The Bridgeport Library offers its monthly memoir workshop on the third Saturday of each month from 10:30-12 noon. The next date is Saturday, November 19, and the in-person/Zoom workshop, is held at the History Center (masks encouraged, please register below). Register here The class includes free-form writing exercises, an exploration of the nature of memoirs, and examining voice and perspective. Drop-ins and newcomers welcome.The Master’s Review is running its annual novel excerpt contest. They’re looking for excerpts that show off a sense of style, with a clear grasp on craft: narrative, character, and plot. Choose wisely! Your excerpt can come from any point in your completed (but unpublished) or in-progress novels, but a synopsis should not be required to understand the excerpt. Excerpts from novels that are under contract for 2022 or 2023 may not be submitted, but work from a novel scheduled for a 2024 publication date or beyond may. There are no limitations on genre, though they’re primarily interested in literary fiction. The winner gets $3000, online publication, and an hour-long consultation with a literary agent. Second and third-place excerpts will be awarded online publication and $300 & $200 respectively, in addition to getting feedback from a literary agent. Deadline December 1 Submit here.
If you’d prefer to write micro-fiction you could try submitting a story of 100 words to Flash Fiction magazine. They don’t pay for stories published on their website, but if they include you in one of their anthologies, you earn $10 per story. You can download a free copy of the magazine on their website to see the kind of thing they’re looking for. Submissions guidelines here.
Or submit it to Scribes MICRO-fiction which takes fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction, so long as it’s 100 words, give or take ten words. Check their submission guidelines here.
If you’re interested in submitting to a contest, the Poets & Writers’ Writing Contests, Grants & Awards searchable database includes details about all kinds of creative writing contests—including poetry contests, short story competitions, essay contests, awards for novels, and more. They review the practices and policies of each contest before including it and are the most trusted resource for legitimate writing contests available. You can sort the database by deadline, genre, and whether or not there’s an entry fee.
If you’re looking to join a writers’ group, other than the fabulous Writers Rendezvous, obviously, take a look at the Writers & Editors website, which lists both events and regular writers’ groups, by state. They cover workshops and conferences too. The website has an index, but here are some links to get you started: book fairs and festivals, calendars and lists of book fairs, conferences, and festivals, and festivals and conferences for Latinx writers.
Pauline Wiles, a website designer experienced in designing for writers and authors, is offering grab-and-go Squarespace website template kits. You can now buy an easy, fast shortcut to a professionally designed website, without the daunting price tag. Only $247 for 15 pages with a host of other features. She will set it up for you so it’s as easy as possible. Choose a template for unpublished writers or authors, or one that will feature your book(s). They look great. Check them out here.
That’s it for this month – but watch for an upcoming post about places where you can write and publish your work in installments…
