Seventeen of us showed up for the February meeting yesterday, and we covered a lot of ground. Read on to find out about events for writers, a number of them free. So let’s get going!
The APSS (Association of Publishers for Special Sales) is offering a free webinar this Saturday, February 18, from 10:30–11:30am ET, on the topic of the Realities of Book Marketing for Authors. The program is sponsored by Jim Alkon the Editorial Director of BookTrib, a Meryl Moss Media company that helps get books in front of readers with a variety of unique, effective programs. He is planning to share some strategies, tools, and ideas that will increase awareness of you and your book(s) – realistic, affordable concepts that you can start using immediately. The link to attend the meeting is https://us02web.zoom.us/j/6762224705
The Pequot Library in Southport is holding its Midwinter Book Sale on February 18 and 19, from 9-5pm. Admission is free, and all books are priced at $2.00 or less. The proceeds support the library’s annual programs for adults and children. Categories this year include art, gardening, history, fiction, children’s books, mystery, spy novels, classics, cookbooks, biographies, science fiction, craft, and more. They’ll also be selling DVDs and CDs, in case you’re looking for films and programs not available online.
On February 24 at 2pm ET, writing/publishing guru Jane Friedman is offering a free webinar entitled Business Clinic: Working with a Book Publicist. Co-authors Alison Hammer and Bradeigh Godfrey have hired an outside publicist for their second novel, releasing from Penguin Random House. They’re wondering what authors can do in partnership with their publisher and publicist to help their books be successful. What’s smart to spend money and time on and what isn’t worth the effort? Register at the link above for the Zoom link.
The Gutsy Great Novelist Chapter One Prize is awarded for an outstanding first chapter of an unpublished novel. The prize is open internationally to anyone over 18 writing a novel in English in any genre for adult or YA readers. Deadline for submissions is March 1, at 5PM ET,and winners will be announced March 31. First prize $1,000; 2nd $500; and 3rd $250. $20 entry fee. Full details here.
Mary-Lou Weisman, bestselling author, personal essayist, and memoir writer, offers an eight-session Intermediate Memoir workshop at the Westport Library, beginning on March 2. The eight sessions will be Thursdays every other week, 12:30-2:30 pm in Room 210. Students need to have some experience in writing memoir and personal essay, so if you’re interested, you’ll need to email about 500 words of your memoir or personal essay writing to Jennifer Keller at jkeller@westportlibrary.org. Fee $15.
A onetime workshop entitled A Pen Can Heal is offered at the Fairfield Library on Wednesday, March 15 at 6:30pm. The goal is not to create a piece of literature but to release the tension of worrisome thoughts by transferring them from your mind to paper. No writing experience or special skills are necessary. Presented by Nancy Billington from Inspire Inc. More details and registration here.
The Westport Library will be holding its Pitch & Publish Conference again on May 20. You’ll learn about the publishing process, how to level up your writing, and pitch to agents. This year’s conference will feature a keynote speech from Courtney Maum, author of five books, including fiction, creative nonfiction, and the publishing guide Before And After the Book Deal. Interactive panel discussions with prominent literary agents, editors, instructors, and writers, including member Libby Waterford are included. For an additional fee of $250, they’re offering the chance to pitch your book in two one-on-one sessions with agents. If you have a book that’s ready to go (written, edited, and proofread), this might be a good investment for you. Early-bird tickets go on sale for $600 on March 2nd. $350 conference-only pricing includes all panels; does not include pitching to agents. Events will be recorded, and attendees will have access to watch and replay.
Storied-Stuff is an online magazine looking for true stories about cherished objects from childhood (or beyond) that you have kept or wish you still had. You can see some of the stories on their website. To submit your story, send a Microsoft-Word-compatible document of 250 to 400 words or so, accompanied by a photo of the object to editor@storied-stuff.com. Include a one-sentence bio at the end of your submission. More details at the links above.
Hopefully, this will keep you going over the weekend – more to come on Monday!
