Open and Free Writer’s Meetings the last Sunday of every month

2pm at Watershed Books

Next Writer’s Block Party Meeting

What’s New

• Look forward to some great author’s events and literary events coming up!
• Want some extra help? Check out 30-minute resource sessions with the TWJ staff, available with a donation to TWJ.

Short History of WBP

The Writer’s Block Party began in 2017 when Brookville freelance writer and reporter, Jess Weible collaborated with CREATE Brookville to provide a place where local writers could meet, share work as well as discuss the craft and practice of writing. CREATE provided the opportunity and space to bring in writers from all corners of the tri-county area, much in the same way they encourage and promote all individuals and groups with a passion. Many writers got connected with WBP after going to some of CREATE’s open mic events to read their poetry or tell stories.

Writer’s Block Party held monthly meetings at Fusion Cafe, the home of CREATE Brookville, and also maintained a private Facebook group page where writers could post work and keep in touch. Over time, online group grew to over 140 members on Facebook who are either local or have roots in the areas and the group meetings at Fusion Cafe have had up to 20 attendees.

In 2018, a few members of the Writer’s Block Party, Sarah Rossey, Kirke Wise, Amanda Carrier, Jo Scheier and Jess Weible, began a publishing project called The Watershed Journal which produces quarterly literary magazines. The Watershed Journal publishing team soon developed into The Watershed Journal Literary Group, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering and elevating readers, writers and storytellers in our region of the Pennsylvania Wilds.

Exploration of Mission of WBP

The mission of the Writer’s Block Party is to provide an open, supportive space where writers can share work, benefit from encouraging feedback and generate ideas for events and collaborations.

Members of the Writer’s Block Party have gone on to publish their work, perform at local events and develop their own personal projects in regards to writing.

An average Writer’s Block Party meeting begins with brief introductions and then at least an hour of open reading. First time participants have priority to share their work with the group. Typically, group members spend some time discussing the merits of the work and even offer insights as they relate to the content of the piece. Sometimes the work will relate to the month’s writing prompt, which is posted for all members on Facebook and via email, but the work does not have to relate to the prompt.

Often, ongoing projects, publishing opportunities and upcoming literary events are also covered at the meeting to better make use of these important connections within the group. At times, the Writer’s Block Party has had featured writers or presenters meet with the group to discuss various topics.

Facebook group

The Writer’s Block Party benefits from an active group of talented writers on Facebook, though not all Writer’s Block Party members are on Facebook. These writers post their own original work, either just to share or to seek out feedback. Some writers use the page as a way to stay accountable to themselves and their writing practice. While others look for ways to connect writers with local opportunities.

The Facebook group page is open to all members of the Writer’s Block Party who are free to post relevant and supportive comments and content.

Past Prompts

Dreams
(1) write about a dream you had
(2) write a story or poem that includes a dream or the idea of dreaming
(3) write an expository piece that explores the concept of dreaming

A Time for Everything– it’s the season for renewal and change. Here are a few things to try based on these concepts.
(1) Use this opportunity to take on a bold new style, genre or format for your work.
(2) Take an old, thrown-away piece and make it new again with a different approach.
(3) Write about a transformation.

The Power of Storytelling
What does storytelling mean to you? Why tell stories at all Write a short story, poem, or essay that reveals something about your past, present and future. You can disguise the truth in fiction so no one knows what is true if you want.

Drinking and Writing
Many writers like Fitzgerald and Hemingway were famous for late nights of drinking and writing. Write something inspired by the act or idea of drinking.

Big Questions
Poets, writers, philosophers, reporters and writers of every shape, size and style often use writing to tackle BIG QUESTIONS. For this prompt, write something that includes a big, important question. Maybe your writing is an attempt to answer that question. Maybe the question is intended as a cliffhanger. Maybe the question is a provocation to think about things differently.