Valley Society is a writing and social group for Black writers in the Pioneer Valley. We hold private monthly meetings to discuss upcoming opportunities, current projects and to offer each other support. Valley Society is supported through the blessings and generosity of Straw Dogs Writers Guild.
Valley Society is named after Café Society, the Greenwich Village nightclub where Billie Holiday first sang Strange Fruit.
The Pioneer Valley is a portion of the Connecticut River Valley in Massachusetts, comprised of the Hampden, Hampshire and Franklin counties.
Membership to Valley Society is open to any black writer who lives, works or was raised in the Pioneer Valley for $50 per annum.
mission
- Provide a safe place for Black writers to hone their craft.
- Collaborate on writing about the Black experience in the Valley.
Writing
Valley Society’s Black writing group meets monthly as part of our Field Day series—an intentional rhythm of walking, sharing food, and writing in community.
Each Field Day follows this structure:
- Morning Hike – A gentle, reflective walk that opens the senses.
- Brunch – A shared meal to refuel and connect.
- Writing Group – An in-person writing session using the Amherst Writers & Artists method.
These gatherings are open to all Black writers in the Valley, from new voices to published authors. Field Days create space for quiet, for craft, and for presence with the land and each other.
Schedule: Sundays, once per month
Time: Hike begins in the morning, with brunch and writing session continuing into early afternoon
Contact
If you are a writer interested in attending Valley Society meetings include your name, email and a description of your writing and we will get back to you.