Did you register for our in-person event April 9? We're writing from Manassas National Battlefield Park! There are only a few spots left and we can have a max of 20, so don't delay any longer. WbtR VP JoAnn Lord Koff, alongside a National Park historian, will lead us in learning about local history and the park and offer a new context for writing in any genre. We'll do live writing exercises based on historic prompts. The park will display participants' writing on their website, so come ready to write! Logistics:
Bring a chair and a bottle of water.
Meet us in front of the Visitor Center at 9:45 a.m. Meeting starts promptly at 10.
This event is open to writers 18+ in any genre.
To keep meetings appropriate for a general audience, we ask that you only share work that is G, PG and/or PG-13 rated.
Rain date: May 14
If the event is canceled due to weather, we'll announce that in our Facebook group, on our Facebook page, on Twitter and on our website. We WILL still meet online, however. We'll post the Zoom link along with the cancellation notice.
Get those calendars out! We've got more Writers' Enrichment events you won't want to miss.
Saturday, April 9, 10 a.m. Manassas Battlefield Park Meet in front of the Visitor Center. JoAnn Lord Koff, alongside a historian, will lead us in learning about local history and the park and offer a new context for writing in any genre. Stay tuned for more details about this in-person event! (Rain date: May 14) You must register for this event, as the park limits events to 20. Register here at Eventbrite now!
Saturday, May 14, 10 a.m. online Get Unstuck! What causes writers' block and how can you move past it? Come for the discussion and writing exercises to spur creativity in any genre. (Will be held April 9 if Battlefield event has to be rescheduled) Zoom links to be shared closer to the event date.
Saturday, June 11, 10 a.m. online
Learn your publishing options from internally acclaimed writer Natalina Reis! Natalina will discuss the differences between traditional, small-press and self/indie publishing. Zoom links to be shared closer to the event date.
Saturday, July 9, 10 a.m. online
Boost your writing and speaking career! Hear from WbtR Board Member-At-Large Brian Donnell James about writing and speaking on demand. Get tips on writing creatively to address assigned or hot topics and expand your circle of influence as a guest reader or speaker.
Member Spotlight: Cathy Hailey We're putting members in the spotlight! This month, we're pleased to feature Cathy Hailey. Cathy teaches as an adjunct lecturer in JHU’s MA in Teaching Writing program and previously taught high school English and Creative Writing. She is also Northern Region Vice President of The Poetry Society of Virginia and organizes In the Company of Laureates, a biennial reading of poets laureate held in PWC. Her writing has been published in The New Verse News, Poetry Virginia Review, The Journal of the Virginia Writing Project, Written in Arlington, Stay Salty: Life in the Garden State (Vol. 2), NoVa Bards, Confetti, The Prince William Poetry Review, Gridpoems; her chapbook, I’d Rather Be a Hyacinth, is forthcoming in 2023. Read more about Cathy and her impressive work now: Cathy Hailey on Becoming a Poet
Celebrating National Poetry Month
Hear from four WbtR poets who came together to read for National Poetry Month. Thank you to Cathy Hailey, Brian Donnell James, Nancy Wyatt and Katherine Gotthardt for sharing your work! Catch the video here.
Members, We Want to Feature You!
We want your input and appreciate your participation! If you are a current member and have news you would like us to share through our Facebook group and/or public social media profiles, please let us know! We're happy to spread the word. We are here on Facebook and here on Twitter.
Send us links to your books, publications, speaking engagements and more! Want to be featured on our website? Respond to this email and let us know!
Looking forward to hearing from you!
New Books Out
Congratulations to WbtR authors on the recent publication of their books! Check these out:
Are you a paid member? Do you have a book coming out? Let us know so we can promote it. Take advantage of your WbtR membership and all it offers.
Founded in August 2011, WbtR serves writers affiliated with Prince William County, Manassas and Manassas Park. We welcome all writers 18+ who feel a connection to our region and contribute their talents, no matter where they live!
Get the Benefits of WbtR Membership!
Want to get the full benefits of membership? Sign up to become a member! Or if you're already a member, simply pay your annual dues. Why do it? WbtR members enjoy:
membership to a developed local group with a statewide affiliation
reduced-cost and no-cost events
no-cost and reduced cost educational workshops, panels, presentations, etc.
access to networks of literary professionals and enthusiasts
members-only online discussions
ability to submit to club contests
ability to submit to club anthologies
ability to sell books at select events
ability to propose and lead projects that fall within the group's purview
President - Katherine Gotthardt
Vice President - JoAnn Lord Koff
Secretary - Becks Sosa
Treasurer - Alan Meyrowitz
Members-At-Large - John Dutton, Brian Donnell James, Nancy Wyatt
Member Spotlight: Cathy Hailey
