Our meeting yesterday sparked a lot of conversation, and notifications of upcoming open mic events, among other things going on locally.

I had problems with my computer over the last couple of days, after a website update, so I’ve deleted some of the events that are now out of date, including one happening today at a venue closed by the blizzard…

The day after, February 22 at 3pm Arts Center East in Vernon, CT is hosting  Poetry Rocks Celebrates Black History Month. The event will feature Windsor, CT, Poet Laureate Versatile Poetiq and Kashawn Taylor. They’ll also be introducing the new Vernon Poet Laureate, Maleena Stans. The event includes an open mic & refreshments. Suggested donation $5.

Starting February 22, the Westport Writers Workshop is running a series of one-day workshops on a range of topics, including Scenes that Count: the tentpoles of your novel (February 22), Writing the Prose Poem, (February 28), Hook An Agent With Your Query Letter (March 7), Self-Publishing Essentials: Launching Your Own Book (March 7), How to Prepare Your Power Pitch (March 14), and This Moment In Time: A Workshop For Jewish Writers (March 25). All of these are available online, and a couple are also available in person as well. More details and sign-ups here.

*I’m looking forward to joining my friends, Linda Avellar and Harper Ross, for an author event at the Harrison Public Library in Westchester County, NY, on Sunday, March 1, at 2:30, to talk about writing, inspiration, and our books. You can pre-register here or just show up. We’d love to see you!*

The Fairfield Library is hosting a fundraiser that will make you laugh!  The Friends of Fairfield Public Library present their second annual comedy fundraiser—Laughs at the Library 2, featuring headliner Andy Pitz and six additional comics.  The show will take place on March 6 from 7:00-9:00pm; doors will open at 6:30.  Comedy is suitable for ages 16+, and will be served “cabaret-style”–bring your own food, soft drinks, snacks and adult beverages. Find all the info and tickets here.

The Stella Kupferberg Memorial Short Story Prize is a writing competition sponsored by the stage and radio series Selected Shorts, a weekly Public Radio program and podcast where stars of stage and screen read aloud the works of established and emerging writers. The winning work will be performed by an actor in spring 2026 and published on Electric Literature. The winning writer will receive $1000 and a free 10-week course with Gotham Writers. Entries should be up to 750 words, and the entry fee is $25. Deadline March 6 Submit here!

More to come on Monday!