FAQs about the 49 Alaska Writing Center

What’s the 49 Alaska Writing Center (“49” for short)?

“49” is a nonprofit organization that supports creative writers from throughout Alaska at all stages of their development while building an audience for Alaska literature. We do this primarily by offering creative working instruction in the form of affordable workshops taught by working, published writers. We also offer retreats, author events, and other forms of literary programming. Through our “49 Writers” blog, we offer networking, writing news and resources, and general inspiration, with help from guest-bloggers across Alaska.

Is this really a statewide writing center?

The seed of this effort was 49 Writers, a collaborative blog established on Jan. 1, 2009, merging two separate Alaska lit-blogs started by founders Deb Vanasse and Andromeda Romano-Lax. From its inception, 49 Writers was dedicated to fostering literary community statewide. When we incorporated in April 2010, and found a physical building to serve as our Anchorage “heart and home” in May 2010, we knew we’d have to keep “Alaska” in our name to make clear how committed we are to serving more than just an urban audience. Through our programming, we plan to serve both rural bush and road-system Alaska with workshops, events, mentoring, and other opportunities for collaboration and literary partnership. Nationally, few writing centers serve such a large geographical area. We plan to innovate and to draw on the energy and talents of writers, readers, librarians, booksellers, and others who share our vision -- from Barrow to Ketchikan.

So this “writing center” concept isn’t new?

No, fortunately. There are thriving creative writing centers throughout the Lower 48, and among the exciting places we studied as models – and continue to network with -- are Boston’s Grub Street, Minnesota’s The Loft, Seattle’s Richard Hugo House, the D.C. area’s Writer’s Center, and Denver’s Lighthouse Writers’ Workshop.

Tell me more about the “little house with big ideas” on L Street.

That’s “Raven Place,” our leased property at 415 L Street, just next door to Snow City, source of the best breakfasts and coffee in town. We’d been looking for a physical space for writing classes for several months when the L Street property became available. Located downtown, next to the Coastal Trail, we knew this property had tourism potential. We also knew that the hardest part of running a writing center is getting it launched on a modest budget. We came up with a uniquely Alaskan solution: turn the house into a volunteer-run, revenue-earning VRBO (vacation rental by owner) guesthouse -- primarily in the summer months – as a way to subsidize the cost of physical space for the rest of the year. Having attractive and well-located accommodations also serves as an enticing feature for the visiting writers who will spend time in Anchorage in order to take part in our programming.

Do I have to be a member to take part in “49” classes and events?

No. Most of our classes and events are open to the public. However, an annual membership of $60 ($100+ for those wishing to be Founding Donors by July 1, 2010) does confer benefits while supporting the cause of Alaska writing and reading. Members will receive special rates on workshops and a 10% discount on guesthouse reservations. A robust membership base also helps us demonstrate to the larger arts community that literary programming is needed and appreciated in Alaska.

Sounds ambitious. How can I help?

We’re glad you asked, because we wouldn’t exist without, you and we’ll only continue to grow with your support. You can help by filling out a volunteer form -- even if you don’t live in Anchorage – or by donating, at whatever level fits, from the “Jade Level” ($100), to the Copper ($500), Gold ($1000), or Platinum ($5000) levels. In-kind donations are appreciated as well. A generous donation by an Alaska lodge is helping us to host an exciting, affordable writer’s retreat this September, for example. Go to https://49writers.blogspot.com/ for more info.

I’d like to learn. What classes will you be offering?

We’ll be teaching across genres – including fiction and nonfiction, poetry and screenwriting – with classes that will appeal to emerging as well as established writers. Our classes are organized as 1-day (2-hour) clinics, 2-week (6-hour) workshops, 4-week (8-hour) workshops, and 6-week (12-hour) workshops. Each course features a different mix of in-class writing exercises, at-home writing and revision, and peer critique. We don’t grade or offer college credit. We do offer an intense immersion in considerations of craft, as well as opportunities for professional networking and camaraderie. Our fall lineup of courses will be announced this summer.

I’d like to instruct. What do I do?

This fall, we’ll be test-driving our instructional program at our Raven Place (415 L Street) location, with classes taught by at least four instructors. In 2011, we’ll have an open proposal process, by which new instructors can propose courses, to be reviewed and selected according to a scoring rubric and instructional needs for any given semester. Just as we support the growth of writers, we support the growth of writing instructors. While we plan to be selective, we won’t limit our instructional staff to those with specific academic degrees, for example.

I’ve got an idea or a concern. Who’s listening?

We are. Andromeda Romano-Lax and Deb Vanasse, founders of 49 Writers (the blog) and the 49 Alaska Writing Center, started this organization because we’re passionate about writing and we want to be part of something larger in Alaska – and that larger vision requires community input and support. We are continuing to assemble teams of volunteers to serve many functions, from Raven Place guesthouse setup to initial planning and development of larger writing center functions. If you want to get involved, fill out a form and join a team. If you just want to share a quick thought – now or at any time -- please email us at 49writers@gmail.com.