I wasn’t able to be at Wednesday’s get-together, but I understand members had lots of positive happenings to report, which is fantastic. Alex McNab hosted in my place, and did a great job, I’m told. Thanks, Alex.
A local storytelling outfit, 3 Birds Productions, will be hosting a storytelling evening at 7pm on July 24, at Harbor Harvest in Norwalk.This month’s theme is Independence, so head over there and share your story (or just listen). For more details check out their Facebook page
Members Alison McBain (The Rose Queen), Ed Ahern (The Witches’ Bane) and P.C. Keeler (Migon) will be launching their new books at the Fairfield University Bookstore on Saturday, July 28, from 1-3pm. Light refreshments will be served. Please go and support them – you know they’ll support you when it’s your turn!
On August 5, from 1-5pm, WestportWRITES, Mini-Conference: Paths To Publication takes you down the many ways of getting published. We’ll focus on some inspiring stories of debut authors and help generate some ideas in helping you along your path. The day will also include a pitch workshop. 
On August 9 at 7pm, NYT Book Review Editor Pamela Paul Discusses My Life With Bob With Sybil Steinberg at the Saugatuck Congregational Church. Bob, isn’t a person or a pet, it stands for Book of Books, a list of every book she’s read in the last 28 years. Sounds good to me. Check here for details.
The Writer’s Digest Annual Conference takes place August 10-12 in New York City, and offers everything you need to advance your writing career creatively and professionally. Writers of all backgrounds and experience levels can sharpen their skills, pitch their work to literary agents and find inspiration in the words of experienced mentors.
Member Sheryl Kayne will be teaching a class on how to apply for, and get, writers’ Residencies from 2-4:30pm on August 18 at the Fairfield County Writers’ Studio in Westport.
Poets, essayists and fiction writers my submit their work for the 2019 Dogwood Literary Awards at the link below, or learn more by visiting the “submit” button from the Dogwood home page. $1,000 will be awarded for the best poem, essay, and story entered into the contest, and all submissions are considered for publication. Entry fee is $10. Submissions close September 5th.
On September 27, at 7pm author Katharine Weber discusses Still Life With Monkey With Sybil Steinberg at the Saugatuck Congregational Church in Westport. It’s the story of a man who finds himself questioning his will to live and grappling with the right to die, and the monkey helper who just might save him. Details here.
Alex McNab recommends you check out the Kauai Writers Conference, coming November 5-11, with Jane Smiley at the top of the faculty list The conference lineup has some stellar writers, including Kristin Hannah, Scott Turow, Sara Gruen and more, as well as agents and publishers.
Authors Publish is a website with a regular newsletter that gives publishing advice and places looking for submissions. Signing up to the newsletter is free, and worth your while.
Here’s link for NSNC – National Society of Newspaper Columnists – who include bloggers. They run an annual contest, and member Kate Mayer won an award this year for her blog. Way to go!
Read650 is interested in short essays on specific topics to be read aloud, by the author, at staged readings throughout the year. The pieces can be original, or can be excerpted or adapted from your earlier work. Live event readings are professionally recorded, archived, and uploaded to their YouTube channel, and may be featured in podcasts, broadcasts, and anthologies. Submissions should be a maximum of 650 words, of course.
A new Meetup called Shut Up & Write!™ New Haven is just beginning to organize its meeting dates. They have Meetups around the country, and they claim to be a method of writing that delivers. As an international organization, they include thousands of writers but they write together weekly in a local cafe. For more details, check their Meetup page.
FOR POETS:
IN addition to writing novels, Alison McBain and Ed Ahern run a Meetup for Poets on the second Saturday of the month at the Fairfield Public Library from 10-noon. If you’re interested in poetry, and would like a chance to get some friendly feedback on your poems, join the group.
And here are some other ongoing poetry workshops:
The Writer’s Group – meets on the 1st and 2nd Saturday of every month from 2-4pm in Bridgeport. I’m told they have a great atmosphere – prompted writing – creation and supportive sharing of free writes while surrounded by beautiful artwork.
And there’s the Wilton Chapter of the CT Poetry Society which meets at the Wilton Library, 137 monthly, generally the third Saturday, except in August. They run a structured workshop. Participants are expected to be members of (or to join) the Connecticut Poetry Society. Please RSVP to poultney@optonline.net.
And in the meantime, enjoy the summer and write on!
Awards
