What's Ahead for Pioneer Valley Writers' Workshop in 2017?

It's the beginning of a new year and a perfect time to set new goals for our creative lives and beyond. Pioneer Valley Writers' Workshop is taking its first baby steps, and I couldn't be more overjoyed with the community interest and support. Thank you to everyone who is making this school a reality! There are many exciting developments on the table for the coming months:

*"The Writers' Tool Box" drop-in-friendly craft classes will continue on Thursday evenings once  a month with classes on a range of topics. Classes are open to writers of all levels, backgrounds, and genres. Get in touch if you'd like to see a craft class on a particular topic!

*We'll also be hosting two 8-week fiction workshops beginning in March. The 8-week workshop is a great way to add structure and commitment to any writing routine, and it's also a wonderful way to get readers' thoughts on your work, brush up on some technique, build a writing family, and gain and give creative support. We're planning on both a beginning and intermediate/advanced workshop to accommodate a range of levels. Spots still available in both!

​*Pioneer Valley Writers' Workshop will also be hosting a new event series called "The Writer's Life," which will be held at Forbes Library community room. These events will include local guest writers, informal panel/audience discussion, conversation on various topics related to the writing life, and lots of time to connect and meet fellow writers! And it will all be free and open to the public!

My vision of what Pioneer Valley Writers' Workshop can grow into is really unlimited. I'd love to see a drop-in Writing Room at some point, wherein writers can drop by for an hour or two of quiet writing, followed by exchanging feedback or getting help where needed. A reading series would also be a wonderful way to bring Pioneer Valley Writers' events to the larger community. Writing excursions, outings to local literary events, and field trips are all fun ideas also on the table. And I'll be constantly thinking of ways to create more community events, ways to further create opportunities to connect, share, and offer support to each other. Writing is difficult, solitary work. It's also exhilarating, frustrating, discouraging, fulfilling work. It's certainly work that is easier done with a supportive network of fellow writers, and that's what we hope to build here! Thank you all for being a part of it!