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The Nittany Valley Writers Network is a sharing, supportive, inspiring community linking local writers of all genres and levels of experience: expert and novice, published and hopeful.

Meetings are generally held at Schlow Library, 211 S. Allen Street, State College, on the second Tuesday of the month in the Downsbrough Community Room from 7 to 8:30 pm.

History of NVWN:

In April 1990, a group of local writers founded "The State College Area Writers' Club." The club was incorporated as a nonprofit group, "The Nittany Valley Writers' Network," in June 1994. The original board of directors included Sherry Hogan (now Dudik), Sandra Hill, Millie Ragosta, Donna Miller, Gary Delafield, Trish Jensen, Katie Raiser, Jane Cervino and Beth Shirey. In January 2001 Schlow Library offered to sponsor the NVWN to strengthen its outreach to the community.

Meetings are generally held at Schlow Library, 211 S. Allen Street, State College, on the second Tuesday of the month in the Downsbrough Community Room from 7 to 8:30 pm.

Breakfast with NVWN on the 3rd Wednesday of the month. The Early Risers meet informally at The Waffle Shop (W. College Ave & Blue Course Dr. location) from 7 to 8 am. All are welcome!

Social Gatherings are held the 4th Tuesday of the month from 5:30 to 7:00 pm at the Autoport, 1405 S Atherton St, State College.

Critique Groups for writers wanting feedback:

Claw:(Creating Literature At Websters) Interested writers should contact Jen at facilitator@clawcritique.com [2]. CLAW critiques fiction only. We do not workshop screenplays, poetry, memoirs, historical, or religious fiction. Our writing tends toward the edgy, and our genres include science fiction, fantasy, mainstream, mystery, experimental, and humor (both dark and light) for all age groups. Anyone uncomfortable with having their boundaries challenged should not apply.

W4K(Writers for Kids):This group covers fiction and non-fiction for children up through young adults, but is not currently seeking new members. Contact Virginia Loewen, 814-237-0947, vloewen@verizon.net [3].

The Christian Writers Roundtable: Meets on the third or fourth Thursday of each month, according to members' convenience. Members write from a Christian world view, but works range widely, including fiction and non-fiction books, short stories, articles, devotionals, poetry, and children's literature. Membership is by invitation and is currently at its chartered limit. Inquiries:e-mail laurelwest975@gmail.com [4] or phone Laurel at 814-237-3010.

OLLIWriters Group: Writers of all genres are welcome to join this group, which is an OsherLifelong Learning Institute at Penn State Special Interest Group. Contact Rita for more information and meeting times/dates: ritalouise@gmail.com [5] 

Memoir/Non-Fiction: Meets the first Thursday of the month at 1 pm. Interested writers should contact Barb Foley at knock3xs@hotmail.com [6]

CreativeWriting Group: Meets third Tuesdays at 7 pm. Focuses on short stories, memoirs, topical writing, and techniques to stimulate creativity. Contact Frank Rocco, Frankrocco38@yahoo.com [7] or 861-3625.

Seven Mountains Haiku Club: Meets on the third Wednesday of every month from 7-8:30 in the Musser Room at Schlow Library. Everyone is welcome. Contact Anne Burgevin at anneatpeace@yahoo.com [8].

Anyone can start a critique group! If you are interested in starting one, drop Karen an e-mail: KLD25@psu.edu [9]

NVWN Personnel 

Program Coordinator

Cindy Simmons - cindy.simmons@comcast.net [10]

Publicity/Marketing

Sally Driscoll - sallydriscoll@verizon.net [11]

Critique Group Coordinator

Karen Dabney - kld25@psu.edu [9]

Newsletter

Mark T. Shirey - mts@uplink.net [12]

Technology/Facebook

Greg Halpin - gphalpin@gmail.com [13]

Schlow Centre Region Library Liaison/Information

Kristina Yezdimer - kyezdimer@schlowlibrary.org [14]
235-7816