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History Of Write Action

Write Action began in August, 1999, as an ad hoc committee formed to organize a benefit reading for a local poet and writing group facilitator whose computer had been stolen. In the late fall of 1999, the Common Ground hosted a marathon reading, which, combined with a small through-the-mail fund drive, raised over $1,000. The event was attended by over 100 people, and went on past midnight. As a result of that event, the organizers and community became aware of a gaping need: an opportunity for local writers to come together in a supportive way and simply share in the struggles and joys of their craft and the fruits of their labors.

Open readings have been held approximately one a season – four times a year – creating a heightened presence for the literary arts in town. As other venues in town have expanded, Write Action has cut back the number of readings to about two a year. That can vary as need is seen.

The Lin Harris-Seares Emergency Fund was created in 2000, in the name of one of the original committee members who had passed away due to cancer. Three gifts of $300 each have been given to writers in financial need as a result of unexpected and dire personal circumstances.

Write Action became incorporated and achieved status as a non-profit organization in 2001.

For five years Write Action has been an important part of the annual Brattleboro Literary Festival that takes place each October. People from WA's board help to plan and organize the festival.

In 2001 the Write Action Radio Hour was born on local station radio free brattleboro (rfb), which has evolved into WVEW at 107.7 fm. Rob Lawson and Wayne Carhart, two Write Action board members, created the program. Each month's installment featured interviews with two writers, each given thirty minutes to read and discuss their work.

For the first year of the Radio Hour, it was broadcast regularly each week. On Sundays its fans gathered at the Twilight Tea Lounge in downtown Brattleboro to listen to the latest program. The original tapes were later aired periodically on rfb.

In 2003 Write Action published a book including the work of over sixty local writers, some previously published and some not, who had read at Write Action events. The publication of The Best of Write Action was made possible through grants.

One of the most visible activities in our organization's past was the Brattleboro 250th Anniversary Project. Writers paired up with photographers to create panels portraying in words and images the writers' and artists' takes on Brattleboro's downtown business and community spaces, in effect providing a series of snapshots of Brattleboro at its quarter-millennial mark. These panels were first displayed in the alley leading to the Sanctuary-Hooker Dunham Theater and Gallery. They now reside permanently with the Brattleboro Historical Society.

We continue to find ways that local writers can interact with other arts and community organizations. Write Action recently joined the Brattleboro area's new Alliance For The Arts, to help promote the arts, particularly the literary arts, in Windham County, and Write Action has initiated an annual writers' contest, in collaboration with the Brattleboro Reformer. The first contest, held in 2005, had as its theme, "Life in Windham County". The Brattleboro Reformer, the town's daily newspaper, published the winning stories, and a handsome booklet was made featuring the winners' and finalists' pieces.

The Write Action subscriber list has grown over the years and now goes out to more than 300 individuals and organizations.

Brattleboro is a town steeped in literary history and lore. Rudyard Kipling wrote several of his best known works here, including The Jungle Books. Royal Tyler wrote the first play written in the vernacular of the New World in nearby Guilford.

Vermont has one of the highest per capita number of writers of any state in the nation. While no survey has been taken as to numbers for the Brattleboro area, it is clear the area is thick with writers and appreciators of writing. At one time in recent years the town supported seven independent bookstores. The oldest, The Book Cellar, has been in town since 1948. With the ascendancy of internet outlets such as Amazon.com, that number has dwindled. Still, there are currently four stores selling new and used books in Brattleboro.

Write Action was born of the need writers felt to come out of their studio, away from the computer and share their passion, and be supported in it. It seeks also to have a voice and a presence in community affairs. With the support and input it has received from the local writing community, Write Action has come a long way in accomplishing this mission.

Write Action continues to vitalize the literary life of the Brattleboro community. It is up to each member of that community to decide how that will happen in the future. The possibilities are limitless.