A writers’ group for people seeking help and constructive input on their in-progress work is scheduled to kick off Monday, February 6, at the Eastport Arts Center.

The group, led by published author Catherine J.S. Lee and new-to-town retired writing teacher Paula Horvath, will meet every other Monday beginning at 6:30 pm at the Center. It’s expected each session will last about two hours; a suggested donation of $5/session is requested to contribute towards heat and other building costs; a sliding fee scale is available by request, and no one will be turned away for lack of funds.

“There’s nothing more helpful than sharing your work with other writers when you’re trying to construct a piece,” Lee said. “That’s precisely why we’re starting this group—to help us all with the creative process.”

Member writers will submit a few pages of their work each week prior to the meeting, giving other participants a chance to review each piece. During the meeting, each participant will share thoughts on the work, giving the writers a valuable tool to improve their writing.

Horvath said people considering joining the writing group should look at such a collaboration with other writers as a positive experience.

“I know sometimes people are hesitant about sharing their writing but, really, that’s how you get better,” she said. “These pieces we’re all working on are ultimately being written for an audience, so this writing group will give us a crack at seeing how such an audience responds.”

Both Lee and Horvath said rules have already been established for the group to ensure all members remain positive and constructive.

Hosting such a writing group also will be a new experience for the Arts Center. Meg Colbert, EAC Executive Director, said most of the center’s contributions to the community have involved theater and musical performance, visual arts, and lectures around the theme of local history and local interests.

“It is exciting to be able to offer this Writers Group as a new creative outlet for our community,” Colbert said. “Being able to expand on the already rich programming that the Arts Center offers by involving the wonderful, creative resources available in Eastport is a great benefit to our mission as an arts organization.”

Because space in the group is limited, interested people should email the center and explain a bit about themselves and their current work. To get involved, email writers@eastportartscenter.org.

Eastport Arts Center is at 36 Washington Street, Eastport. EAC abides by the State of Maine CDC COVID guidelines, revisiting our policy monthly. Additionally, at this time, the EAC encourages people to wear masks when in our building. More information about EAC programs may be found at eastportartscenter.org.