Welcome
We offer programs, workshops, writing contests, critique sessions, open mics, and related activities for members and the public.
Emerald Coast Writers helps writers of all levels to further their writing ambitions. We meet once a month by Zoom or at the Cultural Center located in downtown Pensacola.
Discover the rich history of Emerald Coast Writers, formerly known as the West Florida Literary Federation. From humble beginnings, we have grown into a vibrant community dedicated to nurturing writers of all levels.
ECW News
Emerald Coast Writers launches Youth Poet Laureate program
Emerald Coast Writers is seeking the region’s first Youth Poet Laureate, inviting teens ages 13-19 to showcase their poetry and community engagement.
The program is open to residents of Escambia (Florida), Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Fort Walton, and Bay counties. Applicants should have a passion for reading and performing poetry and a desire to give back to their communities.
Applications open in late March and close April 10th. Participants must submit five poems along with a resume highlighting civic service and community involvement. Finalists will compete at the regional level, with the potential to apply for the National Youth Poet Laureate program.
Emerald Coast Writers hosted a virtual workshop on March 10, 2026 to help applicants build poetry portfolios and resumes. Northwest Florida Poet Laureate Asia Sampson shared his work and offered guidance. A recording is available for those who were unable to attend the live event.
The program’s commencement ceremony will take place Sunday, May 3,2026 at 5 p.m. at the Pensacola Museum of Art.
Emerald Coast Writers, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in downtown Pensacola, was founded in 1986 as the West Florida Literary Federation. The all-volunteer organization now has more than 100 members and works to preserve the area’s literary heritage through contests, workshops and community events.
For more information and updates on the Youth Poet Laureate program, visit www.emeraldcoastwritersinc.org/youth-poet-laureate.
Details on the National Youth Poet Laureate program are available at www.youthlaureate.org/.
