Whether you're a writer or a reader, beginner or experienced, member or not, you are invited to attend Open Mic via Zoom on the first Tuesday of each month. Join us on Tuesday, April 6, beginning at 6:45 p.m. to sign up to read and 7 p.m. for readings, and enjoy listening to the many talented writers in our midst. From poetry to fiction to sci-fi to nonfiction to personal essays, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Come share your work or just support local writers at Open Mic! 

The Word is Out Open Mic Poetry

Join us online via Zoom on the last Tuesday of the month for The Word Is Out Open Mic Poetry aka TWIO. Our next event is Tuesday, April 27 from 6:45 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. This month’s featured writer is Karen Ashley and the optional theme is “Outside the Lines.” Lovers of poetry, spoken word, whatever can be spoken or written are invited. The featured writer starts the event, followed by open mic readers sharing 3 to 5 minutes of their own or others’ work. April is National Poetry Month, so bring it and your virtual cookies to eat too!

The event is co-sponsored by the Forsyth County Public Library and Winston-Salem Writers. Those wishing to attend should email thewordisoutopenmic@gmail.com by March 29 to receive the passcode for the Zoom meeting.

Winston-Salem Writers Script Group will be meeting by zoom at 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 10. We welcome new members, including those who don’t usually write plays or screenplays. If you want to receive an invitation to our zoom meeting, contact Grace Ellis at gracewinnellis9@gmail.com. 

In the past, the WSW Script Group has produced an informal set of short plays that our members have previously brought to our meetings. Last year our Works In Progress was cancelled. This year, we are working with Stained Glass Playhouse, which is organizing a virtual production for later this spring. Stay tuned for further details.

Click HERE to view our current list of groups, or to review guidelines and requirements. Contact groups@wswriters.org regarding openings or more information.
Also seeking experienced critiquers interested in establishing new groups.
 

Open Calls for Submissions!

Every year The Masters Review opens submissions to produce our anthology, a collection of ten stories and essays written by the best emerging authors. Our aim is to showcase ten writers who we believe will continue to produce great work. The ten winners are nationally distributed in a printed book with their stories and essays exposed to top agents, editors, and authors across the country. Our third volume was awarded the Silver Medal for Best Short Story Collection through the INDIEFAB Awards in 2015, and our fourth volume was an honorable mention for best anthology. This year’s guest judge is Diane Cook. In honor of our tenth anniversary, this year’s prize pool has DOUBLED. $10,000 will be awarded between the winning writers!

 TEN PUBLISHED AUTHORS WILL RECEIVE:

• $1000 award.

• Publication in our nationally distributed journal.

• Exposure to over 50 literary agencies.

• Contributor’s copy.

• A book from word west

• All writers are part of an exclusive mailing. We send our anthology to editors, writers, and literary institutions across the country.

We don’t have any preferences topically or in terms of style. We’re simply looking for the best. We don’t define, nor are we interested in, stories identified by their genre. We do, however, consider ourselves a publication that focuses on literary fiction. Dazzle us, take chances, and be bold. DEADLINE: March 28th, 2021 at midnight PST. 


The Personal Stories Publishing Project invites WSW members to consider responding to the fifth Call for Personal Stories by June 30 on the theme of “Trouble—causing, avoiding, getting in, and getting out—with you in the middle.” Visit RandellJones.com to learn more about submitting to the Personal Story Publishing Project. 

WSW member Randell Jones, editor and publisher of the PSPP, says, “These stories, showcasing great writing and superb storytelling, join with the 135 stories in our three previous volumes to feed into our “6-minute Stories” podcast.” Find the books and hear the podcast at RandellJones.com.


BreakBread Magazine is a magazine for all young creatives between the ages of 13 and 25. We are always looking for vivid, timely poetry, nonfiction, short stories, comics, and visual arts (photography, illustrated narratives, and hybrid work) that explore new directions in arts and letters. Submissions are always free. Visit breakbreadproject.submittable.com/submit to send us your work. 
 

For details and benefits, see WSWriters Membership. Join online or by mail.

Congratulations to the following members whose essays have been selected to appear in the spring 2021 edition of the Personal Essay Project:

• Judie Holcomb-Pack

• Annie McLeod Jenkins

• Alice Osborn

• Howard Pearre

Their stories will also be shared in the 6-Minute Story podcast during the year. For information on purchasing a copy of the Personal Essay Project, visit www.randelljones.com.