Meeting Minutes May 18, 2023

 Attendees: Judith, Ev, Katie, Michelle

Announcements:

Bookstock (Woodstock, VT, June 23-25) Schedule is up.  Find more info HERE

The Vermont Reads 2023 book is Malinda Lo's "Last Night at the Telegraph Club". If you've got an idea for a program or project to accompany the book, the VT Humanities Council is accepting applications. For more info go HERE

MEET THE WRITERS will take place at the Swanton Library, Saturday, June 3, 10:30 to noon - come share coffee and doughnuts and chat with Vermont writers!  Our own Eileen Williams will be one of the attendees!

Also June 3.  Our new member Katie Richards will be launching her newest book "My Last Hope" from 1-5 at 14Th Star's "The Room" 133 N Main St #7, St Albans City, VT 05478   Come out and show her our support!

Remember to check out the Vermont Arts Calendar for literary events around the state: Information HERE.

Ongoing the 2nd Wednesday of each month: Open Mic Night at Witcomb's Garage in Whallonsburg NY.  Come and share stories and listen to musings of local authors. More Info HERE

Resources:

Check out Open Library  Free online library!

Substack: Direct to consumer writing. "Substack lets independent writers and podcasters publish directly to their audience and get paid through subscriptions."  Grant Faulkner co director of NaNoWrimo highly recommended by Ev. Check it out HERE

Online book tours recommended by Katie.  These organizations are great resources for self published authors. Check out R&R Book Tours: "In an age of indie and self-publishing, it can be really hard to introduce your book to the masses. One of the best ways of sharing your book, is by making friends with a book reviewer or two. I should know, I am one. I also happen to know a few (500+), and they would love to read your book. It also doesn’t hurt that we’ve been in business for nearly 6 years and know a thing or two." And Moonlight Book Tours on Facebook

Discussion:

We ranged from discussing eulogies (Michelle is writing one for a family friend) to mistaken identities.  Small group but a lively chat.

I hope everyone can make it to our June meeting in person on June 15th at 6 pm at the Swanton Public Library.

Meeting Minutes May 24, 2018

Our meeting commenced at 6 pm. There was a lengthy discussion about various upcoming events, contests and exhibitions. Photo prompts were made available. Work to be shared at our June meeting. A lengthy list of book recommendations were made by various members.  This list will be ongoing with a permanent link in the list of pages on the right hand side of the main page. The last half hour consisted of readings by three attendees.  Meeting adjourned at 7:35. 

Upcoming Events and Exhibitions: Local

August 25th. Swanton Arts Council is sponsoring the Swanton Arts Spectacular. Tentatively scheduled times are 10 until dark. The Swanton Writer's Group will have a booth featuring manual typewriters. Visitors can compose their own on the spot pieces or ask to have a piece written for them. 

October 5 and 6, 2018. Swanton Arts Council is sponsoring the Seven Deadly Sins Art Exhibit The next planning meeting for this event is June 13th. Interested writers can submit work based on one or all of the seven deadly sins. The tentative deadline for submissions is two weeks before the event. Suggested forms are poetry, short essay. Possible display methods include a bulletin board or framed piece. Writers might be able to write and then recite their work for attendees to listen to and enjoy. Contact Tonya Caswell for more information.

Statewide Events

July 21st. Writers meet and greet agents at Trader Duke's in South Burlington. More details to be announced on The League of Vermont Writers page. 

July 27-29 Bookstock in Woodstock Vermont. Featuring over 40 outstanding authors,  poets and artists. There will be readings, exhibitions, a poetry jam, presentations by authors and much more! Mark your calendars and find more information HERE.

Phoenix Books has multiple events at its various locations. Please check their EVENTS page for more information. Updated regularly. 

Contests, Opportunities and Education

Burlington Writers Workshop is seeking reviewers to help with The Mud Season Review. Visit their WEBSITE for more information about the publication and how to get involved. 

Green Mountain College Summer Writing Academy. Two sessions are offered. July 8-21 and July 22-August 4.  Please visit their SITE for more information. 

Click the name to be taken to the site for more information. 

Hickory Stump Short Story Contest

Submissions: Little Bitty Writing Space Fiction Anthology

Book Recommendations list found HERE

Next meeting is June 14th from 6-7:30 at the Swanton Public Library.