Friends of the Chautauqua Writers’ Center
Friends of the Chautauqua Writers’ Center, formerly known as Chautauqua Literary Arts Friends (CLAF), is a volunteer network of writers and readers who work year-round in support of Chautauqua Literary Arts. During the nine-week summer program, the Friends provide support to the Chautauqua Writers’ Center, sponsor weekly opportunities for writers to present their work and meet other writers and readers, and organize contests and other special events.
Contact Information
Friends of Chautauqua Writers’ Center
friendsofthewriterscenter@gmail.com
2026 Weekly Events
Open Mic
Sundays, 5 p.m. • Alumni Hall Prose Room
People 18 and older are invited to share 3-5 minutes of their work or just listen to what is read.
Authors’ Hour Readings
Tuesdays, 12:15 p.m. • Alumni Hall Porch or Zoom
Selected Chautauqua authors will read from their work.
Informal Critiques
Wednesdays, 1:15 p.m. • Alumni Hall Second Floor Ballroom
Bring 10 copies of one page of your work to get feedback from a group facilitated by a published author (usually professional writer, John Brantingham).
2026 Special Events
Annual Writing Contests
Open to writers of all ages; prose and poetry, fiction and creative non-fiction welcome. Submission window June 27, 2026 through Aug. 2, 2026. The contest awards ceremony will be held in the Hall of Philosophy on Aug. 16 at 2:30 p.m. Further information and submission forms.
Authors Among Us Book Fair
Sunday, July 12 • 11:30 a.m.–2 p.m. • Bestor Plaza
Chautauqua authors will be presenting their work for sale. For more information and to apply to participate in the Book Fair, click here.
Contact Catherine D’Agostino at cathstino@gmail.com or 716-785-5961 for further information.
Annual Robert Pinsky Favorite Poem Project
Monday, Aug. 3 • 3:30 p.m. • Hall of Philosophy or Zoom
Selected Chautauquans will read their favorite poem and briefly explain why it means so much to them.
Submission deadline is 12 p.m. (Noon) of Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026.
For more information and to submit to the Favorite Poem Project, click here.
Membership Information
Annual membership is $20/person. Membership fees help provide housing scholarships for emerging writers.
Join ONLINE now or in person during the Summer Assembly on the second floor of the Literary Arts Center at Alumni Hall!
Chautauqua Authors’ Publication List
The Friends maintain a list of books published by Chautauqua authors.
If you are an author and would like to be included on the list, please email friendsofthewriterscenter@gmail.com with the following information:
- Name
- Type of writing
- Most recent book
- Other books
- Where the book(s) can be purchased, including links to any online vendors.