Why should I join NCWN?

Why should you join the North Carolina Writers’ Network?  Here are some of the reasons.

• Discounts on workshops, conferences, and other Network events
• Discounts on advertising on the website and in our weekly e-blasts, newsletters, and more
• Exclusive access to contests, jobs, residencies, and other publication and submission opportunities
• The Network's Critiquing and Editing Service (available only to Network members; additional fee)
• Coverage in Book Buzz and Hats Off!, two special website sections highlighting members' achievements and publications
• Access to NCWN's audio/visual resources including readings, tutorials, presentations, and more
• A subscription to the Network's publication, The Writers' Network News, and access to the WNNarchives
• Courtesy web links for members' blogs and author websites
• Weekly member e-updates
• Opportunities to market your books at festivals, your other writing skills in workshops
• Exclusive access to our agent and editor listings
• Consultations with agents and editors at conference

Go to ncwriters.org for more detail information. 

Rose Post Creative Nonfiction Competition

First prize is $1,000.00. Competition open to any legal resident of NC or to any member of the North Carolina Writer’s Network.

Deadline for submission is January 15, 2018.

Go to ncwriters.org for detailed information and guidelines.

NCWN Fall Conference

The 2017 North Carolina Writers’ Network Fall Conference will be held from November 3 to November 5 at the Holiday Inn Resort in Wrightsville Beach. The conference features sessions and master classes in poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction, as well as lectures and panels on editing, publishing, and screenwriting. The faculty includes poets Dan Albergotti, Peter Makuck, and Michael White; fiction writers Nina de Gramont, Jason Mott, and Michele Young-Stone; and creative nonfiction writers Wendy Brenner, Hannah Dela Cruz Abrams, and Philip Gerard. Wiley Cash will give the Keynote Address. Susi H. Hamilton, secretary of the NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, will be the featured guest on Saturday night when we celebrate 50 years of the NC Arts Council. Cost varies and scholarships are available. Pre-register before October 27: www.ncwriters.org.

Writers' Network Open Mic

On Wednesday, Oct 11, The North Carolina Writers' Network will host their second online Open Mic.

Go to the NCWN website ncwriters.org for more information, and to register,

Poetry Contest

NINTH ANNUAL POETRY CONTEST

Rules:  Open to any NCWN member residing in Chatham or Lee Counties, or to any member of the Pittsboro Writers' Morning Out.

Any style, any genre on the theme "Halloween".  Length not to exceed 40 lines, single spaced in 12 point type.

Submit as an email attachment (.doc, .docx, .rtf) Include name and contact info in the message.  Name must not appear on the poem.

Winning entry will be published on this blog (pittsboro-wmo.blogspot.com) and will be read at our November meeting.

DEADLINE: Tuesday, Oct. 31.  Submit to Al Manning at amanningusa@gmail.com

UFF Contest winner

JUST DO IT

By: William Polf

"Wait,” she said.

“Why?” the man next to her asked.

“Just wait.”

He paused, his arms at his side. “When, then?”

“Not yet.”  

His wrist itched and he reached to scratch it.

She stopped his hand. “Be still,” she said. 

He took a breath to calm down, then let it seep out. God, he thought, let’s get on with it. 

She just stared.

“When?” he asked, this time with force. 

She waved her arm. “I’ll tell you,” she said. Her voice had an edge. 

She’s scared, he thought. She won’t go through with it.

They stood there, and looked down at the old man on the bed. Did he know they were there? 

She could not hear the old man breathe. Or see his chest move. She leaned down to look. 

“He might be dead,” she said, her voice low. 

The man next to her strained to hear her words. “What did you say?” 

Then, the old man’s thumb moved. They both saw it.

Just a nerve twitch, she thought. Or – he’s not dead. She could not bear to touch him to find out.

“Don’t wake him,” she warned the man next to her. 

There was no sound in the room. It spooked her, and she shook.A chill, she thought. That’s all.

They gazed at the old man, so still there on the white sheets. The twitch had gone.

He could be dead, she thought. He should be.

“Now,” she said.

The man next to her moved to do it.

Open mic

That's the theme for the Writers' Morning Out's August 12th Open Mic - Of course, if you (or your favorite character) aren't doing anything this summer (or prefer not to tell...hmmm) you can tell us about someone else's summer (or fall, winter, spring...we really aren't that picky.)  CNF, Fiction, Poetry -- all are welcome ~ 

The winner of the Ultra Flash Fiction contest will start the program by reading his/her entry.  If you haven't submitted your entry yet, there's still time. Deadline's July 31.  In case you've forgotten, the rules are below ~ 

We meet at 1:00 pm at  Greek Kouzina, 964 East St, Pittsboro.
carol 
~~~~~
Rules for the Ultra Flash Fiction Contest ~
This contest is open to any NCWN member in Chatham and Lee Counties, or to any member of Pittsboro Writers’ Morning Out.

Submission guidelines:
Any subject, any style not to exceed 300 words, including the title.
Only words of one syllable allowed.  (Contractions pronounced as one syllable are OK.  Exp:  I’m, I’d, I’ve, can’t, won’t, don’t.  Also, possessives pronounced as one syllable:  Joe’s, Ann’s, Kate’s etc)
Include a cover page with name, title, word count and email address.  Do NOT include your name or email on manuscript.
Send MS and cover page as attachments in .doc, .docx or .txt format to:  amanningusa@gmail.com 

Due date:  July 31, 2017

Go to our blog at:   pittsboro-wmo.blogspot.com and scroll through the archives to see examples of previous winners.

Note:
The winning entry will be posted to our blog atwww.pittsboro-wmo.blogspot.com

By submitting an entry, you are assumed to be granting us one-time reprint rights.  This is necessary so we can legally post the winning story to the blog. If you do not wish a winning entry to be so posted, just let us know.

Writers' Morning Out: July 8, 2017

Chatham/Lee WMO will convene Saturday, July 8 at the Greek Kouzina in Pittsboro.  The meeting will start at 1:00 pm, although most will come early for lunch.

Program will be "Beginnings and Endings": Their purpose?  What elements do good ones contain? Are these the first and last hooks?

 Bring your favorites to share and discuss."

Ultra Flash Fiction Contest

This is a fun!  Our eight annual ULTRA FLASH FICTION CONTEST

Rules:  This contest is open to any NCWN member in Chatham and Lee Counties, or to any member of Pittsboro Writers’ Morning Out. 

Submission guidelines:

Any subject, any style not to exceed 300 words, including the title.

Only words of one syllable allowed.  (Contractions pronounced as one syllable are OK.  Exp:  I’m, I’d, I’ve, can’t, won’t, don’t.  Also, possessives pronounced as one syllable:  Joe’s, Ann’s, Kate’s etc)

Yes, it can be done.  You can write a story in 300 words, but you must make every word count. This requires some craftsmanship.  Give it a try!

Go to our blog at:   pittsboro-wmo.blogspot.com and scroll through the archives to see examples of previous winners.

This will be a blind judging.  Your name should not appear on the story page.  Include a cover page with name, title, word count and email address.  Send MS and cover page as attachments in .doc, .docx or .txt format to:  amanningusa@gmail.com   

Due date:  July 31, 2017

Note:

The winning entry will be posted to our blog at 

www.pittsboro-wmo.blogspot.com

By submitting an entry, you are assumed to be granting us one-time reprint rights.  This is necessary so we can legally post the winning story to the blog. If you do not wish a winning entry to be so posted, just let us know.

Meeting: June, 2017

Chatham/Lee WMO will convene  Saturday, June  10 at the Greek Kouzina in 
Pittsboro. The meeting will start at 1:00 pm, although most will come early 
for lunch.

The program :  What do you do when you get stuck writing?  Where do you turn to--websites, books, references, other writers, etc. ?

Fiction class

Ruth Moose, prize wining author will teach a new class in fiction starting Monday, June 5 at 6:30.  The 6 week class will meet on the Pittsboro campus and feature fiction structure and techniques as well as discuss where a writer gets ideas and also markets for publishing.   Moose has published 3 collections of short stories, 6 books of poetry and since she retired 2011 from teaching creative writing at UNC, two novels one of which, Doing at the Dixie Dew, won the Malice Domestic Award from St. Martin's press. Moose has had among other honors, a MacDowell Fellowship and a Chapman Award for teaching.

Online Open Mic

Online Open Mic"

When: Wednesday, June 14, 7:00-8:30 pm, EST

Where: Online (internet or phone connection required)

Cost: Free

Register: https://www.ncwriters.org/reg/onlineClassFormJun2017.php

This opportunity is available to anyone with an internet connection and a working microphone (and/or webcam) on their computer, or readers can participate over the phone.

Registrants will be sent log-in instructions no less than 24 hours prior to the Open Mic. 

Writers Morning Out: May 13, 2017

Chatham/Lee WMO will convene  Saturday, May 13 at the Greek Kouzina in 
Pittsboro. The meeting will start at 1:00 pm, although most will come early 
for lunch.

The program :  How did you pick your genre?  Or maybe your genre picked you.

 "

Squire Summer Writing Workshops

BOONE—For the first time in its history, the North Carolina Writers' Network is coming to High Country for the 2017 Squire Summer Writing Workshops. This intimate, weekend-long "residency" style immersion happens July 13-16 at Appalachian State University, in Boone.

For more information and registration, go to ncwriters.org.

Open mic in Sanford

May 4, 2017 (Thursday)

First Thursday Take Five Poetry and Prose Open Mic

THURSDAY, May 4, 2017

6:00pm – 8:00pmish

at Karma Boutique and Coffee Bar

131 Wicker Street, Sanford, NC 27330

Come share some original poetry and/or prose 

or just come to enjoy a great time! 

Visit https://www.facebook.com/events/1643709859257940/ for details.

(Remember: you can come early to mingle, peruse locally made gifts, 

and treat yourself to delicious, freshly made Karma bevs and tasty treats!)

Email caren@windstream.net if you have questions.

New Book Store

Hi Regional Reps

I have opened a new gallery in Downtown Apex focusing on locally made, master crafted, functional artwork.  I would like to carry a selection of books written by local authors as well as hold book signings.  Although all of my crafted work is created by master artisans with years of experience, I am interested in hosting new authors early in their career that don’t have the network of book signing opportunities of the more experienced writers. Illustrated works are of special interest but that is not a requirement.

If appropriate, I can come to a meeting and introduce myself or you are welcome to pass my information on to members of your group. 

Regards,

Cynthia Mollenkopf

Cocoon Gallery.              www.cocoongallerync.com

221 N Salem St

Ste 100

Apex, NC 27502

Poem for the day

TAXES
Once upon a midnight dreary as I struggled weak and weary,
over a changed Form 1040 I had never seen before.

Back and forth I did the sums, looking for deduction crumbs,
hoping ever hoping that I'd find a way to score.

But alas 'twas not my lot to escape an awful blot
upon my worldly fortune, Uncle Sam keeps wanting more.

My mind grows dim with sorrow, the due date is tomorrow,
and I must find the answer else I'll end up very poor.

Can I deduct those gambling debts resulting from my stupid bets?
Should I try to itemize my bar bill from the club?
What about my one contribution, will that not bring absolution?
Surely I can claim deduction for the new pants that I tore.

Alas, 'tis midnight past and the time is flying fast and I must find
 answer to the question How much more?

You may think my answer funny: I'll just send them all my money,
 and request that they return to me all that not spent before.

It is now six months gone by and as yet there's no reply
could it be that Uncle Sam will grant me no succor?

Then the Raven came rapping, rapping
the Raven came rapping, tapping at my window door.

Oh! To be so doubly blessed, a messenger from the IRS!
surely he has come to tell me that my problems are no more.

And I said "Oh bird austere, do you bring me news of cheer?
If you've brought to me a refund then together we will soar.

I am down to bread and beans for I do not have the means
to buy a decent meal.  Tell me, Raven, am I affluent as
 I was in days of yore?"

Quoth the Raven, "Nevermore"'.

April Poetry

April is National Poetry Month, and we print submitted poems here for your enjoyment.

Stolen Eyes

by

Leslie Selbst

I’m sorry, I thought only to borrow your eyes,

I took them when you were asleep,

I sought to see were you had been 

and planned to return them before you’d wake,

but your life was so much more interesting than mine

that I kept them.

April Writers' Morning Out

Chatham/Lee WMO will convene  Saturday, April 8 at the Greek Kouzina in 
Pittsboro. The meeting will start at 1:00 pm, although most will come early 
for lunch.

The program is "Writers' Support Resources:  What helps you and what 
do you need?"

The North Carolina Writers' Network 2017 Spring Conference will be Saturday, 
April 22, 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM, at the MHRA  Building at UNC-Greensboro. 

Register at: ncwriters.org or by phone at 333.293.8844 or 919.308.3228

The Keynote Address by former NC Poet Laureate and NC Literary Hall 
of Fame inductee Fred Chappell.

The conference provides workshops and sessions on the craft and business 
of writing.

SLUSH PILE LIVE! A panel of editors discuss what they like or dislike about 
writing samples anonymously submitted by conference attendees---live.


Writers' Norning Out is sponsored by the North Carolina Writers' Network.

Poetry Month

April is National Poetry Month.  It has long been the tradition that Writers' Morning Out will publish poems by local authors on this blog during April.

If you have a poem you would like to submit, please send it as an attachment to:
   amanningusa@gmail.com

Any author in Chatham and Lee Counties is eligible. If possible keep your submission to one page. Poems will be published in the order received.

CCCC Open Mic Night

The CCCC Continuing Education Creative Writing Program invites the public to join writers of prose and poetry for our annual Spring Open Mic Night.

Friday, April 7, 2017
6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
The Joyful Jewel 
44-A Hillsboro St., Pittsboro, NC

Theme: Renewal

Notes to writers who plan to attend:
Sign in when you arrive
You'll read in the order you signed in.
You'll have six minutes total for your reading.

Opportunities For writers

Submit it!  Submission details are available to current members.  Log on to the NCWN website at www.ncwriters.org,  go to the "Members Only" tab and select "Opportunities."

Writers' Morning Out

Chatham/Lee WMO will convene  Saturday,March 11,  at the Greek Kouzina in Pittsboro. The meeting will start at 1:00 pm, although most will come early for lunch.

PROGRAM:  "What problems does your writing now face?"  Is it finding time to write, or perhaps Writers' Block?  Are your problems writing, revising, editing or maybe finding an agent or an editor? Do you have issues like writing good dialog, setting scenes or character/plot development? Which is better: outline or just go forth and write?

Our super panel will put their heads together and hopefully come up with solutions, or at least suggestions. So be thinking about what are your current problems, if any?

"Indie Publishing."

North Carolina Writers' Network is sponsoring the online class "Indie Publishing" on Tuesday, March 21 at 7:00 pm.  Noted author Danny Bernstein will lead this class, designed to help authors make the journey from finishing their manuscript to taking their book to market.

This class is capped at forth (40) registrants, first come, first served. There is a $25 fee to register.

For more information and to register, go to ncwriters.org.

Writers/ Morning Out

Meeting Saturday, February 11, 1:00 at the Greek Kouzina.

Program:  "You have published your book---what do you do now?

Writers' Morning Out is sponsored by the North Carolina Writers' Network.

NCWN on-line class

Registration open for the North Carolina Writers' Network on-line class "The Tao of Self-Doubt: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Writers" led by Malcolm Campbell.

This class will be on Thursday, February 16, at 7:00 pm, on-line. The class is capped at forty(40) registrants, first-come, first-served. There is a $25 fee to register.

This is the NCWN third offering in the 2016-2017 Winter Series. The final class will be held in March.

For more information and to register, go to the NCWN web site: ncwriters.org

Writers' Morning Out

Pittsboro-Lee Writers' Morning Out meets Saturday, February 11 at the Greek Kouzina , 964 East Street in Pittsboro. The meeting will start at 1:00, but almost everyone comes early to have lunch.

Whether you write poetry, fiction or essays, or whether you have been published or whether you would just like to be a writer, you are welcome.

Come join with us for a casual hour of talk with other writers, readings and information about the art of writing.