November is a big month for the Writers’ Studio. Our Story Island Writers’ Conference is sold out and we need your help to pull it off.

Story Island, set for Friday-Sunday, Nov. 13-15, is BARN’s first-ever writers’ conference. Aspiring genre fiction writers will be busy leveling up their craft, demystifying publishing, and building community. Crafted by writers for writers, the conference is designed to provide real tools and insights from published authors and industry experts as well as fomenting relationships to carry writers through their careers. The program will include lectures, small group classes, and intimate workshops organized in the categories of publishing, writing, and genres.

Now we need volunteers to help make it run smoothly, from checking people in to keeping sessions on schedule. No publishing experience required, just a willingness to pitch in for a few hours over the weekend.

Sign Up to Volunteer →

Launch a Book, Take a Class

We have a book launch in early December, and, for November, a full slate of roundtables, a critique group, and drop-in writing time to keep you moving on whatever you’re working on.

Book Launch: ‘Wild Kin: Embracing Our Animal Family’

Sunday, Dec. 6, 3 – 5 PM: Join us as we celebrate the release of Amanda Mander’s new book, exploring moments of connection across the globe. Expect readings, conversation, and a chance to meet a local author in person. Free and open to the community.

Writers’ Studio Critique Group

Wednesday, Nov. 4, 6:30 – 8:30 PM: Bring pages from your work-in-progress for feedback in a structured, respectful space built for writers of every genre. You will leave with specific notes you can put to use at your next revision. A great way to meet fellow writers in the studio.

Community Roundtable: Romance

Monday, Nov. 9, 6:30 – 8 PM: Pull up a chair and talk all things romance, from favorite tropes to the craft behind a great love story. Whether you write it, read it, or both, you’ll find your people here. A relaxed, conversation-first way to spend an evening.

Community Class: Reading Poetry to Enrich Your Own

Tuesday, Nov. 17, 4 – 5 PM: Spend an hour reading poetry closely alongside other writers, then take home a few optional prompts inspired by what you read. You’ll come away with new ways of seeing line, image, and sound in your own work. No poetry background needed.

Community Roundtable: Indie Publishing

Tuesday, Nov. 17, 6:30 – 8 PM: Trade notes on self-publishing and indie presses with writers who have already gone that route, or are just starting to look into it. You’ll leave with real answers, not just theory. Useful whether you’re weighing your options or already in the process.

Quick Picks

Night Writers: Online Sprint Group (Free):  Mondays through Nov. 30, 6 – 8 PM, on Zoom

Write Now Tuesdays on Zoom (Free): Tuesdays through Nov. 24, 9:30 – 11:30 AM

Write Now Thursdays on Zoom (Free): Thursdays through Nov. 26, 9:30 – 11:30 AM

Community Journaling Meetup: Thursdays, Nov. 5, 12, and 19, 10 – 11:30 AM

Read Like a Writer: Writers’ Studio Book Club: Thursday, Dec. 3, 6:30 – 8 PM

Questions or suggestions for the studio? Contact writers.lead@bainbridgebarn.org