Another interesting meeting of the Writers Rendezvous before the summer break (August), resulted in information about editing, Writing groups, writing retreats and more.
Editing is where your writing really starts to take shape. In a one-day online conference, How to Edit Your Book, on July 19 from 11-3, you’ll hear from some of the industry’s leading editors as they walk you through the editing process, step by step. Through presentations and Q&As with seasoned editors from Big 5 publishers, you’ll learn the different types of editing – and why each one matters, how to self-edit effectively before working with a professional, practical tools and a clearer plan for making your book shine. $99
The Fairfield County chapter of Shut Up & Write meets every Monday night from 6:15 to 7:45 p.m in the Rotary Room of the Ferguson Library in Stamford, CT. Shut Up & Write is an international organization with more than 500 writing groups in 80+ countries. The idea is simple: Make more time to write by building a community around the process. The next one is scheduled for July 20. Meetings are free, but they prefer you to register.
The Fairfield County Writers’ Studio is running a summer writing retreat here in Fairfield, CT, from August 3-6, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; $75 per day, $250 for four days; (+$20 per day for lunch, optional). You’ll be able to work on your project without distractions, interruptions, or lessons. They supply the space, the snacks, the coffee, structure, and community. You share your writing hopes and intentions for the day, then find a spot to work on your project. Register here and note requested days when you register.
Storied Stuff is a great place for new writers to submit their work, and they’re running their third annual writing contest right now. They’re looking for a short essay (up to 500 words) accompanied by a photo of an object that has meaning for you. Check their website to see the kind of thing they publish. Submission guidelines here. Deadline August 8.
Jessica Speart was a bestselling ecological mystery author, a Lee Strasberg-trained actor, and an instructor at the Westport Writers Workshop. To honor her work and spirit, they have created the Jessica Speart Fellowship, a $1,000 stipend to be used over the course of a year at the workshop in whichever way serves your writing best. These funds can be applied towards workshops, coaching/editing, mentoring, or one-time offerings. To apply for this award, please submit the following to Program Director Liz Matthews: a personal statement detailing your background as a writer, your current project, and what you hope to get from this scholarship, including which workshops you might want to attend, or which one-on-one options interest you most (1-2 double-spaced pages maximum), a sample of your writing (10-20 double–spaced pages). Deadline: August 15.
The Rhyming Story Challenge 2026, organized by NYC Midnight, will begin on September 15, and registration is now open. The 5th annual competition will challenge writers worldwide to create short rhyming stories based on genre, theme, and emotion assignments. In the first round, writers are placed in groups and will have five days to create rhyming stories no longer than 500 words. Judges choose the top two writers in each group to advance to the final round, where they will compete for over $7,500 in cash prizes. Feedback from the judges is provided for every submission, and the writers retain all the rights to the stories they create. Learn more and register here. Happy rhyming!
And WSHU Public Radio and Westport Writers’ Workshop are hosting a contest that invites Connecticut residents to submit original, short-form personal stories (500 – 700 words). September 1-October 1. They encourage writers to explore the theme What Haunts You? Creative interpretation of your personal stories is encouraged. While they welcome your ghost stories, they also look forward to reading your deeper interpretations of what it means to have a lingering doubt, fear, or emotion. Winners will receive cash prizes, as well as the opportunity for the first-place winner to record their story for broadcast on WSHU. More information here. Free to enter.
More to come on Monday!
