First, I have to say how satisfying it was to see so many winning members of the Writers Rendezvous at the CT Press Club Awards event on May 13. Among the winners present were: Lisa Bernard, Marty Kivell, Wayne Lysobey, Laurie Newkirk, Mitzy Sky, Libby Waterford, Aline Weiller, and yours truly. Supporters included Marlou Newkirk and Gina Ryan. Several of them were multiple winners, and all the people who placed first were automatically entered in the national awards, run by NFPW. I happen to know that a couple of them have placed nationally. (Winners announced in September…)

More and more author events are taking place at vineyards these days, and the next one on my calendar is on May 30 from  12-4pm at Priam Vineyards in Colchester, CT. It will feature 12 talented Connecticut authors, and you can meet them, hear their stories, and take home a signed copy of your next favorite read. Plus, enjoy some award-winning wine. More information here.

Fairy Tale Magazine Prose & Poetry Contest is now Open on the theme: Sirens. The contest accepts blind entries only so judges can be impartial. They’re seeking Siren stories and poems from around the world, from many cultures and traditions. Your sirens need not be sea-dwelling creatures (but I don’t think they want anything about police sirens!). If you have set a siren story on land that includes elements that make it an unmistakable siren in nature, submit. Our judges are steeped in lore and will read everything with a generous spirit and keen eye for siren-like features. Prompts can be found in their Submissions Guidelines. Deadline: May 31. $5 entry fee. Multiple entries welcome. First prize $100.

CAPA, the CT Author and Publisher Alliance, is holding a free virtual Meet and Greet for current and prospective members on June 11 from 6-7pm ET.  You may be most familiar with CAPA because of its annual November Book Fair in West Hartford, CT, but it has other member benefits, and this is your chance to find out what they are and how you can take advantage of them. You’ll be able to meet CAPA members and board members, learn more about membership benefits, ask questions, and make new connections. Writers, authors, publishers, writing service providers, and those considering publishing their book are welcome to attend up to two meetings as guests before becoming members. To RSVP and for more information, please email: lombardomelissab@gmail.com

PRIDE MIC, an open mic for poets and writers, is happening on Friday, June 12 at 7pm, at Eco Evolution in Norwalk, CT. PRIDE-themed material is encouraged, as is rainbow attire, though all topics are very welcome. Sign up for a 5-minute slot here.

The Norwalk Library in CT is hosting a series of poetry open mics on Sunday afternoons this summer, on June 14, July 19, and August 16, from 2:30-4:30pm. There’s no need to sign up ahead of time, just show up. Hosted by Norwalk Poet Laureate, Katie Schneider.

Beach Glass Residency offers five 6-night residencies each year, June through October.   They are located close to Lake Michigan, in Chicago. Choose one of three single-occupancy rooms, with amenities that include a private or semi-private bathroom, workspaces, a fully-equipped kitchen, shared living/dining area, and more. $995 Apply here. The 2026 Schedule includes: June 15-21 (coincides with the Chicago Writers Association Conference), July 13-19, August 10-16 (includes Historical Fiction workshop with author Michelle Cox), September 7-13 (coincides with the Printer’s Row Lit Fest), and October 12-18.

Member Libby Waterford has self-published more books than anyone else I know personally, and will be sharing her expertise in a three-day intensive from August 18-20 at the Westport Writers Workshop. Self-Publishing Bootcamp classes will be held from 9-12am ET, in-person and online, and each day of the intensive will combine informative slides and hands-on walkthroughs with plenty of time for individual questions. Libby will go over how to DIY most aspects of self-publishing, and discuss when it’s best to outsource a task, whom to hire, and how much everything costs. Details here. $290. Find a full list of WWW’s summer intensives here.

Author and reader tickets are available for Fall in Love New England, running from October 23-25 in Marlborough, MA.   The ultimate romance reader meets romance author event. Friday is full of author panels, games, and spotlights, talking about everything romance with themed topics and games. Meet our attending authors as they share insight on the romance writing genres and industry. Friday also includes a lunch with the authors and a casual dinner/swag party filled with prizes and giveaways. Saturday and Sunday will offer panels and games, while the book signing room is open to purchase books, as well as vendors selling romance genre goods. Tickets range from $10 (book signing only) to $139 for authors attending the entire conference. Tickets and more info here.

More to come on Monday!