"You write in order to change the world, knowing perfectly well that you probably can't, but also knowing that literature is indispensable to the world."
James Baldwin
News of the Month
Happy November, dear writers!
As we ramp up toward the busy holiday season, how will you maintain your writing practice?
In October, we had our semiannual slush pile event. If you didn't get a chance to join us live for the event, you can catch the recording on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/tqPI3sTTqIU?si=Wnibd9xjMHme8C6 . Tracy Crow was gracious to share her wisdom and feedback on ten submitted pieces.
Writers' Morning Out Upcoming Events
All WMO events are virtual via Zoom. Links will be sent out two days prior to each event.
Thursday, November 12 at 1:00pm ET - Writing Cave
Many of us write in our own "caves" apart from the outside world. Why not spend an hour writing together? I will offer a prompt, which you can use, or you can spend the hour on your own work in progress - it's up to you! The writing cave is a generative session to use as you like and to create accountability with other writers in our community.
There will not be a second cave this month due to the Thanksgiving holiday.
Saturday, November 14, 2026 at 1:00pm ET - 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, November 21, 2026 at 1:00pm ET - NCWN Fall Conference Recap
The North Carolina Writers' Network fall conference in Asheville brings together "over 200 writers, authors, and publishing professionals for craft classes, workshops, readings, panels, and networking." While we encourage everyone to attend this year's event Nov. 6-8, we understand that not everyone can attend, and that those who do go cannot attend every offering. With that in mind, we will present a summary of what we learned in our various sessions so that we can share the highlights.
There will be no Writers Discuss Craft sessions during the months of November and December due to the holidays.
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/
Fall Conference 2026 will take place November 6-8 in Asheville.
Registration is now open. Visit https://www.ncwriters.org to register.
The 41st Fall Conference of the North Carolina Writers’ Network won’t look the same as the first 40.
The 2026 NCWN Fall Conference–scheduled for November 6 – 8 in Asheville–will follow a new format and schedule, giving registrants more flexibility and freedom while costing them less to attend. Hurray!
Jacobs/Jones African-American Literary Prize
Submissions open November 1
Please visit https://www.ncwriters.org for more information.
Online Class: Creative Nonfiction with Ralph Eubanks
December 10 at 7:00pm ET
Registration opens November 11
Please visit https://www.ncwriters.org for more information.
Rose Post Creative Nonfiction Competition
Submissions open November 15
Please visit https://www.ncwriters.org for more information.
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 Representative, Central Piedmont