Join the Straw Dog Writers Guild to celebrate their 15th anniversary with a lively panel discussion featuring Guild co-founders and members. Highlighted are readings by novelist Michael Jerome Plunkett and poet Julia Thacker, both alumni of the Edith Wharton & Straw Dog Emerging Writers Residency, which is celebrating its fifth anniversary.

In September, Plunkett’s debut novel Zone Rouge (2025) is being published by Unnamed Press. It is the story of a team cleaning up the artillery and explosives used in World War I who make a startling discovery in Verdun, France. Julia Thacker will read from To Wildness (The Waywiser Press, 2025), winner of the 19th annual Anthony Hecht Poetry Prize.

This event is FREE and open to the public!
Seating is limited, registration is recommended:

Interested in becoming a Mount Member? Join today.

• This program takes place on The Mount’s Terrace under an open-air shade tent. Please be mindful of the weather and plan accordingly!
• A book signing will follow the reading. Books can be purchased on site or in advance from The Mount Bookstore.
• Please park in the Upper Lot. We recommend arriving 15 minutes early to allow time to enjoy the quarter-mile walk down the driveway to the Main House. Golf carts run throughout the day if you require assistance to the event location.
• The Terrace Cafe bar will be open 4:00 – 5:30 pm.
• In the event of extreme weather — excessive heat or severe thunderstorms — this program may be moved indoors to The Mount’s Stable Auditorium. All ticketholders will be notified via email of a venue change at 2:00 pm the day of the program.
• Seating for all programs at The Mount is first come, first served. If you have seating preferences, we recommend arriving fifteen minutes early.
• Accessible seating is available! Please phone us in advance to discuss arrangements: 413-551-5111; ext. #2

Questions? Email: programs@edithwharton.org