We had another great meeting, with two new members, which is always fun! We covered a lot of ground, and answered questions about AI (what a writer can use it for without getting into trouble), self-publishing, open mics, writing workshops, and more.
This online ‘summit’ has already started, but I think you can still join it if you want to. WorldShift the speculative fiction writers’ summit, can help you improve your current WIP. This FREE 4-day online summit (August 20–23) brings together 30+ bestselling authors, editors, and craft experts to give you the tools, support, and advice you need to write boldly and publish confidently.
If you’re within reach of Norwalk, Connecticut, you might enjoy performing or listening at the monthly open mic at Eco Evolution on Washington Street tomorrow, August 22, from 7-10pm. Join Libby Waterford and me, plus other writers, singers, musicians, and comedians, for an awesome evening of performances, readings, and creative community. $5 cover charge. ➡️ Sign up here if you’d like to read.
This Saturday, August 23, at 1-2pm ET, Jane Cleland, mystery author and writing teacher, is offering a FREE virtual webinar, Tell Your Story to Beat the Bots: A Writer’s Guide to Thriving and Surviving
in the Age of AI. It’s not too late to register! Sign up here. Jane will send you the access details for the workshop the day before the event and again on the morning of the 23rd. Reserving your seat is free, but you must sign up to receive the access details! If you have trouble signing up, contact Jon at jon@janecleland.com to ensure you get on the list.
Next week, join four fabulous faculty members from the Fairfield County Writers Studio faculty for four different 90-minute workshops on Zoom. All 25 bucks apiece. All designed to spark your creativity and give you a taste of what’s to come in September. The cost is $25 per workshop, and the teachers are donating their time to raise money for the FCWS scholarship fund. The teachers include Phaye Poliakoff-Chen on core practices for the novelist/cartoonist. (Monday, August 25 or Wednesday, August 27, from 7-8:30pm.) Jason Cicci will teach you how to begin creating a TV series (Tuesday, August 26, from 10-11:30am.) Victoria Sherrow will talk about what makes a great picture book and how to bring your idea to life on the page. (Friday, August 29, 10-11:30am.) Carol Dannhouser will tell you how to capture the right moments from a lifetime of memories for your memoir, using a series of connected prompts. (Monday, August 25, 12:30-2pm.)
Come by the Westport Writers Workshop on September 2, from 6:30-8pm, for their Fall Open House for writers. Meet WWW Instructors, say hello to other students, and find out more about what their classes are all about. The Open House is free, but they’d like you to register so they know to expect you. Register here.
By the way, Westport Writer’s Workshop has lots of exciting programming this fall, from fundraisers to special author events. Check out special events here.
Thanks to member Alison McBain, of the Poets Salon, for these suggested events for poets.
August 22 (this Friday) at 6-8pm – Live @ the Factory: Poetry Night with Luisa Caycedo-Kimura and Michael “Chief” Peterson, followed by a poetry open mic. Located at Ball & Socket Arts, in Cheshire, CT. Free to attend; bring lawn chairs and a picnic.
On the first Saturday of each month, the People and Their Poems podcast, along with Orenaug Mountain Publishing, host an online poetry roundtable. They feature one or two poets who read three or four poems, and other poets who attend have a chance to share a poem. This is a supportive environment where creativity and kindness merge to encourage participants. Email orenaugmountainpublishing.org for the Zoom link to participate in the September 6 at 2pm ET roundtable. Check out previous readings on YouTube.
On September 10 at 7pm Real Art Ways presents Sean Thomas Dougherty reading from his work. He’s the winner of the Paterson Poetry Prize and the Housatonic Book Award. Open mic for the first 10 poets who sign up. Food and drink available to purchase. Real Art Ways is in Hartford, CT. Free to attend. Registration required.
On September 11 from 12-4pm, the American Mural Project in Winsted, CT, presents Stories of Our Working Lives: A Poetry Workshop for Seniors, led by poets Elizabeth Thomas and Steve Straight. Write poetry inspired by your own work experiences. Working individually and in a group, you’ll explore personal stories through guided writing sessions. For ages 55+. $30 to attend.
I have a whole lot more information for you coming over the weekend. In the meantime – happy writing!
