Islanders Write

March 18, 2026

A dozen years ago Kate Feiffer started Islanders Write, right here on Martha’s Vineyard. The goal was to inspire and support fiction writers in the challenging experience of writing.

Over the years the program has expanded and encouraged many Islanders to pick up a pen and get to work. Mentors and agents have added to the resources and encouragement offered by Islanders Write. I encourage and whole-heartedly support the program.

A few years ago, I pitched my historical novel on Hannibal Hamlin, the Maine man who served as Abraham Lincoln’s first vice-president. Had the party not switched vice- presidents from Hamlin to Andrew Johnson, the era of Reconstruction would likely have been very different. That was my pitch, but because it was fiction and I was very busy with my books for The History Press, that manuscript sits untouched.

This past weekend was the second mid-winter Islanders Write program. I was invited to sit with 30 other published authors to promote my books on Saturday afternoon. There was a good crowd and a lot of conversation with people I knew and those I didn’t. I sold a few books and enjoyed the opportunity.

On Sunday morning I shared a few words about my experience in publishing my books. I told my story in brief, and offered suggestions and advice to the audience which grew over my time at the microphone. From my youthful editing of the Springdale News (1958 – 1965), to publishing Dogtown: A Village Lost in Time (1995), to Tommy’s Tour of the Vineyard (2005), I told how one project move along to another.

Since 2008 I have settled down with The History Press and now have 17 books in print, with two more out this year. It was a bit overwhelming but took place over 20 years or so, not exactly overnight.

The Islanders Write experience was enjoyable. I urge interested writers and prospective authors to check out Islanders Write, hosted by Kate Feiffer and supported by Featherstone Center for the Arts and the Martha’s Vineyard Times.

Well worth the effort.

Tom Dresser