Come to a Writers Workshop in Vermont in 2025
It is a humbling experience for me to think that what I think would be a wonderful experience for me would also be something someone else would want to do. But here goes.
In 2025, from March 30 to April 4, with the election behind us, and hopefully feelings of optimism and energy returning, friends of mine here in Manchester Vermont will be launching the first Southern Vermont Writer’s Conference. I will be attending.
In their own words, this is why Caren McVicker and Kim Place-Gateau, the organizers, conceived this conference:
We created this new event because we believe in the power of collaboration and in setting aside time dedicated to writing. Establishing a regular writing practice while in the company of other writers can be a powerful, life-affirming experience, and you’ll get a lot done! We’re honored that Chris, Sari, and Justen will be joining us, and, of course, we’re honored that you’re going to be a part of it, too.
I know this to be true because I write for an hour with Caren and a few others at our local library most Tuesdays. Being around other writers gives me energy and confidence to get the words out of my head and on the page. Being around writers writing and sharing also relieves me of the pressures of deadlines I feel when I’m writing for other people. This is the kind of conference for anyone who likes to write to just do it and enjoy the process. But it is also for those of us who have something we really want to create and need the support to just do it.
These are some other thoughts about why I thought hard about whether to go and why I am going
I am in a transition in my writing life. This fall, I will be finishing what I hope is my last technical business writing ghosting gig. What I am looking forward to is honoring my promise to myself to tell stories on my mother and myself by writing more Thank You For Having Me posts. I’m also interested in picking up where I left off two years ago with The 1956 Project. This is an exploration of the year of my mother’s birth, 1925, my birth in 1956, and the 100 years that will have passed when it is 2025.
The line up for this gathering is exciting. I feel very lucky that Sari Botton is going to be leading a workshop on writing personal essays, since that is where I think my work is heading. Sari has a wonderful Substack you can check out to get a sense of who she is and what she will bring the workshop.
I feel just as lucky that Justen Ahren will be leading his signature workshop Devotion to Writing (which I have taken multiple times), but will also be leading a poetry writing workshop. He is a poet for sure. I just like to make up rhymes when I wake up in the morning. But I think I might have more I can do. I’m going to put myself out there with his guidance and see what happens.
I don’t know Chris Wells’ work but I am sure his workshop will be just as energizing in the genres he will focus on.
It is a big commitment. It’s not cheap. It’s 4 days. Its workshops not just prompts. However, the price is fair as I discovered talking to the organizers about the costs of putting it on.
I think it’s a plus that the dates are during what we call Mud Season in Vermont; it’s a fifth season that feels like the renewal of Fall and Spring but is different.
I’m excited to share the place I live and I am gratified that the organizers have come up with three different scholarships that may make it easier for some someone to come.
Putting together the list below together reminds me how strong, creative, talented our community is, and how generous. Links below will help you learn more about the people and places that are involved in putting this event on:
The Scholarships
And I add myself to the list. I have two bedrooms in my house, which is walking distance to the Equinox. If you decided to come I am happy host two people.
So here it is. A chance to be a part of something new and renewing. You can click on this link to register and, or, if you have questions please write me or here for the most accurate and update to date info (:
It would be so cool if you could find the time to come. We would so love to have you!!! You could stay with me.
Thanks so much for your words of outreach and support!