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LoginMWA Quick Notes, February, 2026: Events, Publishing Opportunities, and More!
Greetings, Fant-abulous Maryland Writer!
Welcome to February 2026! Did you see what I did there? Yup, I fabricated a word. Just like that, creation within creation. That’s the power of our artform. Indeed, I believe words have power – real power! Magical spells, poetry, musical lyrics, or prose – pause a moment and think about all the various principles that you acquired or discarded through a lifetime of experience. What drove you to make such profound decisions? Most often the answer is: words.
For February of this tumultuous year, I encourage you all to think about your words and how you wield them. How can you make a difference with them? Avoid the easy, well-traveled path. Depart from the crowd. Amid the riot, take a sidestep and have a seat. Listen and observe. Strive to objectively understand what you see and hear. I’m certain you will soon change the world. I sincerely mean that.
Now for something a bit unusual in my monthly notes. Real business! That’s right, I get to be president-y for a moment (another word I just now created, my fingers smoking hot!). I write in the next passage to advise you of some things you might actually need to know, all gathered from your recent input.
First: scams, scams, scams! Neither I nor any of our officers or constituents need you to dash down to the local store for gift cards. Or anything else. Also, if someone reaches out to you with big promises that make your heart thump, your head swell, and your dreams come true – congratulations! But… then again… maybe take a second breath. Share what you hear with those who care about you, and then actually listen to what they have to say. Nothing is simple or easy – except a ripoff artist stealing your wages. Don’t let that happen! If you ever wonder “is this for real”, just send me an email to ask. I’ve been ripped off enough times to tell you the truth, and I’m not ashamed to boast about it.
Also:
· Always remember (especially at tax-time, hint hint) that your donations to this outstanding association are… tax deductible! (Drumroll, please.)
· Please try to break free of the winter chug and that lingering COVID mindset to attend an in-person chapter meeting and maybe get out to a book festival or two. I recommend renting a booth to sell your wares, even if you only have one product.
· Please check your MWA profile and update your chapter affiliation if you’ve experienced a post-COVID relocation. Or if you just want to change your commute – wherever you’ve been attending, make that the official entry in your profile. We use that information to make things better for you.
At last, the best part! Boilerplate follows:
Get your MWA swag! That's right, MWA has a RedBubble site that vends branded gear! Use it for yourself or in promotion of your outstanding authorship. Visit today here:
Shop for MWA Swag on RedBubble
Apply for your own personal podcast interview! Did you know that all MWA constituents can participate in these multimedia broadcasts? Check out our offerings and volunteer yourself here:
MWA Podcasts and Author Interviews
MWA hosts, sponsors and supports a regular slate of interesting and informative internal and events every month of the year. Keep up with it all via our helpful calendar and events roster.
To inspire your creative ideations or help you wile away a lovely hour or two, MWA's constituents produce several useful and entertaining resources, to include our outstanding journal, "Pen in Hand", numerous anthologies, and a regular distribution of news and announcements.
MWA QuickNotes from the President
If you're looking for something fun to do, MWA provides multiple outlets that are certain to entertain or return valuable feedback. First Fridays is always stimulating, a contest entry is certain to rouse your creative ambitions, and our critique groups provide practical feedback as well as a rousing good time for all who attend.
MWA First Friday's Open Mic Night
Support your peers! MWA celebrates local authors in many ways, so take time to enjoy Maryland's authors by supporting our Teen Writers Anthology.
If your profile requires a bit of grooming, tend your Association business via our website. If your membership expires this month, be certain to renew it to continue enjoying all these wonderful resources.
Finally, when you enjoy all that MWA has to offer and you feel someone needs a shout-out, you can always nominate your local Leadership Superstar.
MWA Leadership Superstar Nominations
May the gods of our artform visit you prolifically this month. Most importantly of all, be well!
--Stephen Donald Huff, PhD (Executive Committee President)
