Thomas Memorial Library

Tuesday, March 26
6:15 pm – 8:15 pm

Our songwriting workshop meets on the 4th Tuesday of each month through the end of the year. Whether you are a new writer, experienced writer, or want-to-be-a-writer writer, we hope you’ll join us each month to bring in your work and get expert advice from award-winning songwriter, Jud Caswell.

This month our theme is: Pick a musician you love, and try to craft something in that style. Participation in this theme is optional!

Jud starts each session with a short discussion of a specific element of songwriting craft, then moves to sharing songs. Jud’s feedback is focused on questions or concerns raised by the songwriter, with group discussion focused on issues of craft and technique.

Participants should bring a song that is “in process” for feedback and support, along with 10 copies of lyrics to share. Many in our group play the guitar as well as sing, but you are more than welcome to just sing what you’ve written, or sing to a recording you’ve made at home. 

We’ll have a sign-up sheet when you get here and will have time each night to share 6 or 7 songs. Come a little early if you want to make sure to get on the list!

The goal of the workshop is to provide a safe place for songwriters to share and learn. Songwriters of all levels and abilities are welcome! 

Here’s a bit about Jud Caswell
Maine-based writer Jud Caswell has played folk festivals from Texas to Oregon and won some of the best songwriting contests in the country.  He has appeared at iconic venues and at celebrated festivals across the country. While his music is often compared to James Taylor and David Wilcox, his songs draw on a long musical history and wide-ranging influences from jazz and Piedmont blues to contemporary folk and rock.  Wilcox offers his own praise, acclaiming Caswell as “much more than a great singer and guitar player, Jud’s songs take you into the storyteller’s world with clear images and characters that come to life for the listener.” Maine Today is even more emphatic: “Jud Caswell is an enormously talented lyricist, composer, performer, and producer. It’s only a matter of time before he’s discovered by the rest of the world; you should discover him now.” Jud has a degree in music from Dartmouth College and has taught songwriting to students of all ages and ability levels. 

Thursday, March 28
6:30 pm – 8:00 pm

Independent writers now have a whole new way of producing and marketing their books. Recent innovations and rapidly changing technology in printing have created a boom in independent publishing. This talk will outline publishing options, both traditional and nontraditional, including what is offered locally. Attendees will get a brief introduction into successful book marketing techniques, find out how to get the assistance they need, and learn about the many organizations that work with Maine authors.

About our presenter
Jenn Dean lives in Maine and works as a publishing coordinator for Maine Authors Publishing (MAP) in Thomaston. She has more than 25 years of experience as a freelance writer and is excited about helping people see their own work in print.  

Saturday, March 30
2:30 pm – 4:00 pm

Local artist and writer Jennifer Lawson joins us on March 30th at 1:00 to talk about her new book, “Walking the Camino de Santiago Trail.” Then at 2:30, Jennifer will host a watercolor workshop.

If you’d like to join us, please click here and scroll down to register. Registration is limited to 20. If you sign up and can’t make it, please let us know so we can give your slot to someone else. You don’t need to bring a thing to this class; the library is providing all materials. No prior experience is necessary!