Participants at the “yWrite! 2024 Writers’ Conference” in Agawam will learn from certified instructors, best-selling authors and playwriters in several different sessions. This photo is from the 2023 conference.
Reminder Publishing submitted photo
AGAWAM — Writers, teachers, business owners and anyone with a story to tell will benefit from the guidance of experienced writing professionals at an Agawam writing conference.
The “yWrite! 2024 Writers’ Conference” is an all-day, in-person conference designed to enhance the skills of beginning and seasoned writers. There will be morning and afternoon sessions that will give participants the choice of classes and workshops presented by professional and experienced facilitators.
“I’m excited to be hosting my second writers’ conference and giving new authors an opportunity to become better writers,” said Angela Grout, conference organizer and host. “This conference is a great place to begin writing and making connections to the writing world.”
The goal of the conference is to empower writers to be confident and to find different ways to share their stories.
“We will have a friendly community that encourages writing with guided programs to sample throughout the day,” Grout said.
Participants will learn from certified instructors, best-selling authors and playwriters. They include Judith Breier, Betel Arnold, Michael Buster McMahon, Kateri Walsh, Jacqueline Sheehan, Martha Johnson, Donald Fisher and Emily Harrison. Session topics include memoir writing, using emotion, healing words, defeating writer’s block, legacy letters and telling through dialogue.
In addition to the writing sessions, there will be two special sessions that participants can register for at no extra cost. The first is an appointment for a private meeting to pitch a story to a literary publishing agency. The second is an open mic session to share a story with all participants.
Lunch is included with a panel discussion on marketing and a special keynote talk about publishing options with author Kate Benson. The author of 37 books, Benson will discuss differences between indie publishing, traditional publishing and self-publishing, to give writers insights into how to publish their work.
Grants from the Albert and Amelia Ferst Interfaith Center at Westfield State University, and Embracing the Creative Child in East Longmeadow have subsidized the cost of the conference, making tickets available at an affordable price of $39.50. The conference will be at the Agawam Senior Center, 954 Main St., on Saturday, Nov. 2. It runs from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The agenda for morning and afternoon sessions: 9:30-11:15 a.m. sessions: “Techniques for Catching Stories for Your Memoir,” Theresa Chamberland, Story Catcher Studios; “Legacy Writing,” Judith Breier; “Defeating Writer’s Block”; “Dialogue,” playwright Michael Buster McMahon. 1:15-3 p.m. sessions: “Writing to Heal,” Martha Johnson, author of “Musings Along the Way”; “Sample, Write & Submit! How Writing Groups Enhance Your Writing,” Kateri Walsh and Donald Fisher, Write-Up Springfield; “Show Me How You Feel,” Jacqueline Sheehan, Straw Dog Writers.
Grout, a resident of West Springfield, understands the importance of trying different methods to develop or write a story. She is the author of several books, including “April Rain,” a novel inspired by the 1992 murder of Agawam teacher’s aide Lisa Ziegert. Grout also produces yWrite, a weekly podcast streaming on YouTube. The podcast features conversations with writers about writing to help writers and readers learn about all aspects of writing.
Register for the conference at y-write.com or on eventbrite.com using the code “promo24.” CEU certificates will be available. For more information, contact Grout at angelamgrout@gmail.com
Supporting sponsors for the 2024 writers conference: Agawam Cultural Council, Agawam Rotary Club, Allied Carpet, Antimony Brewer, CH&H Engraving; Complete Restoration Solutions; Dr. Madonna Santos, Hair East, Joey’s Deli, Iron Fox Steakhouse, McCarthy’s Liquors, M&T Bank, Story Catchers Studio, Tammy Landon Foundation, West Springfield Ecumenical Outreach; Friends of Author A.M. Grout and yWrite.
