April 2008

Greetings,

This month we say farewell to our Inkberry Interns, but before we do, we thought you’d like to hear about their experiences. As usual, our events are listed below.

-Amy Stevens

Holly and Sondra: We both heard about the internship through last year’s Workshop Facilitator intern, Sarah Russell, and it appealed to our interest in the literary world. We started out not knowing what to expect, but over the past year, we have each found our places in our own literary niche.

Holly: As a general intern, my experience at Inkberry was varied and always changing; I got the chance to participate in many events and author readings, help in the grant-writing process, as well as be actively involved in the day-to-day office work. I got to see what goes on, not only within a non-profit organization, but also within a supportive community of writers. This has, I think, had an impact on my own attitude as a writer as well through my experience at Inkberry, I can now see writing in a different light, as something that can be shared and appreciated as a community.

Sondra: As the workshop facilitator, I had the opportunity to work with people hands-on, in a creative and warm atmosphere. The Inkberry office was perfect for sharing ideas and stories, as well as a few laughs. Being the workshop facilitator has allowed me to meet and interact with fellow students as well as helped me to meet other writers in this community. I find that by reading and critiquing other people’s work, it forces me to be more critical of my own writing, thus ensuring that anything I write is typo-free! I have enjoyed this opportunity and wish Inkberry success in the future!

Holly and Sondra: Overall, our experience with Inkberry has taught us the value of a non-profit organization, especially within the surrounding communities. We have seen all kinds of people come together to support the literary arts, and we have seen the impact Inkberry has had on all who are involved. Programs like “The Write Stuff,” as well as the author readings and workshops that Inkberry provides, touch everyone in the community from young children to experienced authors.

We would like to thank you for the opportunities we have had!

A note from Linda White, President of Inkberry’s Board of Directors:

And, of course, we here at Inkberry are grateful for everything that Holly and Sondra contributed to a successful year hosting events for writers and readers. It has been a pleasure working with these two talented and generous young women. We wish you well with your writing and with all you hope to attain after your graduation from MCLA.

Upcoming Events

Saturday, April 5th at 7pm Carol Frost with guests Abbot Cutler and Peter Filkins at Murdock Hall, Room 218, MCLA, North Adams, Free

Tuesdays, April 8 - April 29 at 6pm Stomp, Swing, Swoon, & Croon: Writing Our Poems with the Radio On, Taught by Derek Mong $75.00 ($67.50 for members).

Saturday, April 12th from 7pm-9pm Inkberry & Papyri Books present: WordPlay featuring Derek Mong and Jeffrey McRae, Papyri Books, 45 Eagle Street, North Adams, Free

Thursday, April 17 at 7pm Inkberry’s The Write Stuff Student Authors Night, Main Street Stage. Join us at this free event to celebrate the creative writing of Conte students who have been part of The Write Stuff classroom.

The Western Mass Poetry Slam is happening at libraries across the region in April. Poets will compete, live and on stage for Fame, Glory and Prizes. If you’re not a poet, come and witness the amazing talent lurking just below the surface of your town!

Please see the libraries listed below for venues and dates. Visit poetry.wmrls.org for details or ask your librarian for more information. Admission is free.

Worthington Library - April 10 - 7PM Springfield City Library - April 12 - 1 PM Stockbridge Library Association - April 22 - 6PM North Adams Public Library - April 22 - 6PM Wheeler Memorial Library, Orange - April 26 - 2PM Milne Library, Williamstown - April 26 - 1PM Chicopee Public Library - April 30 - 6PM Monterey Library - May 10 - 7PM Forbes Library, Northampton ­ May 18 ­ 1:30PM Pelham Library - May 23 - 6 PM

Main Street Stage seeks short plays, monologues, or performance poetry to be presented at The Red Room, their burlesque-esque salon evenings. For more information, call 663-3240.

For more information on these readings, or to enroll, please visit www.inkberry.org, or call 413-664-0775.