Thrive & Connect With Writers

We understand that beyond having time and space to work, so many writers are derailed by a lack of solidarity. A community that advocates (and, on a more basic but crucial level, understands) creativity—how it happens, what it requires, who seeks to cultivate it more as calling than hobby—is essential. Each individual must ascertain and walk their unique path, but what all writers share is the need for support, in all its forms, and reassurance they’re not alone.

The practical goal of this consortium is providing an authentic space enabling writers to thrive and connect. The longer-term mission is initiating a micro community via the residencies/retreats/workshops, as well as a macro community wherein, via social media, a vibrant website, and regular events, artists can connect, network, and above all, nurture one another. In addition, the Moveable Feast will be a sponsored venue that curates readings, author talks, and other artistic events. We will encourage and, where possible, partner with local businesses to promote the appreciation of fine food, drink, entertainment and culture.

The core market for Moveable Feast is the type of person who appreciates the arts and is interested in the sort of community commonly found only in academia or online book clubs. 1455 will be both refuge and incubator for personal creation, collaboration and kinship; alumni will return and this growing alliance will become an inexorable network, which will help drive enthusiasm and revenue, as well as preserve an entirely positive kinship that would otherwise be unobtainable.

Each partner in this consortium brings substantial experience leading workshops, understanding (and existing within) the broader literary industry, and their own networks of writers, readers, agents, editors, etc. More, the various organizations have all specialized in creating and sustaining communities via their existing programs.

The potential for growth via synergy with other organizations and locales is virtually endless. Established centers in need of bodies/revenue will benefit from the community, resources, and organization (plus credibility) the Moveable Feast consortium brings; in return, we will have additional venues to utilize, ensuring that this endeavor is as inclusive and diverse as possible, while serving as many writers as we
are able.

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Sean Murphy

Founder & Executive Director, 1455

In addition to growing his non-profit from idea to executing dozens of free programs, including Movable Type, a bi-monthly publication, a monthly Author Series, and annual Summer Festival that reaches a global audience, Sean previously served as writer-in-residence at the Noepe Center at Martha’s Vineyard, where he helped manage the writer residencies and design programming.

Jeanne McCulloch

Co-Founder, Todos Santos Writers Workshop

An editor at The Paris Review, Tin House, writer in the Features department at Vogue magazine, Jeanne McCulloch’s work has appeared in Vogue, Tin House, Elle, Allure, O Magazine, and The New York Times Book Review, among other publications. Her interviews with writers have appeared in the legendary Writers at Work series at The Paris Review, and in Tin House.  She is the founding Editorial Director of Tin House Books. McCulloch has taught fiction and non-fiction at The New School for Social Research and at numerous summer writers conferences.  Her recent memoir, All Happy Families, is published by Harper Collins.

Justen Ahren

Founder, Noepe Center

Justen Ahren is the founder of the Noepe Center at Martha’s Vineyard and served as its Executive Director for more than a decade, establishing it as one of the most popular and beloved writing retreats in the country. 

Justen Ahren is a poet, photographer, musician and writing workshop facilitator.  He’s published two collections of poetry, A Strange Catechism (2013) and A Machine for Remembering (2019). His poems have been set to music by Grammy award-winning Composer Glen Roven, and Cuban composer Ileana Perez Valezquez. His photographs are held in private collections and have been exhibited in both solo and group shows. He’s received two commissions for poetry from Wendy Taucher Dance Theater Opera, and one from John Sims’ Afro Dixie Project. His album, The War For The Valley is available on here and on iTunes.

Karen Karbo

Founder, Karbohemia

Bienvenue! I’m not saying that to be fancy, I’m saying it because while I’m from the West Coast, I’m now an expat living in the south of France. I’m here partially for the sea and the light, and mostly because life is too short not to go for your dreams and a good glass of rosé. So cheers! And welcome to Karbohemia, land of books, retreats, writing classes, and more than a few blogs featuring baguettes. I’m an award-winning author, friendly skeptic, Great Pyrenees lover and have a new book coming out with a lot of cursing in it. I do what I like, and I like what feels good.