Three Gulf Coast Writers Association members earn awards

The Gulf Coast Writers Association recently announced three of its members are award-winning authors.

The Florida Authors and Publishers Association announced its 2025 President's Book Award Winners at a celebration in Orlando, where Patti Walsh took home Gold in the middle-grade fiction category for her book "Hounded."

Ginger Wakem received Silver in the Mystery/Suspense category, author of "Trust No One, Promise Nothing."

The third award-winning GCWA member is Ed DeJesus, who won both a Literary Titan Book Award as well as a PenCraft Summer's Best Book Award (Thriller - General) for "The Vulnerable."

"We are incredibly proud of Patti, Ginger and Ed for their well-deserved recognition as award-winning authors," said Mary Charles, GCWA president. "Celebrating our members' hard work, dedication to the craft of writing, along with their successes, are the cornerstones of our writers' association. These authors are an inspiration to us all. "

The Florida Authors and Publishers Association is an organization for authors, publishers, illustrators, editors, printers and other professionals involved in the publishing industry.

About GCWA

Now in its 30th year, the Gulf Coast Writers Association Inc. provides a forum for fellowship, education and information for writers, editors, and associates. GCWA's book, "Storm Stories-Hurricane Ian," is available on Amazon and at local outlets.

Based in Fort Myers, GCWA attracts members from throughout Southwest Florida. The association offers prominent speakers and dynamic workshops at monthly meetings (in-person or via Zoom), sharing expert advice on writing techniques, publishing, and marketing. The literary genres run the gamut from poetry, adult fiction, and nonfiction to children's and young adult, historical fiction, romance, mystery/thriller, memoir, essay, and screenplay.

Members include new and established writers, corporate professionals, teachers, and business owners, working or retired.

To join GCWA, sign up at gulfwriters.org. GCWA's website is GulfWriters.org. Follow the association @GCWA on Twitter/X, Linkedin, Meetup, and on Facebook.