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Date: 10/18/2023
AGAWAM — Local author and podcaster Angela Grout will host a writing conference in Agawam next month to bring writers from throughout New England together to engage and learn from each other’s stories.
The West Springfield resident and former Agawam florist will present an all-day conference, “yWrite 2023,” on Saturday, Nov. 4, at the Agawam Senior Center from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Grout is the author of several books, including “April Rain,” a novel inspired by the 1992 murder of Agawam teache New Pager’s aide Lisa Ziegert.
Grout also hosts a weekly podcast, “yWrite,” on Agawam Media, the town’s cable access channel, that features guest authors. From talking with them and from her own experience, she understands the importance of trying different methods to develop or write a story
“On every episode, I encourage my audience to write their stories. The workshops will allow participants to engage in actual writing and gives them access and writing guidance from experienced writers,” said Grout, a member of the International Women’s Writers Guild, which brings women writers together from across the world.
“I’ve also enjoyed attending IWWG’s in-person writer’s conferences. They allowed me to set my inner writer free — which is another reason why I’m hosting this conference,” she said.
The goal of the conference is to empower writers to be confident and to find their way to share their stories. “We will have a friendly community that encourages writing with guided programs to sample throughout the day,” she said.
Participants at the conference will have the opportunity to take part in an open mic session, as well as get information about publishing, hiring a book coach, editor, graphic artist, and even becoming a guest on Grout’s podcast.
Geared for both beginning and seasoned writers of all genres, Grout said the conference will benefit aspiring writers as well as published authors.
“There’s magic to being in community, and sharing a day of listening, learning, networking and asking questions on how we all can improve our skills,” she said.
Grout and her planning team have designed team designed the workshop sessions to introduce ways writers can get support, with facilitators offering samples of their programs.
“This will allow writers to sample area programs and improve their writing skills with well-respected writing coaches, including myself,” said Grout, who began planning the conference last May.
Grout said she’s taken many classes at with Chamberland and participated in the Write-Up Springfield community writing sessions with Walsh and Fisher.
“I’ve met amazing authors who have guided me on my journey. Coordinating this conference is a passion project for me — to form a community to empower each writer to succeed,” she said. “My hope is to provide an opportunity for all writers to discover new friends, new pathways and more tools to enhance their stories.”
Workshop sessions, which are an hour and 45 minutes long, include the following topics:
Danny Eaton, who manages West Springfield’s Majestic Theater, will present a character development monologue class that will benefit seasoned writers and scriptwriters.
Jacqueline Sheehan and Anna Bowen Bozena will facilitate classes and be part of a published author panel to answer questions on how to publish.
Marketing expert Steve Kidd will offer one-on-one coaching sessions and share successful tips for marketing.
Judith Breier will teach how to write a Legacy Letter, which is similar to memoir writing, but for those seeking to share a memory. Theresa Chamberland will offer a few storytelling options.
Other experienced authors and storytellers involved in organizing the conference, all of whom head their own professional writing groups and classes, include Donald Fisher and Kateri Walsh from Write-Up Springfield; Shelley Sheehan of Straw Dog Writers; and playwright and author Betel Arnold.
The keynote speaker is Dan Blanchard, an award-winning coach, educator, speaker and author of more than 50 books. His memoir, “A Fighting Chance,” shares his truths of overcoming adversities and never giving up on the future. His talk will empower writers to be vigilant to share their stories.
Tina Angeli, director of the SOUL Center in Granby, Connecticut, will begin the day with a mediation to engage participants’ creative consciousness to be inviting, comfortable, and supportive.
The Senior Center is at 954 Main St., Agawam. To register for the conference, visit bit.ly/rp22hc. Use code NE413 to receive discount pricing of $59, a savings of $20. Attendees may also email Grout at angelamgrout@gmail.com. The registration fee includes a boxed lunch.
Nearly 30 sponsors have provided support for the conference, including Allied Flooring & Paint/Budget Cabinets, Dr. Madonna Santos, CH&H Engraving, Complete Restoration Solutions, Story Catchers Studio, Easthampton Savings Bank, Friends of yWrite, Flower Concepts by Tom, the Tammy Landon Foundation, Silver Street Media, Majestic Theater, Agawam Cultural Committee, Hair East, Chuck’s Signs, Springfield Museums, Mindfulness Yoga with Kateri Walsh, the family of A.M. Grout, Agawam Rotary Club, West Springfield Lions Club, West Springfield Ecumenical Organization, Albert & Amelia Ferst Interfaith Center at Westfield State University, Joey’s Deli & Market, Antimony Brewery, McCarthy’s Liquors and N.E.X.T Fitness.