West Regional Library, 1425 Chaffee Road, Jacksonville, Fl 32221
When: Sign in begins at 10:00 AM unless otherwise posted.
* OUR MEETINGS *
We LOVE visitors! Unless otherwise stated, our meetings are held on the second Saturday of every month at the West Regional Branch Library in Jacksonville, Florida. The address is 1425 Chaffee Rd S, Jacksonville, Fl 32221.
Our Membership Dues is only $50 annually which includes all the workshops or you can pay $10 for any individual workshops throughout the year on Zoom. The public is welcome to come to the in-person workshops for Free for 2 learning sessions after which we ask that you pay the annual fee to join. To Pay for a Zoom Session CLICK HERE. Once payment is received you will receive an email with the Zoom link to attend the meeting you have selected.
Typically, we have a business meeting where you’ll learn about what we’re doing, followed by two workshops. When in person, we usually have lunch together at a nearby restaurant afterward. Romance writers know how to combine business and fun!
9:45AM log in to socialize and catch up with your fellow writers
10:00AM meeting called to order
10:40AM Meeting ends if it hasn’t already adjourned
10:40 5-minute break
10:45 First workshop (approx. 50 min)
5-minute break in there somewhere
Second workshop (approx. 50 min)
MEMBERS: If you need the Zoom link to attend, email the chapter president: president@firstcoastromancewriters.com You will be provided with a link. It is helpful if you have a free Zoom account prior to attending any of the ZOOM sessions as they can be viewed on your smartphone, tablet as well as through your laptop/computer. You can log in virtually for social time at 9:45am, and our business meeting will begin promptly at 10:15am.
Meetings Below
Don’t forget to share the upcoming workshops with your friends, family and fellow authors out there. We have a Facebook and a Twitter (X) button below each one that will allow you to share quickly and easily!
Writers Workshop With Shakira R Thompson November 2026
From 10:45 am
At West Branch Regional Library
1425 Chaffee Road S
Shakira R. Thompson is a romance author and the visionary founder of Love Story 365, a platform dedicated to inspiring intentional love and emotional connection. With a deep-rooted passion for storytelling, she creates heartfelt narratives that celebrate the beauty and purpose of romantic relationships. A proud alumna of Florida A&M University, Shakira holds a B.S. in Business Administration and an MBA with a concentration in Supply Chain Management. Originally from Fernandina Beach, Florida, she now resides in Orlando with her family. Above all, she treasures her role as a mother and believes love is a divine masterpiece worth nurturing daily.
https://www.instagram.com/shakira_r_thompson/ https://www.amazon.com/stores/Shakira-R.-Thompson/author/B00NDFV2N8The Heart of a Romance Author
Discover the heart of a romance author—and awaken the storyteller of love within yourself.
Join inspirational romance author and creator of Love Story 365, Shakira R. Thompson, for an inspiring and interactive presentation that explores how faith, love, and intentionality shape not only the stories we write—but the lives we live. Whether you’re a writer, a reader, or simply someone who believes in the power of love, this session will invite you to co-author your own love stories with purpose, passion, and divine guidance.
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Writers Workshop with Frank Goodin II December 2026
From 10:45 am until 1:00
At West Branch Regional Library
1425 Chaffee Road S, Jacksonville, Florida
Frank B. Goodin, II, an Emmy Award-winning filmmaker, Digital Media Innovator, and Professor in the School of Communication at the University of North Florida. He will join FCRW as a presenter in December 2026 to conduct an extended workshop. With over 20 years of experience bridging storytelling, technology, and education, Frank is a true trailblazer in the rapidly evolving AI landscape. He recently shared his insights on "Curiosity and Conscience Keep Communication Human Even as AI Transforms our Workflows" at the Walt Disney World AI+U event.
As an AI consultant and the head of his company, AI Insights, he empowers creators and organizations to leverage cutting-edge tools for content creation and strategy in the digital age. His passion for merging creativity with technology is contagious, making him a highly sought-after mentor and consultant.
At UNF, Frank guides students in mastering digital video production and effects using AI-powered tools—a mentorship that has led many of his students to win Emmy Awards themselves. Whether on campus or in the industry, his innovative spirit and commitment to storytelling leave a lasting impact.
Workshop - TBA
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Writers Workshop by Author Catherine C Wu
From 10:45am until 1:00
At West Branch Regional Library
1425 Chaffee Road S, Jacksonville, Florida
About the Author: Like the protagonist in her debut novel, The Moon Goddess’s Smile, Catherine Wu spent her formative years in China before coming to New York City as a graduate student. After a career in biomedical research and podiatry practice, she followed her heart to pursue her dream of becoming a storyteller. She honed her fiction-writing skills at Boston’s GrubStreet to tell her unique story, a labor of love. Kirkus Reviews Magazine praised her novel for its "memorable characters, a distinctive voice…and striking sensory quality.” Catherine Wu is a member of Florida Writers Association, GrubStreet, and National League of American Pen Women. Nowadays, she lives with her husband in Jacksonville, FL.
Workshop: Write a Vivid Scene with Striking Sensory Details
Write a Vivid Scene with Striking Sensory Details—how to scientifically elevate your prose
About this program: Crafting a vivid scene is essential for any fiction writing. This workshop aims to help writers sharpen this powerful tool in their toolboxes. By understanding the science of senses and by incorporating striking sensory details, writers can elevate their prose to the next level. During this workshop, participants will explore fine examples of scenes that have engaged and captivated generations of readers, practice new skills through writing exercises, and share their writing with the group for constructive criticism. Upon leaving this workshop, participants will have gained a deeper understanding of what makes a scene lively and memorable.
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