The GLAWS Winter Party, 2026
Happy New Year! Let’s make 2026 a year of incredible creativity, connection, and craft. Please join us to kick it off in style.
DATE & TIME: Saturday, January 17th, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM. (We must conclude promptly at 5:00 PM.) See below for location.
This meeting is a celebration and is open to all—longtime members, lapsed members, and brand-new friends interested in telling the world “What is your story!” Come for the community, the inspiration, and the fun!
ALSO: IF you attend our party, we will give out a coupon ON SITE for $10 off. You must be there in person.
What’s in store
POT LUCK!
Traditionally we’ve always had a coordinated potluck, to make sure we don’t get a dozen jello salads. However, we’re keeping it less formal this year, so please bring anything you deem reasonable. You can also check with our President, Neil Citrin.
Please also make sure if not all of your dish is consumed, that you bring it back with you. We’re all volunteers.
OPEN MIC RETURNS – WITH A RESERVATION SYSTEM!
Our open mic is back! Anyone may attend and listen, but only current GLAWS members in good standing may read. Each reader will have 5 minutes to share anything they wish: a poem, a story excerpt, a monologue, a song—you name it.
How to Sign Up: We will have a limited number of slots. Members can secure a spot by purchasing an “Open Mic Ticket” for $5. This small fee helps us manage the list and ensure a smooth, timely event. Tickets will be available for purchase at the door on a first-come, first-served basis. Have your membership card ready!
Note: if you had to renew before you got the $10 off coupon, John Gwinner will add two months to your membership expiration; just contact him at the party or via the “Contact” page.
WHITE ELEPHANT BOOK EXCHANGE
Sure, it’s not Christmas, but my guess is Santa didn’t bring everything you wanted! If they did, well, you’ve probably already read a few. So, bring a book – preferably unread or lightly used – wrapped in any kind of paper you want. It could be Christmas paper, or butcher paper. Please no first edition Stephen King novels; let’s keep costs reasonable. Paperbacks are fine, as are hardbacks.
We will have a random drawing, for all those who brought wrapped books (even comic books!) and the books will progress around in the typical White Elephant gift exchange rules.
No need to reserve for the gift exchange, just bring stuff. If you bring multiple books, you’ll get multiple picks.
And obviously … please no Kindle books.
Come join us Saturday, January 17th from 2:00 to 5:00pm, at:
www.lapl.org
Westchester – Loyola Village Branch Library
7114 W Manchester Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90045
1 (310) 348-1096
A few notes:
OUR 2026 FIRST QUARTER SCHEDULE
Mark your calendars now for our upcoming Westchester meetings (all 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM):
Saturday, February 21st. Likely topic: AI Roundtable; are we truly in the Singularity? What is a Singularity?
Saturday, March 21st Likely topic: The business of Writing (so you can get your taxes in – write! er, right.)
Saturday, April 18-19th – LATFOB (https://events.latimes.com/festivalofbooks/)
We have fantastic programming lined up, from craft workshops to industry panels. Your renewed membership ensures you won’t miss a thing.
Let’s gather, write, share, and support one another. The Greater Los Angeles Writers Society is its members, and we can’t wait to see you—and hear you—on the 17th.
MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL AMNESTY
With all this great contact coming up, a new year means it’s time to renew your membership and continue enjoying all GLAWS benefits, including event discounts, workshop access, and now, open mic priority.
To make renewal effortless, we are declaring a 2026 Membership Amnesty. Whether you’ve missed a few months or a few years, you can start fresh! Simply pay for a 2026 membership ($60). You do not need to catch up on back dues to rejoin the community and participate fully. This is the perfect time to come back to the fold.
