The California Writers Club was founded at Berekley
in 1909 by Jack London and a few of his friends who met together to
inspire each other, critique their works in progress and enjoy the company
of fellow writers. Ina Coolbrith, California's first poet laureate, was
their librarian and mentor. She encouraged and directed them.
Since its
incorporation in 1913 as a non-profit educational corporation, CWC has
grown from the first branch at Berkeley to over seventeen branches
throughout California with a membership of nearly fourteen hundred.
It hasn't changed much over the years as far as its original purpose. The
club exists to encourage writers, especially beginner writers, to provide
a place for them to meet, to share, and to grow in their ability to write.
We also provide help for beginners to become more aware of life in the
world of writing. We inform our members about readings, conferences and
workshops and help them to increase their skills and network with other
writers.
