OUR MISSION

To engage, nurture, and connect seasoned and aspiring writers in Carteret County through a variety of high-quality workshops and events.

OUR VISION

A diverse community of Crystal Coast writers supporting one another as we explore all the possibilities of the written word together in social events, workshops, conferences, and small critique groups.

OUR MEMBERS

Carteret Writers pen and publish fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry collections to name a few of our literary pursuits. Over the years, our membership has grown to include emerging writers in just about every genre – from memoirs to middle school stories – as well as award-winning authors and poets. Our community-wide open mic events and workshops have given teen satirists and nonagenarian essayists opportunities to cross-pollinate, while smaller genre and critique groups have created space for cozier conversations in local libraries, coffee shops, and members’ homes.

Emerald Isle Lighthouse circa 1985

WE’VE BEEN HERE SINCE 1983

WE’VE BEEN HERE SINCE 1983

Carteret Writers is celebrating forty years of building community among Eastern North Carolina writers and readers. During that time, you’ve put in a lot of miles to attend open mic readings and to connect with fellow storytellers, poets, and literature lovers. You’ve learned to make Zoom work for critique groups when in-person wasn’t possible. When the days seemed darkest, you continued to encourage one another to pursue your writing goals. Through it all, you’ve generously shared your experience, enthusiasm, and expertise to help other writers grow.

Thank you, members, for making us possible.

Not a member yet? What are you waiting for? Come on in. The water’s fine.

For $30 annually, you can be part of our community, which means you’ll get a discounted rate on our Quadrennial Conference, among other perks.

OUR CURRENT BOARD

Melissa Kelley
Melissa KelleyPresident
A graduate of the United States Naval Academy with twenty years in the Marine Corps as a Naval Flight Officer, Melissa has experience as an instructor and an editor. Since retiring from the Marines and settling in North Carolina, she has become engaged in local volunteer work to actively support community building in Carteret County.
Emily Carter
Emily CarterVice President
Lifelong North Carolinian Emily Carter has contributed work to numerous small presses and competitions. She writes creative non-fiction, prose poetry, and country songs. She is an enthusiastic advocate of building community among writers.
Autumn Ware
Autumn WareSecretary
Prior to founding Aware Copywriting Services in 2013 and building a career as a marketing copywriter and editor, Autumn Ware was an award-winning English teacher. She remains an avid proponent of writing as a creative outlet and a professional path among people of all ages.

OUR PAST PRESIDENTS

A BRIEF HISTORY OF CARTERET WRITERS

CARTERET WRITERS QUADRENNIAL CONFERENCE COUNTDOWN