Manifesting Journey Writers from our thoughts, ideas and lives.
Founded in 2013, Journey Writers, Inc. is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization. We provide a safe, open and supportive environment for writers to share their work and receive constructive feedback and encouragement.
What we do
Journey Writers, Inc. produces several presentations and readings throughout the year. Members have the opportunity to include their works as part of these productions. At our monthly meetings, participants read their work (or ask other members to read) and are able to solicit input from other writers.
If you are a writer, and would like to improve your work. Or if you're not a writer, but would like to become one, there is room for you here.
Why we do it
Building community is more than a labor of love.
Listen to what some of our members think of the Journey Writers experience.
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Our Board of Directors
Denise Best
Liston N. Filyaw
Denise Best
Denise is a published writer who has performed in the Hartford area for nearly 40 years as a vocalist, actor, and dancer. She has performed with Sankofa Kuumba, the Performing Ensemble, the Les Shaw Trio, Nick Mathis, Emery Smith, Many Colors of a Woman and of course, Journey Writers.
Carla Dean
Liston N. Filyaw
Denise Best
Carla is retired from the financial services industry. She holds an MA in theater and an MBA in business. She is a gardener, potter and quilter. She currently serves as Journey Writers' President.
Regina S. Dyton
Liston N. Filyaw
Liston N. Filyaw
Regina is most proud of using writing to advance social justice. She is the creator of Queer Black History, Journey Writers annual tribute to her ancestors.
Liston N. Filyaw
Liston N. Filyaw
Liston N. Filyaw
Liston has been an active playright, actor, director and singer for more than thirty years. He received his BA from the University of CT, his MS from Eastern CT State University and his MA from the University of CT. He is one of the founding members of Journey Writers, Inc. and currently serves as Vice-President.
Beth Gibbs
Larry Roeming
Andre Keitt
After years of working for media, higher education and non-profit organizations, Beth is ‘free-tired’ and pursuing her passions of writing, teaching yoga, and leading workshops on personal growth and healthy aging. She uses her energy and sense of humor to inspire, inform, and entertain. She has published a children’s book, "Ogi Bogi,
After years of working for media, higher education and non-profit organizations, Beth is ‘free-tired’ and pursuing her passions of writing, teaching yoga, and leading workshops on personal growth and healthy aging. She uses her energy and sense of humor to inspire, inform, and entertain. She has published a children’s book, "Ogi Bogi, The Elephant Yogi," and a self-help book for adults, "Enlighten Up! Finding Clarity, Contentment and Resilience in a Complicated World." She blogs at bethgibbs.com
Andre Keitt
Larry Roeming
Andre Keitt
Andre has been an arts education specialist and storyteller for nearly thirty years. He has presented programs at schools, libraries and museums, as well as on radio and television. He holds a BA in English from South Carolina State University. He currently serves as Journey Writers' Acting Artistic Director.
Larry Roeming
Larry Roeming
Larry Roeming
Larry retired from CT Public Broadcasting in 2019 after serving as Audio Director for 34 years. During that time, he received seven Regional Emmy Awards. His interests include cooking, dining out and he is a great fan of craft beer. He currently serves as Journey Writers' Treasurer . . . and the group's de facto "tech guy."
Mary Young
Larry Roeming
Larry Roeming
Mary is dedicated to the value that service to the community is a responsibility. She is a graduate of BayPath University where she obtained her Master’s in Nonprofit Management and Philanthropy. She also a graduate of the University of Hartford where she majored in Data Management/Organizational Behavior. She brings 31 years of IT Corpor
Mary is dedicated to the value that service to the community is a responsibility. She is a graduate of BayPath University where she obtained her Master’s in Nonprofit Management and Philanthropy. She also a graduate of the University of Hartford where she majored in Data Management/Organizational Behavior. She brings 31 years of IT Corporate experience in management, training and programming in addition to 29 years of Nonprofit volunteer service in many roles.
Where you can join us
Journey Writers provide hybrid online/in-person meetings. Our in-person meetings take place at the offices of the Center for Leadership and Justice (CLJ) in Hartford.
When you can join us
Our meetings are held on the first and third
Saturday of each month, 3:00 to 6:00 pm Eastern Time in person and via Zoom.
Join us on the journey. Membership
How to become a member
Send us a note expressing your interest in becoming a member. You will receive information about our bi-monthly hybrid workshops. You are welcome to attend three workshops before we will invite you to become a member
Want to know more about our organization?
Our Journey Writers Member Handbook is available to view or download.
Do you like what we do?
"Our organization operates entirely through volunteer efforts. These funds will enable us to extend our reach further into our community; to continue to serve writers and those who would like to become writers; and to make our contributions, performances, and services available to a wider audience.”
Carla Dean, Journey Writers President
Our work is made possible thanks to our sponsors: