Hello ,

"At the touch of love everyone becomes a poet.” - Plato

February is a good time to fall in love with creativity. Remember the exciting spark of new love when a shiny idea is just beginning. Love the messy middle with drafts and discovering what works. Swoon for the feeling of crossing the finish line with a project and getting to share it with the world. Enjoy the comfort of a long term love when you revisit something you’ve done before and see something fresh and new in it. 

In a world that can feel dark (both due to lack of sunshine this time of year and world events) it is useful to remember that creativity is a bright light. Thank you for being a part of our community. 

Manuscript to Marketplace:

Writer and literary agent Mira Landry will be giving an online workshop February 26th 5-7:30pm (PDT) to give a behind the scenes peek into the various steps in the traditional publishing process and show what writers can do to build a lasting career. The session will be recorded and those who register can watch later if they can’t attend or want to review concepts. 

Who is this workshop good for:

• People exploring between indie/self publishing and traditional
• Writers who know they want to go traditional and want to learn more about the process
• Writers interested in understanding career options
• Writing coaches/independent editors/writing teachers who want to give correct advice to clients or students about the publishing process

You can learn more about the workshop and register here: https://creativeacademyforwriters.com/manuscript-to-market/

If you can’t attend you can still support TCA by sharing this link with other writers and writing communities you know. 

Workshop Wednesdays

February 5th: Mind Mapping with Jacqui: Want an opportunity to brainstorm? Toss around ideas with other writers and be a part of that creative spark.

February 12th:  Having a Winning Author Presentation with Eileen Cook 

This free for members presentation will explore the different types of presentations (school visits, readings, workshops and panels) and provide tips and tricks to make sure you present as the ultimate professional.  

February 19th: Author Presentation Discussion with Jenny: Take a deeper dive on Eileen’s workshop and explore how you can apply it to your writing career.

February 26th: Blue Pencil with Bonnie  Want a chance to get some eyes on your query letter or the first opening paragraphs (up to 750 words)? Here’s your chance.

Find the events here: https://creative-academy-for-writers.mn.co/events

Genre Meet-ups and Accountability Groups:

Don’t forget that you can join any of the communities listed on the left side of the Mighty Network home page. Several of our genre groups (Mystery and Thriller, Historical, Memoir etc) have regular meet ups and chats. There are two different accountability groups running, one meeting during the day and the other in the evening if you need some support with your writing journey. 

Here’s to a month of bookish love and creativity. Hope to see you in the forums (both in Mighty Networks and on Facebook!) and hearing what you are working on.  

xo

Eileen and Stephanie