The following events are FREE to Lab members and open to guests.

 Guests must register (and pay, where applicable) in advance. 

 

The Lab grants memberships to writers in need. Would you like to help? All contributions gratefully accepted. Simply add any amount to your payment.

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COMING SOON

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BOOK SALON

Women Read Women Writers

Go beyond the bookclub in this bi-monthly, curated book salon for intellectually curious readers, led by Lab member Professor April Krassner. Sunday, Oct. 11, 2-3:30 p.m. $20 donation or pay what you can. Benefits the Alex McNab Scholarship for Aspiring Writers. Info here.

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INSIDE THE CREATIVE PROCESS

Local Walls Artists' Showcase and Opening Reception

Join us for an evening of art, community and conversation with four visual artists whose art is on display at the Lab thanks to Fairfield's Local Walls program.

Artist and Fairfield Arts Commissioner Cristin Bagley leads a conversation with artists Gina Lisi Smith, Michele Hermsen, Tina Sommers, and Amelia Panico as they pull back the curtain on their creative routines. 

Lab members, collectors, fellow creators, culture enthusiasts, art supporters and members of the public are all welcome to connect with the artists behind the images in our beautiful space.

Meet, mingle, and talk shop at this free event on Tuesday, Oct. 13, at 6:30 p.m.

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WRITERS ON WRITING

Ask Me Anything with International Bestselling Author Lynne Constantine

Attend end an exclusive Q&A with thriller writer Lynne Constantine, an Edgar Award-nominated, New York Times, and international bestselling author. Lynne is currently touring for her new book, “Promise Me Never,” but she’s taking time out just for us in this benefit appearance on Sunday, Nov. 8, from 2-4 p.m.

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Lynne will field any and all questions. What’s life like as a famous author? How does she balance touring and writing and family life? How does she keep her ideas fresh and riveting? Is she a pantser or a plotter? Scrivener or longhand? How does she sustain tension on the page? What does she wish aspiring writers would stop doing? What are common misconceptions about her worklife? What do insiders know about the publishing business that writers who want to be authors don’t know. And what’s J.Lo like? Whatever the question, Lynne says she’ll do her best to answer it. Craft questions especially welcome. Info here.

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MONTHLY EVENTS
Regularly scheduled monthly events are FREE to members. Guest admission varies.

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Speculative Fiction Night-Owl Write-In every Monday, 10-11:30 p.m. EST

Introduce yourself and chat for five minutes, state your writing goal for the evening, and then write! The group rocks with writers of sci/fi, horror and fantasy but all genres are welcome. (Only on Zoom. Free to members. Guests welcome. Guest fee, $10. Register/pay at top of page.)

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​Accountability Write-In every Wednesday, 9-10:30 a.m. 

Introduce yourself and chat for five minutes, state your writing goal for the morning, and then write! All genres welcome. (In person and on Zoom. Free to members. Guests welcome. Guest fee, $15. Register/pay at top of page or at the door.)

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​​Lunch and learn: Writing for the Kids' Market Third Wednesday of the month. 12:30-1:30 p.m. EST

Picture-book writers, teen/YA novelists bring your questions and share your work, your ideas, your challenges and your lunch in this informal gathering led by Lab member Victoria Sherrow, author of 150+ books and stories for young readers. Victoria is happy to share her wisdom! (In person. Free to members. Guests welcome. Guest fee, $10. Register/pay at top of page or at the door.)

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Board Game Night every Wednesday, 6:30-9:30 p.m. 

Another night on the couch? Change up your routine and come to the Story Lab for a chill, low-pressure vibe with a mix of board games, from Catan to Scrabble to chess and more. Bring your own game or play one of ours. BYO food and drink. Ages 21+. All are welcome. (In person. Free to members. Guests welcome. Guest fee, $10. Register/pay at top of page or at the door.)

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Just Hit Send First and third Thursdays, 2:45-4 p.m. EST 

Do you have a piece that’s ready to submit but you don't know where to send it? Never fear, Lab member and submission expert Sally Simon will walk you through the process. She spends 15 minutes exploring possible markets, then it’s on to Submittable for dedicated submission time. If it’s your first time, no worries; Sally will show you what to do! (On Zoom. Free to members. Guests welcome. $20 guest fee. Register/pay at top of page.)

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Thursday Evening Write-In Thursdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m. EST Join writer friends and the fabulous writer, poet and New York University professor April Krassner each Thursday evening from 6:30 to 8:30 for open writing. Prompts provided, if you’d like. Otherwise, feel free to find a cozy spot and do your own thing. Published, unpublished, wannabes, queen bees—all are invited. All genres, too. (In person. Free to members. Guests welcome. $15 guest fee. Register/pay at top of page or at the door.)

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Lunch and Learn: First Friday First Pages First Friday of the month. Noon to 1:30 p.m. EST

Getting ready to pitch an agent, editor or publication? Care to read a page or two of your pitch or five minutes max of your creative work aloud to a sympathetic audience? Want to share your hopes/dreams/challenges with other writers and creatives, or to make a friend? Now is the time and place! Celebrate your accomplishments on the page or screen. Ask your peers for advice. Share your writing goals and creative challenges for the month. Connect with your writing community! Feel free to bring your lunch or pick up something at one of the awesome restaurants nearby. (In person. Members free. Guests welcome. Guest fee, $15. Register/pay at top of page or at the door.)

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​​Do you enjoy attending our many Lab events each month? Avoid paying à la carte fees with an All You Can Write monthly pass. Only $100 per month! Cancel at any time for any reason! Sign up info here: