The California Writers Club was founded at Berkley 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 Berkley to fourteen branches throughout California with a membership of nearly a thousand. 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 provides 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.

January 2004 Jo-ed Griffith long standing member and strong supporter of CWC, San Fernando Valley, succumbed to lung cancer. Click here to read our memorial of a wonderful writer and contributor to the club.