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.

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