From Virtual to Vibrant: Maximizing Online Reach and Local Engagement in Your Author Platform
2023-08-07 18:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Carteret Community College, 3505 Arendell St, Morehead City, NC, 28557, United States
From Virtual to Vibrant is a four-evening course designed to support writers in building a strong online and in-person presence. Having an author platform is essential for connecting with readers, expanding your reach, and establishing your brand. This course will explore effective strategies and practical techniques for developing a robust online presence through social media, websites, and email newsletters. Additionally, we’ll delve into the importance of building in-person connections, finding your community, and leveraging local networks for a more meaningful platform. Dates include:

Monday, August 7, 6 – 8pm
Monday, August 14, 6 – 8pm
Monday, August 21, 6 – 8pm
Monday, August 28, 6 – 8pm

The price for the four two-hour classes is $58 total, and you can register using Instant Enrollment online, by calling CCC’s Life Enrichment department at 252-222-6200, or by emailing boneyh@carteret.edu. The class will be held in CCC’s Wayne West building.

Back to School: Crafting Your Writer Brand
2023-08-17 16:00 - 18:00 | Morehead City Train Depot, 1001 Arendell Street, Morehead City, NC, 28557, United States
Save the date for our exciting “Back to School” event on August 17, 2023, from 4-6 PM! This event is all about helping you showcase your unique voice and style. Get ready to take your writing career to the next level using insights from our guest speaker. Stay tuned for an announcement of the speaker’s name and the location.
We invite all attendees to bring your writer bios for a fun and interactive “trade and grade” activity. Through collaboration with fellow writers, you’ll consider what makes some bios pop and receive constructive suggestions to enhance your own.
But that’s not all! As a special treat, we’ll have a professional photographer on site, offering complimentary headshot sessions exclusively for our members. Update your author profile or social media accounts with a polished and professional headshot, courtesy of Carteret Writers.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to invest in your personal brand as a writer. Join us for an empowering evening filled with learning, networking, and gaining confidence in your writer’s identity.

The Artist's Way with Jen Heironimus
2023-09-02 | Online
On September 2, our Treasurer Jennifer Heironimus will begin guiding us through Julia Cameron’s legendary book The Artist’s Way using our new forum technology. The Artist’s Way is a 12-week course in creativity that includes writing daily morning pages, taking yourself on a weekly artist date, and exploring your own unique artistic process. Register now to take part in forum check ins, access community support, and share your insights with fellow travelers on the artist’s path.
Join us and see where the journey takes you!

Fear Factor: Decoding the Psychology at Work in Horror Writing
2023-09-11 18:00 - 20:00 | Carteret Community College, 3505 Arendell St, Morehead City, NC, 28557, United States
Fear Factor is a four-class course that explores the enigmatic art of injecting fear into fiction. Discover how to evoke intense emotions by mastering techniques such as uncertainty, sensory details, isolation, foreshadowing, and ambiguity. Through engaging discussions, readings by esteemed authors and researchers, and practical writing exercises, participants will gain the tools to create narratives that haunt readers.
Fear Factor will be held on Monday evenings from September 11 through October 2. The price for the four two-hour classes is $58 total, and you can register using Instant Enrollment online, by calling CCC’s Life Enrichment department at 252-222-6200, or by emailing boneyh@carteret.edu. The class will be held in CCC’s Wayne West building.
EPIC WRITING CHALLENGE: Participants who choose to write a short horror story set in Carteret County have the option to read their stories live at the Carteret Writers’ October event for a special Halloween episode of EPIC Carteret.

Unleash Your Creativity: Spark Zone with Stanley Trice
2023-09-12 18:00 - 19:30 | Craven-Pamlico Regional Library, 400 Johnson St, New Bern, NC, 28560, United States
Calling all aspiring writers! Join Stanley Trice, former Carteret Writers President, for an exhilarating creative writing class at the New Bern branch of Craven-Pamlico Regional Library. Starting in September, these monthly classes are perfect for beginners, focusing on themes like character, plot, and voice.
Stanley plans to invite guest speakers for poetry and memoirs. The first class, on September 12 from 6 pm to 7:30 pm, will kick off with the motivation to write—how to get started and stay inspired. This is a free opportunity you don’t want to miss! Seize the chance to develop your writing skills alongside Stanley and a supportive community of fellow writers. Learn more and secure your spot at Craven-Pamlico Regional Library’s website. See you there! 🚀✍️

An Editor's Insights on the Publishing Path
2023-09-21 16:00 - 18:00 | Reed’s Coffee + Art + Frames, 812 Evans St, Morehead City, NC, 28557, United States
Join us on September 21st, from 4-6 PM, for an enlightening event inspired by Be Kind To Editors Month! Our special guest Jan Parker is an acquisitions editor with Main Street Rag, a beloved regional literary journal, and she’s the author of our own Eddy Says blog post series.
Get ready to dive into the world of query letters, journal submissions, and more as Jan unravels the mysteries of editing and publishing. From understanding essential terminology such as writing coach, editor, concept editor, agent, beta reader, and proofreader, to exploring the diverse paths authors take to achieve publication, this event is a must-attend for aspiring writers and seasoned authors alike.
Don’t miss this opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the editing and publishing world. Mark your calendars for September 21st and join us for an illuminating session that will equip you with the knowledge and confidence to navigate the intricacies of the writing industry.
Jan says bring all your writing and editing questions, even if they seem elementary. You might be surprised by how many other people are wondering the same thing.

Ghosts of the Coast
2023-10-19 16:00 - 18:00 | Morehead City Library, 202 S 8th St, Morehead City, North Carolina, 28557, United States
Our October meeting is the perfect opportunity to embrace the eerie atmosphere of the season and showcase your storytelling skills. We’ll kick off the evening with a spirited writing exercise that may come back to haunt you later. Then, step up to the mic and share your most bone-chilling ghost story or paranormal poem (5 minutes or fewer). Autumn Ware will be recording the spooky season salon, and tales set in Carteret County may be featured on a special Halloween episode of EPIC Carteret. It’s going to be a unique opportunity to showcase your skills and extend your platform by scaring the pants off of podcast listeners.

Wordsgiving
2023-11-16 16:00 - 18:00 | Morehead City Train Depot, 1001 Arendell Street, Morehead City, NC, 28557, United States
We started this tradition last year, and it was an immediate favorite, so join us this year for our new annual celebration of words and gratitude Wordsgiving. The festivities will be held at the picturesque Morehead City Train Depot, where we’ll gather to indulge in the flavors of the season while sharing cherished holiday traditions and gratitude for our vibrant writing community.
Prepare your taste buds and your belt for a potluck that will make Charles Dickens’ feasts seem paltry by comparison! Members are encouraged to bring their favorite family holiday sides, and as we savor the dishes, we’ll share the stories behind them. It’s the perfect time to foster connections, inspire one another, and celebrate the power of our collective creativity.

Lit Festivities
2023-12-21 16:00 - 18:00 | Carolina Home & Gardens, 4778 NC-24, Newport, NC, 28570, United States
Join us at our festive literary exchange in December at the always-enchanting Carolina Home & Gardens where we’ll swap books in white elephant exchange and indulge in delicious holiday season treats. Barb McCreary, our special guest for the evening, will share insights into crafting children’s stories that captivate young minds and collaborating with illustrators. Whether you’ve thought about writing stories for the children in your life or venturing into the world of children’s literature professionally, this insightful session will provide valuable guidance.
This December, unleash your inner child, find a new favorite book, and don’t forget to bring a wrapped book of your own for the white elephant exchange.

The Future of Writing
2024-01-18 16:00 - 18:00 | Reed’s Coffee + Art + Frames, 812 Evans St, Morehead City, NC, 28557, United States
January 2 is National Science Fiction Day, and so we’re thinking about the future of our local writers this month. Join us for a unique workshop hosted by former CW President Stanley Trice that transcends genres t0 explore the possibilities of tomorrow. Together, we’ll foretell what the future holds for Carteret Writers and how we envision our craft evolving over the next 40 years. Whether you pen poetry or prose, science fiction or memoirs, this workshop invites you to dream big and write boldly. Stay tuned for more details!

Romance Writers Tryst
2024-02-15 16:00 - 18:00 | Reed’s Coffee + Art + Frames, 812 Evans St, Morehead City, NC, 28557, United States
At our February event, love meets language, and storytelling takes a romantic turn. But don’t worry, whether you write romance, thrillers, fantasy, or non-fiction, the writing workshop will offer something for writers across a range of interests and experience. Writers of all backgrounds will hone their skills to infuse their work with emotional depth, relatable characters, and evocative prose. Whether you’re looking to write the next great love story or want to deepen the connections and emotions in your existing projects, this workshop promises to kindle inspiration and ignite your writing passion.

Open Mic at the Green Room
2024-02-29 18:00 - 20:30 | The Green Room, 510 Front St., Beaufort, North Carolina, 28516
Join Carteret Writers Veep Emily Carter and friends February 29 at The Green Room in Beaufort from 6pm – 8:30 PM for a special open mic event. If you’re a local poet, writer, or singer-songwriter, come out to perform. If you love to support local artists and local businesses, come out and enjoy the show!

Small Press Fest
2024-03-21 16:00 - 18:00 | Reed’s Coffee + Art + Frames, 812 Evans St, Morehead City, NC, 28557, United States
Join Carteret Writers this March to celebrate Small Press Month. Whether you’re an aspiring author or an experienced writer looking for fresh publishing avenues, this event offers a rare opportunity to learn from those who know the world of small press intimately. Understand the benefits of partnering with a small press, including personalized attention, creative freedom, and close collaboration. Connect with fellow writers who share your passion and curiosity for alternative publishing paths. Hear from authors who have thrived in the small press environment. Small presses play a vital role in our literary landscape, nurturing unique voices and providing opportunities often overlooked by larger publishers. If you’ve ever considered this route for your book or simply want to learn more about the vibrant world of small press publishing, Small Press Fest is for you.

Spring Poetry Soirée
2024-04-18 16:00 - 18:00 | Reed’s Coffee + Art + Frames, 812 Evans St, Morehead City, NC, 28557, United States
Join us in celebrating the beauty, depth, and diversity of poetry. Expect a workshop let by Carteret Writers member poet Franco Pagnucci and New Bern poet Suzanne “Coco” Cockerille of Shiny Butter Blog, an open mic poetry reading, and time to mingle with fellow poetry lovers, exchange ideas, and discover new inspirations. Our National Poetry Month-inspired event offers a warm and welcoming space for poets and poetry enthusiasts to come together to experience rhythm, rhyme, and literary delight.

Lightning Pitch Publishing Workshop & Feedback Session
2024-05-11 09:00 - 17:00 | History Museum of Carteret County, 1008 US-70, Morehead City, North Carolina, 28557, United States
How Do I Successfully Navigate the Path to Publication?

Get up close and personal with the world of publishing at our Lightning Pitch Publishing Workshop & Feedback Session! Start your day with workshops led by UNCW’s Sayantani Dasgupta and Hannah Abrams. These sessions are designed to refine your work and prepare it for publication.

Enjoy a catered lunch from Infusion Café during our networking hour, where you can connect with fellow writers and industry professionals. The afternoon will bring small group critiques by our guest editors Amanda Gawthorpe of Blue Ink Press and Steve Lindahl of Flying South, offering personalized, constructive feedback to help push your work forward.

Event Highlights:

Expert-led publishing workshops

Catered networking lunch

Personalized critique sessions with guest editors

This event is a must for any writer looking to polish their work and understand the nuances of getting published. Whether you’re a seasoned author or a budding writer, there’s invaluable insight for everyone.

Learn more.

Summer Season Send-Off
2024-05-16 16:00 - 18:00 | Reed’s Coffee + Art + Frames, 812 Evans St, Morehead City, NC, 28557, United States
Join us for the final Carteret Writers social of the 2023-2024 season and the final flourish of your current CW Board before we hand over the reins to a brand new board! At this special gathering, we’ll celebrate our new board members before our annual summer break. Don’t miss the chance to share your voice during the open mic session, where you’re invited to present your latest short masterpiece (five minutes and under). It’s a perfect opportunity to enjoy the camaraderie of fellow writers and toast to a new season of creative success. See you there for an afternoon of inspiration and fellowship!

Event Features:

Announcement of new board members

Open mic session for member writings

Networking and socializing with fellow writers

Note: This will be our last event until we reconvene at the end of August. Make sure to mark your calendars and come celebrate with us!

Spark Zone with Stanley Trice
2024-06-11 16:00 - 18:00 | Craven-Pamlico Regional Library, 400 Johnson St, New Bern, NC, 28560, United States
On June 11 at 4 pm at the Craven-Pamlico Regional Library / 408 Hancock St, New Bern. Local Author Stanley Trice leads a workshop/class for creative writers at 4 p.m. every second Tuesday afternoon of the month. Everyone is welcome! This month, local author, experiencer, and NC leader of Mutual UFO Network (MUFON) will be leading our discussion about her memoir and how she experienced and wrote about her encounters with non-Earth life. Please register in advance at the New Bern Library Adult Services Reference Desk or online at NBAdultPrograms@mycprl.org.

Shelby Dean Stephenson Literary Award Submission Deadline
2024-07-31 08:00 - 17:00 | NC
Cushing Publishing is sponsoring The Shelby Dean Stephenson Literary Award. Submissions in prose, poetry, and photography (cover art) will be accepted between June 21 and July 31, 2024. Winning work will be published in their literary journal Back Roads and Low Tides. Prize money will be $200 per category. Non-winning entries may be submitted for publication on our literary journal during our open submission window. Opening August 1 through September 15, 2024. All the details on available at www.cushingpublishing.com, specifically on the contest page here.

Writing Poetry with Emily Carter
2024-08-05 18:00 - 20:00 | Reed’s Coffee + Art + Frames, 812 Evans St, Morehead City, NC, 28557, United States
Join award-winning writer and lyricist Emily Carter for four-evenings of poetry writing workshops.

Authors Day at the Olde Beaufort Farmers' Market
2024-08-17 09:00 - 13:00 | NC
Local Authors Day at the Olde Beaufort Farmers’ Market

Saturday, 17 August, 9am to 1pm

Authors’ spots are full. Contact Susan Schmidt with questions: susu@ec.rr.com

August 2024 CW Meet-Up
2024-08-21 16:00 - 18:00 | Reed’s Coffee + Art + Frames, 812 Evans St, Morehead City, NC, 28557, United States
Hello Members and Prospective Members –

We are returning from summer break, excited to see new and familiar faces. All are welcome! On Wednesday August 21st from 4-6pm, please join us at Reeds Coffee in downtown Morehead City.

Bring your head! A head full of ideas for the next two years and a head for taking headshots.

Local photographer Terrell Gould will be on hand to take updated headshots for members throughout the meeting. Photos will be emailed to members.

While we pose, we’ll discuss ideas for the next few years of Carteret Writers and wrap up with a chance to read work aloud (sign-up sheet will be at the meeting). We can’t wait to hear what you have to share. See you there!

Creative Writing with Tom Kies
2024-09-09 17:30 - 19:30 | Reed’s Coffee + Art + Frames, 812 Evans St, Morehead City, NC, 28557, United States
Enjoy four evenings of creative writing workshops with author of the Geneva Chase Mystery Series Tom Kies.

September 2024 CW Meet-Up
2024-09-18 16:00 - 18:00 | Reed’s Coffee + Art + Frames, 812 Evans St, Morehead City, NC, 28557, United States
Hello Members and Prospective Members –

We are excited to see new and familiar faces on Wednesday September 18th from 4-6pm at Reeds Coffee in downtown Morehead City.

Local author and Emerald Isle Books owner Curt Finch will speak about publishing and the book business, and we will have time to read and socialize.

All are welcome!

Songwriting with Emily & John Carter
2024-10-14 17:30 - 19:30 | Reed’s Coffee + Art + Frames, 812 Evans St, Morehead City, NC, 28557, United States
Join award-winning writer and lyricist Emily Carter and her husband John “Smokin’ Hot Love Biscuit” Carter of musical duo Old Age and Treachery for four-evenings of songwriting workshops.

October 2024 CW Meet-Up
2024-10-16 16:00 - 18:00 | Reed’s Coffee + Art + Frames, 812 Evans St, Morehead City, NC, 28557, United States
Join Carteret Writers at Reed’s Coffee in downtown Morehead City from 4-6pm on October 16th for our monthly meet-up.

Emily Saunders from Elysian Players will discuss the one-act play competition and playwriting, then we will give feedback in small genre-targeted groups. Please bring a piece of writing you would like critiqued (option to print five additional copies if possible). Aim for a piece that can be read in five minutes, approximately five hundred words.

November 2024 CW Meet-Up
2024-11-20 16:00 - 18:00 | Spoondrift, 320 Salter Path Rd, Pine Knoll Shores, 28512, United States
Wordsgiving is back!

Join us Wednesday November 20th from 4-6pm at Spoondrift, located within the Bogue Banks Public Library building in Pine Knoll Shores (beside the fire/police station).

We will have a potluck, so bring your favorite dish. We will set up food in the Library Art Gallery, load plates of yummy goodness, and meet in Spoondrift. Spoondrift will have wine and beer for sale.

Please bring a short piece of writing to share for an Open Mic, preferably related to your potluck dish OR to Thanksgiving. Pieces should be five minutes or less when read aloud. Poetry, creative nonfiction, short story – surprise us!

All are welcome.

December 2024 CW Meet-Up
2024-12-18 16:00 - 18:00 | Clawsons Restaurant, 425 Front St, Beaufort, North Carolina, 28516, United States
Let’s celebrate a year of writing together December 18th from 4-6pm at Clawson’s Restaurant on the Beaufort waterfront.

We will be in the private back room, with a community poem activity and a white elephant gift exchange. Bring a WRAPPED BOOK to give, and receive one in return! We will be able to order food and drink as well. All are welcome!

January 2025 CW Meet-Up
2025-01-15 16:00 - 18:00 | Carteret Community College, 3505 Arendell St, Morehead City, NC, 28557, United States
On Wednesday, January 15th, Carteret Writers will participate in a Zoom workshop with Shuly Cawood. Cawood has published books in multiple genres and leads several online workshops. We will be participating in a version of Cawood’s “Let’s Write Together” workshop, targeted to our group. The plan is to meet in person and participate together, having Cawood on a big screen for the group.

We will meet at Carteret Community College, in Wayne West 309.

February 2025 CW Meet-Up
2025-02-19 16:00 - 18:00 | Clawsons Restaurant, 425 Front St, Beaufort, North Carolina, 28516, United States
Our February meet-up will occur on Wednesday, 2/19 from 4-6pm at Clawson’s Restaurant in Beaufort. We will participate in a Carteret Critique, passing our work to fellow writers for feedback, using constructive critique guidelines. Please bring 3-5 pages of work, stapled or otherwise attached together. Each reviewer will spend fifteen minutes on a piece of writing before passing it along to the next reader.

Don’t worry about the exact length of your writing – short pieces will leave extra time for reader reflection, and longer works will receive feedback on their first pages but maybe not the ending. Please do use a standard font in at least 12 point – the more legible your work, the better chances of usable feedback.

March 2025 CW Meet-Up
2025-03-19 16:00 - 18:00 | Reed’s Coffee + Art + Frames, 812 Evans St, Morehead City, NC, 28557, United States
Join us for our monthly meet-up, for new and prospective members. We are returning to Reed’s Coffee in downtown Morehead City, where Meganne Smith, our president, will lead a creative writing workshop. We will have a discussion then write together. All are welcome.
