The California Writers Collective is not only a group of authors, writers and poets, but concerned citizens who care about the community and combat the issues facing us today, such as illiteracy while helping aspiring writers achieve their goal of having their future books published. The following is a list of the CWC members out there making a difference.

Evelyn Heart – “Ms. E” is presently a member of renowned speaker Les Brown’s Platinum Speakers Network presenting her message to both young people and adults. She also produces a talk show entitled "Visions For A Child's Heart" broadcast on several cable stations throughout the Bay Area, dedicated to enriching the hearts, minds and spirits of the heart including inspirational stories of individuals in the community striving to make a difference. Ms. E also provides counseling, workshops, seminars, and self esteem building.

Frederick Williams – Frederick is the founder of Readers and Writers Group in San Antonio, sponsoring Fiction Writers Weekend in the city annually featuring outstanding African-American writers throughout the country. In addition to his past experience as a legislative and special assistant in Washington D.C.’s Capitol Hill, (among his many accomplishments) Frederick shows his commitment to the community working with young people in developing their creative writing skills.

Anna Christian – Anna serves as a member of the Riverside Renaissance Writers and at present, is a Soul Line Dance instructor with Harriette Stuckey's Heart and Soul Line Dance. 

Denise Spiller – a former member of the African-American Literary and Media Group (with co-founder Nancy Gilliam), now presides over her publishing company, Universal Press and Productions. Keeping the AALAM spirit alive via Universal, Denise has been instrumental in helping others achieve their dreams through life, learning and literacy. She has also introduced the first Best Empowered series as well as being one of the driving forces creating the first ever CWC Empowerment Luncheon.

Nina Corbett – besides working as a television producer and casting director, Nina is also a speaker for business luncheons, college events and book clubs. She produces an online newsletter featuring entertainment, motivational messages and information you can’t miss.

Chandra Adams – Co founder of the Collective, Chandra is the creator and producer of Mixed Matters, an internet talk show featuring up and coming authors on their latest and greatest on North Bay Media Review. She is also the head of Adrolite Press, which produced her first novel Shades of Retribution. Chandra came up with the idea for Mixed Matters after recognizing a need for new authors to be known through the literary world. She is the associate director of the Los Angeles Black Book Expo. She is a contributor to Empire Beat Magazine’s website and video interviews.

Charles L. Chatmon – Charles is responsible for setting up the Collective’s successful writers workshops. He is also responsible for creating a blog entitled Authors N Focus, helping unknown authors find recognition in the writing business. He has assisted with the African Marketplace’s Literary Village, the first ever Leimert Park Village Book Festival’s Author Pavilion, and is currently the executive director of the Los Angeles Black Book Expo. Along with contributing to Empire Beat Magazine, he is a CWC co-founder helping future authors with advice, convincing them to stay connected via networking. He presently co-hosts Mixed Matters on North Bay Media Review.

Debbie Bennett is the special events coordinator for Word of Life Bookstores in Los Angeles, showcasing Christian authors who edify through their works.

Cheryl Love-Queen is an educator who has a wealth of experience setting up programs for secondary schools in the Los Angeles area.

EMPOWERMENT LUNCHEONS – On July 25, 2009, the CWC with Universal Press and Productions, launched their first ever Empowerment Luncheon in Emeryville, California. The objective of the luncheons are to provide support, advice and networking to potential authors and business owners. With help from speakers Vincent Alexandria, Vicki Ward, Jaclyn Zoccoli and Van Waller, the luncheon was a huge success as those in attendance could attest. Look for future gatherings with the CWC on our Events page.

WRITERS WORKSHOPS – Since 2005, the CWC has connected with aspiring authors, and poets during our annual writers workshops held in the AC Bilbrew Library in Los Angeles County (also held in Compton and Playa Vista in the past). Thanks to the attendees, the CWC workshops have been a huge success producing new published authors in the literary world. The Collective is committed to helping those with dreams of writing a book reach their goals. Check back often at our Events page for more luncheons in the state.

In the future, the Collective plans to be more involved with our new generation of writers, the youth, providing programs to help encourage their joy of literacy. Staying connected is what the CWC is all about!