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Hello fellow writers,

It’s hard to believe the seasons are turning again. Happy Fall to each of you.

Mark your calendars for the Fall Poetry and Prose Open Mic event on Sunday, November 8, from 1:30-3:00 pm (via Zoom).

The August 15 summer tour of the Cranbrook School Library was such a treat! Our own Diane VanderBeke Mager provided us with great insight. You’ll see her recap in this newsletter, but I’ll give you my impressions.

Strolling through the campus was like being transported to an earlier time and place—probably the inspiration locale, Cranbrook in Kent, UK. Diane not only pointed out beautiful buildings but also the small quirky features of Eliel Saarinen’s (and others’) architecture and design.

We were alternately charmed and awestruck at the campus full of architectural and learning jewels. The depth of creativity was inspiring.

If you’re feeling a little FOMO, take heart. The Cranbrook School Library was the first in a series. Each summer, we will explore a different library on Cranbrook’s campus—with behind-the-scenes access, highlighting historic and rare books and illustrations unique to each location. Next year, we will visit the Cranbrook Academy of Art Library, which features a Kelmscott Chaucer and other unique volumes celebrating art, architecture, and design.

Looking forward to connecting with you more as fall gets underway.

Laura Hedgecock

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Help celebrate the success of our members by viewing their recent accomplishments below:

Linda K. Sienkiewicz has a guest essay on Midstory Magazine titled “What If You’re Wrong About Yourself?” about midlife as a time for reclaiming the parts of ourselves we set aside.

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Grace Grogan’s article “Reach for a Peach” begins on page 1 of the August edition of the Freshwater Reporter; her article “Honoring Constitution Day, Citizenship Day, and Constitution Week” begins on page 5 of the September edition of the Freshwater Reporter.

Grace also has two “Who Am I?” columns published in The Lakeshore Guardian: “Ethical Considerations in Family Genealogy” appears on page 2 of the August edition, and “The Importance of Following Professional Standards” begins on page 21 of the September edition.

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Diane DeCillis’s poem “Ass,” from her poetry collection When the Heart Needs a Stunt Double was set to music by New York based Afro-R&B artist Akili. “De Bumper” was released two weeks ago; listen to it here.

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Jean Alicia Elster’s nonfiction essay “Oral Histories and Gifts of Place” was published in the online magazine Women Writers Women’s Books on September 3, 2026. You can read the article online.

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36th Annual Editor’s Prize Contest
Entry Deadline October 1, 2026

The Missouri Review is seeking entries for our 36th annual Editor’s Prize contest, which awards $5,000 each for the best story, essay, and set of poems.

● All entries are considered for print or online publication.

● We will announce winners, runners-up, and finalists early next year. In addition to receiving a cash prize of $5,000, winners will be published in our spring 2027 issue and promoted widely.

● For the $25 standard entry fee, each entrant will receive a one-year digital subscription to the Missouri Review and a digital copy of the latest anthology from TMR Books.

Deadline: Entries in fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction must be received by October 1, 2026.

For contest guidelines and to submit click here.

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DWW Board Meeting

Thursday, October 8, 2026
7:00 pm Online via Zoom

All Members Welcome!

Register to attend by clicking the button below.

Register to Attend

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Conference Overview

Whether you’re starting your very first story, polishing your latest manuscript, or exploring new ways to share your words with the world, this is your day to connect, learn, and be inspired. The Rochester Writers’ Conference brings together writers, literary agents, and industry professionals for an energizing day filled with ideas, tools, and connections to fuel your writing journey. Come ready to discover fresh perspectives, strengthen your craft, and join a community that celebrates the power of words.

Fiction, Non Fiction, and Business Topics presented as Lectures, Workshops, and Panel Discussions. Featuring Michigan Authors, Speakers, Agents, and Educators.

• Saturday | October 17, 2026 | 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
• Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan

Registration includes keynote, breakout sessions, coffee, snacks, lunch, and parking. Check-in will begin at 9:00 a.m. with the first session at 10:00 a.m. The conference will end by 5:00 p.m.

There will be four breakout sessions, with three presentations per session, for a total of 12 presentations for attendees to choose to best fit their writing goals.

• REGULAR REGISTRATION | Available until October 1, 2026 | $195.00
• LATE REGISTRATION | Available until October 16, 2026 | $215.00
• AT THE DOOR REGISTRATION | Available ON SITE on October 17, 2026 | $225.00

Visit the website for additional information and online registration.

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Free Registration Now Open
Conference Dates: October 17th & 18th, 2026

The Self-Publishing Advice Conference is run in association with the Alliance of Independent Authors. It will be held online October 17th & 18th, 2026.

For more than a decade, SelfPubCon has brought independent authors from around the world together online for two days of practical advice, fresh ideas, expert insights and conversations about indie publishing.

Our theme for 2026 is: The Future of Self-Publishing: What’s Working Now & What’s Next

We’ve got a fantastic program lined up for you. Opening the conference will be renowned publishing industry expert Jane Friedman, publisher of The Bottom Line, whose keynote, The Indie Author’s Next Move: What’s Working Now and Where the Market Is Heading, will examine the trending opportunities and business models for indie authors today.

The two-day program will feature a wide range of expert-led sessions covering writing craft, reader reach, crowdfunding, technology, book marketing, reader behavior, expanded markets and more. Sessions will explore what’s working for indie authors today and the latest developments shaping indie publishing.

When you register for SelfPubCon26, you’re automatically entered into our free Prize Draw; the grand prize is a Kobo Clara Colour eReader

There’s even more for ALLi members and Access-Pass Holders who are invited to join ALLi Director, Orna Ross for an exclusive Indie Author Lab on 19th October, where you can take the ideas from SelfPubCon and put them into action for your author business.

For more information and to register click here.

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AI in Litigation: An Update on Copyright Cases in 2026

In 2023 the U.S. Copyright Office launched an initiative to examine AI’s impact on copyright closely. They then released two reports, with the second focusing on the copyrightability of material created using AI. The report states that “copyright protection in the United States requires human authorship.” This determination is based on the Copyright Clause of the Constitution and the language of the Copyright Act’s interpretation by the courts. The Supreme Court stated that “No court has recognized copyright in material created by non-humans,” and those that have spoken on this issue have rejected the possibility in the general context of generative AI; in the US at least, copyright law does not currently protect AI outputs.

The article, published in March 2026, covers six (6) cases litigated in 2026 concerning AI content. The article ends with a summary of trends in AI copyright cases and a conclusion of practical takeaways. Read the full article, “AI in litigation series: An update on AI copyright cases in 2026″ for a thorough look at this issue.

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Novel Excerpt Contest
Awarding $3,500 + Publication

The Novel Excerpt Contest quickly became one of our favorite contests, so of course it’s returning for the sixth consecutive year. Writing a novel is tough work, and we want to encourage everyone who’s undertaking this arduous journey to share their most exciting excerpts. We’re looking for resonant narratives, memorable characters, a voice that’s uniquely yours. We’re looking for excerpts that stand alone, that do not require a synopsis for understanding. Most importantly, we’re looking for excerpts that grab us from the get-go and refuse to let go. As always, we have no limitations on genre, though we are primarily interested in literary fiction.

The winning excerpt will be awarded $3,000; online publication; and an hour-long consultation with Marin Takikawa, a literary agent with The Friedrich Agency. Second- and third-place excerpts will be awarded online publication and $300 and $200 respectively, in addition to written feedback from Takikawa.

Deadline: Sunday, November 8, 2026 at 11:59 pm PT
For more information and guidelines click here.

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March 13th & 14th, 2027
University of Arizona
Tucson, Arizona

The Tucson Festival of Books is a premier, free-to-attend, family-friendly celebration of literature that engages our community. We present notable recently published authors from all genres to discuss big ideas and express creativity freely.

Through an annual festival and associated programs, we support, elevate, and amplify literacy so that words and imagination come to life for readers of all ages. We inspire our community to fund and utilize Southern Arizona literacy services to improve literacy rates.

The Tucson Festival of Books is a registered non-profit organization that debuted in 2009. The inaugural festival featured 450 authors and presenters and welcomed 50,000 regional visitors. It was made possible through the help of 800 volunteers. The festival has grown into a community-wide celebration of literature and one of the largest book festivals in the United States.

The next Tucson Festival of Books will be held March 13-14, 2027 at the University of Arizona. Questions about the festival? Access our TFOB FAQ here.

2027 Indie Author Experience application deadline is September 30, 2026. Due to popularity, the opportunity is now on a waitlist. You will be contacted to complete your submission if space becomes available. Registration submission fee is $50.

Participants in the Indie Author Experience are able to engage with festival attendees in indie author pavilions. Select authors may also be chosen for presenting author panels at the 2027 festival. Indie Authors represent a variety of genres and formats, including self-published, small/independent presses, pay-to-publish, vanity presses, and/or e-book only/primarily.

Pavilion authors can enjoy 3-hour meet and greets as well as the opportunity to sign and sell books while networking with fellow authors and booklovers. Three pavilions (adult, YA/teen and children) are set-up on the main mall of the University of Arizona campus during festival weekend with opportunities available on either Saturday or Sunday of the festival. Scheduling of the pavilions occurs after all book reviews have been completed and panel authors have been identified.

More information available here.

Literary Awards for 2027 is accepting submissions in fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. Whether you’re an emerging writer or an experienced author looking to gain recognition, this is an opportunity to have your writing read by accomplished literary professionals and become part of one of the nation’s premier literary festivals.

Award winners receive: First Place: $1,000; Second Place: $500; Third Place: $250. In addition, all winners receive scholarships to the 2027 Tucson Festival of Books Masters Workshop, held immediately following the Tucson Festival of Books in March 2027. Even if you don’t place in the top three, outstanding submissions have the opportunity to be recognized. The top 50 entrants will be invited to attend the acclaimed Masters Workshop (a $350 value), where writers learn from published authors, editors, and literary professionals in an immersive, supportive environment.

Submission Deadline: October 31, 2026. Information and submission guidelines available online.

Presenting Author Self-Nominations is for authors who have new books in Fiction, Children & Teens, Current Events, Science, Sports, and many additional non-fiction categories. This contest is for books published by major publishing houses. The University of Arizona Campus Store will sell every presenting author’s books during the festival.

The Book and Author Committee of the Tucson Festival of Books works year-round identifying presenting authors for the festival. The self nomination deadline was September 8, 2026 for the 2027 festival, but you may want to check out this page for additional information or request updates for future years.

Las Vegas Writers Conference
April 8-10, 2027

Henderson Writers Group is excited to present our 24th conference! We offer activities for all writers—Keynote, Pitches to Agents and Editors, Q&A panels, and a separate Master Class. Registrants can attend the full conference or attend a single day. Check back for any additional options, then register for what’s important to you. Remember, as a non-profit organization, we aim to keep costs low to encourage all writers to participate!

Your Registration Includes:

• Thursday – Sessions start at 2:00pm, including a selection of workshops with Q&A
• Thursday Evening – Networking social with appetizers
• Friday & Saturday Mornings – Continental Breakfast 8:00am
• Friday Sessions – 9:00am with Lunch provided at noon
• Friday Evening – Keynote banquet
• Saturday Sessions – 9:00am with Lunch provided at noon
• Saturday Evening Buffet – Closing remarks with raffle awards

Additional Registration Perks

• Agent & Editor Pitch Sessions
• Blue Pencil Review

The Las Vegas Writers Conference is dedicated to helping writers of all genres improve their craft, sharpen their business skills, and network with publishing professionals. Held each spring, this conference draws attendees from around the world. Pitch sessions with literary agents and editors are included with your registration. We hope you will join us and take your writing skills to the next level.

Throughout the event, you will have opportunities to learn from experts in fields connected to writing, publishing and marketing. At every turn you’ll have opportunities to network with our faculty, schedule times to pitch to agents and publishers.

Included in the cost of your Las Vegas Writers Conference registration, you may:

1. Pitch to up to two agents/publishers
2. Discuss your work in a Blue Pencil Review with up to two industry experts (editing, marketing, general advice, etc.)

Click on Pitch Sessions or Blue Pencil Reviews at the top of this page for details. Spaces are limited and all are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis.

For early-bird registration until December 31st click here.

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AI Images for Author Photos

I have been using a mixture of real and AI photos in my signature block at the end of the DWW newsletters. I wondered what the thoughts are on authors using AI images of themself on author bios on books, articles, etc. I did not find a good article on this specific topic, so decided to share information from an AI overview.

AI-generated images are a poor choice for author photos because they undermine reader trust and authenticity. The purpose of an author photo is to establish a human connection between the creator and reader. Using a fake or synthetic face immediately signals deception or a lack of transparency.

Key factors to consider regarding AI author photos include:

* Erodes Reader Trust: Readers value authenticity and discovering an author’s profile picture is artificially generated can feel jarring, uncanny, or outright deceptive.

* Stigmatization in the Community: Similar to the backlash against AI book covers, a substantial portion of the reading and writing community actively looks down on synthetic imagery as cheap or “soulless,” which can hurt your brand.

* Loss of Personal Brand: A real photo, even a casual one taken with a good smartphone, builds a lasting, recognizable persona. AI faces often look generic or trigger the “uncanny valley” effect.

* Practical Alternatives: If cost or time is an issue, a natural portrait taken in good lighting by a friend is superior and more professional than a computer-generated face.

With that being said, I have become addicted to AI photos of myself for fun, and you will find a mixture of AI and real images in my closing block at the end of newsletters. I will refrain from using the ones of me in a queen’s crown and jewels or Native American clothing and stick to a more realistic portrayal.

In my opinion, an AI generated portrait taken from a photo of the person that maintains a realistic look can provide authors with a professional looking portrait at a budget price. In the two photos of me below, the one on the left is a real photograph. The one on the right is AI generated, but could pass for a professional studio processed portrait.

Grace Grogan