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ABOUT US

GDRW is dedicated to promoting the romance and women's fiction genres, and to supporting and developing the writing goals of all its members.

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MISSION STATEMENT

As the Greater Detroit Romance Writers, it is our mission to provide a positive and constructive forum for the nurturing, development, enhancement and promotion of the creativity, professionalism and productivity of all members. It is our goal to empower all members in the exploration of the art and business of writing, and to encourage members to maintain high standards of integrity, sensitivity, camaraderie and excellence. We strive to achieve these goals by sponsoring, providing and/or encouraging participation in meetings, workshops, networking, conferences, contests and newsletters.

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We respect and welcome all authors, regardless of gender, age, gender identity, race, health status, national origin, relationship status, sexual orientation, disability, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and religion. We are committed to providing a diverse, inclusive environment where all authors can learn, grow, and have access to resources intended to aid them in their pursuit of literary excellence.

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GDRW MEMBERSHIP is open to anyone writing romance or women's fiction, published or unpublished. 

2026-2027 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

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A.J. Norris

President

The president leads all board meetings and the monthly program meetings.

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Victoria Craven

Secretary

The secretary takes minutes at meetings and sends welcome packets to our new members.

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Angelique Prince

V.P. of Programming

The VP of Programming schedules the monthly speakers and chairs the conference.

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Tara Eldana

Treasurer

The treasurer prepares the annual budget and oversees all financial matters.

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Heatherly Bell

V.P. of Communications

The VP of Communications publishes our newsletters and oversees our social media sites.

JOAN SHAPIRO SERVICE AWARD

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Each year GDRW honors one member with the Joan Shapiro Service Award for their exemplary dedication and service to our chapter. In 2025, this award was presented to Dr. Diana Stout for her dedication and support to GDRW and our members.

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Joan Shapiro was a long-standing member of our organization and dedicated years to the development and betterment of our chapter.

2024 - DK Marie

2023 - Kay Krieg

2022 - Heather Novak

2021 - Reem Fransis

2020 - Celia Mulder

2019 - Deby Henneman

2019 - Deby Henneman

2018 - Aliza Mann

2017 - Tracy Bilen

2016 - A.J. Norris

2015 - Elizabeth Heiter

2014 - Dana Nussio

COMMITTEE CHAIRS

Librarian: Tracy Bilen

 

Newsletter Editor: Heatherly Bell

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Social: Beth Gelman

© 2025 by gdrw.org. All rights reserved.

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