How Maine writers can show up in january

Photo courtesy Pixabay

January is all about fresh starts.

The key to marketing is consistency, so let's get started on some goals! 

In January, pick one or several to-dos:

• Join a local writers group or workshop.
• Submit to writing contests with January deadlines
• Attend (or live-tweet/blog about) a literary seminar or festival
• Host or participate in micro-events or Instagram writing prompts

Local Maine Events
in January, check out the following writer's groups and events. Even if you're shy, decide to get out there and meet people. I don't do "networking," and I rarely talk about my books unless someone asks, but I do ask writers what their books are about and why they are passionate about their subject matter.

And as a result of a few conversations with other authors this fall, I got invited to a podcast and to a literary cafe. So, you never know! Go into a room full of people you don't know and just strike up a conversation.

Springvale Public Library Writers Group – Writing, peer feedback, and prompts.
Jan 15, 2026 in Springvale, ME. Sanford

Creative Writing Deep Dive (Southern Maine) – Four-week writing class with feedback & craft focus. Meets Thursdays Jan 8, 15, 22 & 29.

Maine Writers & Publishers Alliance Gather Events – Monthly meetups across Maine for literary connection and informal writing community time (Bangor, Blue Hill, Brunswick, Damariscotta, Lewiston/Auburn, Lubec, Midcoast, South Portland).

Literary Contests with January Deadlines
Maine-focused

• Maine Literary Awards - Annual contest honoring Maine books published in 2025. (Closes February 1, 2026.)

Nationwide

• Erma Bombeck Writers’ Competition – Nonfiction contest + workshop win (deadline Jan 6).
• Magazine 1 PoetryLife Contest – Poetry contest with publication & reading invitation (deadline Jan 10).
• Driftwood Press In-House Poem & Short Story Contests – Publication prizes (deadline Jan 15).
• William Saroyan International Prize for Writing – $5,000 award (deadline Jan 30).
• swamp pink 2026 Prizes – Fiction, nonfiction, poetry publication & cash (closes Jan 31). NewPages.com

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