Pensters Writing Group

Supporting writers in Fairhope, Alabama since 1965

Who We Are

Frances Durham founded the Pensters May 22, 1965. Since then, the Pensters has been bringing local writers together with the goal of improving craftsmanship and promoting the marketing of member’s work.

We meet once a month from September to May. All meetings are free and open to the public, so please join us! Guest speakers discuss a variety of topics and members are eligible to participate in the monthly writing contest. 

Join Us

Our monthly meetings are informative and encouraging to writers of all experience levels.

Guest Speakers

We invite speakers to discuss a variety of topics related to the writing process, marketing and much more!

Member Writing Contest

Current members are eligible to participate in monthly writing contests in poetry and prose categories.

Networking

Get to know other writers in the area as we join together to explore more about our craft.

Meeting Schedule

Monthly meetings are held at 10 am, at the Fairhope Public Library in the Giddens Room. (501 Fairhope Avenue, Fairhope, Alabama 36532). 

2024-2025 Season Meeting Dates / Member Writing Prompts

Saturday, September 21st – Writing Prompt: Regardless of the weather

Saturday, October 12th – Writing Prompt: It was nibbling continuously at the corners of her mind

Saturday, November 16th – Writing Prompt: That was so stupid of me…

Saturday, December 14th – Writing Prompt: No Contest. Open Read

Saturday, January 11th – Writing Prompt: The red truck

Saturday, February 8th – Writing Prompt: From out of the past I heard my mother say…

Saturday, March 8th – Writing Prompt: If I could have, I would have

Saturday, April 12th – Writing Prompt: In the middle of a dark, moonless night…

Member Writing Contest Rules

Only current members are eligible to participate in the contest. Entries are accepted in two categories: unpublished poetry and unpublished prose (fiction or non-fiction). Only one submission in each category per member / per month. Entries must relate to the monthly prompts (listed above). Prose is limited to 500 words, double spaced; poetry is limited to two typed pages, single-spaced with double spacing between stanzas.

Entries are judged blind by the month’s guest speaker. Submit two documents. First is the entry with no author information. Second is a one-page cover sheet with author’s name, category noted as poetry or prose, title, first two lines, and word count for prose. NOTE: prose entry cannot be judged if the word count is not on the cover sheet or exceeds 500 words. Prizes awarded for both poetry and prose: $10 for first place, $5 for second place, no cash prize for Honorable Mention. All winners will be asked to read their winning entry during the next meeting. 

Become a Member

Our meetings are free and open to the public. If you visit and like what you see, we’d love to have you join us! Current dues paying members are eligible to participate in our writing contest and enjoy other member perks. Annual dues are only $30 for each fiscal year. (September 1-August 31 of the following year). Download an application today!

Meeting Location

501 Fairhope Avenue, Fairhope, Alabama 36532

Meeting Times

10:00 AM 
Second Saturday of the Month

Contact us

Email: info@pensterswritinggroup.com