Missoula Writing and Reading Events

As writers we all need a boost now and then -- diving into some social events tailored to the writing crowd is a great way to rejuvenate your writing efforts. Think of it as a stay-cation for your writing efforts. While not all of us have the luxury of getting sequestered into some secluded mountain cabin somewhere there are significant benefits to getting out there and meeting others slogging through the same challenges you are.

Living in the Missoula area we are fortunate to be surrounded by events, groups, and reading series that cater to writing and literary crowds. Check out what's happening in Missoula this year!


The University of Montana's Spring Reading Series for 2012
Featuring authors such as Chang-Rae-Lee, Martha Ronk and Elizabeth Robinson, the MFA program at UM is sponsoring a spring reading series completely free of charge. For more information, dates, and times please visit their website at UM Reading Series.

Second Wind Reading Series
This more informal reading series is also free and open to the public. For a listing of readers please visit Second Wind Reading.
When: Most Sundays
Time: 5PM
Where: The Top Hat at 134 W. Front Street in Missoula

The 406 Writer's Workshop
This organization sponsors a variety of writing courses and workshops specifically geared toward creative writers. These small groups allow more individualized focus but they come with a price tag. For more information on courses offered and prices visit 406 Writer's Workshop.

The Menagerie
A free critique group providing a supportive structure for all levels of writing in fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and musical lyrics. This group has been operating since 2003 and they meet one Sunday a month from 2:30-5PM. Contact Larry Godwin at 728-3573 for more information and directions.

Montana Writer's Guild
Another critique group serving the needs of writers in fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and other works. The guild has an annual membership of $12 but also sponsors writing workshops and seminars by local authors. They have also published anthologies of member's works. For more information contact Nona Babcock at 825-3443 or Kate Kronen at 721-1749.

Adult Writer's Group at Missoula Public Library
A free critique group catering to adult writers of all levels. This group meets the first Saturday of every month at the Missoula Public Library at 10 AM.

These are just a few of the more general resources available for writers in the Missoula area. There are additional groups, events, and programs targeting children and young adults in the community and many can be found through the Missoula Cultural Council.

Sonar Submission Tracker

 For writers who are actively submitting fiction, non-fiction, and poetry work, keeping track of what works went where and when can be a bit of an overwhelming task. Developing a centralized system for organizing your information (as well as documenting what kind of feedback you're getting from your submissions) is key to long-term success.

Introducing the Sonar Submission Tracking Tool. 

Note: I am not a paid advertiser or anything of the sort. This happens to be the program I personally use and since it is absolutely FREE there's no incentive for me to plug it anyway. 

The Sonar Tool is a very lite program that acts as a database for submission information. It is no frills and very functional -- you can add markets, works, and document submissions. It's all very one-click with text boxes for specific info such as the name of the editor of XYZ Magazine or what kind of comments you got back from your submission. It documents how many days your submission has been sitting at any one market. Best part? It was developed by a fellow writer who was having the same problem keeping track of his submissions. 

Version 3 is available for PC, Mac OS, and Linux -- did I mention it's completely FREE? 

I like free. I think most people do. Check it out and see if it's the one for you. 

New Facebook Page

You can now look for my services on Facebook under Word by Word Writing Services. Please feel free to add me and collaborate as I grow my online presence. Social networking online can be a primary avenue of marketing though I will soon be distributing fliers and advertising via Craigslist. It will be interesting to see what the future brings. On that note:

How to Promote Your Business via Facebook

Small businesses and freelancers alike are more pressed than ever to compete within a digital marketplace where technological savvy and the ability to create lasting impressions are essential components of every marketing endeavor. Fortunately, social networking continues to evolve and provide increasing opportunities for businesses and freelancers to meet potential clients as well as retain their business. The key is having an active online presence.

One of the most popular social networking sites is Facebook where businesses or individuals can create an online profile to interact with the growing masses plugging in. Better still, Facebook is now accessible by almost any mobile device, making it easy to keep up with client needs and profile activity.

But with all the benefits to using Facebook, how do you successfully and effectively promote your business?

1.      Get Out There – Promoting yourself on Facebook only goes so far. Being willing to promote yourself in other venues with a leading link to your Facebook profile helps to get the beginning attention you need.

2.      Be Interesting – Before you attract a whole buzz of activity on your Facebook profile, you have to have the content. If a potential client gets there only to find you’ve half-way filled out a profile and have one logo picture, they’re going to leave in a hurry. Having engaging and interesting content can mean the difference between skimmers and readers.

3.      Network with Like Minds – Facebook is a social network but too often businesses forget the networking part! Connecting with like minds or similar businesses give you the opportunity to share key information and even pass along business opportunities. If one business isn’t accepting one particular type of assignment but they know you happen to specialize in it, they may be willing to send a customer your way. And remember, returning the favor ensures a continued mutually-beneficial relationship.

4.      Give and Give – Having clients stay connected with you on Facebook offers you unique opportunities and benefits so be sure to offer the same in return. Offering special deals, discounts, or information to those who share your content, become your “friend,” or post on your wall is a great way to encourage that continued relationship.

5.      Be Easy – One of the most important aspects of a successful online presence is being easy – as in making it easy to share your content/article/post via the many different social networks available. Don’t hesitate to share free information with potential clients. Building confidence in your business requires a demonstrated knowledge of your industry and the ability to share that knowledge.

New Beginnings

Beginning a writing service is a little like standing on a high dive board, staring down at rippling water that may as well be concrete. I begin this venture because writing is my passion but helping others is too. There has to be a place where these two aspirations can meet. Helping people with writing has been happening all my life but I never really understood that's what was happening until a few years ago. There is also the glaring reality of the new economy standard.

As a new Missoula resident, I have decided to commemorate this new beginning with the beginning of  my official writing services. Offering my services for free for the majority of my life has brought me joy but has also determined I would work slave labor for a pittance. I may as well do what I love for the pittance it would bring me. So! My fellow writers and collaborators, stay tuned as I develop my blog, my services, and find my way through a world of literary pitfalls and ecstasy.