Established in 2000, the Black Writers Reunion & Conference is well known for its engaging workshop presenters, outstanding topics, inspirational ambience, and professional organization. While BWRC does not discriminate against participants of any race, BWRC is the only touring conference with the added cultural bonus of being presented both by and for Black writers.

BWRC’s mission is to educate, support, and motivate aspiring, emerging, and published writers. We promote and encourage artistic expression and growth through skill development in the art, craft, and business of creative writing in fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and drama as well as business and career endeavors in professional writing. Through diverse workshops, seminars, critiquing services, pitching sessions, writing contests, and awards, we have brought together thousands of writers from around the world to study, develop new skills, learn advanced techniques, hone their crafts, boost confidence, earn recognition, make new friends and reconnect with old ones, gain new readers and fans, and share with each other the unique and unparalleled experience that has firmly established BWRC as one of the preeminent writing and publishing conferences in the country.

Organizers

Tia Ross, Conference Director

Tia Ross has directed and produced the Black Writers Reunion & Conference since its inception in August 2000. She was also the founder and executive director of the former Black Writers Alliance (BWA), the Houston African-American Writers’ Society, and the Gold Pen Awards, a national multi-genre literary awards program. Tia formed the Black Writers Organization in furtherance of her efforts to promote excellence in writing, African-American literature, and the professional growth and development of Black writers through educational programs, networking, scholarships, and public information.

Outside of BWRC, Tia is a solopreneur with an extensive background in editing, information design, and web development. She was the editor of the NAACP Image Award-winning “More Than Entertainers: An Inspirational Black Career Guide,” recipient of the 2005-2006 Platinum Page Award for her contributions to the African-American literary community, and a nominee for the 2008 Influential Black Women in Business Award. By day she oversees the Document Technology Department at a top 50 U.S. law firm and edits nonfiction, business, and technical works in her spare time. The Los Angeles native currently resides in a Dallas, Texas, suburb. For more information about Tia, visit www.tiaross.com.

Monica Blache, Conference Manager

Working primarily behind the scenes until she makes her presence known at the conference, Monica “Moni” Blache has served as the Conference Manager since the first BWRC in 2000. A native of New Orleans, Louisiana, Moni is the key on-site coordinator for the book expo, registration management, all catered events, and general activities.

Moni Blache and Tia Ross, 2008 BWRC, Tampa

BWRC Staff

Mathew Wilson
Neecha Turner
Marklyn Pierre