Writing is a big deal here at the Somers Library!

We have two thriving adult writer’s workshops that have both been going strong for a few years now.  Recently, we received a grant from Poets & Writers, Inc. as well as funding from the Friends of the Somers Library to offer a Writer’s Workshop for Teens. Additionally, we have readings and open mike nights which give these budding writers the opportunity to showcase their talents. Here is the basic information on our writer’s groups:

Wednesday Writers Workshop Series for Adults: If there is a book in you, a memoir, a fictional recounting of a time in your life or an historical tome, there is no greater time to preserve your written words in a class with other students who are exploring an idea, a work in progress, or a chapter in their life. Bring your ideas, pen and paper (or laptop) so that within a few short weeks you will have developed the strategies to become a lifelong writer. People of all skill levels are welcome. Presented by Linda Spear. Space is limited, so register early! Registerfor one session only please. (Session 1:  1:00-2:30 & Session 2: 2:30-4:00) Meeting dates - 4/6, 4/13, 4/20, 4/27, 5/4, 5/11, 5/18, 5/25, 6/1, 6/8, 6/15, 6/22, & 6/29. 

The Westchester Writers Workshop:  Meetings on the first, third (and fifth) Thursdays of each month from 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm. We offer a safe, supportive, and creative environment to share literary works in progress. We are not a writing class but rather an ongoing group of writers offering assistance to its members who are looking to improve their writing skills through positive feedback and helpful critiques. Besides critiques and edits, we explore the publication process.  We welcome both beginners as well as experienced writers over the age of 18. Presented by Gabriel Tatella. Visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/WestchesterWriters for more info. Registration for this library event is required.

Teen Creative Writer's Workshop: Work on developing your creative writing in a fun & encouraging environment! Please join us for the Teen Creative Writers Workshop! This program is for students in 8th grade and up. Registration is required. Meeting dates from 3:30 pm - 5:00pm - 1/14, 1/28, 2/11, 2/25, 3/10, 3/24, 4/14, 4/28, & 5/12. 

For those of you who would like to read books about writing, here are some suggestions:

·       The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron

·       The Mother Tongue by Bill Bryson

·       Zen in the Art of Writing by Ray Bradbury

·       On Writing Well by William Zinsser

·       Writing Tools: 50 Essential Strategies for Every Writer by Roy Peter Clark

·       On Writing by Stephen King

·       The War of Art by Steven Pressfield

·       The Writing Life by Annie Dillard

·       On Moral Fiction by John Gardner

·       Bird By Bird: Some Instructions on the Writing Life by Anne Lamott