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Unparalleled for its rigor, thoroughness, and integrity, Colrain is the original, one-of-a-kind manuscript conference.  Faculty includes nationally-renowned poet-editors and publishers. Work with the best for the best results!
Our unique, realistic method of manuscript evaluation sets poets with a manuscript-in-progress on a path toward publication. Poets also get a look into the publication world and make important contacts with leading editors, teachers, and publishers.

Participants Speak

"Thank you for everything; what a wonderfully provocative weekend! I have attended many many conferences and workshops while lurking through the swamps of arranging a manuscript, and the revelations of the time at Colrain were the most concrete realizations I have had in the past few years of this work. Thank you for providing the structure and guidance to allow epiphany."
—M. Hasemann, NY

Workshop with Joan Houlihan
Online via Zoom

Thursdays or Fridays

NOTE: This workshop is filled through November. Email to query about waiting list: conferences@colrainpoetry.com

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Though many of the poets in this workshop are working at an advanced level and have publications (books and/or journals), this workshop is for any poet wishing to re-envision, deepen and find the best expression of their work, perhaps with the goal of a manuscript in mind.

$250. Limited to 9 participants.  Apply here.

Colrain founder Joan Houlihan is the author of five books of poetry, most recently Shadow-feast, named a “must-read” book of 2018 by the Massachusetts Center for the Book. She has taught at Columbia University, Emerson College and Smith College and currently serves on the faculty of Lesley University’s Low-Residency MFA in Creative Writing Program in Cambridge, Massachusetts. She is also Professor of Practice in Poetry at Clark University in Worcester, Massachusetts.

The Colrain Intensive
Online via Zoom

January 15 – 18, 2021 

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Learn More | Apply Now

 
A select group of poets will  work closely with poet and conference founder Joan Houlihan (Colrain Founder & Director), and poet-editor  Peter Covino (Barrow Street Press).

For Colrain alums or poets with finalist or semi-finalist standing or with previous book publication.

The Colrain Classic
Online via Zoom

April 16 – April 19, 2021

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Learn More | Apply Now

 

A select group of poets will work with conference founder Joan Houlihan, (Lesley University Low-Residency MFA Program), Gabriel Fried (Persea Books), Rusty Morrison (Omnidawn) and Ellen Watson (Smith College).

All poets with an in-progress or complete book-length or chapbook-length manuscript are welcome to apply.