Gloucester Writer’s Group Promotes and Encourages Success

By gathering to support one another and share information, members of the Hovey House Writer's Group are finding publishing success and joint marketing opportunities.

Gloucester, MA (PRWEB) September 23, 2006 -- Settled in 1623, Gloucester, Massachusetts, is the oldest fishing port in America and, since the 1840s, has been a mecca for artists. Many books have been written about Gloucester, most famous among them are Rudyard Kipling’s "Captains Courageous" and Sebastian’s Junger’s "The Perfect Storm." Writers have also made Gloucester their home. Four years ago a group of writers in Gloucester decided to band together to support one another in their efforts to write for publication and the Hovey House Writer’s Group was born.

One night a month from October through April, the group meets at the historic Charles H. Hovey House (www.hoveyhouse.com), a Tuscan-style villa built in 1845 -- now a bed and breakfast -- which overlooks Gloucester Harbor and Leonard Craske’s famous Man At The Wheel statue. As many as 30 writers gather to discuss their works-in-progress, get feedback on writing, and share information on editing, publishing, and promoting their work. Guest writers are often invited to share their experiences.

The past year has brought success for several writers in the group. Clare Higgin's satire in Shakespearian verse, "Queer Bent for the Tudor Gent," was selected from over 250 entries to be produced at a short-play festival in Sydney, Australia. And art historian Rebecca Reynolds wrote an article on the imagery of the horse as it appears in American sculpture, which was published in Sculpture Review Magazine's Summer Edition. Joseph M. Orlando, a local maritime attorney, published his second novel, "The Bastard's Weapon," which is now available through Xlibris. This book is a sequel to his courtroom drama "The Fisherman's Son," which was published in 2004.

Kathleen Valentine, one of the group’s founders, had a short story, "Killing Julie Morris" accepted for publication in Seasmoke: Crime Stories by New England Writers published annually by Level Best Books (www.levelbestbooks.com). She also published a limited-edition collection of short stories, My Last Romance and other passions, which is currently being featured on several internet romance sites. It is available through Parlez-Moi Press (www.parlezmoipress.com) and all major online booksellers.

Mark S. Williams, a Gloucester lobsterman for over 17 years, published his non-fiction adventure "F/V Black Sheep," a collection of exciting stories from his years growing up in Gloucester and working on the ocean (www.fvblacksheep.com). Also available from Parlez-Moi Press and online booksellers.

The Hovey House Writer’s Group begins its fourth year on October 10. Area writers who are actively writing for publication are invited to attend and may contact the Charles H. Hovey House for more information. There is no cost to join or attend. The success of this group is serving as a model for other groups around the country. Additional information can be found on the Parlez-Moi Press Web site.

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