Maine Writers & Publishers Alliance (MWPA) has just launched a new site designed to bring attention to Maine authors. It's called, plainly enough, Find Maine Writers. Here's the idea behind it:
Find Maine Writers is dedicated to profiling Maine’s many diverse and talented writers, publicizing their work and accomplishments, and connecting them with readers, editors, literary agents, publishers, and potential employers.
The design is beautifully minimalist, featuring an always changing grid of author photographs and book jackets. If you're not familiar with the state of Maine's many talented writers, it's an ideal place to start. I am proud to be included in the launch.
Disclaimer: Back in the early 1990s I was the executive director of MWPA. It was a different era: self-publishing was just taking off, independent bookstores were in a struggle with the big-box chains, and Amazon wasn't yet a glimmer in Jeff Bezos's eye. The organization is now closing in on its 40th anniversary, and it makes me incredibly happy to see it evolving to suit the needs of twenty-first century writers, publishers, and readers. The alliance seems more vibrant to me than ever.