10 Rhode Island Writing Resources
Posted by David Duhr in 
The author in Rhode Island, a file which is named “Idiot in Providence.”
A simple “Hope” is the motto for Rhode Island, up next in our State Writing Resources series. One of the original thirteen colonies, Rhode Island is the smallest in area–in fact, its other nickname is “Little Rhody”–but it’s a tough little bugger. For example, did you know that Rhode Island was the first colony to declare independence from Great Britain? May 4, 1776. It’s also not an island, so don’t blame it if it’s sometimes confused.
Rhode Island writing has a history–and a present–as strong as the state’s own. Jhumpa Lahiri grew up in Kingston, where her father worked as a librarian at URI. Ted Berrigan and H.P. Lovecraft were born in Providence. Forrest Gander, whose new novel The Trace I enjoyed, teaches at Brown. So does the great John Edgar Wideman, whose stellar short story “What We Cannot Speak About We Must Pass Over in Silence” we used to teach in workshops. Robert Coover is a professor emeritus at Brown. It’s quite a lineup there; may I please go back in time and study writing at Brown?
Presented in no particular order, here are 10 Rhode Island writing resources, from conferences to local critique groups to literary magazines. If you are an ocean stater or are planning to become one, these are some organizations you might want to take a peek at.
A library and cultural center offering seminars, discussions and readings.
Founded in 2000, this is an annual publication offering new fiction and poetry.
3) Rhode Island Center for the Book
A statewide organization devoted to promoting personal and community enrichment by celebrating the art and heritage of reading, writing, making and sharing books.
4) Block Island Poetry Project
A weekend getaway for poets to discuss craft, workshop new writing, and meet their favorite authors.
5) Rhode Island Festival of Children’s Books & Authors
This annual festival offers readings and seminars.
6) Ocean State Summer Writing Conference
Writers of all levels will find master classes, craft sessions, and workshops in fiction, nonfiction and poetry to suit their needs. Interact with high-caliber guest writers.
7) Northeastern Writers Conference
An annual convention that draws authors and editors, artists and fans from around the country. Past guests include Neil Gaiman.
8) Rhode Island Writing Project
A network of teachers who are dedicated to the improvement of teaching and learning in all schools. Hosts an annual conference with seminars and discussions.
An annual journal of fiction, poetry and nonfiction.
10) Roger
The literary magazine of Roger Williams University, looking for “fresh and energetic poetry and prose by established and emerging writers, both nationally and internationally.”
Help us add to this list, Rhode Islanders! Do you run a local writing group or a lit journal we should be aware of? Feel free to share info and links in the comments section below.