First – congratulations to the members of the Writers Rendezvous and WritersMic who placed in the Connecticut Press Club Awards. First place winners move forward to the national awards (NFPW). Winning members include: Lisa Bernard, Wayne Lysobey, Laurie Neukirk, Mitzy Sky, Libby Waterford, Marty Kivell, and Aline Weiller. Several more friends from the CTRWA (Connecticut Romance Writers Association won prizes for their novels. I’m happy to say I won first place for my most recent novel (A Field Guide to Library Ghosts, and a couple of other awards for shorter work. You can find a full listing here.

And now on to upcoming events. I always like to start with an open mic or two. Here’s one coming up tomorrow, April 16 at 7:15pm, with signups beginning at 6:30pm. It’s at the Factory Underground in Norwalk, CT, and includes some musicians too. Plus they ask for donations to the local shelter.

If you enjoy poetry, check out this list of poetry readings and open mics, from The Poets Salon, a monthly Zoom meetup for poets.

Here are a couple of book signing events that include members on April 18. I’ll be signing books at the Barnes and Noble in Danbury Mall from 12-2, followed by member Bette Bono from 2-4pm. Katherine Williams will be signing books at the Southbury B&N from 1-3.

And CT Book Festivals is organizing a two-day pop-up bookstore on April 18 -19 at the Westbrook Mall, CT, from 11-4 both days. Many Connecticut authors are participating, so stop by and say hi.

Grande Dame Literary has a new magazine, Moth & Thistle, that aims to show its support for fellow women writers and raise money for women-focused causes. Currently, they’re looking for flash writing that conforms to these guidelines: Fiction/memoir/essay or poetry concerning a day that nature played a part in your life or your character’s life. 500 words or fewer, poetry no more than 52 lines. Please include a 50-word third-person bio. Deadline: April 18. Full submission details here.

The WritersMic for this group is happening the week after the Rendezvous, on April 21, from 7-8:45pm at the Westport Library and on Zoom. If you’re interested in reading and need the Zoom link, let me know.

Moving further afield, I’ll be at the Morrison House in Alexandria on April 25 from 1-4pm for the WFWA Book Fair. Come shop, browse, and get your books signed. Tickets are just $5 for timed-entry reservations, so grab yours on Eventbrite before they’re gone. These are beloved events in the DC community and spots fill up fast! Ticket proceeds benefit the Virginia Library Association. There will be no cash sales at the pop-up.

Here are a couple more fun events for authors and readers in Connecticut. CrimeCONN the acclaimed annual one-day mystery writers and readers conference at the Ferguson Library in Stamford, CT (a forty-five-minute train ride from Grand Central), is set for May 16 from 9-5pm. The day includes five author panels, a forensics presentation, and a writers’ workshop. Lunch is included and coffee will be served all day.  Discounts for seniors, students, and MWA members. MWA-NY is a longstanding and proud cosponsor of the event. Register here. $50 in-person $25 on Zoom

And the Town of Westport is hosting its second annual Westport Book Fair on May 30 from 10-2pm on Jesup Green. Last year’s event was great fun, and includes authors writing in many different genres, from children’s to feel-good fiction, to thrillers, nonfiction, and more.

Publishing is navigating a lot right now—AI is reshaping discovery, podcasts are rivaling traditional PR, and readers are building communities that are redefining how books are sold. The 2026 U.S. Book Show in New York City is where the industry comes to figure out what to do about it. Here’s a first look at what’s headed to New York City on June 2–3. More information here. Early Bird Registration through May 1, $159. May 2–June 1 $199  Register here.

WFWA (Womens Fiction Writers Association is holding a virtual weekend of learning, connection, and forward momentum for fiction writers everywhere on June 13-14. The Move Your Story Forward Conference runs on Zoom from 10-6pm ET each day. You’ll learn from industry professionals during 60- and 90-minute sessions led by industry experts. They’ll have specially reserved blocks for informal break-out room conversations, networking, and insightful discussion. And you’ll be able to pitch directly to agents! Check the link above fore the details, and Register here.

More to come on Monday…