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From our members:

“Writers Night Out is a space and time that is always respectful, warm, inclusive, and validating for all writers, regardless of experience or acclaim. My first experience at WNO was all it took to sell me on membership in the Straw Dog Writers Guild.” -Bill

 

 

Essie Chambers will be the keynote Speaker at WriteAngles Writing Conference in 2026!

 

You make all we do at Straw Dog Writers Guild possible! 

Our Mission

Straw Dog Writers Guild is a community where writers don’t just create—they thrive. Our organization connects storytellers in rural western Massachusetts of all genres with resources, mentorship, and publishing opportunities, turning passion into polished, impactful work. Whether you’re drafting your first poem in high school or finishing your fifth novel, we provide the tools, feedback, and connections to share their stories with the world.

Straw Dog Writers Guild unites and inspires writers throughout our diverse community.

We support writers through:
Craft workshops
Open Mics
Social gatherings
Networking
Writing Residencies
High School Scholarships
Emerging Writers Fellowship

New members are always welcome!

Become a member today – click here.

Straw Dog Writers Guild is a volunteer 501(c)3 organization, committed to paying writers for their presentations. Your tax-deductible memberships and donations help support them.

 

Straw Dog Writers Guild

PUBLIC NOTICE

The Mission of Straw Dog Writers Guild is to support those in our community who are engaged in the art and craft of writing. In these times of social unrest and political instability, our Steering Committee publicly affirms our commitment to the following:

  1. We are opposed to censorship of any kind or the banning of books by any person or by any social, religious, or governmental organization.
  2. Everyone has the linguistic freedom to express the truth of their experience in their own way.
  3. Similarly, all people have the freedom to read and learn from any written or oral source they choose.

We urge all writers to actively oppose censorship in all its forms and defend freedom of speech and personal choice.



Straw Dog Writers Guild 2025 Annual Report

 

 

The Straw Dog Writers Guild Steering Committee affirms the vitalness of properly acknowledging and crediting all writers. It is not appropriate for the AI industry to pilfer our work, and especially without any compensation or credit.

Straw Dog Writers Guild does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, the appointment to and termination from its Board of Directors, hiring and firing of staff or contractors, selection of volunteers, selection of vendors, and providing of services.