History of Cartersville Area Writers (CAW)

  Cartersville Area Writers began as a sister group to Calhoun Area Writers, founded by Karli Land in August 2022. Under the leadership of our first president, Mandy L. Cantrell, and a dedicated team including Richard Fierce (vice president), AP Whitfield (secretary), Madison Spencer (communications coordinator), Terri Cox (board member-at-large), and KD Smith (social media and promotions), CAW quickly found its footing.

 Since then, CAW has grown into a vibrant and inclusive community of writers. Early in our journey, we welcomed members from Calhoun Area Writers through a merger, and in mid-2025, we expanded once again by merging with Rome Area Writers (RAW). These partnerships strengthened our reach and deepened our shared commitment to the literary arts across Northwest Georgia.

 Each year, CAW hosts the CAW Writers Conference, publishes our annual anthology series The Crow Speaks, and offers a variety of workshops and speaker events focused on writing, publishing, and promotion. We are proud to be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and an active member of the Bartow/Cartersville Chamber of Commerce. You can find us on most major social media platforms.

 Whether you're just starting out or have years of experience, CAW is here to support and celebrate your journey. Our doors are open to all writers, and we offer meaningful opportunities to grow, connect, and share your voice. Visit the “Join Us Today” section on our website to learn more about the benefits of becoming a member—we’d love to welcome you into our writing family!