WRITERS IN PROGRESS’ mission is to enhance writers’ work and lives with writing workshops, readings, coaching and editorial support. Housed in a beautiful western Massachusetts artists’ studio, our intimate workshops and one-on-one mentoring attract people who want to take their writing to the next level in a supportive and inspiring space.
Author Dori Ostermiller founded Writers in Progress in 1992, with the belief that everyone has an epic tale to tell, that stories are essential in our lives and culture, and that the writing life calls for both rigor and playfulness, both accountability and validation. To this end, she set out to create a safe place for writers in the Pioneer Valley to learn, thrive, connect and grow. Since then, we have ‘midwifed’ dozens of books, hosted hundreds of readings, and supported a multitude of writers in the discovery of their voices and completion of their projects. WIP alumni include Steve Bernstein, JoAnne Jones, Kris Holloway, Alison Smith, Ellen Meeropol, David Lovelace, Dusty Miller, Ruth Lehrer, Sally Bellerose, Dinah Mack, and many other published authors.
We offer weekly, one-day and half-day writing workshops year-round in the Pioneer Valley, taught by regional authors. All of our writing workshops emphasize writing time, community and craft development, giving and receiving constructive feedback, developing voice, and nurturing creativity and confidence. Unlike many area workshops, we limit enrollment to eight participants for a high-quality experience. You will never be shuffled into a breakout room or leave a class without the benefit of the instructor’s feedback!
In-person Workshops include light refreshments and take place in our gorgeous Florence studio. Online workshops use Zoom as our platform. Dori also hosts a year-long Manuscript Intensive Series for writers working on book-length projects.
Our bright, 700 square foot studio is located in the historic Brushworks Arts & Industry Building, in Western MA, where we host a monthly Community Writing Workshop series and a Live Literature Series, open to the public. The studio is also available to rent for workshops, events or individual writing groups.
