Worcester County Writers Project Update

As many of you know, in 1987 Worcester author and activist Michael True authored and the Worcester Public Library published "Worcester Area Writers, 1680-1980", a volume which has served as an important resource for anyone interested in the literary history of Worcester County. Now, a group of WPL staff and local scholars, including Michael True are working on updating and expanding this work. Ultimately, the updated version will be made available electronically and a limited edition of print copies will be created as well. Our goal, as we begin this project, is to be as inclusive as possible within the criteria the committee has outlined.

Since we first met, on February 11th 2008, we have compiled a list of well over 300 writers with strong connections to Worcester County and are now looking for anyone we might have missed! We would appreciate your input as to writers you would like to see added to the new edition. We are considering all types of published works, both fiction and nonfiction, including, but not limited to, works of history, science and biography, as well as literary works including poetry, essays and drama. Works for children and young adults are also of interest. In general textbooks and self-published items will not be included but the work of any writer who was born, resided or worked in Worcester County at any point throughout its history will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please include as much biographical and bibliographic information on the writers you would like to include as possible.

With these few criteria in mind, we encourage you to send your suggestions to Worcester Local History Librarian Joy Hennig, (jhennig@cwmars.org). If you have questions, would like to participate in our project, or would simply like to attend one of our committee meetings to see what we are about, please feel free to contact Joy as well.

We look forward to hearing from you.