Opportunities for Writers

Today’s blog is a report on the Barbara Burnett Smith Aspiring Writers Event, scheduled for May 20th. The committee for Texas Mystery Month met today.

Two areas I’ll mention here concern aspiring writers and published mystery authors.

If you’re an aspiring author and have a mystery novel or short story either finished or in progress, you’re invited to enter the first 500 words and no more than a one-page synopsis. It’s first-come first-serve – no judging involved. No fee either. The one thing you do have to do is attend the Aspiring Writers Event on the 20th in Austin. At that time, you’ll meet with your “mentor,” a published author. One thing that’s changed since I wrote about this opportunity is that the deadline has been extended to April 20th. Check out the website for complete guidelines.

If you’re a published mystery author, keep in mind that events, book signings, talks, panel discussions, etc. that you have planned during the month of May can be included in the listing of events for Texas Mystery Month. You just need to let Dave Ciambrone know about your plans. So, you’re getting free publicity. Publicity was one of the main topics of discussion today since Terri Schexnayder has joined the group. Terri is a former vice-president at GSD&M and now a marketing consultant.

So there’s something for everyone, both published and unpublished.