Events by County

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ALAMANCE COUNTY
BURLINGTON 

ALAMANCE WRITERS NIGHT AT THE BURLINGTON ARTISTS LEAGUE GALLERY
When: Second Saturday of the month 7:00-8:30 pm
Where: Burlington Artists League Gallery, Holly Hill Mall, 309 Huffman Mill Rd.
Contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 336-266-6461
Join the North Carolina Writers' Network's Alamance County Representative and Burlington Writers' Club member Wayne Drumheller for lively readings, discussions, and book signings by some of the best writers and poets in Alamance County. Bring your best writing ideas to the gallery on the  second Saturday of each month.

GRAHAM
POETRY CRITIQUE GROUP
When: Last Monday of the month, 7:00 pm
Where: Member’s home
Contact: 336-578-2496 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Poetry critique group has formed and is seeking additional members. All levels welcome.

MEMOIR WRITING GROUP
When: Last Thursday of the month, 10:00 am
Where: Graham Presbyterian Church, 216 W. Harden St.
Contact: 336-578-2496 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
All levels welcome.

MEMOIR WRITING GROUP
When: Third Monday of the month, 10:00 am
Where: The Gathering Room at Twin Lakes Retirememt Community, 3701 Wade Coble Dr.
Contact: 336-578-2496 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Open to all, not just residents. All levels welcome.

MEBANE
WRITING FOR CHILDREN CRITIQUE GROUP
When: First Mondays, 10:30 am
Where: Mebane Methodist Church, 200 S. Fourth St.
Contact: 336-578-2496 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Seeking additional members. If a sufficient number desire an evening group, that can be arranged.

WRITING FOR CHILDREN CRITIQUE GROUP
When: Third Mondays, 6:30 pm
Where: Alamance Community College Library, Alamance Community College
Contact: 336-578-2496 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Seeking additional members. If a sufficient number desire an evening group, that can be arranged.

ALEXANDER COUNTY
Know of a literary event happening in Alexander County?  Send a brief notice to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for inclusion in the NCWN Literary Calendar.

ALLEGHANY COUNTY
Know of a literary event happening in Alleghany County?  Send a brief notice to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for inclusion in the NCWN Literary Calendar.

ANSON COUNTY
WADESBORO
ANSON COUNTY WRITERS' CLUB
When: Fourth Sunday of the month, 3:00 pm
Where: Varies
Website: http://www.ansoncountywritersclub.org
Contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
The Anson County Writers' Club has been in existence since 1989. The Anson County Writers' Club fosters the art of writing in Anson County through support, awareness and recognition of all writers—from the beginner to the published author. This is accomplished through regular meetings, workshops, lectures and readings; through our annual contests in prose and poetry culminating in a public awards ceremony; and through our grant program.

ASHE COUNTY
WEST JEFFERSON
WORDKEEPERS
When: Third Saturday (Dec., April, June, Aug., Oct., Dec.), 4:00 pm
Where: Ashe County Arts Council, 303 School Ave.
Contact: Christine Arvidson, 336-489-0066 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
We start our readings at 4:00 pm. It's first come/first served on the reading bill, so let Chris know if you'd like to sign up for your 5-minute slot.

BEAUFORT COUNTY
Know of a literary event happening in Beaufort County?  Send a brief notice to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for inclusion in the NCWN Literary Calendar.

BRUNSWICK COUNTY
SUNSET BEACH NEW! COASTAL WRITING RETREAT AT THE SUNSET INN
When: February 22-24, 2019
Where: The Sunset Inn. 9 North Shore Dr.
Cost $458 + room tax
Contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Website: http://www.wordplaynow.com/coastal-writing-retreat-feb-2019
Renew yourself and reconnect with your own creativity, whether you are a practicing writer, closet writer, or as-yet-to-pick-up-the-pen writer! The techniques and prompts we’ll use will spur your imagination, and can be used to create nonfiction, fiction, and/or poetry—the choice is yours. The Coastal Writing Retreat includes writing sessions, two nights’ lodging, two breakfasts and Saturday lunch (hotel tax and Saturday dinner at a local restaurant not included).

BUNCOMBE COUNTY
ASHEVILLE
POETRIO
When: First Sunday of every month, 3:00 pm
Where: Malaprop’s Bookstore/Cafe, 55 Haywood St.
Poetrio events are free and open to the public.

ASHEVILLE WRITERS' SOCIAL
When: First Wednesday of the month, 6:00 pm
Where: Battery Park Book Exchange, 1 Page Ave.
Cost: Free
Contact: Alli Marshall, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Website: https://www.facebook.com/NCWNAsheville
We meet to socialize and share writing tips. Each meeting features a writing prompt to generate creativity and discussion; open mics take place in April, July, and October. This is the regular Buncombe County regional meeting for the North Carolina Writers' Network.

THOMAS WOLFE BOOK CLUB
When: Second Thursday of the month, 5:30-7:00 pm (January - April)
Where: Thomas Wolfe Memorial State Historic Site, 52 N. Market St.
Contact: Tom Muir, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Website: http://www.wolfememorial.comA monthly Thomas Wolfe Book Club, sponsored by The Wilma Dykeman Legacy. Each month, a different local educator will lead the club in discussion of a pre-selected short story written by Thomas Wolfe. Just read the selected short story, show up at the corresponding meeting, and be prepared for an informative and provocative conversation.

POP-UP RETREAT AT THE FLATIRON WRITERS ROOM
When: Saturday, January 12, 2019, 9:30 am - 4:30 pm
Where: Flatiron Writers Room, 5 Covington St.
Cost: $85 early bird / $95 general admission (optional massage $20)
Contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Info/Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/pop-up-writers-retreat-at-the-flatiron-writers-room-january-12-2019-tickets-52432088789
Writing is a lonely business but it doesn’t have to be! Kick-start your writing for the new year with this all day writers retreat.

WRITERS AT HOME
When: Third Sunday of every month, 3:00 pm
Where: Malaprop’s Bookstore/Cafe, 55 Haywood St.
Contact: Tommy Hays at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
The University of North Carolina at Asheville's Great Smokies Writing Program series.

WRITERS' POTLUCK
When: Last Friday of every month, 6:00 pm
Where: The Writers' Workshop, 387 Beaucatcher Rd.
Website: www.twwoa.org
Writers'Potluck is held on the last Friday of the month. Members and guests are invited—please bring a dish to share, and a short story or poem to read.

WNCMSYSTERIANS CRITIQUE GROUP
When: Biweekly, 6:00 pm
Where: Battery Park Book Exchange, Grove Arcade, 1 Page Ave. #101
Cost: Free
Website: www.WNCMysterians.org
Established 2009 for serious mystery, suspense, and thriller writers in Asheville and Western North Carolina. We meet biweekly to improve one another's writing. Check out our website for details and dates.

2018 GREAT SMOKIES WRITING PROGRAM
When: Various workshops
Where: Various locations in Asheville, Hendersonville, Black Mountain, and Burnsville
Info: www.unca.edu/gswp or call 828-251-6099
Some of the area’s best authors and instructors are featured in the new spring lineup of workshops from the University of North Carolina at Asheville’s Great Smokies Writing Program. Courses will help hone the skills of writers of poetry and prose, including memoir, novels, and creative nonfiction. Some classes are open to interested writers of all levels; some are restricted to more advanced writers. In all cases, class size is limited and early registration is suggested. See website for complete course listing.

BOOKMAKING WORKSHOPS
When: Various workshops
Where:  Asheville Bookworks, 428 1/2 Haywood Rd., West Asheville
Website: www.ashevillebookworks.com
Take a workshop on bookbinding, letterpress, marbling, journaling, or bookmaking.

BURKE COUNTY
Know of a literary event happening in Burke County?  Send a brief notice to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for inclusion in the NCWN Literary Calendar.

CABARRUS COUNTY
KANNAPOLIS
CABARRUS-ROWAN WRITER'S NIGHT OUT / OPEN MIC
When: Fourth Thursday of the month, 6:30 pm 
Where: French Express Internet and Cyber Cafe, 2087 Dale Earnhardt, Jr., Blvd. (at Rt. 29, around the corner from Planet Fitness) / https://www.facebook.com/FrenchExpressNC
Contact: Alberto Perez, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
This is a great venue to meet and greet with others in your craft. Typically, we share news of upcoming events of interest to writers; we discuss the status of our various projects--and of course, we always have an open mic. Come early, get a cup of something good from the French Express, and sign up for a spot to read your poetry or short prose pieces. All are welcome. Keep up to date by following the blog at www.albertoperez.co/guild.html. Members have their short stories, poetry and other work listed for others to enjoy. This is the regular Cabarrus-Rowan Counties regional meeting of the North Carolina Writers' Network.

CAMDEN COUNTY
CAMDEN
WRITEAWAY AT THE WHITEHALL
When: May 17-21, 2019
Cost: Varies
Info/Register: https://www.writeaways.com/writeaways-registration/2019-spring-writeaway-by-the-river
Ready to immerse yourself in your writing? Write by the river. With Mimi Herman and John Yewell. A weekend of inspiration, consultation and writing instruction for writers of all levels--beginner to MFA to professional. Classes are held from 9:00 a.m. to noon on Saturday and Sunday, with individual conferences available each afternoon. Within the workshop, you'll get feedback from other writers, hone what you've written, and share your ideas with others who care about the writing craft. By the time we bid each other adieu on Sunday afternoon, you'll be inspired to continue writing well after the weekend is over.

CARTERET COUNTY
BEAUFORT
BEAUFORT
 CRITIQUE
 GROUP
When: Alternate Thursdays (mostly), 4:00-6:00 pm (no July meeting)
Where: Provided upon registration
Contact: Dr. Susan Schmidt, 252-269-0032; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., www.susanschmidt.net
Recruits several writers who have a book in progress and have workshop experience. E-mail to register.

BEAUFORT WRITING WORKSHOP
When: Wednesdays, 4:00-6:00 pm (7 weeks starting in mid-January and mid-September)
Where: Provided upon registration
Contact: Dr. Susan Schmidt, 252-269-0032; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., www.susanschmidt.net
Writing assignments and dozens of playful exercises in poetry, short fiction, and nonfiction to jumpstart ideas and induce creativity in a fun and supportive community atmosphere.

MOREHEAD CITY
CARTERET WRITERS
When: Second Wednesday of the month (September-April), 11:15 am – 1:30 pm
Where: Floyd's 1921 Restaurant, 400 Bridges St.
Contact: Carol Hartsoe, 910-330-0578 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Website: www.carteretwriters.org
Monthly meetings include a speaker and time for conversation with fellow writers, some seasoned and some just beginning. Lunch is "Dutch treat," but the program is free. Anyone interested in writing is welcome. Do come and try out a meeting or two to see if it helps awaken your muse!

CASWELL COUNTY
Know of a literary event happening in Caswell County?  Send a brief notice to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for inclusion in the NCWN Literary Calendar.

CATAWBA COUNTY
HICKORY
HICKORY WRITING GROUP
When: Second Monday of the month, 6:00 pm
Where: Patrick Beaver Memorial Library - 2nd Floor, 375 3rd St. NE
Contact: Skip at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Website: www.hickorywritergroup.com
Hickory Writers’ Group is a collection of serious writers who desire critical feedback on their work, and who are willing to be supportive of other writers. Writers at all experience levels are welcome. Ages 18 and up. Our agenda includes providing you the tools to appropriately critique another writer’s work; having your work critiqued; and passing on information and tips that will be helpful to you as a writer. Even if you’ve not launched your writing efforts, or have dabbled in writing, the Hickory Writers’ Group might well be that springboard to seeing your work in print someday. Prospective members are encouraged to visit in order to determine if you would like to become a part of this growing group.

POETRY HICKORY
When: Second Tuesday of each month, 7:00 pm
Where: Taste Full Beans Coffeehouse, 29 2nd St. NW, downtown
Contact: Scott Owens at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or www.poetryhickory.com
Poetry Hickory is usually preceded by NCWN's Writers' Night Out at 5:30 pm. Hosted by Scott Owens and co-sponsored by Main Street Rag Publishing Company. We will begin with the featured writers, and they will be followed by a true Open Mic. Participants in the Open Mic must sign up by 7:00 pm. There can be as many as 10 Open Mic readers, and each of them can have up to 3 minutes.

THE ART OF POETRY
When: Third Saturday of the month (March, June, September, December), 2:00 pm
Where: Hickory Museum of Art, 243 3rd Ave. NE
Website: www.artofpoetry.net
Poets write ekphrastic poems based on the Museum’s current exhibits and submit by the first Saturday of event months. Selected poems are posted in the Museum and the poets read them during the event. Submit poems to Kelly DeMaegd at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

CHATHAM COUNTY
MONCURE
READING AND WRITING POETRY
When: Mondays, January 7 - March 18, 2019, 7:00-9:00 pm
Where: Private residence (or by Skype)
Cost: $150 or $180 (by Skype)
Register: 919-545-9932 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
We will be reading selected poems of African American poets of the 20th century, from Langston Hughes to Jaki Shelton Green. We will use Michael Harper and Anthony Walton’s The Vintage Book of African American Poetry as a basis. Students may come to Judy’s home in Moncure or join the class by Skype.

LIFE STORY CLASS
When: Thursdays, January 10 - March 14, 2019, 12:45-2:45 pm
Where: Private residence (or by Skype)
Cost: $150 or $180 (by Skype)
Register: 919-545-9932 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
We will read Elizabeth Gaskell’s Wives and Daughters for ideas about plot, character, and how to make our writing vivid and hold the reader’s attention. All levels of previous experience are welcome. We may also offer the class by Skype, if some participants need that.

PITTSBORO
PITTSBORO WRITERS' MORNING OUT 
When: Second Saturday of the month, 1:00 pm
Where: Greek Kouzina, 964 East St.
Contact: Al Manning, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Carol Phillips, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
All writers, any genre are invited to join our discussions of the craft, business and general enjoyment of writing. This is the regular rmeeting for the Chatham-Lee Counties region of the North Carolina Writers' Network.

POP-UP POETRY
When: Third Thursday of the month, 6:30-8:30 pm
Where: Center for the Arts, 18A E. Salisbury St.
Cost: Free
Join published and unpublished word lover's every month. CFTA is a space dedicated to seeing, hearing, creating and learning about all the arts.

NC POETRY SOCIETY POETRY SERIES
When: Fourth Sunday of every month, 2:00 pm (January to October)
Where: McIntyre’s Fine Books, Fearrington Village
Contact: Guy and C. Pleasants York at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Each month, McIntyre’s hosts published members of the NC Poetry Society for reading and discussing their work.

CENTRAL CAROLINA COMMUNITY COLLEGE – CREATIVE WRITING PROGRAM
When: Various dates
Where: Central Carolina Community College
Website: www.cccc.edu/creativewriting
Central Carolina Community College in Pittsboro offers ongoing  classes, Saturday workshops, and a certificate in creative writing. Now registering for the winter. See our website for details.

CHEROKEE COUNTY
BRASSTOWN
NETWORK-WEST POETRY AND PROSE GROUP READINGS
When: Third Thursday of each month, 7:00 pm (unless otherwise indicated)
Where: John Campbell Folk School, One Folk School Rd.
Contact: Mary Ricketson, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Two readers from Network-West read each month.

JOHN C. CAMPBELL FOLK SCHOOL WRITING CLASSES
When: Throughout the year
Where: John C. Campbell Folk School, One Folk School Rd.
Website: www.folkschool.org

MURPHY
NETWORK-WEST POETRY GROUP
When: First Thursday of each month, 7:00 pm
Where: Holland McSwain Building - Conference Room, Tri-County Community College
Contact: Janice Moore, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Our group invites poets to bring typed copies of their poems, share them with the group, and get constructive feedback from the other poets. At each meeting we usually have between six and ten writers who come from Clay and Cherokee Counties in North Carolina, and Towns County in Georgia. Newcomers are welcomed to visit and eventually share their work if they wish. The success rate for publication in this group has been very high. The members have published their poems in well-known and respected literary journals, and several have published chapbooks and even full-length books.
 
NETWORK-WEST PROSE CRITIQUE GROUP
When: Second Thursday of each month, 7:00 pm 
Where: Tri-County Community College, Conference Room, McSwain Building
Contact: Bob Grove at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Positive constructive suggestions for writers' readings. E-mail Bob Grove for information.

CHOWAN COUNTY
Know of a literary event happening in Chowan County?  Send a brief notice to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.for inclusion in the NCWN Literary Calendar.

CLAY COUNTY
HAYESVILLE
COFFEE WITH THE POETS AND WRITERS
When: Third Wednesday of the month, 10:30 am (March through December)
Where:  Moss Memorial Library, 82 Anderson St.
Cost: Free
Contact: Glenda Beall at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 828-389-4441
Readers of poetry or prose from NCWN-West are featured. Community is invited to attend and participate in Open Mic.

CLEVELAND COUNTY
Know of a literary event happening in Cleveland County?  Send a brief notice to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for inclusion in the NCWN Literary Calendar.

CRAVEN COUNTY
NEW BERN
THE NEXUS POETS
When: First Tuesday of the month, 7:00-9:00 pm
Where: Trent River Coffee Company, 208 Craven St.
Cost: Free
Contact: Sam Love, 252-876-9456
Website: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Nexus-Poets/1433576556892128
Please join us in celebrating the amazing local talent this city has to offer! Each month will showcase two sets, begun by a featured poet followed by an open mic in round robin format. Get there early to sign up to perform/read and get one of the quickly filling seats to enjoy an evening with The Nexus Poets! Please check the Facebook page in case we have to shift the date.

CUMBERLAND COUNTY
FAYETTEVILLE
WRITING CAN HELP
When: First and third Saturdays, 10:30 am
Where: Room 202, All American Veteran Center, Fayetteville Technical Community College
Contact: Jerry Bradley, facilitator, 910-574-5019 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  
Website: www.writingcanhelp.webs.com
The purpose of this group is to inspire artistic expression and creation and to encourage release, hope, help, and healing through writing. The group includes but is not limited to military men and women, retirees, veterans, government civilians, battlefield contractors, first responders and their family members who have experienced or who are experiencing events resulting in mental (such as PTSD and TBI) or physical trauma and disabilities. The goal of this group is to encourage a peer environment in which participants can develop their artistic writing skills through instruction, review and feedback offered in an honest, positive and constructive (not destructive) manner. This will be done through workshops, discussions groups, critique groups, special projects and events. Remember, disabled does not mean unable. Jerry Bradley, facilitator.

WRITERS' INK GUILD POETRY AND PROSE CRITIQUE GROUP MEETING
When: Third Tuesday of every month, 7:00 pm (except July and December)
Where: 2nd and Charles Book Store, 1920 Skibo Rd.
Contact: Jerry Bradley at 910-574-5019 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
You don't have to be a great writer or even a good writer to attend; you just have to be an enthusiastic writer. If you have any questions, feel free to give me a call.

JAVA JAMS: FAYETTEVILLE’S PREMIERE POETRY OPEN MIC
When: Every Sunday from 7:30-10:30 pm
Where: The Coffee Scene, 3818 Morganton Rd., next to Carrabba’s restaurant
The talented regular participants of this long-running open mic event offer up an inspired reading of poems. Newcomers welcome to the venue to listen or share some words of their own!

DARE COUNTY

DAVIE COUNTY
Know of a literary event happening in Davie County?  Send a brief notice to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for inclusion in the NCWN Literary Calendar.

DUPLIN COUNTY
Know of a literary event happening in Duplin County?  Send a brief notice to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for inclusion in the NCWN Literary Calendar.

DURHAM COUNTY
DURHAM
MONDAY NIGHT WRITER'S GROUP
When: Mondays, 7:00 pm
Where: Private residence
Cost: $160 (every 8 weeks)
Register: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
The Monday Night Writer’s Group, led by published author John Manuel, is seeking writers actively involved in writing fiction and creative nonfiction. Hone your work through reading aloud in front of other writers. The group meets at John’s house in Durham, conveniently located minutes from Interstate 40.

DURHAM WRITERS' SALON
When: Second Tuesday of the month, 7:00 pm
Where: The Mothership Co-Working Space, 401 W. Geer St.
Website: http://wearethemothership.com/event/writers-salon
Contact: Allison Kirkland, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 919-627-2374
Writing is a lonely endeavor! Come connect with a local writing community and reconnect with your creativity at our monthly writing salon. Each month is organized around a theme so we can discuss our writing progress, share our work and even get some writing done with prompt-based exercises.

FLASH FICTION GROUP
When: Tuesdays, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm or Wednesdays, 6:00-8:00 pm
Where: Private home in Durham
Contact: Ron Jackson, 919-627-3914, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Work on a variety of voices, styles, and subjects; wrap your brain more easily around a story; tap your hidden lyrical language; work on all elements of craft; build story inventory fast. Each session will include some of reading work aloud, constructive critique, handouts, readings, and content generation through take-home and in-class prompts.

NONFICTION AUTHORS ASSOCIATION OF DURHAM AND CHAPEL HILL
When: Second Wednesday of the month, 6:15 pm
Where: Alternate locations
Cost: $10 (advance) / $15 (door)
Contact: Diana Needham
Website: http://www.meetup.com/Durham-Chapel-Hill-Chapter-Nonfiction-Authors-Association
A series of authors presentations followed by discussion. Topics include building an income stream as a writer, marketing your book, building a website, and more.

SHARING CREATIVITY POETRY CRITIQUE GROUP
When: Third Thursday of the month, 7:00 pm
Where: South Regional Library, 4505 South Alston Ave.
Contact: Bartholomew Barker at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
This monthly group  meets to review poems, provide constructive feedback and spend a creative evening together. You must send poems the Monday prior to the workshop. Sponsored by Living Poetry.

JAMBALAYA SOUL SLAM ACADEMY
When: Third Saturday of every month, 8:00 pm
Where: Hayti Heritage Center, 804 Old Fayetteville St.
Contact Information: www.bullcitypoetryslam.com or 919-683-1709
Cost: $7
Writing and performance workshop facilitated by national spoken word artists. Learn to take your poetry from the page to the stage in a relaxed peer environment.

2ND ANNUAL WRITING RETREAT
When: April 18-21, 2019
Where: Morehead Manor Bed & Breakfast, 914 Vickers Ave.
Website: https://blacklesbianliterarycollective.org/save-the-date-2nd-annual-writing-retreat Tuition rates and other details will be shared soon. Hosted by the Black Lesbian Literary Collective.

LITTLE CORNER READING SERIES
When: Various dates in 2019
Where: Duke Coffeehouse, Duke University
Cost: Free
Contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Website: http://www.theinvisiblebear.com/little-corner.html
Please join us for the following scheduled poetry readings with visiting poets and scholars from across the United States. We also hold informal poetry discussions in conjunction with visiting guests. Upcoming readings: February 9 (Rachel Zucker w/ TBD) and April 6 (Dorothy Chan with TBD).

FORSYTH
RURAL HALL
THE AL PERRY MEMORIAL WRITING WORKSHOP
When: Saturday, January 26, 2019, 1:00-5:00 pm
Where: Rural Hall Historic Train Depot and Railroad Museum, 8170 Depot St.
Cost: Free (members) / $10 (non-members)
RSVP: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Limited to 15 participants. Explore. Think. Create. Join Winston-Salem Writers as we explore the Rural Hall Historic Train Depot and Railroad Museum. Participants will stroll through a caboose, view unique items and have ample time to think and create. There will also be an allotted amount of time for writers who would like to share a few lines of their new composition. The program will be led by Jennifer Bean Bower and Dale R. Pfeiffer -- writers of historical non-fiction and fiction. Jennifer has created numerous interactive events for Historic Bethabara Park and Old Salem; and is the author of four books. Dale's work in historical fiction includes the Trilogy, The Pfeifferberg Chronicles.

WINSTON-SALEM
OPEN MIC NIGHT
When: First Tuesday of the month, 7:00 pm
Where: Milton Rhodes Center for the Arts, 251 Spruce St. North
Come share your writing at our popular Open Mic event. Sign up to read at 6:45 pm. See complete rules at our website, www.wswriters.org. Hosted by the Winston-Salem Writers.

DADA'S FIRST FIRST GALLERY HOP AT BRIGHT LEAF BOOKSHOP
When: First Fridays, 8:00-8:45 pm
Where: Bright Leaf Bookshop, 227 W. Fifth St.
Cost: Free
This event, which WSW offers in partnership with Downtown Arts District Association and Bright Leaf Books, features a lively presentation of poetry and spoken word by Triad artists. Bright Leaf Books proprietor Sam Puliafito invites all lovers of poetry and books to visit his delightful shop on Fifth Street during DADA's monthly Gallery Hop, meet the poets, and enjoy a glass of wine.

FOUR ON FOURTH
When: Fourth Wednesday of the month, 7:00 pm
Where: Bookmarks Bookstore, 634 W. 4th St. #110 (access parking in rear, off Holly Ave.)
Contact: Bart Ganzert, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Website: www.bookmarksnc.org
The Winston-Salem Writers is partnering with Bookmarks to host a monthly public reading event called “Four on Fourth”. The fourth Wednesday each month, four local authors will be featured at this live reading. Author’s books will be available for purchase. Come to enjoy and support your writerly tribe!

THE WORD IS OUT: OPEN MIC
When: Last Tuesday of the Month, 7:00 pm
Where: Central Library, 616 W. Fifth St.
Co-sponsored by Forsyth County Public Library and the Winston-Salem Writers.

A MOVEABLE FEAST
When: February 9-10, 2019
Where: Bookmarks & Footnote, 634 W. Fourth St.
Cost: $60 / $45 (Saturday/Sunday) or $450 for table of 8 (both days)
RSVP: https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3900324
Our seventh annual Movable Feast will change venues and expand to a two day event at Footnote! Attendees will have the opportunity to talk and get their books signed by all visiting authors before and after the events. Saturday features a three course meal with wine and the opportunity to hear from all 18 featured authors as they read from their work. Authors will rotate between tables during courses so each table will be visited by four authors. Sunday features light hors doeuvres and sangria with our traditional format. Over the course of two hours, each table will meet with 10 authors who will rotate every ten minutes to a new table. Hosted by Bookmarks.

THE HIGH ROAD FESTIVAL OF POETRY AND SHORT FICTION
When: March 22-24, 2019
Where: Embassy Suites, 460 North Cherry St.
Cost: Varies
Contact: Kevin Watson, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 336-770-5353
Website: https://www.press53.com/gathering-of-poets
Since October 2005, Press 53 has been finding and sharing remarkable voices in poetry and short fiction, and now after eight years of hosting the Press 53 Gathering of Poets, we are extending an invitation to short fiction writers to join us for a weekend of learning, writing, and sharing. The day includes workshops and one-on-one critiques, as well as a large vendor room that is free and open to the public.

GATHERING OF POETS
When: Saturday, March 30, 2019
Where: Brookstown Inn, 200 Brookstown Ave.
Cost: $100
Info/Register: http://www.jacarpress.com/the-gathering
Three-time National Book Award finalist Marilyn Nelson will teach at this ninth-annual Gathering of Poets. Marilyn will be joining Li-Young Lee, Kaveh Akbar, Eduardo Corral, and Chloe Honum as faculty. In addition to being a 3-time National Book Award finalist, Marilyn Nelson is the author or translator of seventeen poetry books and the memoir How I Discovered Poetry. She is also the author of The Fields Of Praise: New And Selected Poems, which won the 1998 Poets’ Prize, Carver: A Life In Poems, which won the 2001 Boston Globe/Hornbook Award and the Flora Stieglitz Straus Award, and Fortune’s Bones, which was a Coretta Scott King Honor Book and won the Lion and the Unicorn Award for Excellence in North American Poetry. Nelson’s honors include two NEA creative writing fellowships, the 1990 Connecticut Arts Award, a Fulbright Teaching Fellowship, a fellowship from the J.S. Guggenheim Memorial Foundation, the Frost Medal, and two Pushcart Prizes. She was the Poet Laureate of the State of Connecticut from 2001-2006.

FRANKLIN COUNTY
Know of a literary event happening in Franklin County? Send a brief notice to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for  inclusion in the NCWN Literary Calendar.

GASTON COUNTY
Know of a literary event happening in Gaston County? Send a brief notice to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for inclusion in the NCWN Literary Calendar.

GUILFORD COUNTY
GREENSBORO
THE FRONT GATE WRITERS GROUP
When: Sundays, 7:00-9:00 pm
Where: Various coffee houses
Information/Register: 336-509-0660 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Writing to prompts and exercises, discussion of specific authors’ techniques, helpful suggestions, no harsh critiques.  A safe, productive way to generate and hone your writing. Reservations are necessary, and a small monthly fee applies. All levels are welcome, and one partial need-based scholarship is available.

NC WRITERS' NETWORK OPEN MIC
When: Second Monday of the month, 6:30-9:00 pm
Where: Scuppernong Books, 304 S. Elm St.
Cost: Free
Contact: Carla Harper, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Writers: An open invitation to share your work out loud. All genres welcome. NCWN Guilford County members receive reminders about the open mic and a chance to sign up before the public via rep newsletter. Every month will have an optional theme. (Going with the theme is always nice, but not mandatory.) Each writer will have up to 7 minutes to read. Feel free to bring more than one piece in case we have time for a second round. Please time your reading beforehand. On-site sign-up is available between 6:30 and 6:50 pm on a first-come, first-served basis. If time allows--and once everyone on the list has read--the floor will be opened up to volunteer readers (i.e., those who did not plan on reading, but have become inspired to do so). This is the regular meeting of the Triad region of the North Carolina Writers' Network.

PLAYWRIGHTS FORUM MEETING
When: Second Wednesday of every month, 7:00 pm
Where: Greensboro Cultural Center, 200 N. Davie St.
Contact: Todd Fisher at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 336-373-2974
Cost: The meetings are free and open to the public. Membership is only $25 annually.
Actors and directors are encouraged to attend. Each meeting begins with introductions, then readings of the monthly assignments, followed by works by member playwrights. Members may submit plays to be considered for production four times a year.

MEMOIR GROUP
When: Fourth Wednesday of the month, 7:30 pm
Where: Sternberger Artists' Center, 712 Summit Ave.
Contact: Coventry Kessler at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 336-230-2231
Prospective members may attend two meetings before joining WGOT. We are eager to hear what you'd like to accomplish in writing memoir. Sponsored by the Writer's Group of the Triad.

THE SENIORS’ NOTEBOOK GROUP
When: Fourth Tuesday of every month, 2:00-4:00 pm
Where: Contact June Wilson Read (below) for location
Contact: June Willson Read, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 
Writers over the age of fifty who wish to participate in a daytime group are invited to join the Senior's Notebook writers. Membership includes new writers as well as folks who have had some publications in various genres. We write, share current writing, discuss writer issues, and sometimes critique work.

HARNETT COUNTY
Know of a literary event happening in Harnett County? Send a brief notice to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for inclusion in the NCWN Literary Calendar.

HAYWOOD COUNTY
WAYNESVILLE
MOUNTAIN WRITERS MEETING
When: Second Tuesday of each month, 1:00 pm
Where: Frog Level Brewing Co., 56 Commerce St.
Contact: Merry Elrick at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Website: www.mountainwritersnc.com
Open to the public with programs for aspiring and published writers of all genres.

HENDERSON COUNTY
FLETCHER
WRITERS GUILD OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA
When: Second Thursday of every month, 1:30-3:30 pm
Where: Fletcher Public Library, 120 Library Rd.
Contact: John Waterman, 828-296-9983 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
All writers are invited to join us for a lively discussion about our current projects related to publishing and marketing our work. Learn tricks and techniques from published authors and aspiring writers. Reveal your own convictions.

HENDERSONVILLE
BLUE RIDGE WRITERS' SUPPORT GROUP
When: First and third Mondays, 2:00-4:00 pm
Where: County Parks and Recreation Athletics and Activity Center, 708 S. Grove St.
Contact: Tom Hooker, 828-691-0118
The Blue Ridge Writers’ Support Group is open to anyone seriously interested in being published. The current facilitator is Tom Hooker.

WRITER'S SALON
When: Third Tuesday of the month, 6:30 pm
Where: Olive or Twist Restaurant, 121 Barwell St.
Cost: Free
Contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Website: https://www.facebook.com/LionessPressLLC
Join us for a lively discussion on all things publishing, get inspired with like-minded people. The aim of this salon is to foster a creative community for all writers in Hendersonville and surrounding areas.

OPEN MIC NIGHT
When: Third Monday of the month, 5:15:-7:45 pm
Where: Henderson County Public Library, 301 N. Washington St.
Cost: Free and open to the public
Contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or if no e-mail call Katie Winkler, 828-808-0899
The North Carolina Writers' Network invites writers to share their work at Open Mic Night. Poets, fiction writers, playwrights, essayists, memoirists, etc. are welcomed. To read: sign up between 5:30 and 6:00 pm. Readings are from 6:00-7:30 pm and are timed, beginning when reader starts speaking: prose is five minutes and poetry is three minutes.

LOST PLAYWRIGHTS MEETING
When: Last (or next-to-last) Saturday of the month, 2:00 pm
Where: Henderson County Library auditorium, 301 N. Washington St.
Contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Playwrights read scenes from their works. Persons interested in creative writing or theatre are invited to attend.

IREDELL COUNTY
MOORESVILLE
SOUTH IREDELL SCRIBBLERS
When: The first Saturday of the month, 1:00 pm
Where: St. James Episcopal Church, 851 Shinnville Rd.
Contact: Mike Shinn, 704-677-2662 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
The South Iredell Scribblers is a writers’ critique group. All genres and all levels of experience are welcome.

STATESVILLE
IREDELL COUNT WRITERS GROUP
When: First Tuesday of the month, 11:00 am
Where: Iredell County Public Library, 201 N. Tradd St. - Conference Rm.
Contact: Billie-Fae Gerard Gill, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Published and unpublished writers are welcome to participate. Outside speakers and regular learning opportunities available. Work will be critqued upon request. Currently averaging twelve writers per meeting.

JACKSON COUNTY
SYLVA
COFFEE WITH THE POET
When: Third Thursday of each month, 10:30 am
Where: City Lights Bookstore, 3 E. Jackson St.
Contact: 828-586-9499

JOHNSTON COUNTY
SELMA
JOHNSTON COUNTY WRITERS GROUP
When: Second Thursday of every month, 6:30 to 7:30 pm
Where: Selma Public Library, 301 N. Pollock St.
Cost: Free and open to the public
Contact: Cindy Brookshire, 919-202-5990 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Retired educator Gary Ridout facilitates this group. Monthly meetings alternate between guest speakers, craft talks and critique sessions.

LEE COUNTY
SANFORD
FIRST THURSDAYS TAKE 5 POETRY & PROSE OPEN MIC
When: First Thursday of the month, 6:00-8:00 pm
Where: Karma Boutique and Coffee Bar, 131 Wicker St.
Cost: Free
Contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Website: https://www.facebook.com/KarmaandCoffee/events
Enjoy the sharing of original poetry and prose in blocks lasting up to five minutes each from 6:00-8:00 pm-ish on the First Thursday of every month! Open mic sign-up begins at 5:30 pm. Works containing adult language or mature themes may be shared after 6:15 pm. Writers age 15 and under are encouraged to present their original works from 6:00-6:15 pm. You deserve to Take 5! Come share your work or just come ENJOY! 

LENOIR COUNTY
Know of a literary event happening in Lenoir County?  Send a brief notice to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for inclusion in the NCWN Literary Calendar.

LINCOLN COUNTY
Know of a literary event happening in Lincoln County?  Send a brief notice to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for inclusion in the NCWN Literary Calendar.

MACON COUNTY
HIGHLANDS
THE HIGHLANDS WRITERS GROUP
When:  Thursdays, 1:30-4:00 pm
Where: Hudson Library, 554 Main St.
Contact: Linda Anderson, 828-526-1935 or 954-465-3235
First hour: creative writing fun.  Second half: writers read their work in progress for critique.

MADISON COUNTY
Know of a literary event happening in Madison County? Send a brief notice to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for inclusion in the NCWN Literary Calendar.

MCDOWELL COUNTY
Know of a literary event happening in McDowell County? Send a brief notice to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for inclusion in the NCWN Literary Calendar.

MECKLENBURG COUNTY
CHARLOTTE
WEDNESDAYS @LIT
When: Wednesdays, 7:00-9:00 pm
Where: Charlotte Lit, 1817 Central Ave. -- Ste. 302
Cost: Free (members) / $20 (non-members)
Contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Website: http://www.charlottelit.org/wednesdays
Join Charlotte Lit members for inspiring and educational community gatherings. Events rotate through four formats: Lit Writes (write-ins), Lit Chats (facilitated conversations), Lit Reads (member readings), and Lit Shops (workshops).

THE CHARLOTTE POETRY COLLECTIVE
When: Second Thursday of the month, 7:00 pm
Where: C3 Lab, 2525 Distribution St.
Contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Website: https://m.facebook.com/TheCharlottePoetryCollective
A new, free critique group!

WRITER'S WORKSHOP
When: Second Saturday of the month, 2:00-4:00 pm
Where: CML Library - Beatties Ford Road Regional, 2412 Beatties Ford Rd.
Cost: Free
Thanks to writer Evangeline Billy, the Beattie's Ford Road Branch Library now offer a Writer’s Workshop. No fees or dues. Open to scripters of all genres, an arena to hone skills, get critiques, and be among other script creators. Read your written and spoken word to an audience, learn how to critique, update punctuation skills, prepare, plan, complete your works, and create new ones. The Beatties Ford Writers Workshop is all about that ink.

CHARLOTTE WRITERS' CLUB THIRD TUESDAYS
When: Third Tuesday of the month, 7:00 pm
Where: Providence United Methodist Church, 2810 Providence Rd. - Rm. 104
Website: www.charlottewritersclub.org/home
Charlotte Writers' Club 3rd Tuesday monthly meeting. Guests welcome. Since 1922 Charlotte Writers' Club, "Celebrating the Written Word."

OPEN MIC NIGHT AT MUG'S COFFEE
When: Third Friday of the Month, 7:00 pm
Where: Mug's Coffee, 5126 Park Rd. - #1d
Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/charlotte-writers-club-open-mic-night-tickets-45628949416
This is a great opportunity for our members to share what they've written and gain experience reading in public. This is a necessary skill to promote your writing. The added benefit is being able to network with other writers. Hosted by the Charlotte Writers' Club and Mug's Coffee.

WRITING WITH HEART, MIND, BODY, AND SOUL
When: Wednesday, January 9, 2019, 7:00 pm
Where: Morrison Regional Library, 7015 Morrison Blvd.
Cost: Free
Contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Info/Register: https://www.cmlibrary.org/event/95264-writing-heart-mind-body-and-soul
Do you wish you knew the secret to creating writing that readers love? And when and how to show versus tell? Then this workshop is perfect for you, whether you write fiction or nonfiction, memoir, essays, short stories, or novels. You will learn to identify and practice the use of showing and telling through the lens of the four “elements” of human being: heart, mind, body, and soul. Whether you’re a new, rusty, or accomplished writer, you’re sure to learn something new about the art and craft of writing prose that will leave you—and your readers—more satisfied with your work.

WRITING THE LONGER NARRATIVE POEM LED BY JOSEPH BATHANTI
When: Saturday, January 19, 2019, 1:00-3:30 pm
Where: Providence United Methodist Church - Rm. 104, 2810 Providence Rd.
Cost: $30 (members) / $40 (non-members)
Info/Register: https://charlottewriters39club35.wildapricot.org/event-3108234
Joseph Bathanti is former Poet Laureate of North Carolina (2012-14) and recipient of the 2016 North Carolina Award for Literature. Writing the Longer Narrative Poem, will focus on writing longer poems that tell stories through utilizing classic conventions of fiction such as dialogue, plot, conflict, characterization, setting/place, etc., while still relying heavily on key elements of poetry such as compressed, often impressionistic, language; rhythm; stylized line and stanza breaks; and attention to sound. Hosted by the Charlotte Writers' Club.

RECALLING MEMORIES FOR YOUR FAMILY OR PUBLIC
When: Wednesdays, January 23 - February 27, 2019, 2:00-4:00 pm
Where: Christ Episcopal Church, 1412 Providence Rd.
Cost: $60 (members) / $72 non-members / $14 (textbook - optional)
Info/Register: https://charlottewriters39club35.wildapricot.org/event-3136536
Author and editor Margaret Bigger is offering her annual six-week course: "Recalling Memories for Your Family or the Public." This opportunity is sponsored by the Charlotte Writers' Club and is designed for anyone considering writing a memoir or nonfiction book.

SHORT STORY WORKSHOP
When: Saturday, February 9, 2019, 10:00 am - 12:30 pm
Where: Providence United Methodist Church - Rm. 104, 2810 Providence Rd.
Led by Sarah Creech. Hosted by the Charlotte Writers' Club.

CHARLOTTELIT WORKSHOPS
When: Various dates
Where: CharlotteLit, 1817 Central Ave. #302
Cost: Various costs
Info/Register: http://www.charlottelit.org/calendar/
CharlotteLit offers ongoing workshops lead by some of the area's best writers and teachers that focus on various aspects of the writing craft. See website for full course listing.

POETRY IN THE PASSING MOMENT
When: Saturday, January 26, 2019, 1:00 pm
Where: Davidson Friends Meeting House, 625 S. St.
Cost: $30 (members) / $40 (non-members)
Info/Register: https://charlottewriters39club35.wildapricot.org/event-3123570
"Grief is a floating barge boat. You never know where it will moor" (Charles Wright). This quote from Wright’s poem appeared in The New Yorker years ago, shortly following the loss of my kid brother. The images spoke to my heart and mind. One of the reasons I chose to share these lines for this workshop is that they say so much about the nature of poetry. Writing poetry is like following the river inside us. We can step into a barge boat, remember secret places, or walk a forgotten trail—trusting the river of writing, not knowing where the impetus of a poem will moor. This is magical and mystical. You are invited to venture into your imagination, to experience a poem as a container for grief, a vessel of hope. We will discuss poems by Alberto Rios, Marie Howe, Jack Matthews, Denise Levertov, Edward Hirsch, Jane Hirshfield, Rilke, and Tracy K. Smith, among others. Come prepared to respond and to write! Led by Irene Blair Honeycutt.

HUNTERSVILLE
WATERBEAN POETRY NIGHT AT THE MIC
When: Fourth Wednesday of the month, 7:00 pm
Where: Waterbean Coffee, 9705 Sam Furr Rd. - Unit A
Cost: Free
Contact: Leslie M. Rupracht, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Co-hosted by Pinesong editor, and former Iodine Poetry Journal editor Leslie M. Rupracht. We have a featured poet/writer do a reading, followed by open mic. (Sign up for open mic by 7:15.) Waterbean Coffee at Northcross Shopping Center is a fantastic venue offering a variety of coffee, tea, desserts, beer, and wine by the bottle.

MITCHELL COUNTY
SPRUCE PINE
MAYLAND WRITERS’ GROUP
When: Last Monday of each month, 6:00 pm
Where: Spruce Pine Public Library, 142 Walnut Ave.
Contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  or 828-467-4208
Members bring in material to critique. Prose and poetry are welcome.

MOORE COUNTY
Know of a literary event happening in Moore County? Send a brief notice to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for inclusion in the NCWN Literary Calendar.

NASH COUNTY
ROCKY MOUNT
NCWN DOWN EAST WRITERS OF NASH-PITT-WILSON COUNTIES
When: Third Saturday of the month, 1:00-2:00 pm
Where: The Bel Air Artisans Center, 115 S. Church St.
Contact: Celestine  Davis at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 252-526-7353
The NCWN Down East Writers of Nash-Pitt-Wilson Counties will host opportunities for writers of all genres to stir up their creative juices with stimulating writing prompts, quality feedback, and occasional open-mic style readings with special guests. Sponsored by the North Carolina Writers' Network.

NEW HANOVER COUNTY
CAROLINA BEACH
NEW BEGINNINGS WRITING SESSIONS
When: Tuesdays, 1:00-2:30 pm
Where: Salty Dog Yoga, 915 a N. Lake Park Blvd.
Cost: $25 each or $250 for 12
Contact: Virginia Holman, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Website: https://www.saltydogyogasurf.com
Have you always wanted to write, but hesitate when faced with the blank page? Do you have pages of journals, stories, and poems, but never share them with others because you don’t believe you are a “real writer”? Do you feel “stuck” in your creative process? Are you worried that it’s too late to for you to “be a writer”? Are you bored with your current writing and want a jump-start in 2018? This ongoing class for women writers aims to refresh your creative process and help you tell the stories you most want to tell. We will utilize in class exercises and work together to gather the necessary components of an ongoing creative practice: safety, playfulness, reflection, and compassion. By the end of this class, you will have identified key images and themes in your writing, recovered a sense of abundance, and created pathways for new work. Absolutely no writing experience is necessary. Just come with an open heart and a willingness to explore on the page. This class provides a nurturing space to create and grow. Bring a notebook or journal of your choosing and a pen/pencil.

WILMINGTON
DISCUSSION AND DISCOVERY
When: Wednesdays, 6:00 pm
Where: Athenian Bookstore & Lounge, 2231 Wrightsville Ave.
Cost: Free
Contact: Lori Wilson, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Discover women and femme identified writers! Come to our weekly book club and free write where no advance reading is necessary. Every week we will read excerpts from thought provoking essays, stories, and poems to expand our wheelhouse and continue our exploration of diversity. We will be selecting excerpts from books carried in-house and delving into discussions on themes and perspectives that we may have grasped from immersing ourselves in these texts. Don't worry, no prior reading required! With titles changing weekly and free writing during our discussions, Discussion & Diversity is not something you'll want to miss out on!

OPEN MIC POETRY NIGHT
When: Second Friday of the month, 6:30 pm
Where: Pomegranate Books, 4418 Park Ave.
Join poets for a lively night of readings, open mics, and community building. Bring your own poems or those of your favorite poet to read orj just enjoy the atmosphere. Hosted by Jean Jones and John Evans.

PORT CITY PLAYWRIGHTS' PROJECT
When: Two Saturdays a month, 11:00 am
Where: New Hanover County Public Library System (TBD)
Contact: Susan M. Steadman, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Website: https://portcityplaywrights.wordpress.com/
The Port City Playwrights' Project, a community of writers for stage and screen, will meet to critique scripts. Newcomers are always welcome. This community of writers for stage and screen hosts always lively discussions and will focus on plays in development for a 2019 script-in-hand production.

ATHENTIAN AT LARGE
When: Sundays, 3:00 pm
Where: Pomegranate Books, 4418 Park Ave.
Cost: Free
Contact: Lori Wilson, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 919-961-5071
Website: https://www.facebook.com/events/1794744290830597
Athenian Press & Workshops is reintroducing it's At Large series for the 2018 year. Every Sunday, we will hold a town-hall style community meeting in which woman and femme creators (artists, writers, arts entrepreneurs, etc.) are invited to discuss current events. The At Large series provides an opportunity to connect with fellow creators and survivors of marginalization, and it offers a forum to use writing as healing. Each week, the Athenian team invites its guest to participate in a writing prompt at the end of the meeting. The meeting is followed by Athenian Yoga with Heather Gordy, who curates a practice that allows guests to decompress, explore creativity, and reflect upon the discussion (although both events can occur independently if guests cannot attend both). Join our team to explore, create, and takeover!

ATHENIAN YOGA WITH HEATHER GORDY
When: Sundays, 4:00 pm
Where: Athenian Bookstore & Lounge, 2231 Wrightsville Ave.
Cost: Free
Join the Athenian team for our weekly yoga practice with certified yoga instructor Heather Gordy. Heather will be offering all level yoga classes specifically designed to help build internal strength, empowerment, confidence, and self-love. Each week she will guide you through asanas to help open the heart, encourage balance through everyday life, and find healing of the body and mind. These classes will be held after our “Athenian At Large” meetings and will serve as a time where you can find release of tension in the body and pull from your own inner strength to feel self-love and compassion. Please join us as we dive into the practice of yoga to form connection and help in supporting each other as we grow together.

ONSLOW COUNTY
TOPSAIL WRITERS
HOLLY RIDGE
When: Second and Fourth Saturdays of the month
Where: 4 C's Java, 1601 E. Ocean Hwy.
Cost: Free
Contact: Edward Wills, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., 910-382-0293
Website: https://www.facebook.com/Topsail-Writers
Are you an author, blogger, or writer of any sort? Do you want to become one? If so, you are invited to join your peers at Topsail Writers. The group is made of published authors, students, and those beginning to explore writing careers. Meetings typically last for two hours with the first hour reserved for a discussion of a writing-related topic and the second for communal writing time. Participants are encouraged to bring a computer.

NORTHAMPTON COUNTY
Know of a literary event happening in Northampton County? Send a brief notice to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for inclusion in the NCWN Literary Calendar.

ORANGE COUNTY
CARRBORO
COURAGE COCKTAIL RADIO SHOW
When: Wednesdays, 12:00-1:00 pm
Where: On air at WCOM 103.5 in Carrboro
Fear stops many of us from growing. By talking about fear in a friendly, supportive environment, this radio show will give ourselves permission to get more comfortable exploring new ideas and learning how some individuals work with fear to achieve a lifetime goal. Fear has the power to stop us from getting the help we need. The show will be covering a broad variety of subjects such as health crises, re-entering the work force after a break in employment, or reconnecting to our creative instincts after years of neglect. The show streams live on the internet and is archived on podcasts at iBiblio at UNC.

JUMPSTART YOUR WRITING: A WEEKLY PROMPT WRITING CLASS FOR WOMEN
When: Thursdays, 6:00-8:30 pm OR Fridays, 10:30 am - 1:00 pm
Where: The studio of Nancy Peacock
Cost: $110 per month
Website:  www.NancyPeacockBooks.com

WRITING GROUP FOR WOMEN
When: Mondays (10:30 am - 1:00 pm) or Thursdays (10:30 am - 1:00 pm)
Where: The studio of Nancy Peacock
Cost: $145 per month (includes a written critique of each submitted work)
Website: www.NancyPeacockBooks.com
This group is for women who are working in or who wish to work in fiction and/or memoir. Personal essays, short stories, or longer sustained works are welcome. Nancy Peacock is a published author whose first novel was chosen as a New York Times Notable.

CHAPEL HILL

CHAPEL HILL FRIDAY NOON POETS
When: Friday's, 12:30-1:30 pm
Where: Amity United Methodist Church, 825 Estes Dr.
Contact: Dave Manning, 919-462-3695
Informal meetings every Friday. Read your poetry or poems of others. Free parking, side entrance. All are welcome!

FLYLEAF BOOKS SECOND THURSDAY READING SERIES
When: Second Thursday of the month, 7:00-8:30 pm
Where: Flyleaf Books, 752 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd.
Contact: Stan Absher, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
This monthly reading series is co-hosted by Stan Absher and Pam Baggett and sponsored by Flyleaf  Books. An informal get-together before the reading will begin around 6:00 at the Root Cellar, next door to Flyleaf. Please join the group for an hour of conversation. Featured readers will each read for approximately twenty minutes and, after a short break for the readers to sign books, there will be an open poetry mic. Please sign up to read no later than 7:00 pm.

PROMPT WRITING WITH NANCY PEACOCK
When: Second Saturday of the month, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Where: Flyleaf Books, 752 Martin Luther King, Jr., Blvd.
Cost: Free and open to the public
Prompt Writing: Serious writing begins with playful writing. Please join this unique ongoing group of supportive adult writers and play your way into the possibilities of the written word. Based on the work of Natalie Goldberg (Writing Down the Bones), Wild Mind Prompt Writing: Serious writing begins with playful writing. Please join this unique ongoing group of supportive adult writers and play your way into the possibilities of the written word.

HILLSBOROUGH
WRITERS' WORKSHOP WITH DAVID PAYNE
When: Thursdays,  6:00-7:30 pm (Group 1); Thursdays, 8:00-9:30 pm (Group 2)
Where: Location provided upon registration
Contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Website: www.davidpaynebook.com
David Payne teaches two ongoing Thursday night writing workshops in Hillsborough. A member of the Founding Faculty in the Queens University of Charlotte MFA Writing Program, David has also taught and served as writer-in-residence at Bennington, Duke, Hollins, and elsewhere. He is the author of five novels—including Early from the Dance, Ruin Creek, and Back to Wando Passo. His memoir, Barefoot to Avalon, was published by Grove Atlantic Press in August, 2015. David is currently at work on a screenplay of Barefoot to Avalon for Oscar-nominated director, Giulio Ricciarelli. David’s Thursday evening classes—MFA-level workshops limited to six members per section—is open to committed fiction and nonfiction writers.

PENDER COUNTY
Know of a literary event happening in Pender County? Send a brief notice to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for inclusion in the NCWN Literary Calendar.

PERQUIMANS COUNTY
Know of a literary event happening in Perquimans County? Send a brief notice to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for inclusion in the NCWN Literary Calendar.

PITT COUNTY
GREENVILLE
NCWN DOWN EAST WRITERS OF NASH-PITT-WILSON COUNTIES
When: Third Saturday of the month, 10 :00 am - 12:00 pm
Where: The Great Harvest Bread Company, 2803 Evans St.
Contact: Celestine Davis at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
The NCWN Down East Writers of Nash-Pitt-Wilson Counties will host opportunities for writers of all genres to stir up their creative juices with stimulating writing prompts, quality feedback, and occasional open-mic style readings with special guests. This is the regulary meeting of the Nash-Pitt-Wilson counties region of the North Carolina Writers' Network.

POLK COUNTY
Know of a literary event happening in Polk County? Send a brief notice to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for inclusion in the NCWN Literary Calendar.

RANDOLPH  COUNTY
Know of a literary event happening in Randolph County? Send a brief notice to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for inclusion in the NCWN Literary Calendar.

ROBESON COUNTY
Know of a literary event happening in Robeson County?  Send a brief notice to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for inclusion in the NCWN Literary Calendar.

ROWAN COUNTY
KANNAPOLIS
CABARRUS-ROWAN WRITER'S NIGHT OUT / OPEN MIC
When: Fourth Thursday of the month, 6:30 pm 
Where: French Express Internet and Cyber Cafe, 2087 Dale Earnhardt, Jr., Blvd. (at Rt. 29, around the corner from Planet Fitness) / https://www.facebook.com/FrenchExpressNC
Contact: Chuck Thurston, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
This is a great venue to meet and greet with others in your craft. Typically, we share news of upcoming events of interest to writers; we discuss the status of our various projects--and of course, we always have an open mic. Come early, get a cup of something good from the French Express, and sign up for a spot to read your poetry or short prose pieces. All are welcome. Keep up to date by following the blog at www.albertoperez.co/guild.html. Members have their short stories, poetry and other work listed for others to enjoy. This is the regular Cabarrus-Rowan Counties regional meeting of the North Carolina Writers' Network.

RUTHERFORD COUNTY
Know of a literary event happening in Rutherford County? Send a brief notice to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for inclusion in the NCWN Literary Calendar.

SCOTLAND COUNTY
Know of a literary event happening in Scotland County? Send a brief notice to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for inclusion in the NCWN Literary Calendar.

STANLY COUNTY
Know of a literary event happening in Stanly County? Send a brief notice to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for inclusion in the NCWN Literary Calendar.

SURRY COUNTY
ELKIN
CREATIVE WRITING CLUB FOR ADULTS
When: Various Thursdays, throughout the year
Where: Elkin Public Library, 111 N. Front St. OR Foothills Arts Council, 129 Church St.
Contact: Kasey, 336-835-5586 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Join our creative writing community! The group will meet to share ideas, receive feedback, and encourage one another in the writing process. We will meet biweekly for two hours each session.

SWAIN COUNTY
Know of a literary event happening in Swain County? Send a brief notice to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for inclusion in the NCWN Literary Calendar.