I have more events for you today, some in person, some on Zoom, and some hybrid. Plus a writing contest, a list of writing podcasts, and more.

If you’re looking for help with crafting the blurb for the back of your book, Lainey Cameron, book marketing expert and author of a novel, The Exit Strategy, is offering a free webinar class with book blurb expert, Jessie Cunniffe of Book Blurb Magic. She’ll share the ‘secret’ formula behind bestselling book blurbs and teach you how to craft your own. The webinar takes place on May 9 at 8pm ET and if you choose to attend, you’ll also be subscribing to Jessie Cunniffe’s email list for book blurb tips and ideas. Register here.

Registration is Open for CrimeCONN, the event for mystery writers and readers, taking place on Saturday, June 8 from 8:30am to 4pm at the Ferguson Library in Stamford, CT. Highlights include keynote speaker and NYT bestselling author Megan Abbott, in conversation with Reed Farrel Coleman, who’ll also be leading a writing workshop, and panel discussions on historical fiction, true crime, cold cases, and more. CrimeCONN will be presented as a hybrid event so you can choose to attend in person or via Zoom webinar. Early bird registration to attend in person is $40 per person. (After May 8, $60 for general admission; $45 for MWA members, Friends members, seniors, and students.) Registration to attend the virtual event is $25. Registration and more CrimeCONN 2024 information here. Generously supported by the Friends of the Ferguson Library in Partnership with Mystery Writers of America – NY Chapter.

The Lichfield Institute is running a writing contest for short stories (5000-word maximum), essay (2000-word maximum)  and poetry (500-word maximum). Entries must be unpublished at the time of submission (self-publishing is ok). There are no formatting restrictions. All submissions are read blindly. Entrants retain all rights to their submissions. Deadline June 23. Entry fee for each submission is $15. It’s open to entrants from outside the United States, and the first prize is $10,000.

Bewildering Stories is another online journal that offers free feedback on your work, if they don’t accept it for publication. This is unusual and constitutes a free edit, which is why I recommend it so highly. Submission guidelines here.

Podcasts are a great way to learn, get inspired, and tap into the writing community. If you need a few suggestions, check out these podcast options.  Author Matt Knight has written the useful The Writer’s Legal GPS, an essential tool for writers, agents, editors, and publishers who want to understand the legal risks and rights associated with publishing. He’s also a lawyer with an occasional blog on legal topics for writers, and in this case, suggestions of book/writing-related podcasts. Check it out here.

I’m ready for summer, and what could be more summery than literary events in beautiful surroundings? Beginning on July 1, the Keeler Tavern in Ridgefield is hosting a series of readings by award-winning contemporary poets in their lovely garden. The program runs weekly through July 29 and includes poets Sophie Cabot Black, Patricia Spears Jones, Jared Harel, Emily Hockaday, Tina Cane, Cynthia Manick, Marie Howe, Oliver de la Paz, and Nathan McClain. All readings are free and begin at 7:00 p.m. Bring a lawn chair or blanket; picnic dinners welcome. In the event of rain or a heat emergency, readings move inside the Garden House.

Speaking of poetry, Authors Publish has compiled a list of 45 Literary Journals accepting poetry. These literary magazines publish poetry of various kinds. Many of them also accept other genres, like fiction and nonfiction. Some journals pay writers, and a few of the calls are themed. Many, but not all, of them are open for submissions now.

We discussed software for screenwriters, and member Jill Amadio shared that she uses and recommends Final Draft. You can get a 30-day free trial here.

If you’re looking for character or setting illustrations to use on social media, or to produce book covers, member Elizabeth Chatsworth recommends Raisa Kochmaruk. Take a look at her portfolio here.

Happy writing