Your next (or first) novel starts here
September 13, 2019
Title: Your next (or first) novel starts here
Getting into the independent publishing or self-publishing world can be intimidating. Some writers struggle with the internal conflict of loving their work but questioning its validity. With a growing indie author community and increased demand for books from indie publishers, libraries continue to look for ways to work with authors to provide resources and services for aspiring authors.
No matter where you are in your writing journey, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library has programs, resources and services available to help you along the way.
Celebrate Indie Author Day at the Brooklyn Collective
Join Charlotte Mecklenburg Library as we celebrate Indie Author Day, when libraries and organizations around the world welcome local indie authors, writers and their communities in for a day of education, networking, writing, open mics, panels and much more.
Indie Author Day combines the best of libraries: books and people. This FREE Library program will take place Saturday, October 12 from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. The location, and a brief itinerary, are as follows:
Location
Brooklyn Collective
229 S Brevard St, Charlotte, NC 28202
Schedule
10 a.m. | Coffee + Networking
11 a.m. | Keynote Address by Mark Peres
11:15 a.m. | Writing/Publishing Panel
12 p.m. | Snacks + Networking
Writing/Publishing PANEL
Marisa Wesley | Cover Art, Cover Me Darling
Marisa has worked with everyone from New York Times & USA Today Bestselling Authors, to first time Indie Authors. She has won multiple awards for her Book Cover Design work.
Debra Funderburk | Publisher and Agent
Debra Funderburk is an author, publisher and an author’s business coach. She also spearheads a local writer’s group. With an extensive background in sales, accounting and business development, those skills allow her to think outside the box and create a platform for an author’s success.
Dawn Michelle Hardy |Agent and Publicist, Dream Relations PR & Literary Consulting
Dawn Michelle Hardy, President of Dream Relations, PR & Literary Consulting Agency has been described as a ““literary lobbyist” by Ebony magazine for her ability to help authors reach their readership using strategic and creative promotions, award recognition, along with national and local media attention.
Local Writing Organizations available for networking:
Charlotte Lit: Charlotte Lit is a nonprofit arts center dedicated to elevating and celebrating the literary arts in our community. https://www.charlottelit.org/
Sistories: We seek to amplify the narratives of Charlotte’s Black women and femmes by publishing their work both digitally and in print. https://www.sistories.org/
Charlotte Writer’s Club: Charlotte Writers’ Club supports the work of writers and promotes their development through education, recognition, and community in celebration of the written word. https://charlottewritersclub.org/home
Planning to join us at the Brooklyn Collective for Indie Author Day festivities? Register here.
Join a writing group
Many library locations have regular writing groups that are open to new members. Some involve writing as a group around a topic or prompt, and some are critique-style groups where writing is submitted ahead of time.
One group, Write Like You Mean It, meets at Main Library every Thursday from 10-11:30 a.m. This group explores different styles of writing in a fun and comfortable environment, and is open to anyone who is ready to write. Both beginners and experienced writers are welcome. Join Write Like You Mean It, or find a writing group at the following library locations:
- Beatties Ford Road Regional Library
- Independence Regional Library
- Main Library
- Matthews Library
- Mint Hill Library
- Morrison Regional Library
- Mountain Island Library
- South County Regional Library
- Steele Creek Library
Click here to find the Library’s full CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Check out a book or two
Take home some writing inspiration with these books and magazines available in the Library’s catalog:
BOOKS
Writing Alone and With Others by Pat Schneider
Writing Down the Bones by Natalie Goldberg
The Right to Write by Julia Cameron
Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott
Spinning Words into Gold by Maureen Ryan Griffin
Zen in the Art of Writing by Ray Bradbury
On Writing by Stephen King
MAGAZINES
Poets & Writers
Writer’s Digest
Take courses online (for free) with your library card
The Library offers many online courses you can take that focus on creative writing. Find these and many other resources on cmlibrary.org/resources.
Lynda.com
Writing- The Craft of Story
The Foundations of Fiction
Ninja Writing-The Four Levels of Mastery
Universal Class
Creative Writing
Novel Writing
Memoir & Poetry
Got a library card?
If not, get started with the application now. Your next novel starts here!