Pensters Writing Group

Supporting writers in Fairhope, Alabama since 1965

Who We Are

Frances Durham founded the Pensters May 22, 1965. Since then, the Pensters has been bringing local writers together with the goal of improving craftsmanship and promoting the marketing of member’s work.

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.

Join Us

Our monthly meetings are informative and encouraging to writers of all experience levels. 

Guest Speakers

We invite speakers to discuss a variety of topics related to the writing process, marketing, and much more!

Photo of woman sorting writing contest entries

Member Writing Contest

Current members are eligible to participate in monthly writing contests in poetry and prose categories.

Networking

Get to know other writers in the area as we join together to explore more about our craft. 

Meeting Schedule

Monthly meetings are held at 10 am, at the Fairhope Public Library in the Giddens Room. (501 Fairhope Avenue, Fairhope, Alabama 36532). 

2025-2026 Season Meeting Dates / Member Writing Prompts

Saturday, September 13th – Writing Prompt: The woman on the train

Saturday, October 11th – Writing Prompt: Driving through the fog

Saturday, November 8th – Writing Prompt: We ran across four chairs in the woods 

Saturday, December 13th – Writing Prompt: No Contest. Open Read

Saturday, January 10th – Writing Prompt: While driving the rental truck

Saturday, February 14th – Writing Prompt: The high school reunion had an unexpected outcome

Saturday, March 14th – Writing Prompt: I was too scared to speak up

Saturday, April 11th – Writing Prompt: What was it about that black and white photo

Saturday, May 9th – No prompts as we will take a break for the summer.
Open read.

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 Entries are accepted in two categories: unpublished poetry and unpublished prose (fiction or non-fiction).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. 

group

Become a Member

Our meetings are free and open to the public. If you visit and like what you see, we’d love to have you join us! Current dues paying members are eligible to participate in our writing contest and enjoy other member perks. Annual dues are only $30 for each fiscal year. (September 1-August 31 of the following year). Download an application today!

Meeting Location

501 Fairhope Avenue, Fairhope, Alabama 36532

Meeting Times

10:00 AM 
Second Saturday of the Month

Contact us

Email: info@pensterswritinggroup.com