I’m always happy when members of the WritersMic and the Rendezvous are published for the first time. Tom Cowen came to read at last month’s WritersMic, and his moving article has just been published in The Good Men Project. It shines a different light on Father’s Day. Read it here.
Back to writer events coming up. On June 23, the Westport Library will host historian James Carter for a free talk on his new book, Champions Day. The book looks at the end of old Shanghai through the lens of one day of horse racing in 1941 China. More information about the event and how to order his book here. If you pre-order the book via the library, you can get a signed bookplate from the author.
The Westport Writers Workshop is offering a free six-week Creative Writing Workshop for Essential Workers in CT and NY to provide an outlet for creative expression for those who are supporting us most during the pandemic. Beginning Thursday, June 25, classes are scheduled online from 6-8pm EST. Write on any subject. The workshop will be facilitated by Jen Sage-Robison. If you’re interested or know someone who may be, please contact Liz Matthews, Executive Director of Westport Writers Workshop, here.
WWW is also offering a series of one-week intensives beginning in July. Topics include The Art and Science of Picture Book Writing, Polish Your Manuscript for Publication,  Introduction to Poetry, Prose Poems and Flash Fiction, and How to Tackle Your Novel. Prices vary.
Beginning June 18, Central Connecticut State University, organizers of the Connecticut Literary Festival,  is planning online (weekly video) writing workshops during the lockdown. Workshops limited to eight writers. All workshops include a one-on-one 30-minute phone critique with an instructor. Times, lengths, and costs vary. 
And they’ve scheduled a series of free virtual Lit Talks. Broaden your literary horizons and register for them at these links:
June 18: Reading and conversation with Christina Chiu and Maisy Card
July 2: Poetry reading and conversation with Marilyn Nelson, Jose B. Gonzalez, and more
July 23: Reading and conversation with Ann Garvin and Karen Dionne, moderated by Jacquelyn Mitchard
The poets, writers, and storytellers of the Norwalk Arts Festival will be running this year’s events online. Excellent news, since you know it can’t be postponed by a change in the weather. Drop in on Zoom anytime between 11-4pm, to see and hear host Jerry Johnson and twenty other talented poets and writers. Free, but email Jerry to let him know you’ll be there.
Beginning on Monday, July 6, weekly for six weeks through August 10, the Norwalk Public Library is running their usual Creative Writing for Adults course on Zoom, led by Kim Kovach. Register by emailing Cynde Lahey at clahey@norwalkpl.org, to get your Zoom link.
The Mark Twain House in Hartford usually runs a Writers’ Weekend in the summer, and this year is no exception. Their Virtual Writers Weekend will take place from July 10-12. It offers keynote addresses and breakout sessions covering a wide range of topics presented by a variety of skilled and talented presenters, including Sophfronia Scott, Scott Dikkers (founding editor of The Onion) Soraya Nadia McDonald,(2020 Pulitzer finalist for criticism), Matthew Dicks, Chris Knopf, and more. The cost for the entire weekend, including keynote talks by Sophfronia Scott, Scott Dikkers, and Mike Reiss, PLUS a variety of concurrent break-out sessions, panels, and conversations on Saturday and Sunday, is $75. Register here.
Query Tracker has a list of publishers that it has checked out to make sure they are legitimate. Many of them accept un-agented submissions. Query Tracker lists what fiction genres and non-fiction types of writing each publisher accepts. It also lists agents and lists what kinds of fiction and nonfiction each agent takes. You can use the website for free or pay a $25 yearly fee to get additional services.
You can also look for agents and publishers through Manuscript Wish List. No charge to search it. To find publishers search for editors rather than agents.
Authors Publish has come through again with a list of forty small publishers that accept submissions directly from authors. Check it out if you’re having trouble finding an agent. And from the same source: 17 Literary Journals that Respond Within a Month. Now there’s no excuse not to submit your work.
I came across this writer via Nick Rossis (who I’m sure I’ve mentioned to you before). She’s Greek, lives in Athens, and has lots of tips for writers, like lists of where to send your book if you’re doing a promo. Worth following here.
Thanks for reading to the end! I hope you’ll try at least one of these ideas before next month. Check out the Writers’ Calendar page, for more events.
And keep writing!