The Greater Canton Writers’ Guild (GCWG) was founded in 1964 by Gail Golloday Schneider, a poet and painter. She led the organization for four years, and then moved to Cleveland, Ohio, to work for the American Greeting Card Company where she eventually became an editor. After Ms. Schneider’s departure, the Guild continued under the leadership of a nucleus of charter members.
In 1965, the Guild published its own anthology entitled Shoestring. Shoestring contained a collection of poetry and short stories by Stark County authors. In 1966, the Guild produced a second Shoestring sponsored by patrons and advertisers from the community. A third Shoestring appeared in 1977, and a fourth was published in 1984 as part of the Guild’s 20th anniversary. Three additional editions were published in 1989, 1994, and 1999.
In 1969, the Midwest Writers’ Conference® (MWWC) was established and quickly gained a reputation for excellence. The conference attracted writers from throughout the country and every one of the central states. Past keynote speakers for the conference have included authors such as John Heller, Mary Higgins Clark, and John Berendt.
In 1979, GuildNotes, a monthly newsletter was established. It has become the principle mechanism for disseminating Guild news and marketing information to Guild members, including regular columns by the officers and guest pieces from other members.
The Guild established the Norma Award in 1983 as a living memorial to late member Norma Sigler Atkins Rowlands. The award, presented yearly at the Guild’s anniversary dinner, recognizes a Guild or community member who has made significant contributions to the art and craft of writing.
On September 20, 1985, the Guild was incorporated to become the Greater Canton Writers’ Guild, Inc. and acquired non-profit status. This allowed the Guild to accept tax-free gifts and grants for educational purposes.
With the assistance of grants from the Ohio Arts Council and the Ohio Humanities Council, the GCWG published in 2002 Venture: Ohio Voices through Creative Works Publishing. The book was an anthology containing winning manuscripts from the 2001 MWWC, as well as pieces from other Stark County authors.