We were a select group at today’s meeting, but we covered a lot of subjects ranging from copyright to army libraries. The season for writing events is underway and there are plenty to choose from. Keep reading to find out more.
Author and writing teacher Tessa Smith McGovern, is offering a 12-week virtual writing MFA to students who don’t have time to pursue a regular MFA, beginning April 19. This is an accelerated program designed to help writers make radical progress with their writing so if you’d like intensive, small-group coaching. More information and registration here. If you have any questions about how this mentoring cohort program might work for you, please feel free to set up a call with Tessa, or email her with any questions.
Meetup, the organization that hosts the listings for our writing groups and many others, is offering a free virtual Introduction to ChatGPT on Thursday, April 20, at 3pm ET. You don’t have to be a techie to use ChatGPT to your advantage. As writers, I think it’s a good idea to at least learn what it can or can’t do for you. You’ll learn how you can use ChatGPT to write and brainstorm new ideas and will have a chance to ask questions. RSVP here.
April 23 at 4pm ET sees the launch of my debut novel, A Beginner’s Guide to Starting Over, now available for preorder online or from your local bookstore. I’ll be at Byrds Books in Bethel to talk about the books and sign copies. The launch will be live-streamed on Zoom and if you can’t get there in person, you can order personalized signed copies from Byrds Books. Register here for the event and/or order signed copies here. There’s a drawing for a British gift basket for people who can get there in person, and I’m working on something for people who attend on Zoom.
Westport Writers’ Workshop is hosting their annual fundraiser, More Than Words: Celebrating Outreach to Unheard Writers, on Friday, April 28 from 6-9pm at Wakeman Farm in Westport. Funds raised will support WWW’s continued Outreach Program, including workshops for underserved populations. Tickets are $135 per person and available here: The evening will feature light dinner fare, music by guitarist Henry Rose, a door prize gift basket, and a silent auction with sought-after items and experiences from local vendors and individuals.
On April 29, independent bookstores across the country – including all 16 stores on the CT Book Trail – will be celebrating the 10th anniversary of Independent Bookstores Day! The Connecticut Bookstore Passport Program is happening April 29-30, where participants who visit the most indie bookstores over the weekend are eligible to win over $4,500 in prizes. Even those who only manage five win something! Last year several determined people got to all 16 stores! No purchase necessary. Download a passport here, or pick it up in the collectible booklet form at your first store.
On Thursday, May 4 at 1pm ET, my publisher, Atmosphere Press is offering a special free 30-minute webinar on hybrid publishing, led by the award-winning author and Director of Acquisitions at Atmosphere Press, Dr. Kyle McCord. You’ll learn from his experience taking a manuscript through editorial and design and into the world, and you’ll be able to ask him questions about his experience and the author journey. If you can’t attend the live event, register and they’ll send you a recording afterward.
On May 6, from 10-3pm the town of Branford, CT, (not to be confused with my fictional town, Brentford, CT!) is holding its first book fair, featuring 45 Connecticut authors. They’ll be poised outside the shops on Main Street, ready to say hello, talk about books and sign them for you, if you like. From 3-5pm, they’ll be at the Blackstone library in town.
I hope this keeps you going until Monday, because there’s plenty more to come!
