LakeRegionWritersGroup
 

A Writing Community

In urban areas, writers tend to bump into each other as a matter of course. Here on the wide open plains of North Dakota, we have to work a little harder to get together.

That's why the Lake Region Writers' Group was founded, in November 2003. Our group is one way for prairie writers to feel part of a larger community of writers.

In our case, that community truly is large — because it’s spread out across a 150-mile radius. Our group, which is based in Devils Lake, North Dakota, also includes writers from Crookston, Minnesota; Winnipeg, Manitoba; and the nearby communities of Hampden, New Rockford, and Sheyenne, North Dakota.

All of us are serious about our craft, and most of us have published books, short stories, poetry, or newspaper and magazine articles.

We meet every other Saturday at 9:30 a.m., at a surprisingly sophisticated coffee shop in Devils Lake called The Liquid Bean. Then, for the next two hours, we share share our work, experience, encouragement, and ideas.

Our group is structured much like writers’ groups in other parts of the country. At the start of every meeting, we each offer a brief update on our writing activities. We also encourage everyone to bring something to share, such as copies of recent work, articles about writing, book recommendations or marketing ideas. Most of each meeting is devoted to feedback sessions and writing practice. We also host occasional special events, such as guest speakers, trips to writers’ conferences, and public readings of our work. Dues are just $1 a meeting.

Sounds like fun, doesn't it? It is. And if you are a North Dakota writer — or you happen to be visiting our area — we invite you to join us.

©2004 by the Lake Region Writers' Group • Devils Lake, North Dakota