EAST LANSING, Mich. - A new initiative that uses the Internet to strengthen the already thriving community of Michigan writers is being launched by Michigan State University.

Using the Internet's diverse spaces for interactive and collaborative learning, the Michigan Writers' Network will act as a wide-ranging and community-building resource for public educators and writers across the state.

A wide range of multimedia resources for writers and teachers of creative writing and literature is currently being developed through the Michigan Writers' Network. The network provides a space where people can share ideas, discuss the craft of writing, and learn about the interests and current work of other authors, with the primary goal of promoting awareness of an interest in creative writing in Michigan schools.

The initiative is funded by a grant from the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, and sponsored by MSU's MATRIX: The Center for Humane Arts, Letters and Social Sciences Online.

"It is our overall goal that this is a truly communal venture, and that the project is shaped by the Michigan writing community itself," said Mark Kornbluh, director of MATRIX.

"The Michigan Writers' Network will be an invaluable resource for students, teachers, writers, and anyone interested in knowing what's going on with and in the Michigan community of writers," said Anita Skeen, professor of English and academic consultant for the project. "Through the magic of computer technology, you can click yourself into the middle of a poetry reading, listen to a writer being interviewed, or look up a challenging writing assignment."

The Michigan Writers Network site has a wide variety of interactive features including listserv discussions that cover the genres of playwrighting, screenplay writing, poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, journalism, and children's literature. The "featured writer" section of the site highlights prominent Michigan authors, providing audiovisual presentations of poetry readings and original interview footage.

Additional features in development include a comprehensive calendar of events including activities such as readings, workshops, awards, and competitions. The network also will be a resource page for writers of all levels providing pedagogical tools such as prompts, writing exercises, and suggestions for technique.

According to those involved in developing the project, the most important goal of the initiative is to establish a concrete network that uses and shapes the site. "We are currently working to publicize the features of the network to the broader writing community," said Joy Palmer, project coordinator. "Thomas Lynch graciously agreed to be the inaugural 'Featured Writer' for the site, and now we have some excellent original material to show writers and educators in the state."

For more information, visit www.michigan-writers.org