Dear writers,
This year, 2026, is the Writers’ League of Texas’ 45th birthday.
What started as a group of writers meeting in a backyard in Austin to commiserate and share resources related to writing has blossomed into a statewide organization serving writers of all experience levels and genre with a curated suite of programming designed to connect, instruct, and inspire. We have a beautiful community, and you’re an important part of it.
We do what we do because of you.
Going into 2026, the WLT staff have been putting together a lot of plans to celebrate this major anniversary. New events, new ways to get writers connected, and the return of some much missed programs. The best way we know how to celebrate is to better serve you in all the ways we can.
Starting off, of course, we’re bringing you the 31st Agents & Editors Conference, our premiere weekend conference focused on preparing you for the publishing industry today, which is now available for all to sign up. In response to requests for more in-depth classes and workshops, we are introducing in-person classes here in Austin that will provide you deep looks at a variety of writing topics. We’re kicking these off with a three class series, “Pathway to the Personal: Writing Essays and Memoir” with Julie Poole. We’re also bringing a new presentation series, designed to give you a deeper look into different craft topics while not breaking the bank, Crash Courses, starting with “Lessons from Romance: Putting Believable Relationships on the Page in Any Genre” with Elizabeth Hobbs. Finally, we’re working on more and more ways to connect you with other writers, both online and in-person.
With all this excitement, I need to turn your attention to something a bit more sobering. 2025 was a hard year to be a literary arts non-profit. I’m sure you’ve received many notes and emails from other organizations asking for donations and additional support. I’m also sure you’ve seen some of these organizations close up shop for good. I said earlier in this note that we do what we do because of you, and it’s true. This organization only exists because it is made up of a community of writers that believe in supporting one another. We put every dollar this organization receives in pursuit of that belief. If WLT has supported you in the past, or if you’d like to help support other writers, please consider donating to WLT, perhaps $45 in honor of this anniversary. We need your support to continue doing what we do.
Here’s to 45 years, cheers,
Evan
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J Evan Parks
Executive Director