Your next (or first) novel starts here

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 

LIBRARY CATALOG 

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!