January 2017 | Nate Pedersen

You Can Write in Mark Twain's Library

House_of_Mark_Twain.jpgAre you a writer in need of inspiration?  Looking for a quiet place to commune with the ghost of a literary giant? Or just need a break from the kids?


The Mark Twain House & Museum in Hartford, Connecticut, is debuting a new program tonight where you can sign up to spend three uninterrupted hours writing inside Mark Twain's library. You, along with a handful of other writers, will have the library to yourself, outside of regular visiting hours, to drum up your inspiration. 


Twain lived in the lavish Victorian mansion between 1874 and 1903, where he used the library to entertain guests, hold family poetry recitals, and read out loud excerpts from his works. Twain's actual writing, however, was conducted in his favorite place: the billiards room. There, Twain would spread out his manuscripts on the large billiards table while composing such classics as "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" and "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn."


Writing in Mark Twain's library for three hours costs $50, but includes the perk of being able to tour the house on your own, after hours.


The idea of writing in Twain's library has quickly found an enthusiastic audience.  At the time of writing this blog post, the program has already sold out through October, 2017.  Keep your eye on this page, however, in case more slots open up.


[Image from Wikipedia]