Pensters Writing Group
Bringing local writers together to improve craftsmanship and promote member’s work since 1965.
We meet once a month from September to May. All meetings are free and open to the public, so please join us! Guest speakers discuss a variety of topics, and members are eligible to participate in the monthly writing contest.Unless otherwise noted, monthly meetings are held at 10 am, at the Fairhope Public Library in the Giddens Room. (501 Fairhope Avenue, Fairhope, Alabama 36532). See schedule below for dates.
Guest Speakers
We invite speakers to discuss a variety of topics related to the writing process, marketing, and much more!Saturday, September 12th:
Katherine Nelson-Born, “Unleashing Your Words: Ethical AI Prompting to Market Your Writing”
Saturday, October 10th:
Teressa Ramsey, “Understanding AI: What Writers Need to Know”
Saturday, November 14th:
Patricia Foster, “Writing the Hard Part: Trauma and Revelation”
Saturday, December 12th:
Holiday Celebration (No guest speaker, members will read their work)
Saturday, January 9th:
Rebecca Barrett, “I Hear Voices: What Inspires the Next Story Idea? Character? Scene?”
Saturday, February 13th:
Susan Chambers, “I Am The One Singing”
Saturday, March 13th:
Carrie Dalby, “Get Possessed with Writing: Boost Your Writing Time Even When You’re Not Working”
Saturday, April 10th:
Dr. Jessica Temple, “Building Better Metaphors”
Saturday, May 8th:
End-of-Season Celebration (No guest speaker, members will read their work)
Member Writing Contest
Current members are eligible to participate in monthly writing contests in poetry and prose categories.Upcoming Prompts:
September Prompt: I knew this case would be trouble as soon as she stepped into my officeOctober Prompt: Everything he drew came to lifeNovember Prompt: The house was painted black including the doors and windowsDecember: No prompt. Member open readJanuary Prompt: We woke to the smell of smokeFebruary Prompt: I accidentally pressed “send” to the wrong person…March Prompt: We kept driving to get across the border before…April Prompt: When I met _____ for the first timeMay: No prompt. This month will be a member open read before we take a break for the summer.
Member Writing Contest Rules:
Only current members are eligible to participate in the contest. Entries are accepted in two categories: unpublished poetry and unpublished prose (fiction or non-fiction). Only one submission in each category per member / per month. Entries must relate to the monthly prompts (listed above). Prose is limited to 500 words, double spaced; poetry is limited to two typed pages, single-spaced with double spacing between stanzas.Entries are judged blind by the month’s guest speaker. Submit two documents. First is the entry with no author information. Second is a one-page cover sheet with author’s name, category noted as poetry or prose, title, first two lines, and word count for prose. NOTE: prose entry cannot be judged if the word count is not on the cover sheet or exceeds 500 words. Prizes awarded for both poetry and prose: $10 for first place, $5 for second place, no cash prize for Honorable Mention. All winners will be asked to read their winning entry during the next meeting.All entries should be picked up during Pensters meetings.
Networking
Get to know other writers in the area as we join together to explore more about our craft.
