Cape Cod is a hidden haven for writers, whether they are established or beginning. Kurt Vonnegut, who spent several early years toiling at his craft in Osterville before moving to Barnstable Village, knew the value of the solitude and the sense of community that the Cape provided for artists. In the 1950s, the Osterville Library’s “Great Books” club became a social outlet as well as an escape from the stresses of life for Vonnegut. A decade later, when his literary star was rising, Vonnegut was among the earliest presenters at the Cape Cod Writers Center’s (CCWC) annual summer Cape Cod Writers Conference, along with Isaac Asimov, Art Buchwald and Jacques Barzun.
Almost six decades later, the CCWC has evolved into a year-round haven and resource for writers of all abilities, ages and genres. The mission of the Cape Cod Writers Center is to assist published and aspiring writers of all genres, abilities and ages to develop their writing skills and learn the business of editing, publishing and promotion. This mission also provides writers with opportunities for inspiration, education and networking. All of these goals culminate in a nationally acclaimed writers conference held annually on Cape Cod.
In addition to the summer conference, the CCWC offers opportunities to participate in small writing groups, workshops, seminars and networking events throughout the year.
Arlene Kay, a former federal executive, joined the Cape Cod Writers Center, in
2005, after relocating from Washington DC. “Writing fiction had always been my goal but I had never attempted to do so before,” she recalls. “It seemed a daunting but an attainable goal, and by affiliating with a community of like-minded writers, I was given the tools to be successful.”
Kay joined a CCWC writers’ group with other serious writers who met for three hours each week. “We remained together through triumph and despair for seven years during which four of us became published authors,” she says. “I’m proud of that accomplishment
and of the constructive criticism and support we gave each other. Our goal was to encourage, cajole and hector each other to excel.”
Arlene has published three stand-alone mysteries and a four book romantic suspense series. In 2019, the
first book in her “creature comfort series,” Death by Dog Show, was
published and hit #1 on Amazon.
Her second book in the series, Hºmicide
by Horse Show, was released October 15th; and the third, Murder at the Falls, is arriving in 2020.
Kathy Apsden recalls her first writers’ conference in 2011 which inspired her to become a CCWC member. “On the advice of fellow writer Sandy Bolton,
I took a screenwriter’s class with Diane Lake, an Emerson College professor who wrote the screenplay Freida. It was amazing. We were a little group, perhaps 12 people. I found my bliss, along with camaraderie and encouragement. Becoming a member was a no-brainer.”
“Over the next few years Aspden wrote scripts, went to Los Angeles to meet with a producer and produced a short film that won an award, while working
full time at the business she had owned for 20 years. “In 2016, I made the decision to sell the business and dive into the novel in my head,” she recalls. The novel, Baklava, Biscotti, and an Irishman was published in November 2016. The book was selected for the Multi-cultural Fiction category of International Book Awards in May 2017.
“It’s been an exciting and exhausting journey – publishing and marketing has changed considerably over the years,” she comments, adding that she couldn’t have done it without the CCWC. “The many classes, author breakfasts, and monthly CCWC meetings have been a godsend. And there are still things I haven’t truly taken advantage of!”
Both Apsden and Kay advise aspiring writers to just do it. Aspden exclaims, “Go for it! Writing isn’t a mysterious,
exclusive club. Everyone has a story. Write it down! Take a class. The job an of editor exists for a reason – don’t worry about perfection; worry about cultivating your unique voice. The rest will fall into place with practice.”
Kay adds, “Don’t take the easy way out. Learn your craft by attending classes offered by the CCWC and other
professional writing organizations. Strive for continuous improvement.
The business office of the Cape Cod Writers Center’s is located at 919
Main St, Osterville and holds monthly meetings at the Osterville Public Library and other libraries in the mid-Cape area. The non-profit CCWC welcomes anyone interested in writing – whether published or a beginner. This summer will mark the presentation of its 58th annual Cape Cod Writers Center
Please visit www.capecodwriterscenter.org.
– article by Claudia Mahoney (2020)
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