WriteAngles: A Straw Dog Writers Guild Conference – Saturday October 24, 2026
In times like this, it is important for all people to remember that our voices are powerful. Writers carry the extra burden and joy of sharing their powerful words with the world at large.
Join us on October 24th to share your powerful words.
Straw Dog Writers Guild, a local 501(c)(3) literary organization, is excited to announce the third WriteAngles Writers Conference under its leadership on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at Bay Path University.
WriteAngles brings together writers for workshops, conversations, networking, and inspiration.
Author and prodicer, Essie Chambers, will launch the day’s activities, which include programming for writers at all levels of development and appointments with literary agents.
WriteAngles is by writers for writers in the vibrant literary region of western Massachusetts. In line with Straw Dog Writers Guild’s mission, presenters represent a diversity of age, race/ethnicity, and gender identity. Presenters receive an honorarium, and a generous scholarship program welcomes lower-income participants.
The Story of WriteAngles
First held in 1987, WriteAngles was sponsored by the local chapter of the National Writers Union until 2007, when it became an independent project run by volunteers.
Keynote speakers over the years included Elinor Lipman, Marilynne Robinson, Jonathan Harr, Barry Werth, Madeleine Blais, Suzanne Strempek Shea, Dennis Lehane, Augusten Burroughs, Martín Espada, Breena Clarke, Patricia Smith, Magdelena Gómez, Andre Dubus III, Julia Glass, Richard Russo, Roland Merullo, Jane Yolen, Maria Luísa Arroyo, Ann Hood, Pat Schneider, David Anthony Durham, Susan Stinson, and Grace Paley.
The conference was featured in Writer’s Digest “Conference Scene” as a “budget-friendly event,” and despite its low registration fees, it was able to distribute grants to western Massachusetts organizations that promote writing and reading.