We had several new members at yesterday’s meeting, which is always fun. And, as usual, we discussed topics ranging from whether to finish a novel before publishing it, to sensitivity readers, and where to submit your work.
Rendezvous members Libby Waterford and Better Bono and I will be meeting and greeting at the Lockwood Mansion’s Annual Flea Market on August 27. If you’re anywhere near Norwalk, CT, come and say hello. Also listed there is my appearance as the guest speaker at the Friends of the Fairfield Library‘s Annual Membership meeting on September 14. It’s open to everyone, and wine and nibbles will be provided. (So come for those if nothing else!) More details for these events and others on the Events Page.
NYC Midnight’s newest competition, the 500-word Fiction Challenge, kicks off on August 25 and will challenge writers worldwide to create short stories no longer than 500 words based on genre, action, and object assignments in 48 hours. Feedback from the judges is provided for every submission, writers keep all the rights to the stories they create, and there are thousands in cash prizes for the winners. Learn more and register here.
People often ask me about hybrid publishing and my publisher, Atmosphere Press. On Thursday, August 31 at 1pm ET, Atmosphere is offering a free online 30-minute webinar on how a hybrid press might work for you. Dr. Kyle McCord, award-winning author of seven books and Director of Acquisitions at Atmosphere Press will be happy to answer your questions. Even if you can’t attend the live event, register and they’ll send you a recording afterward.
Anansi Archive’s writing competitions run quarterly. The current deadline is August 31. Winners are published on the AA website and might be published in an anthology too. There are 3 categories: flash fiction: 500 words, £1 entry fee, £20 top prize, poetry: 500 words, £1 entry fee, £20 top prize and short fiction: 3,000 words, £3 entry fee, £50 top prize
Are you writing or thinking about writing a bestselling science fiction novel? If so, this may be for you. Editing software company ProWritingAid is offering a free one-week course from September 11–14. The online event features bestselling authors like Lauren Beukes (The Shining Girls) and Jordan Ifueko (Raybearer), as well as workshops on outlining, writing, and editing your science fiction book. And you’ll have a chance to network with other sci-fi writers Register here. Replays will be available for two weeks afterward for people who register.
Connecticut’s premier indie bookstore RJ Julia is running the second of their Local Author Series featuring authors of historical fiction on September 13, 2023 – 5:00pm EDT. The event takes place at their Middletown location. Register here.
AI has been on many writers’ minds recently, with specters of all books being written by AI, current novels plagiarized, etc. To answer some of these questions, Publisher’s Weekly is organizing a half-day online conference on the subject of AI and the way it’s affecting and will affect writers on September 27, from 1-4pm ET. Expert keynote speakers will share on this new phase of publishing and the practical uses of AI. Panel discussions will cover: AI and Editorial, AI and Marketing, AI and Production, Legal Concerns Surrounding AI and Publishing, and, A Vision of the Future of AI and Trade Book Publishing. $49. Register here.
Something Or Other Publishing (SOOP) provides a chance for aspiring authors to show off their work, compete for cash awards, and get their writings published in a range of anthologies like 25 Servings of SOOP, Women Write Now: Women In Trauma, and Midwest Road Trip Adventures, Their Annual Short Story Contest honors awards winning writers cash prizes (totaling over $5,000 this year). Submit here. (I couldn’t find a submissions deadline)
Curley’s Diner Weekly Poetry Group meets on Zoom every Tuesday night. All levels are welcome to read with their Open Mic format poetry group. Send an email to get on our email list. We send out a weekly reminder with Zoom info. The format is first come, first on the readers’ list, with critique, as requested by the poet. To register, and to get the Zoom link, contact Melissa Slattery at melissaslatteryct@gmail.com
Bloom Writers Studio in conjunction with the Westport Library runs free weekly write-ins for authors of all levels. Run by author and teacher Tessa McGovern, they take place every Wednesday at 6pm ET on Zoom. If you’re interested in attending, email Tessa at bloom-writers-studio@y.kajabimail.net for the link.
More to follow on Monday!
