Tuscarawas County Writers Guild begins new chapter

Since its inception in 2003, the Tuscarawas County Writers Guild has put writers first, providing workshops, speakers, feedback and networking.

The group was formed by the late Joseph McLauglin of Dover with members of a writing class he once taught at the Tuscarawas County Center for the Arts. McLauglin was a retired Associate Professor of English at Stark State College in Canton. He wrote many poems, stories, reviews, essays, travel articles, and was the author of five books. He owned a publishing company and published the group’s first anthology “In Other Words.”

McLauglin was the group’s first president, with others following in his footsteps including Rick Maloy, Stacy Hardin and Cherie Kail, to name a few. Their most recent president, John R. Kiste III, died in August 2025 after a brief journey with cancer. Kiste was beloved by the group for his leadership and caring. His death left a huge void.

At the TCWG December 2025 meeting, Bre Stephens was elected president, and she plans to follow in Kiste’s footsteps to advance the group’s mission to help writers develop their skills and succeed.

“John Kiste was a talented writer, wonderful man, and friend,” Stephens said. “He loved the Writers Guild, his community, and the craft of writing.”

Stephens considers it an honor to continue Kiste’s personal mission of elevating people in our community and hopes to lead the guild into a new era of regrowth.

Stephens began writing at age 6 and holds a master’s degree in English and creative writing with a minor in screenwriting from Southern New Hampshire University, where she also teaches creative writing. She has more than 16 years of experience in professional editing and publishing.

“To start, I was a literary editor, helping writers of short stories, poetry and novels from conception to publication; this also extends to coaching and mentoring emerging authors,” Stephens said. “From development to editing and publication to publicity, I've had a wonderful career in helping authors reach their dreams.”

She is the founder of The Dark Sire, a literary magazine of horror, Gothic, fantasy and psychological realism. She has worked with various authors from around the world to transform their works not only for the magazine but also audio narration and gallery exhibitions. In 2021, TDS authors and artists were featured in the Rye Arts Gothic Ambience gallery exhibition in New York.

In her own work she is inspired by life.

“I like to write with a message in mind, something that comments on the status of our world,” Stephens said. “In the past, I've used horror and vampires to tackle real-life situations, giving commentary on important topics such as drug abuse and child trafficking.”

Stephens wants to give writers a voice throughout the community. To accomplish this, she hopes to present to and/or partner with other groups in the community. She wants to welcome all writers to join and add more opportunities for community involvement.

“Members wouldn't just come to meetings to read their work, but they'd be preparing work for display,” Stephens said. “And they'd be growing as writers doing so. This means the guild would be going from a passive to a much more active approach. Members would get specific feedback while concentrating on the craft of writing itself.”

Stephens would like to reach writers at all levels.

“Direct feedback, blind readings, coaching and a published writing series are all ideas I would love to implement to help writers grow in their craft,” Stephens said. “For hobbyists, it’s about developing stronger skills to continue what they love, and for professionals, it’s about strengthening their business, social media and readiness for the market.”

Stephens said she also hopes to create more interactive meeting components, including writing drills, micro-story challenges and exercises designed to improve description and style.

New members are welcome, she said.

“We need everyone, from those who just dabble to professionals,” Stephens said. “Every writer is important, and every writer is valuable. And we need diversity, from teens to seniors and writers of vast genres: poetry, fiction, nonfiction, screenwriting, playwriting, young adult and more.”

The Tuscarawas County Writers Guild meets the first Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Tuscarawas County Center for the Arts. More information is available on the group’s Facebook page.