New local literary site hopes to attracts writers and readers alike

Co-creators Melissa and Amanda Wray

​Lovers of local literature and frantic coffee shop writing take note: There's a new online resource in town. Hazel & Wren seeks to provide all sorts of services for book lovers, including writer's feedback, writing prompts, submission tips, and event listings, all with an unstuffy, decidedly playful tone.

Created by sisters Melissa and Amanda Wray, the site places emphasis on words and writing, but it also has an appealingly visual layout (the combo probably has a little something to do with Amanda being a photographer and graphic designer while Melissa is a poet and editor).

A quick stroll through the site reveals sections dedicated to literary reviews, which appear to be updated weekly; Three Things, visual musings of paintings, photography, and YouTube clips inspired by a literary theme or odd book find; and an event calendar listing lit-related happenings around town.

Perhaps the most interesting tool for writers, however, is the Open Mic. The first one is scheduled for April 13. Writers are encouraged to submit works-in-progress to be critiqued by community members over a 24-hour period.

Though the site is new and still growing, the current content is promising and the nice layout--which is often lacking on lit websites--is delightful. This is a site definitely worth keeping an eye on.

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