Helping Writers to Rise and Thrive

Studio News

We know that, sometimes, writers aren’t quite ready or able to sign up for a class, but you can still join our warm, accomplished and inspirational community of writers!

We have many free events such as our monthly Open Mic Night – With a Difference!, where you can mingle with other writers, listen to readings whilst sipping a complimentary mimosa, and/or learn how to give an expert reading of your own work and be filmed (optional).

There are also many free, year-round events we’re organizing in partnership with Westport Library through our brand new WestportWRITES program. You don’t have to live in Westport to attend, and all levels are welcome! Sign up for our newsletter on the home page to stay informed.

We also know that all sorts of cool stuff for writers is happening in and around Fairfield County. Is there something you’d like us to include on this page? Feel free to let us know about it at info@fcwritersstudio.com. (No press releases, please; just a few lines that we can share with the Fairfield County writing community.)

Thanks!

FCWS Co-Founder Carol Dannhauser Wins Entrepreneur Award

Hats off to Carol Leonetti Dannhauser, co-founder of the Fairfield County Writers’ Studio, for winning second place in the 2020 Connecticut Entrepreneur Awards, Entrepreneur of the Year/Main Street category.

“I am honored and grateful. I didn’t even know that we were nominated,” said Dannhauser, a journalist and author who seamlessly led the Studio’s migration to digital offerings during the pandemic summer, and provided dozens of free workshops and events each month to underserved and isolated writers in Connecticut and beyond. “I appreciate that the judges recognize our hard work and success, especially during very difficult times.”

Members of the community nominated Dannhauser, citing the Studio’s collaborative spirit, professional reputation, breadth of offerings, diverse teachers and workshops, and commitment to students’ success. A panel of more than two dozen expert judges from outside of Connecticut evaluated all the nominees, and selected prize-winners. Winners were announced in a virtual dinner celebration in July.

Accolades pour in for “nine, ten: a September 11 story”

“Every word was perfect, necessary, and profound.”

This, from teacher, reviewer and book lover Patrick Andrus, in his review of Nora Raleigh Baskin’s new book “nine, ten: a September 11 story.”

What a treat it was to attend Nora’s launch on Facebook on Sunday evening. I’ve been to lots of launches, but this was my first on Facebook. What I found so compelling was how interactive the event proved to be; so much more than I’d expected and, I daresay, much more than many in-person launches. Readers asked questions not only of Nora, but of each other. There, on Facebook, they seemed to find community even though many were far, far away from New York.

Good books can do that. They can bring people together. They can help build bridges in the wake of destruction. Congratulations, Nora, on writing yet another good book. We are fortunate to have you teaching with us at the Fairfield County Writers’ Studio. –CD