Welcome to Part 2 of the August updates. Today we have some writing workshops, some contests, a Facebook group you can join, and a host of other resources for writers. I’ve sorted them into categories to help you find your way around.

WRITING WORKSHOPS

On September 4 at 7 pm the Fairfield County Writers Studio will launch their Procedurals series! The first in the series, Ask the Detective, will feature a Q&A with Fairfield Police Detective Jason Takacs and mystery and thriller writer and FCWS teacher Tessa Wegert to help unravel the secrets of criminal investigations. The workshop is co-sponsored by the Connecticut chapter of Sisters in Crime and is open to the public. Tickets cost $20 Register here. Proceeds benefit the Studio’s crime and thriller writers’ scholarship fund. More classes here.

Do you have an idea for a memoir but are unsure where to start? Have you stopped writing a memoir and need advice to return to it? On September 13 at noon at the Norwalk CT, Library, Ann Lineberger’s workshop So…You Want to Write a Memoir will cover the essential elements of a memoir, the importance of outlines and structure, suggested writing techniques to convey your memories compellingly. Popular memoirs that range from comedic to serious will be discussed as examples. Advice will be provided in class for those who want to share their ideas.

Is this the year you write a novel in 30 days? If writing a 50,000 word novel in 30 days sounds like torture, come learn about why doing NaNoWriMo can be liberating and can help you evolve your writing process. This popular class, to be held on October 19, 10am-12pm ET in-person or on Zoom at the Westport Writers Workshop will help you plan out your month so you have the best chance to meet your word-count goal. Teacher and contemporary romance author Libby Waterford has participated in National Novel Writing Month every year since 2008 and has completed the challenge eight times, most recently in 2023. Register at NaNoWriMo Prep at Westport Writers’ Workshop.

WRITING CONTESTS

Ink of Ages Fiction Prize is open for submissions until September 15. Entries must be historical or mythology-inspired. 2,000 words max for adults (18+) and 1,000 words max for young writers (13-17 years old). Free to enter. Top prize is $320 worth of books and merchandising provided by Oxford University Press and World History Encyclopedia. Winners will be published on World History Encyclopedia, a publication with over eight million monthly readers.

Stringybark’s Times Past Short Story Award 2024 is open for entries until September 29. They ask for historical fiction that is based on real events. 1,500 words max. $15 entry fee. Top prize is $350 with generous prizes for runners up. Winners are published in an anthology.

Not Quite Write’s Prize for Flash Fiction is a quarterly competition that commences on the third Friday of the month in January, April, July and October. The remaining submission dates for 2024 are 18-20 October. The NQW prize challenges writers to create an original piece of flash fiction based on two typical writing prompts plus one “anti-prompt”. The anti-prompt is a challenge to break a specific “rule” of writing while telling a great story. 500 words max. $25 entry fee. $1,000 top prize. The winner is published online and via the Not Quite Write Podcast.

Chris Fielden lists hundreds of other writing competitions and publishing opportunities on his website. You can find them all here.

MISCELLANY
Book Award Pro provides a curated way to assess book awards and ways to get reviews you might want to submit to. Every month you get a list of relevant award opportunities that suit your book. You can start for free.

The Authors of the Flash Fiction Writing Challenges is an active Facebook group that offers monthly writing challenges. It’s open to anyone, so if you’d like to join and get involved, please do.

Author Nicholas Erik has published a list of book promo sites that he uses to promote his books, along with helpful comments about their effectiveness in his own marketing efforts. Take a look at it here.

And here’s a comprehensive list of book marketing resources from book marketing guru Jane Friedman that takes you through the various stages from your cover design to advertising.

Jane also provided this link to Book Radio: listen to public domain classics. This easy-to-use, minimalist website allows you to search for free audiobooks by duration, genre, and language. It offers more than 20,000 audiobooks narrated by humans. Browse.

And here’s something else from Jane. More public domain fun: browse old imagery, which is fascinating and useful for newsletters, websites, etc. Inspiring and beautiful. Search by keyword.

Hope you find something useful here. Until next month – keep writing!