COVID-19 Response

March 13, 2020

Dear MWPA members & friends, 

As an organization built on community—on small groups of writers and literary professionals getting together to workshop, talk craft, and socialize—we’re paying close attention as the COVID-19 situation develops across Maine and New England. And we want to do whatever we can to help keep Maine’s reading and writing community safe. 

Starting tomorrow, we will be holding all our workshops online for the next month, and we will reevaluate our workshops and programs after mid-April in the coming weeks. There’s nothing that can replace being in the same room with a group of humans talking about great stories, but videoconferencing offers a way for people to connect while still practicing social distancing and helping to limit the spread of the virus. Zoom videoconferencing is easy to use, and we have been using it for online workshops since 2018.

If you are signed up for a workshop between tomorrow and April 11 and unable to use Zoom, please let us know ahead of time, and we will give you a credit toward a future in-person program.

If we have to cancel any future programs because of public health precautions, we will provide full refunds.

Next Wednesday’s GATHER at 13 locations around Maine is cancelled. Please note that many readings and literary events around the state are being cancelled or postponed, including many listed in yesterday’s Peavey. It’s best to check ahead of time before showing up in person. 

In the meantime, if you develop symptoms of sickness (fever, cough, difficulty breathing, sore throat), please stay home, get in touch with a health care professional, and follow these steps. You might also think about what you can do to support your local independent bookstores, arts organizations, and freelancers who you know during this difficult time.

If you have any questions, please feel free to email or call us. On behalf of all our staff and board, please stay safe out there. We appreciate all of your support! 

Onwards,

Gibson Fay-LeBlanc

Executive Director