Category: Broad Universe

Acceptances and Coming Appearances

Poetry Acceptances

Somehow, Thanksgiving is almost here and the end of the 2010’s is looming. Writer-wise, I was largely inactive during 2019. I wasn’t feeling compelled to write by the time March rolled around, and then by May discovered painting. I’ve just recently begun to write a new short story.

The one piece of writing I completed before my hiatus was a horror-themed poem that was accepted into Horror Writers Association (HWA) annual poetry showcase. (The kindle version has just been released and hardcovers should follow in a few days or so.) That poem, “It is Forever Stalking You,” was written as I was experiencing a depressive episode and chronicles what that feels like.

HWA Poetry Showcase Vol. VI Cover

I’ve also just received word that my space-themed poem “Reincarnation” was accepted into the charity anthology Beneath Strange Stars by TL;DR Press. The proceeds from this collection of short stories and poetry will benefit the UK-based Association for Science Education. (Science education–a cause near and dear to my heart!) This collection will be available to purchase in January 2020.

Beneath Strange Stars charity anthology

Upcoming Appearances

I plan to attend Boskone in Boston in February 2020 (where I’ll be a panelist) and should be attending at least part of Arisia in January. When not on panels at either of these conventions, you can find me at the Broad Universe table in the Dealer’s Room.

A Final Note…

I appeared at Stillwater Books in Pawtucket, RI, with three other women horror writers in October. They have a few of my books on consignment, so check them out if you’re in the area!

Reading and afterpanel at Stillwater Books–from left to right: Christine Lajewski, Doungjai Gam Bepko, Jessica Levai, me

 

In Praise of Writers’ Groups

If You Are a New or Aspiring Writer, You Need a Critique Group. Believe Me.

For the first in my series of marketing and other tips for new writers, I want to start at a basic level–honing your craft.

The best thing you can do as a new or aspiring writer is join a writers’ group–sometimes called a critique group.

As a beginner, you’ll learn a lot from other writers. You’ll get tips on writing habits, where to find markets to submit to, and how improve your writing. You’ll also receive feedback on your writing.

All groups operate differently. Some meet weekly; other monthly or bi-monthly. Some groups choose to read one member’s submission each time, with other members giving a detailed critique. Others have all members submit a piece of a certain length in advance of a meeting, with members spending an allotted amount of time critiquing each piece of work.

There’s no one “correct way” to run a group–it depends on the personalities and commitment levels of the members.

via GIPHY

How to Find a Group

As a woman speculative fiction writer, I found my first group through my local chapter of Broad Universe, an organization supporting women writers and artists in the speculative genres. I joined their online discussion group, and after lurking for a year agreed to meet another member for coffee (shout out to my friend and fellow writer, Trisha Wooldridge.) It was wonderful to discuss our mutual passion and share our dreams. We became friends, and at some point after that Trish invited me to join my first critique group. We were all women writing speculative fiction, and our group lasted for several years.

While it’s not necessary that group members write in the same genre, many find it preferable. The most important thing is that you feel comfortable contributing, and get useful feedback. I’ve known of other successful groups that have a science fiction writer, a romance writer, a mystery writer, and a children’s book author. There’s no one “right” way.

Look Locally

Find organizations or groups that support your genre. Do be aware that membership in these types of groups can carry a small annual cost. Even a small cost can be too much for some beginning writers. Another tip is ask around your local bookstores, colleges, and libraries to see if a group is operating out of or meeting in any of these places. Can’t find something that fits the bill? Start your own group! Most libraries, coffee shops, and bookstores will allow you to post a flyer announcing your intention to start a group.

Next time, I’ll discuss another tip for beginners. Until then, please share your own experiences finding or joining a critique group in the comments. Have a question? Feel free to ask!

  

Come Hear Several Scifi/Fantasy Authors Read Their Work (or, What’s a Rapid Fire Reading?)

This Saturday at 10am at Arisia in Boston, several members of Broad Universe will be reading selections from their works. Each author has anywhere from 3-7 minutes, depending on the number of participants.

These types of author readings are called “Rapid-Fire Readings” (RFRs)–each author reads from one of their works for the allotted time, introduces the next reader, and so on.

These readings fly by, and are a great way to hear or discover your next favorite writer!

The RFRs by Broad Universe are particularly fun, since we have chocolate and other treats available, and give away free books and other swag.

Check out this year’s list of readers below. Hope to see you there! (I think I’ll be reading from a fantasy/horror story in progress.)

Broad Universe Rapid Fire Reading