Since 2014, the South Jersey Writers’ Group has presented two awards to select members. The Awards are presented with a cash award.
In 2022, the SJWG Board voted to create an award in memory of longtime member Glenn E. Walker.
More about the Glenn E. Walker Memorial Award for Mentorship and Leadership can be found here.
Volunteer of the Year
The Volunteer of the Year is chosen by the Board of Directors, and recognizes a member who has contributed to the leadership of the group in some way. Running this group is no small task, and it runs the best when a lot of people take on small tasks! (Members of the Board of Directors are not eligible.)
2022 Volunteer of the Year:
A.J. Charles
(Social Media Coordinator, Collingswood Book Festival)
Past Honorees:
2021: Vince Sparks (Social Media Coordinator)
2020: Jack Kassabian (Critique Group and Open Mic host)
2019: Tom Minder (Meeting logistics)
- Honorary Member Volunteer: Gary Radin (event and tech support)
2018: Dawn Byrne (Critique Group/Liars Club coordinator)
2017: Erika Timar (Blogfest host)
2016: Jord Fox (Open Mic host)
2015: Laura Kaighn (Meeting logistics)
2014: Dawn Byrne (Critique Group host)
Writer of the Year
The Writer of the Year is chosen based on nominations by SJWG membership, honoring a member who has inspired and led writers, through their advice, participation, and the development of their writing career over the past year. Nominations open in early November.
2022 Writer of the Year:
Jim Carpenter published the novel 19 to Go with AM Publishing in 2022, in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. After several delays from the publisher and more than the usual hurdles, Jim was finally able to release his second novel. Hearing about all the updates was a great lesson for all of us!
Past Honorees:
2021: Cassandra Ulrich
2020: Sharyn Konyak & Jack Kassabian – Flash Fiction Contest Winners
2019: Dawn Byrne
2018: Cassandra Ulrich
2017: Tom Minder
2016: Gail Priest
2015: Jennifer M. Eaton
2014: Marie Gilbert
Winners of the 2020 Flash Fiction Contest