New Topics for Writers Series

WRITERS SERIES UPDATE:  I received an email from Lori in regards t future Topics fr the ongoing Writers Series in the Westfield News. She had met with Hope Tremblay and these are the subjects for the next three series. The first is “What lesson or lessons have you learned during the past year of the pandemic?” The deadline for this topic is April 9^th. The second topic is “Thoughts n Memorial Day.” The deadline for this theme is May 14^th. The third topic will be “What is the most memorable graduation ceremony in your life? It could be your own, a family member’s, or witnessing a family member or other person close to you reach a milestone.” The deadline for this topic is TBD, but will most likely be in early June. I’ll post the date when they have it scheduled. Again, we as a group are very fortunate to have our local newspaper reach out to us to participate in this ongoing series aimed at providing the community some relief and distraction from the ongoing uncertainty in regards to COVID and now the frustration of trying to find a vaccine appointment here in western MA and get it scheduled. Although we aren’t aid for writing these pieces there are other rewards for participating in that in-person author events are still on the horizon as restrictions loosen up so it’s an opportunity to keep your name out there. It has given those of us who have contributed so far recognition as authors and writers in the community, as well as gotten our faces out there so that we’re being recognized and associated with what we do. It’s also put the WhipCity Wordsmiths group out there in the community and drawn some new members. What other community has a relationship with their local newspaper like we have and their support? I’ve never been one to write in the 600 word range. I’m more comfortable writing fiction. However, I’ve taken the challenge several times now and was thrilled to find that I can write short articles. It’s helped me flex my writing muscle in a new direction. If you haven’t taken the challenge of writing a piece for the Writers Series I strongly encourage you to challenge yourself. I am incredibly proud of this group and how we’ve grown and established ourselves locally as representatives of the amazing number and variety of talented writers and authors here in western Massachusetts and beyond (we have members in CT, NY, MO, VA, and VT also.) Thank you to ll of you who have contributed so far, and I’m looking forward to your thoughts, insights, and stories as the Writers Series continues throughout this year.