Our mission is to build a supportive writing community for women and non-binary writers. We write. We share inspiration. We encourage. Together, we create an energizing community space for writers:
- Plume: A Writer’s Podcast: Our podcast features successful women and non-binary writers, from emerging writers to bestselling novelists and award-winning poets. Our conversations and literary roundtables showcase hard-working talented writers, as we seek advice, insight, and inspiration to bring us back to our collective community. Along the way, our goal is to help writers believe in their voices and projects.
- Our Weekly Drop-in Zoom Group: Now in its third year, this is a virtual drop-in support group, where writers check in about current projects and share writing challenges and triumphs. We also write together in response to a new writing prompt each week.
- Our Plume Slack Channel: This is an online virtual space where women and non-binary writers can share resources, ask questions, connect with other writers, share writing prompts and projects, and offer and receive support in a safe, private space.
- Plume’s Monthly Accountability Group: Plume’s newest community-building addition, the Accountability Group, is designed for writers tackling large-scale writing projects. We meet to set goals, discuss strategies, offer encouragement, and help hold ourselves and each other accountable.
Through Plume’s literary community, we seek to uplift, showcase, and encourage women and non-binary writers wherever they are on their creative writing journey. We’re here to fan each other’s flames.
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Crystal K. Odelle
Our featured writer for April is Cynthia Patton, an accomplished essayist and poet. Cynthia tackles very personal topics in her writing, and we are so honored that she wanted to share this beautiful work with our Plume community. We hope you enjoy our interview with her!Plume: When did you know you were a writer?Cynthia Patton:I’m not sure, but I suspect it was fairly early. My grandfather was a journalist, and I grew up reading pretty much anything I could get my hands on. Mom took my siblings and me to the library every week, and I took full advantage of this ritual. In other words, books and words have always been a part of my life. My 6th grade teacher, the fabulous Olive Sorensen, encouraged me to write, and in high school, I told Mom I wanted to major in English. She suggested I pick something “practical.” I did, but I could never escape the desire to write.P: Where do you get your ideas?CP: I’m a poet and a memoirist, so my ideas come from my life. Fortunately my ex-husband and daughter have provided me with more material than I can ever use! P:Where do you write?CP: As a single mother of a special needs child, I’ve learned to write wherever I am: coffee shop, waiting room, kitchen table, restaurant, or park. I have a home office that I use when I can, but if I have blank paper or an iPad, I can write almost anywhere. P: Do you have any writing rituals?CP: Not really. I tend to write first drafts in longhand, then type (and edit) the second draft. Then the hard work of revision begins. Although I often fight structure, it’s crucial for me. I have a sign in my office that reads: Structure is your friend! P: How supportive is your local community for writers?CP: I am blessed with a community that appreciates artists. Of course, I’ve played a role in fostering that support. For years I attended a local writing salon and also founded a branch of the California Writer’s Club. Later, I co-produced and hosted a monthly spoken word event, and then launched the Whistlestop Writers Open Mic, which has been going strong for five years. I’m currently serving as Livermore’s fourth Poet Laureate (2017-2021). I work hard to promote literary arts throughout the region. P:What are some of your self-care practices?CP: I have an energetic husky who … Read more
