Since 2016, the Chippewa Valley Writers Guild has provided robust programming for writers and literary lovers throughout the Midwest. We’ve hosted over 25 writers' retreats, a hundred free craft talks, a few dozen Sound & Stories events, supported the publication of 7 issues of our literary magazine Barstow & Grand, mentored over 30 college interns, wrote and co-produced a pair of radio dramas, started the Writers’ Note podcast, founded Wisconsin’s Hope Is The Thing Covid-19 writing project, published hundreds of writers on our website, and so much more. In all, we’re proud to have provided free and low-cost programming to hundreds—if not 1000s!—of writers throughout the region.
Two weeks ago, we had the pleasure of hosting a virtual talk with Chloé Cooper Jones (a 2023 Pulitzer Prize finalist for memoir writing), last week we released the latest issue of Barstow & Grand (congrats to editor Eric Rasmussen and the editorial team!), in a few weeks we’ll perform our annual Joy to the Word event (featuring music from The UKE Klub!) at Pablo Center at the Confluence, and in January, we’re hosting a winter writer’s retreat featuring young adult author Nicole Kronzer at The Oxbow Hotel.
“Your generosity ensures that writers of all economic incomes can continue to work toward telling our region’s stories. ”
How do we manage to offer such inclusive programming at little to no cost to members? The answer is twofold. First, thanks to our incredible partners, including L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library, UW-Eau Claire Foundation, Pablo Center at the Confluence, The Oxbow Hotel, and Forage. But the second reason for our success all comes down to you. Your generosity ensures that writers of all economic incomes can continue to work toward telling our region's stories.
Here in the Chippewa Valley, it’s easy to forget how fortunate we are when it comes to the literary arts. We are home to the illustrious Chippewa Valley Book Festival (of which we are a sponsor), regular library programming, and of course, the Guild itself. But even beyond our region, our literary community is well known. At the state level, the CVWG is a proud sponsor and supporter of the Wisconsin Writers Association and the Wisconsin Poet Laureate Commission. Over the past seven years, we’ve helped put the Chippewa Valley on the literary map. And with your support, we can continue the good work ahead.
Please continue donating at the amount that’s right for you.
Be inspired, inspire others,
B.J. Hollars