September’s rush of writing and bookish events continues unabated. We had a small meeting on Wednesday (I messed up the Zoom link). So, I hope this update will help the people who couldn’t join us feel better…
The Mark Twain House in Hartford is running an event of interest to writers this Friday. Join in-person or via livestream on September 19, 7PM (ET) for More Than Words: How To Think About Writing In The Age Of AI. In the age of artificial intelligence, drafting an essay is as simple as typing a prompt and pressing enter. What does this mean for the art of writing? According to long-time writing teacher John Warner: not very much. In More Than Words, Warner calls for us to use AI as an opportunity to reckon with how we work with words—and how all of us should rethink our relationship with writing. Reserve your spot (donations are welcome) here: https://marktwainhouse.org/…/more-than-words-how-to…/
I’ll be signing books with some of my romance author friends at the Barnes & Noble in Enfield, CT, this Saturday, September 20, from 1-3. If you’re in the neighborhood, I’d love to see you – even if just to say hello in person!
Also on September 20 at 7pm, you can join a group of other writers, poets, musicians, etc. for an open mic evening at the Unity Center of Norwalk CT. These happen on the third Saturday of every month, so if you can’t make this one, there’s always next month! Doors open at 6:30, and if you want to perform, you need to sign up then. There’s a $15 cover charge, and snacks and non-alcoholic drinks are available to buy.
Wilton Library is organizing a Story-Sharing Circle on Wednesday, September 24, at 6:30pm. Head over there for an informal evening celebrating the oral storytelling tradition. Bring a prepared story to tell (not read) or just come to listen. No experience required. Free. Register here.
An unusual family is collecting handwritten or typed letters for a book they plan to publish, titled A Letter to the Person Who Changed My Life. They’re looking for 300–1000 words submitted to alettertotheperson@gmail.com. Tone: Honest, personal, and from the heart. Humor, warmth, and even bittersweet moments are welcome. Submit by September 30 to be considered for the first round of selections. More rounds will follow—and if your letter is chosen, you’ll receive a free copy of the published book! More information here.
Find out about Fairfield, Connecticut’s Story Lab at their free Open House day. Stop by to work or to chat on Friday, October 3, from 10-3pm or email (info@FCStoryLab) or call (203-374-8343) to arrange a tour. Apart from their shared writing space, Story Lab offers a boatload of free events for writers (free for Lab members, guests welcome for a small fee) each month, in person and online. Among the favorites: Write to Prompts/Fiction each Tuesday from 3-4pm, weekly Wednesday write-ins from 9-10:30 a.m., and First Friday First Pages.
The eighth annual Norwalk Author Celebration is set for November 8 from 9-4pm at the Norwalk Public Library. The organizers are looking for seventy (70) authors on a first-come, first-served basis. If you wish to participate, email Luca at luca@connecticutbookfestivals.com no later than. Please include a short, three-to-four-sentence bio, a headshot, and your book cover. There is no charge to become a participant, and because this is going out after the official registration ends, I’ve negotiated an extension for followers of my newsletter until September 25.
Equinox Poetry Showcase – Saturday, September 27 from 6:30-9:30pm at Art Monster Studio in Norwalk, CT. An exciting evening to meet poets, catch 5 superstar showcase features, and have a limited walk-in open mic at one of the coolest places in the city! The featured performers are diverse poetry stars from CT and NY: Monica Ong, Jerry Johnson, Dara Kalima, Sahmra Sawyer, and Nicole Caruso Garcia. The Eventbrite link is here. Registration is free, but folks must register to attend for our headcount.
Fairfield Scribes’ The Scribes Prize for Microfiction is open for entries until October 1. They allow a maximum of 110 words. $5 entry fee. $250 top prize. The top 18 winning entries will be awarded a cash prize, a digital award seal to use for promotions, an interview & permanent online author page, plus publication. All entries receive feedback from two editors (this is a great perk). Stories may be fiction or creative nonfiction (no poetry).
More to come on Monday!
