The Martha’s Vineyard Institute of Creative Writing was founded to enrich the lives of writers by fostering creativity, community, and craft among established authors and poets. Our goal is to make the writing program experience a personal one that aides in building a writing community through friendships and artistic connections with other writers. The Institute is also committed to enhancing the literary landscape of Martha’s Vineyard for residents and visitors through our public reading series, writing seminars, and annual Summer Writers’ Conference.

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Each summer, we offer two comprehensive week-long seminars at our Writers’ Conference, providing writers with the necessary time to devote to their art in the idyllic setting of the island of Martha's Vineyard. Participants include individuals of varying ages and abilities, from published writers to skilled beginners. We invite award-winning authors and poets, literary journal editors, and university creative writing faculty from around the country to lead writing seminars, work one-on-one with attendees in individualized editing sessions, and provide the necessary tips and tools for editing and publishing. We also offer the opportunity to engage with Visiting Writers outside of seminars during our public evening readings and receptions, as well as a panel discussion on the craft of writing, offering a more intimate experience than most summer writing programs.