When she moved to Exeter two years ago, writer and teacher Sarah Anderson daydreamed about using the barn on her property as a place where writers could share their work. That daydream is now a reality as Anderson prepares to open The Word Barn, located at 66 Newfields Road. She is opening the space with the first installment of The Silo Series, featuring poetry and short fiction by local writers. The first event takes place on Friday, May 8; doors open at 6 p.m.
Anderson majored in English and creative writing at Skidmore College and has attended a number of writing conferences and workshops, including the Breadloaf Writers Conference and the Twin Farms Writers Workshop. The Word Barn combines her passions for teaching and writing, and is a place for local writers and readers to connect.
“I feel grateful to be immersed in the rich arts and writing scenes on the Seacoast,” she says.
Anderson says the Silo Series readings are a way to introduce people to the physical space and concept behind The Word Barn. The first reading features Mar DeCarteret, Jessica Purdy, Todd Hearon, S. Stephanie, Jim Rioux, Maggie Dietz, and Tim Horvath.
Anderson also plans to host workshops in poetry and short fiction, and, eventually, songwriting, novel writing, children’s book writing, and journalism. The space will also function as a tutoring center for youth and adults in English and writing.
“I like the idea of bringing together all that I love about writing and teaching and creating a welcoming space for that on my property in Exeter,” she says. — Larry Clow