Amherst Writers & Artists

08/30/2026

08/22/2026

If you're not yet an AWA Affiliate or Writer Member, you're going to love this deal! -

Our annual, online retreat is coming up September 25–27, open to all writers and workshop leaders. We're offering a Keynote and Masterclass by Lisa Cooper Ellison plus 20 sessions about the art and practice of writing. All of it also recorded for later viewing.

08/16/2026

Early Bird Registration for Online Retreat! -

We've been hard at work building an exciting program for you, and now the moment has arrived: registration is open for AWA's online retreat!

07/13/2026

07/06/2026

THIS WEEK AT THE POWER OF STORY (with AWA)

THE CAREGIVER PROJECT with Joyce Cohen & Carla Hanson
Wednesday, July 8
1:00pm - 3:00pm (EDT)
https://tinyurl.com/caregiver-project

The Caregiver Project is open to personal and professional caregivers who are currently providing care, and those who have provided care in the past; to those who provide daily care and those who provide care less frequently; to those who are caring for someone they live with and those who provide care from afar: all caregiving experiences are welcome. Connect, express yourself, and feel affirmed through bearing witness, and having your voice heard: you are not alone.

THE ART OF LOSS with Jill Golick & Beth M. Lehman
Thursday, July 9
1:00pm - 3:00pm (EDT)
https://tinyurl.com/art-of-loss

Grief touches every life, yet it can be difficult to speak about. Our daily social interactions may not have a place where talking about what is so present for us feels welcome. But when we write about our losses in an AWA method workshop, we begin to uncover the strength, wisdom, and tenderness that live within those losses. This workshop is an invitation to turn toward your grief with curiosity and courage, to find words for what matters most, and to discover how your stories can bring comfort and connection. Together, we will create a community where each voice is valued and where writing becomes a powerful path toward recovery and renewal.

AWA Member Free Writes: These workshops are eligible as Free Writes available to annual AWA Writer Members.

Need-Based Assistance: No one will be turned away because of financial challenges. If you cannot afford the workshop fee, this event does have a limited number of bursary-supported registrations available. You are invited to move forward with registration by selecting the "Bursary" ticket level; if all slots have already been filled, please search for an alternate event with bursary slots available, or email [email protected] if you still have questions.

06/24/2026

Muskoka Authors Association, is excited to offer its 2nd one-of-a-kind all-day Publishing Summit (From Manuscript to Market) on Saturday, June 27, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

This event will be one of the largest gatherings of professionals related to the publishing industry north of Toronto.

No matter the stage of your writing project, this is a must-attend event where you will hear from industry specialists covering all aspects of the publishing journey.

Publishers will walk you through the publication process (whether you’re looking to publish with a traditional publisher or self-publish) and Literary agents will share the secrets on how to attract an agent and the benefits of being represented by an agency. Also included are special presentations on everything from writing that critical opening, to the ins and outs of accounting for writers, to marketing your book for maximum
impact and more.

There will also be an opportunity for a limited number of participants to have a one-on-one evaluation of 5 pages of their manuscript by a literary agent or publisher. This is a priceless opportunity to avoid the slush pile and get in front of a literary agent or publisher to pitch your work and get vital industry feedback. These spots are offered on a first come first serve basis at a nominal additional charge.

Location: Bracebridge United Church (Auditorium)
46 Dominion Street, Bracebridge.
*Enter by door on the northside driveway.
Time: 9:00 am to 4:30 pm Doors open at 8:30 am
Event Fee: MAA Members: $35, Non-Members: $80
Manuscript Evaluation Fee: $45

TO REGISTER, simply email your contact info and e-transfer
payment to [email protected]

06/01/2026

Today, we're celebrating the birthday of our late Founder, Pat Schneider!

If you want to celebrate with us, we'd love for you to share a memory of Pat or a moment the AWA method changed your writing.

Did you see our earlier post and wrote in response to a line from Pat's work? You could share from that in the comments, too.

06/01/2026

Today, on Pat Schneider’s birthday, we invite you to honor her in whatever way feels meaningful—join a writing circle, return to the page, revisit one of her books, or simply spend ten quiet minutes writing.