Pandemic, Community and Creativity

As isolation took hold, many of our members looked to us for connection, inspiration, and support. Twice a month, members and nonmembers were online at free writing events with dozens (sometimes hundreds) of other women from around the globe, writing and sharing what was going on in their lives. The Free Write series developed and hosted by Leslie Neustadt continues to bring wonderful poets, memoirists, nonfiction and fiction writers to the IWWG community. They share their expertise and offer prompts, so each Free Write is an opportunity for learning, self-expression and connection. 

The workshops are free, and one need not be a member of the Guild. It is part of our commitment to contribute to the greater literary community, and has attracted new members and introduced new teachers to the Guild.  Like so many of our members and nonmembers, women got through the pandemic with the support of other women writers coming together to share their lives and building connections and support that sustain long after emerging back into the world. Many have  loved the opportunity to get to know the Guild before they join or sign up for a workshop. 

In this brief sample, Kai Coggin shares the Open Letter Poem 

As one Free Write member said, "IWWG's free writes have kept me connected to the community throughout the pandemic. I am so grateful! It was a lucky day that I discovered IWWG!"

We want to keep bringing the Free Writes to our community throughout 2022 with many wonderful writers and instructors in the line-up. And we want to keep them FREE to attendees, many of whom cannot pay to take a class.

Help us do that. Your donation will help us cover our annual costs and maintain the excellence of the Free Write program, hosted and managed by Leslie Neustadt who volunteers her time.

Please give what you can. No amount is too small, and every donation is so appreciated. Your power is in more than what you can give - it's in who you can inspire as well, so please share this campaign on your social media to broaden the circle of giving.

Thank you,

Cathleen O'Connor,  Chair, IWWG Board of Directors and Leslie Neustadt