Maine Writers and Publishers Alliance is 50!
In 1975 a group of rogue writers had an idea. To create an alliance of small presses around Maine. To share funding and knowledge, making space for stories otherwise overlooked.
They planted a seed, to support all writers.
In the 50 years since, the Maine Writers and Publishers Alliance has grown to over 1,700 members, from every corner of the state.
Essayists and novelists. Poets laureate, and poets in their spare time. Best-sellers and not-yet-sellers.
We are a home for accomplished teachers of tone and pacing and for those just beginning to find their voice.
For book writers and book lovers. We create opportunities to light that first spark of recognition: I am a writer.
A half century of this alliance, in craft and community.
And we are still pushing boundaries. Because there is so much more to tell.
Video by Yoon S. Byun and Chelsea Conaboy of Strewn Wonder
Coming Up Next
Looking forward, we are staying true to our mission: championing and supporting Maine writers and publishers. We will do this by hosting special programs and events, which showcase new voices, inspire storytelling, and encourage connection.
Stories that Move Me
What is a story that changed your life, a story that you carry with you always?
On the evening of Tuesday, October 7 at 7 PM, five people connected to Maine, each well known in different ways, will give us a taste of their most vital stories, talk about why they have held onto them, and consider what these stories might give us for our collective future.
This special event, will raise money for our scholarships and fellowships, which support emerging writers and seed our next generation of storytellers.
Our featured storytellers include:
· Nirav Shah, epidemiologist, economist, and attorney; former director of the Maine Centers for Disease Control and deputy director of the U.S. CDC;
· Joan Benoit Samuelson, gold medalist at the 1984 Olympics and founder of the Beach to Beacon 10K, now in its 27th year;
· Kafari, pianist, rhythm bones beatmaker, and teaching artist;
· Vincent Stanley, Patagonia’s long-time chief storyteller and co-author of The Responsible Company: What We've Learned From Patagonia's First 40 Years;
· Gia Drew, activist, Executive Director of EqualityMaine and former high school teacher and coach.
Writers Helping Writers
Are you looking to get feedback on your writing? Or to learn how to take the next steps in your work? Do you know a developing writer who could benefit from some personalized support and feedback?
Maine Writers & Publishers Alliance is turning 50 years old this June. As part of our year-long celebration, we want to invite newer writers to join Maine’s writing community and connect them with writers who are already a part of it.
This summer, we will team up with a crew of volunteers made up of past Maine Literary Award winners and MWPA staff, board members, instructors, and friends to offer newer, developing writers FREE one-time letters of personalized feedback in response to a piece of written work.
This one-time exchange will take place this July and August.
Writers volunteering to read and respond to your work include:
Anica Mrose Rissi, Charlotte Agell, Chris Holm, Coco McCracken, Emerson Whitney, George Jreije, Gibson Fay-LeBlanc, Greg Brown, Jane Brox, Jaed Coffin, Jefferson Navicky, Jen Dupree, Jennifer Jacobson, Jenny O’Connell, Jeri Theriault, Katherine Hall Page, Maya Williams, Michelle Menting, Mira Ptacin, Myronn Hardy, Nathan Conroy, Rosa Lane, Ryan Bani Tahmaseb, Samaa Abdurraqib, Samara Cole Doyon, Shannon Bowring, Taryn Bowe & more.
For more information on volunteering writers, click here.
Support the Next 50 Years of Maine Writing
We’ve championed Maine writing for 50 years and are heading into our 51st year energized to continuing creating safe, inclusive spaces where individuals from all backgrounds and identities can learn, connect, access educational and financial resources, and craft and share meaningful work.
If you haven't already, please considering contributing to our 50th anniversary campaign to raise $100,000 to invest in the next decade of Maine writers and writing.
Your gift of any amount will help us:
* Support Maine writers and writing through scholarships, fellowships, and writing residencies,
* Spread the power of the written word through free writing and poetry programs brought to under-resourced communities across the state,
* Celebrate exceptional storytelling through free author conversations and large-scale literary events like the biennial Maine Lit Fest, and
* Advocate for creative expression and artistic freedom on behalf of all Maine writers and publishers.
