The Writers' Room of Boston, Inc.

CONTACT:

111 State Street, 5th Floor
Boston, MA 02109
617-523-0566
writersroomofboston.org

Gary Roma, Administrator

DESCRIPTION:

For many writers, the atmosphere in which they create must be just right: minimal distractions, dedicated space, appropriate lighting. That’s difficult if you’re an emerging talent without a book advance or a dedicated room of your own. The Writers’ Room of Boston was established in 1988 as the only urban writers’ colony in New England. It has: 11 writing carrels, a reading area, a reference desk, an eat-in kitchen and storage cabinets. It serves over 50 writers, including six Fellows (Fellowships are one-year free memberships, awarded annually on a competitive basis). Among current residents is a retired firefighter and social worker, doing a book about Boston’s Hotel Vendome fire. Writers come and go as they please — if creativity strikes at 2a.m., they can get in. To become a member, applicants must demonstrate ability and document a work-in-progress; previous publication is not necessary. Published works resulting from time in WR include novels, poetry collections, textbooks, an opera libretto, and film and television scripts. Membership dues provide about half the required funding; contributions and grants make up the rest. To help cut costs, office rent was renegotiated, administrator hours were cut and more volunteers have stepped up. How about becoming a patron of literature?

(2005: CULTURE: Arts: Visual, Literary and Crafts)