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.