple Ave, Melbourne, FL 32935

Satellite Beach Founders Day Celebration
2025-11-01 09:00 - 15:00
We’re thrilled to once again join the vibrant community of Satellite Beach for its annual Founders Day Celebration! Hosted by the Satellite Beach Woman’s Club, this year’s event features more than 200 craft and specialty vendors as part of the lively Founders Day Marketplace.

The 2025 theme—“Join Our Flock”—highlights beautiful flamingo artwork by local DeLaura Middle School students, symbolizing unity, creativity, and the power of community connection.

The Space Coast Writers Guild will be there with our own vendor table, celebrating local authors, sharing our mission, and connecting with readers and fellow creatives. Come say hello, browse Guild member books, and enjoy a day filled with art, friendship, and inspiration!

The Founders Day Parade kicks off at 11:00 a.m. from DeLaura Middle School—don’t miss it!

Location: DRS Community Center 1089 S Patrick Dr, Satellite Beach, FL 32937

For more information regarding this event, please click HERE.

Cocoa Village Fall Art & Craft Fair
2025-10-18 00:00 - 2025-10-19 23:59

Monthly Guild Meeting
2025-09-20 12:00 - 14:00
Andrea Tripke, Illustrator/Writer; Topic: Illustrating the Journey: From Artboard to Author

Award-winning illustrator Andrea Tripke invites you into the colorful world of children’s book creation.

With years of experience bringing stories to life through art, Andrea has worked on traditionally published projects both with and without agents, later expanding her craft to become a writer/illustrator.

In this engaging presentation, she’ll share her path to finding an agent, navigating the publishing process, and building a career rooted in visual storytelling.

Andrea will bring resource books, final artwork from published titles, and examples from her picture books—offering invaluable insight for illustrators and creatives looking to break into the field.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Location: Eau Gallie Public Library 1521 Pineapple Ave, Melbourne, FL 32935

Monthly Guild Meeting
2025-08-16 12:00 - 14:00
Ginny Myers Sain: Finding Your Voice

We’re excited to welcome back YA author, Ginny Myers Sain, presenting Finding Your Voice. An Author’s voice is one of the most often noted elements in agent and editor rejections AND acceptances, and it’s also one of the hardest elements of writing to define and teach.

What exactly is voice?How do you find yours?How can you develop it once you’ve found it?

Join us for an engaging, craft-focused session where Ginny will help demystify this elusive but essential element of storytelling. Whether you’re just starting out or polishing your next manuscript, you’ll leave with tools, inspiration, and a clearer sense of what makes your voice unique—and a voice agents and editors will want to hear more from.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Location:Eau Gallie Public Library1521 Pineapple Ave, Melbourne, FL 32935

Monthly Guild Meeting
2025-07-19 12:00 - 14:00
July Guest Speaker: Brian Freeman, New York Times Bestselling Author

We’re excited to welcome back acclaimed thriller author Brian Freeman for a special, in-depth interview session at our July meeting. Best known for continuing the Jason Bourne series by renowned author Robert Ludlum, and his own gripping psychological thrillers like Thief River Falls and The Night Bird, Brian will dive deeper into his writing process, career trajectory, and how he crafts heart-pounding suspense that keeps readers turning the page.

This interactive session will include curated questions and live Q&A—don’t miss this unique opportunity to learn from one of the best in the business.

Join us for what is sure to be a lively discussion!

We look forward to seeing you there!

Location: Eau Gallie Public Library 1521 Pineapple Ave, Melbourne, FL 32935
