"If the notion is good enough, if it truly belongs to you, then you can't forget it--it will haunt you till it's written."
Truman Capote
News of the Month
Happy May, dear writers!
If you haven't had a chance to check out our website, visit: https://www.writersmorningout.org.
While you're there, be sure to check out our community page! This is a place for you to engage with other WMO members. Looking for a beta reader? Wanting to meet up in person with folks in your area? This is your spot to connect with other writers, be it to form writing groups, find readers, ask questions, share publications, or simply to make new friends who share a love of writing. The community is an optional feature. You can provide as much or as little information as you'd like, and no information extends beyond the community.
As our website is still new-ish, we may still encounter wrinkles to iron out. If you have any questions or comments, please let me know.
If you did not get a chance to join us for our semiannual slush pile event in April, you can watch the recording on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/ZRYSKJchjkw.
Saturday, May 9, 2026 at 1:00pm - Writers Discuss Writing
Please join us to share your accomplishments, questions, anecdotes, and comments as we discuss all things writing. Think of this as a writers' support group.
Saturday, May 16, 2026 at 1:00pm - Writers' Morning Out
Please join us for our annual Reading for Writers event. Our selection for this year's event will be The Girls We Sent Away by Meagan Church. We are fortunate that Meagan is a local North Carolina author who will join us to discuss the book and answer questions.
Meagan Church is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of The Mad Wife, The Girls We Sent Away, and The Last Carolina Girl. She writes emotionally-charged, thought-provoking, empathy-inducing stories that explore the complexity of human nature. Her historical fiction chronicles the plight and fight of unheard voices of the past. Meagan holds a B.A. in English from Indiana University and is an adjunct for Drexel University’s MFA in creative writing program. A Midwesterner by birth, she now lives in North Carolina with her high school sweetheart, three children, and a plethora of pets.
Below is a link where you can learn more about both the book and the author.
https://www.meaganchurch.com/the-girls-we-sent-away/
Tuesday, May 26, 2026 at 7:00pm - Writers Discuss Craft
Join us for what is always a valuable learning session with literary agent, Tracy Crow, a true expert in the field. Learn more about Tracy at https://tracycrow.com.
News from the North Carolina Writers’ Network
Is it time to renew your NCWN membership?
Check the top of the NCWN newsletter to see when your membership needs renewal.
Not a member? You’re missing out on discounts on Network-sponsored programs and events.
What are you waiting for? Membership is open to writers of all experience levels and genres, across the state and beyond. Join now at https://www.ncwriters.org/
Squire Summer Writing Workshops 2026
This year's workshops will be held at Appalachian State University in Boone Thursday, July 16-Sunday July 19. Register here: https://www.ncwriters.org/programs/conferences/squire-summer-writing-workshops-2026/.
NC Writers' Network Weymouth Fellowship
Thanks to the generosity of anonymous donors, the NC Writers’ Network will sponsor an annual fellowship to fund a week’s residency at the Weymouth Center for a writer who has never enjoyed a Weymouth residency before, and who would not be able to attend without this fellowship.
The NCWN Weymouth Fellowship awards $500 each year to cover travel, groceries, and other supplies for the residency, while the Weymouth Center provides the residency space.
Interested writers may submit applications between April 15 and June 1 each year, via Submittable.
Applicants must be North Carolina residents and/or members of the NC Writers’ Network.
To apply, writers must submit the following through Submittable:
A sample of work produced within the last two years.
A resume or CV that includes publications, awards, and honors.
A 250-word essay describing the project that the applicant plans to work on during residency, and why time at Weymouth Center will support progress on that project.
Finalists for the fellowship may be asked to provide proof of need and, if necessary, residency.
The winner of the NCWN Weymouth Fellowship will be announced in July. The fellowship recipient will schedule their residency with Weymouth staff directly. Questions should be directed to NCWN Executive Director Ed Southern at ed@ncwriters.org.
Learn more here: https://www.ncwriters.org/news/network-news/new-nc-writers-network-weymouth-fellowship-now-open-to-applications/.
Postscript:
WMO’s programs and meetings are a collaborative effort with Penny Cottrell, Tracy Crow, Tom Dow, Catherine Duncan, George Kauffman, Carol Phillips, Louise Dolan, and Judith Stanton—plus our ex-officio member and IT wizard, Josh Cottrell—all contributing.
Wishing you all the best in your writing endeavors!
Penny Cottrell, NCWN Regional Rep, Central Piedmont
Part of the NC Writers' Network
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