Writing Opportunities in the Allentown Area

As I watch the art scene in Allentown grow, I am left on the sidelines with a pen and paper in my hand. I have taken the route of writer, and I see few who have taken the same route. Because of this, A friend and I decided to begin changing that atmosphere. Our efforts began small but have grown into wonderful opportunities for the writers of the Lehigh Valley. I will list those activities below, but I must take a moment to mention a few things.

The Allentown area does not have a lack of writers. The problem lies in the fact that the writers in Allentown do not have an area to express their medium and receive feedback. Through my work, I have come across a few organizations that try and create such an area. The Lehigh Valley Writer's Group has been around for years. They specialize in fostering a writing community in the area. Click HERE to be taken to their website. I met a man named Yodi who runs Word Wednesdays down at the Allentown Brew Works. That event gives a broad spectrum for artists the chance to share their work with a crowd. For more information follow this link These two groups are a great resource for writers. I would recommend them to all aspiring authors and poets.

In the summer I approached a good friend of mine, Joe, about starting some writing initiatives in Allentown. After a few weeks of planning we started what is now known as the Hava Java Writer's Workshop. We meet every Sunday from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. At the meetings we spend the first hour critiquing the work of one of our members. The second hour is spent discussing some aspect of the literary world, whether it is the writing process, an essay, or grammar and style. We feel the success of our workshop comes from the dedication of its members. We do not sit around and argue about trivialities. We focus on bettering ourselves as writers and learning from each other. If you find interest in such a workshop come down to the Hava Java on 19th street any Sunday evening and join us. We would be glad to have you.

The other project I am currently working on is much larger and more demanding. One of the key aspects to having a successful writing community is to have a publication of our local writer's works. That is why my friend Joe and I partnered to make such a publication come to fruition. The Halicarnassus Literary Magazine is currently accepting submissions. We hope to have our first issue out this spring and publish bi-annually afterward. This project is large in scope and I cannot do it justice with a small explanation. Instead, I will direct you to our blog and facebook page. Send us a friend request and we will add you. I believe that this project has great potential and greater meaning. The writer's throughout this broad valley deserve a forum to share their work. The goal of Halicarnassus is to provide that forum.

I hope the information provided helps those writers out there searching for a community. Keep up to date and keep informed.

Halicarnassus links

Blog

Facebook Page

Welcome to my blog

Some of you may know me from my previous blogging efforts. As I've spent more time in the area of blogging, and come to a greater understanding of its many uses, I have decided to write a blog that explores an area of Allentown few others explore. Many of the blogs focusing around this wonderful city choose to focus on political issues. From my experience, those issues can tear a writer apart. I applaud those who have the fortitude to run headlong into the political arena and have their names defiled. As for me, I would much rather sit back and observe what has yet to be observed. To write about the history of this great city and see what few have seen. Essays regarding the history of this great area will be done with the highest journalistic integrity. As such, the frequency of posts will be hard to maintain. To keep things fresh, I will comment on those issues that mean the most to me. Expect frequent announcements on the revitalization of the West End of Allentown. This blog will also act as a way for me to communicate with the other writers in the Lehigh Valley. As a student of professional writing, I have a passion and love for the craft. I know that there are many other writers out there that deserve a voice. I will make sure to update this blog with any information I have in regards to the writing community and events therein. I hope those who enjoyed my previous blog enjoy this one as well, and I welcome those who just so happen to find this page. Allentown has a rich history and a growing art culture. I will be here to show you our past and our future.