Writespace has a new space, and it marks the dawn of a new chapter for this creative nonprofit that gives aspiring authors and poets a free place to hone their skills and become part of the local writing community.
This renewed sense of purpose was evident during the grand opening of Writespace’s new studio in Sabine Street Studios on Aug. 12. Programming Director Jamie Portwood could hardly contain her enthusiasm as she greeted budding writers with a bright, warm smile into the recently leased 300-square-foot studio space.
“We are believing in good things,” Portwood said.
Portwood is part of a board of directors and three dozen faculty members — many of whom are award-winning authors — who work together to advance the organization’s mission.
Writespace was founded in 2015 to form and grow a community of writers and provide high-quality, alternative writing education to those who could not afford a traditional master of fine arts degree in creative writing. Programming focuses on underserved communities, such as workshops for writers of color, and scholarships are available to low-income writers.
COVID shutdowns forced Writespace to forfeit its studio in 2020, and its membership has survived on virtual and hybrid programming. An Indiegogo fundraiser provided the seed money for this new physical space, and with that, fully in-person programming is back.
This new studio is enabling Writespace to expand support to underserved communities through mentoring programs, collaborating with other creative organizations to increase outreach to marginalized groups and offering more classes.
For current members, Writespace is a home away from home that provides accountability and helps them develop good writing habits. The community supports their craft and makes them feel validated.
“Writespace was the warm welcome I needed after relocating to Houston in 2021,” memoir author Jennifer Holmes said. “It has helped me reignite my passion for writing and allowed me to tap into Houston’s amazing writing community.”
Fiction writer Supriya Yadav feels the same way.
“I have written more, received feedback on my writing, and also had the opportunity to present my writing at a Writespace reading session,” Yadav shared.
Writespace’s Board Treasurer, Leslie Archibald, looks ahead and encourages local writers to join the community, regardless of skill level.
“It really is hard to write [since] the learning curve for the craft is high, and the obstacles to getting your work into the world are overwhelming,” Archibald said. “Doing this alone is not an option, [so] asking for help and availing yourself of the community are the strongest steps you can take to give yourself every opportunity to meet your goals.”
In addition to the discipline of writing, Writespace also teaches writers how to promote themselves and their works in the rapidly evolving publishing industry.
Future plans include bringing back the Writers Family Reunion, which raises awareness of community resources among writers, setting up “critique group speed dating” events to connect writers within the same genres and hosting Writefest 2024 in person next spring. The organization also seeks to provide mental health assistance because many members use writing as a therapy from trauma.
To learn more, become a volunteer, or donate, visit https://www.writespacehouston.org.
