Hello, everyone,
Before I was the Executive Director of the Writers’ League of Texas, I was a member. And before becoming a member, I was a supporter of the WLT.
When I made the decision to leave New York City and move to Austin in 2013, I had no idea what the next chapter of my career would be. What I did know: I wanted to be a part of the Texas literary community that I’d first been introduced to in June 2008 when I was invited to the WLT’s Agents & Editors Conference as a literary agent. I remember sitting in the audience during the opening session and listening to then ED John Pipkin talk about the WLT and the many programs and services being offered to writers. I was beyond impressed by the organization’s scope of offerings and I could tell there was something truly special about the group of people gathered in that room. John has told me I said to him that weekend “I want your job,” and – while I don’t remember that exact moment – I have no doubt that it’s true. By the time I flew home, the seed was planted for making the big move to Austin that came just a few years later. And when the job for the Executive Director of the WLT was posted just two days after I arrived in Texas to start my new life, it felt like the Universe was saying “yes, this is where you belong.”
With much gratitude in my heart for these last ten plus years, I’m writing today to let you know that I’ll be stepping down as Executive Director of the Writers’ League of Texas at the end of this year. I’ve accepted a new role (a return to my publishing roots) and it’s time for me to start my next new chapter.
I am so proud of where the WLT is today and I am honored to have been a part of the many ways the organization has grown since 2013. More than that, I have worked with some of the very best staff members anyone could hope to work with and I have met so many people who have inspired me with their brilliance, their kindness, their generosity, and their willingness to say “yes” – again and again – to supporting the work we do. It has been a life changing experience, this job. It has been a remarkable ten years.
We’ll be sharing some exciting news in the coming days regarding the incoming Executive Director, so stay tuned for that. In the meantime, returning to where I started as a supporter of this awesome organization, I’ve already pledged my end of year donation to the WLT in the amount of $500. If you’re able to join me in making a donation before 2024 comes to a close – a celebration of everything we’ve accomplished together and a show of support for all of the good work to come – I know it would make a difference and would be much appreciated. Individual contributions support our class scholarships, the Fellowship Program, rural library writing workshops, public school author presentations, and more. Thank you so much for considering it.
I hope to see you early and often in 2025 (you’re not getting rid of me that easily!) and I hope you’ll stay in touch. You can find me at my WLT email (becka@writersleague.org) through December 31 and at my personal email after that.
Thank you for everything, truly.
xo,
Becka
Becka Oliver
Executive Director
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