Literary Mama at Middlebury Bread Loaf Writers’ Conference

It doesn’t happen often that writer mamas get the time and space they need to fully immerse themselves in the craft of writing. Two Literary Mama staff members, D’Ann Drennan and Marie Goyette, recently attended Middlebury Breaf Loaf Writers’ Conference, which ran from Aug 13-23, 2025 in Ripton, Vermont.

Both of them came from the experience with a sense of relaxation and inspiration!

“I’ve been told that each Bread Loaf session has its own personality, and this year definitely had an unwavering vibe of inclusion and support. It was pretty astounding, really. Anyone sitting alone would be invited to join a nearby group. If someone announced their anxiety before one of the Blue Parlor readings or their voice shook during their piece, the crowd cheered that much louder for them. People celebrated each other,” Marie says.

D’Ann seconds that feeling of camaraderie and says, “I want to continue introducing myself to new people in my everyday life by asking, ‘What’s your genre?’ ‘Where are you from?’ What’s your writing project?’ and ‘What are you reading?’ I had the most amazing conversations based on these questions.”

This was Marie’s first year to attend the conference, which she says was a big investment of time, energy, and money, but it was so worth it. “The feel of my workshop was warm, generous, considerate—not to mention astonishingly insightful. From what I’ve heard, that was the norm this year. Also—I loved all the book talk and recommendations! My TBR pile is now several feet higher,” she says.

Bread Loaf is about more than just writing and talking shop. It is also about giving oneself permission as a writer to make space for thought, which can come from being still or in nature. “There are many best things about Bread Loaf. I’m a little ashamed to admit it, but the hiking and daily yoga were definitely at the top of my list,” D’Ann says.

If you are interested in learning more about this outstanding writers’ conference, you can find it here.