* UPCOMING READINGS & EVENTS *
Been a bit behind in listing places I'll be - will be updating this page soon!
* PAST EVENTS *
4th Annual Poets, Writers and Storytellers Stage - June 27, 2020
If you're looking for an online poetry event this weekend, I'm taking part of a virtual fiction/poetry reading tomorrow, Saturday June 27th. The event runs from noon until 6pm, with 20+ local Connecticut poets, including current and former poet laureates from Norwalk, in addition to other new and award-winning writers.
The event is organized by the wonderful local poet Jerry Johnson. For more information, including how to livestream the event via Zoom, check out his post HERE.
I hope to "see" you there!
The event is organized by the wonderful local poet Jerry Johnson. For more information, including how to livestream the event via Zoom, check out his post HERE.
I hope to "see" you there!
In Death, the Gift of Life Book Release - March 29, 2020
***CANCELED DUE TO STATEWIDE COVID-19 RECOMMENDATIONS!***
To be rescheduled later - please stay tuned for more info.
I was very thrilled to be the editor for this amazing new anthology, written by local writers and telling the stories of ten amazing individuals from Westport, CT. The book release is almost here!
To celebrate the release of the Fairfield Scribes' and WestportWRITES' new anthology In Death, the Gift of Life, there will be a catered event at the Westport Library on Sunday, March 29th from 3 p.m. - 5 p.m. The Westport Library welcomes Tony-Award winning actor and director James Naughton; Poet Laureate for Westport, Diane Meyer Lowman; Minister Emeritus of the Unitarian Church of Westport, Reverend Frank Hall; and Charlie Karp’s band, The Name Droppers.
This was an amazing town project that honors ten Westport families, whose inspirational stories about their lives and meaningful end-of-life choices will resonate throughout the community. After the main talk, attendees will be invited to join in on the conversation with the award-winning and talented local writers and artists who have been a part of this project.
The event begins at 3 pm on Sunday, March 29. Hors d’oeuvres and beverages will be served. Space will be limited for this free event; tickets required.
Ray Bradbury Writing Workshop - March 15, 2020
***CANCELED DUE TO STATEWIDE COVID-19 RECOMMENDATIONS!***
To be rescheduled in April or later - please stay tuned for more info.
On Sunday, March 15, WestportWRITES at The Westport Library will welcome the Fairfield Scribes to celebrate Ray Bradbury's 100th birthday! Writers are encouraged to draw inspiration from the legendary author of The Martian Chronicles and Fahrenheit 451 to write their own short story. After a brief writing session, attendees will get one-on-one time with the editors to help hone their stories and brainstorm ideas.
All writers attending the workshop will receive an invitation to submit their stories to the Westport Library's new anthology, to be published on September 1st. Authors published in the anthology will have an opportunity to read excerpts at the annual Saugatuck StoryFest at the end of September.
Several writers from the Fairfield Scribes (Edward Ahern, Elizabeth Chatsworth, P.C. Keeler, Gabi Coatsworth, Elizabeth Chatsworth and me!) will open the workshop with a conversation about Ray Bradbury's great contributions to literature. Then we'll take a break to do some writing and will reconvene for small group sessions with the editors.
The seminar will be held on Sunday, March 15 from 1pm-4pm at Brooks Place Room in the library, located at 20 Jesup Road in Westport. You can find out more information about the panel HERE.
Hope to see you there!
All writers attending the workshop will receive an invitation to submit their stories to the Westport Library's new anthology, to be published on September 1st. Authors published in the anthology will have an opportunity to read excerpts at the annual Saugatuck StoryFest at the end of September.
Several writers from the Fairfield Scribes (Edward Ahern, Elizabeth Chatsworth, P.C. Keeler, Gabi Coatsworth, Elizabeth Chatsworth and me!) will open the workshop with a conversation about Ray Bradbury's great contributions to literature. Then we'll take a break to do some writing and will reconvene for small group sessions with the editors.
The seminar will be held on Sunday, March 15 from 1pm-4pm at Brooks Place Room in the library, located at 20 Jesup Road in Westport. You can find out more information about the panel HERE.
Hope to see you there!
"From Pages to Publication" Writers' Conference - November 2, 2019
The Fairfield Library runs an annual writer's event called "From Pages to Publication: A Writer's Conference," now in its 3rd year. I'll once again be joining my fellow Fairfield Scribes editor Edward Ahern to lead both poetry and writing panels there, so stay tuned for more information. Admission to the conference is completely free!
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Looking for some tips on writing and getting published? Come join me and fellow Fairfield Scribes' writers and editors Gabi Coatsworth and Edward Ahern, in addition to the Poets' Salon's poets Edward Ahern, paul Bluestein, David Boston, and Jack Powers, in some practical workshops this weekend on how to write and edit your work for publication.
The conference is this Saturday from 9am-4:30pm, with some great panels by various local authors, including us. It's completely FREE to attend, but requires registration, since space is limited. You can sign up to attend the conference HERE.
Hope to see you there!
The conference is this Saturday from 9am-4:30pm, with some great panels by various local authors, including us. It's completely FREE to attend, but requires registration, since space is limited. You can sign up to attend the conference HERE.
Hope to see you there!
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Capclave - October 18-20, 2019
Info and pictures coming soon!
Saugatuck StoryFest - September 27-28, 2019
I'll be at the Saugatuck StoryFest with the Fairfield Scribes. Check out their website HERE for the latest posts and information about the StoryFest.
30 Days of Library - July 2, 2019
The Westport Library is doing "30 days of library" in honor of their newly renovated space. July 2nd is exploring the Writing Center at the library, so please join WestportWRITES and the Fairfield Scribes at 7 p.m. for readings from our brand-new anthology, Imagining Monsters: A Collection of Short Stories Inspired by Frankenstein. The reading is free, and all proceeds from book sales of Imagining Monsters benefit the Westport Library. Drinks and snacks will be served.
Authors who will be reading include Corrine "Mitzy Sky" Taylor, Elizabeth Chatsworth, V.P. Morris, Gabi Coatsworth, D.J. Whitney, Edward Ahern, Sheryl Kayne, and me.
So stop by, listen to some fantastic fiction by local writers, and have a chat with the writers afterwards while nibbling on some snacks. Hope to see you there!
Authors who will be reading include Corrine "Mitzy Sky" Taylor, Elizabeth Chatsworth, V.P. Morris, Gabi Coatsworth, D.J. Whitney, Edward Ahern, Sheryl Kayne, and me.
So stop by, listen to some fantastic fiction by local writers, and have a chat with the writers afterwards while nibbling on some snacks. Hope to see you there!
3rd Annual Poets, Writers and Storytellers Stage - June 29, 2019
FREE Event, RAIN OR SHINE. The Poets, Writers & Storytellers Stage will be this Saturday, June 29th from 11am-1pm and 3pm-5pm. It will be at the Norwalk Arts Festival, located at Mathews Park (by Lockwood Mathews Mansion Museum), 299 West Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06850. It's an all-day extravaganza of poetry and prose! You can stop by and listen to the morning session, then check out the artists booths at the festival, grab a bite to eat and return to the stage to hear some more. I'll be reading in the 2nd part of the program in the afternoon.
There will be features reading the day away, and you will find a remarkable variety of readings and performance poetry throughout! Open mic and featured poets, plus lots of great poetry books for sale.
PROGRAM ONE - 11:00 AM - 1:30 PM
Jerry T Johnson, Poet — Host
— Laurel Peterson, Poet Laureate - Norwalk, Connecticut (2016-2019)
— Van Hartmann, Poet - Norwalk, Connecticut
— Janet Krauss, Poet - Bridgeport, Connecticut
— January Nicole Wilson, Poet - Fairfield, Connecticut
— Maria Lisella, Poet Laureate - Borough of Queens, New York
— Wayne Russell, Poet - Stamford, Connecticut (reading work of the late Gil Fagiani)
— John F McMullen, Poet Laureate, Town of Yorktown, NY - Jefferson Valley, New York
— Chachanna Simpson, Poet, Storyteller - Norwalk, Connecticut
— Mary Keating, Poet - Connecticut
— Bill Hayden, Poet Laureate Norwalk, Connecticut
PROGRAM TWO - 2:30PM to 5:00PM
Jerry T Johnson, Poet — Host
--Jack Powers, Poet - Fairfield, Connecticut
--Tarn Granucci, Poet Laureate Emeritus, Wallingford, Connecticut
—Chris Middleton, Poet - Connecticut
—Lynne Grobsky, Poet, Balladeer - Wallingford, Connecticut
--LG Neddy Smith, Poet, Spoken Word, Recording Artist/Musician - Norwalk, Connecticut
--Vincent Bell, Poet - Ardsley, New York
--Alison McBain, Poet, Author - Fairfield, Connecticut
--Ed Ahern, Poet and Author - Fairfield, Connecticut
Also: SUNDAY, June 30th 12 Noon - 3pm: Meet the Poets & Book Sales.
There will be features reading the day away, and you will find a remarkable variety of readings and performance poetry throughout! Open mic and featured poets, plus lots of great poetry books for sale.
PROGRAM ONE - 11:00 AM - 1:30 PM
Jerry T Johnson, Poet — Host
— Laurel Peterson, Poet Laureate - Norwalk, Connecticut (2016-2019)
— Van Hartmann, Poet - Norwalk, Connecticut
— Janet Krauss, Poet - Bridgeport, Connecticut
— January Nicole Wilson, Poet - Fairfield, Connecticut
— Maria Lisella, Poet Laureate - Borough of Queens, New York
— Wayne Russell, Poet - Stamford, Connecticut (reading work of the late Gil Fagiani)
— John F McMullen, Poet Laureate, Town of Yorktown, NY - Jefferson Valley, New York
— Chachanna Simpson, Poet, Storyteller - Norwalk, Connecticut
— Mary Keating, Poet - Connecticut
— Bill Hayden, Poet Laureate Norwalk, Connecticut
PROGRAM TWO - 2:30PM to 5:00PM
Jerry T Johnson, Poet — Host
--Jack Powers, Poet - Fairfield, Connecticut
--Tarn Granucci, Poet Laureate Emeritus, Wallingford, Connecticut
—Chris Middleton, Poet - Connecticut
—Lynne Grobsky, Poet, Balladeer - Wallingford, Connecticut
--LG Neddy Smith, Poet, Spoken Word, Recording Artist/Musician - Norwalk, Connecticut
--Vincent Bell, Poet - Ardsley, New York
--Alison McBain, Poet, Author - Fairfield, Connecticut
--Ed Ahern, Poet and Author - Fairfield, Connecticut
Also: SUNDAY, June 30th 12 Noon - 3pm: Meet the Poets & Book Sales.
Westport Library's Grand Reopening - June 23, 2019
I'll be at the Westport Library's Grand Re-Opening on Sunday afternoon with the Fairfield Scribes as we lead two writing workshops in the brand-new library.
FROM 2PM-3PM in the Writing Center:
Join local poets Ann Cefola, Ralph Nazareth, Neddy Smith, Jerry Johnson, Edward Ahern, and me as we read our poetry and lead a short workshop on the process of writing and submitting poetry for publication, including an opportunity to write a poem of your own! We'll also do a "drive-by poeting" at the end of the session, where we will be happy to hand-write a personalized poem for volunteer participants to take home with you. Kids are very welcome to join in!
FROM 3PM-4PM in Brooks Place Seminar Room (next door to the Writing Center):
Join me with several of the editors and authors of local small press publisher Fairfield Scribes as we lead an interactive workshop on how to write, edit, and get published a flash fiction story (250 words and under). There will be an opportunity to roll up your sleeves and do some writing of your own, in addition to the opportunity to get your story professionally edited on the spot, and receive a list of suggestions on where to submit your work for publication.
There are also many fun and creative activities for all ages, from live performances to a hands-on maker's space, so check out the Library's events page HERE for a full listing. The Grand Re-Opening goes from 11am-4pm.
FROM 2PM-3PM in the Writing Center:
Join local poets Ann Cefola, Ralph Nazareth, Neddy Smith, Jerry Johnson, Edward Ahern, and me as we read our poetry and lead a short workshop on the process of writing and submitting poetry for publication, including an opportunity to write a poem of your own! We'll also do a "drive-by poeting" at the end of the session, where we will be happy to hand-write a personalized poem for volunteer participants to take home with you. Kids are very welcome to join in!
FROM 3PM-4PM in Brooks Place Seminar Room (next door to the Writing Center):
Join me with several of the editors and authors of local small press publisher Fairfield Scribes as we lead an interactive workshop on how to write, edit, and get published a flash fiction story (250 words and under). There will be an opportunity to roll up your sleeves and do some writing of your own, in addition to the opportunity to get your story professionally edited on the spot, and receive a list of suggestions on where to submit your work for publication.
There are also many fun and creative activities for all ages, from live performances to a hands-on maker's space, so check out the Library's events page HERE for a full listing. The Grand Re-Opening goes from 11am-4pm.
Hartford Book Festival - May 18, 2019
From left to right: Rob Tomaino, me, Elizabeth Chatsworth.
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I was at the Hartford Book Festival with several members of the Fairfield Scribes, including Elizabeth Chatsworth, Leslie Burton-López and Robert Tomaino. The event took place on Saturday, May 18th from 10am-5pm at the Hartford Public Library, located at 500 Main Street. The Festival had a number of vendors and speakers, with a full panel of events, including poetry readings, bands, workshops, children's creative events, and presentations. The theme of the Festival was: "How Are the Children?" - which is a traditional Masai greeting. The answer: "All the children are well" means life is good. The event was put on by Hartford's L.I.T., the Literary Integrated Trailblazers, with the goal of promoting a diverse day-long event for local creatives. We were there celebrating science fiction (there was an interesting-looking panel about science fiction world building in the morning - while I didn't attend it because I was in the vendor's section, I would have loved to go). I was excited to meet a great group of authors who were new to me, including fiction writers, poets, thriller and mystery authors, and many more. Below are some pictures from the event. 
Getting our steampunk on!
Robert Tomaino
Writers in hats! Left to right: me, Leslie Burton-López, Elizabeth Chatsworth.
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CT Press Club Awards - May 15, 2019
Jane Green
Several of the Fairfield Scribes' editors (including me!) will be at the Connecticut Press Club's Annual Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, May 15, 2019 at 6:30 p.m. The event will take place in "The Folly" room at Artisan Restaurant, located at 275 Old Post Road in Southport, Connecticut.
If you'd like to purchase tickets, they're $45 per person in advance HERE or $50 at the door. There will be hors d'oeuvres and a complimentary cocktail, plus a cash bar, with gift bag and other treats. The Scribes will be accepting the first place award in the editing category for our latest anthology, When to Now: A Time Travel Anthology. Plus my webcomic Toddler Times got honorable mention in the graphics category.
The bestselling author Jane Green will emcee the awards ceremony - Jane is a former journalist and the author of 19 novels, including 17 New York Times Bestsellers. Jane is published in more than 25 languages, and she has over 10 million books in print worldwide.
If you'd like to purchase tickets, they're $45 per person in advance HERE or $50 at the door. There will be hors d'oeuvres and a complimentary cocktail, plus a cash bar, with gift bag and other treats. The Scribes will be accepting the first place award in the editing category for our latest anthology, When to Now: A Time Travel Anthology. Plus my webcomic Toddler Times got honorable mention in the graphics category.
The bestselling author Jane Green will emcee the awards ceremony - Jane is a former journalist and the author of 19 novels, including 17 New York Times Bestsellers. Jane is published in more than 25 languages, and she has over 10 million books in print worldwide.
Before the awards, from left to right: Gabi Coatsworth (1st place winner in the short story category for "Misconception," published in WHEN TO NOW), me (1st place winner in anthology editor category for WHEN TO NOW), Kate Mayer, and P.C. Keeler (1st place winner as anthology co-editor of WHEN TO NOW).
From left to right with awards: Gabi Coatsworth, P.C. Keeler, me.
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Emcee Jane Green wowing the crowd with her wonderfully funny stories.
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Sci-Fi Reading and Chat - May 9, 2019
I'll be doing a reading and writer chat with my fellow Fairfield Scribes authors Elizabeth Chatsworth and Gabi Coatsworth, and we'll be joined by local sci-fi author Roman Godzich. The event will take place from 7pm-8:30pm in the aptly-named Steampunk Library in The Storyteller's Cottage at 750 Hopmeadow Street in Simsbury, Connecticut.
From the Storyteller's Cottage website:
If you love losing yourself in a book about time travel, deep sea expeditions and the world beyond, you must join us for this exclusive author night featuring four incredible Sci-Fi authors! Meet each author and hear readings from their latest books. Signed copies will be available for purchase. Enjoy a light reception after. If sci-fi isn't your thing, don't worry, each author has written several books from other genres as well from romance to history and YA. Who knows, maybe you will discover a new favorite genre!
Go HERE to register for the event - there's a $5 cover charge to attend. I hope to see you there!
Roman Godzich
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Me!
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Elizabeth Chatsworth
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Gabi Coatsworth
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From left to right: Roman Godzich, me, Elizabeth Chatsworth, and Gabi Coatsworth.
Poetry Reading - May 5, 2019
I'm one of four local poets who will be doing a poetry reading at the Fairfield Public Library on Sunday, May 5th from 2pm-4pm. The poets include me, Edward Ahern, Jeff Schwartz and Jack Powers. We'll each read for about a quarter of an hour, then take questions and chat afterwards about writing and publishing poetry. The event is free, and all are welcome to attend! You can find out more info about it on the library's website HERE. |
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Edward Ahern reading.
That's me!
Jeff Schwartz reading.
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Jack Powers reading.
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It was a full house! Thanks to everyone who braved the rainy weather to come out and hear us all read a few of our recent poems.
Torrington Author Expo and Book Fair - May 4, 2019
I'll be at the Torrington Author Expo and Book Fair this Saturday from 12-4pm!
The event includes a great variety of local authors who will be there, including Rick Arruzza, Katie L. Carroll, Suzanne Cordatos, Rich Cyr, Shelby Davis, Terri Dixon, Charlene A. Donaghy, Olyvia Freeman, Sheryl Kayne, Tabitha G. Kelly, Christine Pakkala, Renée Pirie, Donna Marie Merritt, C.R. Quinn, Susan B. Roara, Jack Sheedy, Jamie Jackson Spannhake, and yours truly. My friend and fellow author/editor from the Fairfield Scribes, P.C. Keeler, will also be there. There will be raffles and giveaways, coffee and munchies, and a panel to help you "Just Write it Already!"
Hope to see you there!
The event includes a great variety of local authors who will be there, including Rick Arruzza, Katie L. Carroll, Suzanne Cordatos, Rich Cyr, Shelby Davis, Terri Dixon, Charlene A. Donaghy, Olyvia Freeman, Sheryl Kayne, Tabitha G. Kelly, Christine Pakkala, Renée Pirie, Donna Marie Merritt, C.R. Quinn, Susan B. Roara, Jack Sheedy, Jamie Jackson Spannhake, and yours truly. My friend and fellow author/editor from the Fairfield Scribes, P.C. Keeler, will also be there. There will be raffles and giveaways, coffee and munchies, and a panel to help you "Just Write it Already!"
Hope to see you there!
P.C. Keeler and me, manning the Fairfield Scribes' table.
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With my friend and fellow author, Sheryl Kayne, who writes kids' books, self-help, and adult fiction.
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Poetry Reading & Workshop - April 13, 2019
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April is poetry month! My good friend Edward Ahern and I run a local poetry group, The Poets' Salon, which meets the 2nd Saturday of every month at the Fairfield Public Library (10am-noon in the Memorial Room on the 2nd floor). ***Our group is on Meetup, and if you're a budding poet, we always welcome new members. For more info about The Poets' Salon, please check out our Meetup listing HERE.*** To celebrate poetry month, we're joining with the library to bring you a poetry reading, open mic and short seminar on getting poems published. The Poets’ Salon is chairing the event, which will be an inclusive meeting of current and hopeful poets. Read a poem of your own, or feel free to come by just to listen. If you'd like to read... just show up! The event is on April 13th from 1:30pm-4pm. We will have a section for open mic, and a mini poetry workshop at the end. The session will conclude with a briefing on how to get your poetry critiqued and published. Drinks (soda and water) and snacks (sandwiches, pastries, and other things to munch on) will be provided. More info can be found on our Meetup listing HERE. Hope to see you there! |
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KGB F-Bomb Reading - April 5, 2019
I'm returning to New York and returning to the KGB F-Bomb series, run by the fabulous literary and humor writer Paul Beckman. The series takes place on the first Friday of every month in the Red Room (3rd floor) at KGB Bar in New York City.
Stop by to hear some amazing flash fiction and have a drink or two. KGB Bar is located at 85 E 4th Street, and the event will take place from 7-9pm. Hope to see you there!
4th Annual Local Authors Fest - March 23, 2019
Several of the authors and editors of the Fairfield Scribes, including me, Edward Ahern, and Elizabeth Chatsworth, will be at the 4th Annual Local Authors Fest, hosted by the Public Library of New London. It takes place from 11am-2pm.
From the library's website:
From the library's website:
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The Public Library of New London will be hosting its 4th Annual Local Authors Fest in our Adult Reading area.
Authors from Southeastern Connecticut will be on hand to talk to you about their books and sign and take photos. Authors of fiction, nonfiction, Young Adult literature, Children's literature, romance, history and mystery will be here. It's a great event for all ages! Midafternoon, several authors will speak to the public about their work, and their experience publishing their books. Whether you are an author, an avid reader, a fan of local talent, or a community event connoisseur, please stop by and get to know some great local authors, hear about their backgrounds and latest releases, support the community, and own original signed copies of authors on the rise. This event is free and open to all. |
Here's more info about it:
There are over 50 local authors anticipated to be there, so it's guaranteed to be an amazing event - with something for every type of reader. Hope to see you there!
From left to right: Edward Ahern, Elizabeth Chatsworth, and me, getting our Victorian on.
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Steampunk Ed!
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From left to right: Edward Ahern, Elizabeth Chatsworth, me, and P.M. Ray. We were also joined at our table by the lovely author Gabi Coatsworth (not pictured here).
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Writing & Publishing Short Stories Workshop - February 17, 2019
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This month, WestportWRITES at The Westport Library welcomes the Fairfield Scribes for a panel conversation and workshop focused on the craft of writing short stories and getting those short stories published.
Six writers from the Fairfield Scribes (Edward Ahern, Gabi Coatsworth, Elizabeth Chatsworth, Robert Tomaino, P.C. Keeler and me!) will open the day with a panel conversation about the craft of writing short stories. Then, after a break, we will lead an interactive workshop focused on how to submit short stories for publication. |
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The seminar will be held on Sunday, February 17, 2019 from 1pm-4pm at the Program Room in the library, located at 20 Jesup Road in Westport. You can find out more information about the panel HERE.
Poetry Panel - November 3, 2018
I love living in Fairfield County. I can't imagine a place more welcoming to writers - the libraries all have excellent writers' programs and conferences, and almost all of them are free to attend. This is a place where you can interact with all levels of writers, from those just starting out to those topping bestselling lists.
The Fairfield Public Library (pictured here) is continuing this great tradition of supporting writers by hosting a one-day writers' conference this upcoming Saturday, November 3rd. It's in celebration of NaNoWriMo, but there will be something for everyone - from nonfiction writers to short story writers, from poets to novelists. My good friend Edward Ahern and I will be participating in a poetry panel, but I'll be at the conference all day, so please feel free to stop by and say hi if you see me.
The conference is completely FREE to attend, but space is limited - you can sign up for it HERE. It will be held in the Rotary Room.
The poetry panel Ed and I will be a part of will be held from 1-2pm, called: "Poetry: Writing, Readings and Getting Published." In addition to Ed and me, panelists will include Laurel S. Peterson, Jack Powers, William McCarthy, David Boston, Paul Bluestein, and Alice Green.
To the right is the full program for the day - you are welcome to attend all of it or part of it, but don't forget to sign up or you might miss out!
Hope to see you there!
From left to right: David Boston, Laurel K. Peterson, Bill McCarthy, Jack Powers, Edward Ahern, paul Bluestein, Alice Green, me, and head of adult library services for the Fairfield Library, Philip Bahr.
From left to right: Jack Powers, Edward Ahern, paul Bluestein, Alice Green, and me, as I introduce the poetry panelists.
Reading & Indie Anthology Publishing Panel - October 13, 2018
The Brownstone, 142 Main Street, Westport, CT.
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As lead editor of the Fairfield Scribes' new anthology, I'll be leading a discussion with local authors and editors who have stories in WHEN TO NOW: A TIME TRAVEL ANTHOLOGY at the Saugatuck StoryFest on October 13th. We'll be doing a reading and discussion panel about the process of publishing and writing short stories for an anthology. Come by and see us from 2:30-3:30 p.m. at The Brownstone, located at 142 Main Street in Westport. Refreshments will be provided, and it will be completely free to attend. So stop on by if you'd like to hear excerpts from some great speculative fiction stories, meet the authors, and chat about publishing and how to get YOUR story into an anthology... perhaps even the next anthology by the Fairfield Scribes in 2019! Copies of the anthology and other books by the authors will be available for purchase during the event - or if you've planned ahead and already have a copy, swing on by and the authors would be glad to personalize it to you. Looking forward to seeing you there! |
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LOCATION: The Brownstone is located right next door to Tavern on Main, so it's a great place to do lunch and then wander over to listen to a reading sample of the stories in WHEN TO NOW and get helpful info about small press and anthology publishing. PARKING: For those of you driving to our event, there are two parking lots right next to the building - one on the corner of Elm and Main, one about half a block up Elm Street. WALKING: It's also about two blocks away from the library, so if you're enjoying events at the StoryFest throughout the day, it's quite easy to walk to. We'll have signs posted on the street directing you to the event from the library. |
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Reading & Book Release - July 28, 2018
Live reading at the Fairfield University Bookstore from three new speculative fiction novels released by the Fairfield Scribes!
THE ROSE QUEEN (by me) is a YA retelling of the fairy tale Beauty and the Beast, with the Beast as a woman. MIGON (by P.C. Keeler) is a YA science fiction/fantasy crossover set in the far future about a boy who becomes a miniature dragon. THE WITCHES' BANE (by Edward Ahern) follows the adventures of a mystical detective intent on tracking down the supernatural killers of his ex-girlfriend.
Come join the authors to hear a reading from each novel and chat about books and writing in general. Refreshments will be served, and the first 20 readers to buy a book will get a free Fairfield Scribes tote bag.
More info can be found on the Fairfield Scribes' Facebook event page.
July 28th, 2018 - from 1-3 PM at the Fairfield University Bookstore, 1499 Post Road, Fairfield, CT 06824.
KGB F-Bomb Reading - July 6, 2018
The literary and humor writer Paul Beckman runs a monthly reading series the first Friday of every month in the Red Room (3rd floor) at KGB Bar in New York City. On July 6th, I'll take part in "F Bomb NY: Flash Fiction Reading Series" in the Red Room. I will join five very accomplished writers: Rachel Veroff, Dawn Raffel, MC Neruda, Austin Alexis and Michael Mungiello. There will also be an open mic time, so if you're looking to take the stage, this is your chance!
Stop by to hear some amazing flash fiction and have a drink or two. KGB Bar is located at 85 E 4th Street, and the event will take place from 7-9pm. Hope to see you there!
Stop by to hear some amazing flash fiction and have a drink or two. KGB Bar is located at 85 E 4th Street, and the event will take place from 7-9pm. Hope to see you there!
Norwalk Art Festival Poetry Reading - June 23, 2018
If you're looking for something to do this weekend that combines a beautiful location, beautiful weather, beautiful art and beautiful words, look no farther than the The Poets, Writers & Storytellers Stage at the Norwalk Art Festival, located at Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum in Mathews Park, 295 West Avenue, Norwalk, Connecticut 06850. This is the second year that the talented (and very organized) poet Jerry T. Johnson has put together this event, and it promises to be a wonderful weekend. For those poets and writers out there who would like to take the stage, there will also be an open mic time.
So stop in, enjoy art and the spoken word, and stay afterwards to say hi to all the writers! Below is the schedule of the very local authors who will be participating (including me - I'll be reading on Saturday). Hope to see you there!
So stop in, enjoy art and the spoken word, and stay afterwards to say hi to all the writers! Below is the schedule of the very local authors who will be participating (including me - I'll be reading on Saturday). Hope to see you there!
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Aftermath Book Release Reading - April 26, 2018
The release of Aftermath: Explorations of Loss & Grief is on April 26, 2018. Radix Media is hosting a book release party with contributors Joaquin Fernandez, Stacya Shepard Silverman, María José Giménez and myself at the Greenlight Bookstore at 686 Fulton Street in Brooklyn at 7:30pm.
Hope to see you there!
KGB F-Bomb Reading - February 2, 2018
The prolific and talented writer Paul Beckman runs a monthly reading series at KGB Bar in New York City. On Friday, February 2nd, yours truly will take part in "F Bomb NY: Flash Fiction Reading Series" in the Red Room. I will join six very accomplished writers: Gessy Alvarez, Madeline Artenberg, Nancy Ludmerer, Courtney Sender, Anne Weisgerber and Francine Witte.
So if you'd like to hear some amazing flash fiction and have a drink or two, stop by KGB Bar on Groundhog's Day at 85 E 4th Street. The event will take place from 7-9pm. Hope to see you there!
So if you'd like to hear some amazing flash fiction and have a drink or two, stop by KGB Bar on Groundhog's Day at 85 E 4th Street. The event will take place from 7-9pm. Hope to see you there!
Westport Arts Center Poetry Reading - February 1, 2018
If you're looking for something to do in Connecticut this Thursday, I'd like to invite you join me and about a dozen other poets who will be reading at the Westport Arts Center from 7pm-8:30pm. The event is titled "Poetic Inspiration - Readings and Reflections," and includes such local luminaries as Laurel S. Peterson, the Poet Laureate of Norwalk, and Charles Rafferty, an award-winning poet whose work has appeared in a zillion prestigious journals, including The New Yorker, O, The Oprah Magazine, Ploughshares and Prairie Schooner.
The theme of the reading is to include poets "whose work responds to our times and the challenges we face." The event is open to all ages, and will also feature several younger poets from the community.
So stop by the Center, located at 51 Riverside Avenue in Westport, say hi, and enjoy some great poetry and art!
The theme of the reading is to include poets "whose work responds to our times and the challenges we face." The event is open to all ages, and will also feature several younger poets from the community.
So stop by the Center, located at 51 Riverside Avenue in Westport, say hi, and enjoy some great poetry and art!
Flash Fiction Reading - October 13, 2017
I will be venturing out of my writerly cave next week and will be doing a flash fiction reading at a great local Connecticut venue, Best Video, located at 1842 Whitney Ave in Hamden. The reading takes place on lucky Friday the 13th, starting at 7pm.
Some other writers participating include Tom Hazuka, April Bradley, Doug Mathewson and Paul Beckman. Please stop by, listen to some great flash fiction, and say hi!
Stamford Art Festival Poetry Reading - July 29, 2017
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Poetry reading July 29-30 at the Stamford Art Festival, organized by the very talented poet, Jerry T. Johnson. Right on the water in Stamford, it was a lovely view and a lovely day, with some very talented writers reading, including Edward Ahern, Lisa Pierce Flores, Ann Cefola, Roberta Bisgyer, John F. McMullan, Gil Fagiani and Shanna T. Melton.
In addition to the reading, several of the poets (myself included) volunteered to do drive-by poeting. What that means is we'd chat with people for a few minutes and write a poem for them on the spot. I was super nervous to do it, but it ended up being a ton of fun. Of course, I gravitated towards the kids, who I always find easier to write for than adults. |
Thanks to everyone who came out this weekend! Hope to see you again at the next local art festival.
Norwalk Art Festival Poetry Reading - June 24, 2017
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From left to right: Edward Ahern (hiding behind Jerry), Jerry T. Johnson, Neddy Smith, Christopher Madden, Rona Schenkerman, Laurel Peterson, Mark Saba, me (with my three-girl entourage, LOL), and Shanna T. Melton.
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My friend and fellow writer and editor at Bewildering Stories, Edward Ahern, contacted me recently because he was doing a poetry reading at The Norwalk Art Festival and they were still looking for local poets to participate.
For those of you unfamiliar with the festival, it's located in Mathews Park in Norwalk, and it ran from June 24-25. There were over 100 artists, both local and from farther afield. There were kids crafts and all types of art, from photography to sculpture.
Anyone who knows me knows that I'm a white-knuckled speaker. But I'm also trying to overcome my shyness, so if an opportunity presents itself to get up and read my work... well, I'll take it.
The Poetry Corner, which took place on Saturday at the festival, was organized by a very nice guy and amazing poet, Jerry T. Johnson. Of course, Ed was there, and had a variety of poems to read - he really is a prolific writer, and I was glad to hear his new work.
The Poet Laureate of Norwalk, Laurel Peterson, also did a reading (although I'm sorry to say I missed it, since I was corralling kids and ended up being a bit later to the reading than I'd hoped to be). The final poet for Saturday afternoon was the very talented Shanna T. Melton.
The event went really well. The weather was perfect, there was a large assortment of local poets who had created a body of work in a wide variety of styles. The audience members were lovely and seemed to enjoy it. It was great to meet so many local poets, and hopefully I'll be seeing them again at more events in the future.
If you missed the festival and are looking to add some art to your summer, don't worry - there are several others coming up in the area. You can find a list here.
For more pictures pf the event, check out my blog post about it HERE.
For those of you unfamiliar with the festival, it's located in Mathews Park in Norwalk, and it ran from June 24-25. There were over 100 artists, both local and from farther afield. There were kids crafts and all types of art, from photography to sculpture.
Anyone who knows me knows that I'm a white-knuckled speaker. But I'm also trying to overcome my shyness, so if an opportunity presents itself to get up and read my work... well, I'll take it.
The Poetry Corner, which took place on Saturday at the festival, was organized by a very nice guy and amazing poet, Jerry T. Johnson. Of course, Ed was there, and had a variety of poems to read - he really is a prolific writer, and I was glad to hear his new work.
The Poet Laureate of Norwalk, Laurel Peterson, also did a reading (although I'm sorry to say I missed it, since I was corralling kids and ended up being a bit later to the reading than I'd hoped to be). The final poet for Saturday afternoon was the very talented Shanna T. Melton.
The event went really well. The weather was perfect, there was a large assortment of local poets who had created a body of work in a wide variety of styles. The audience members were lovely and seemed to enjoy it. It was great to meet so many local poets, and hopefully I'll be seeing them again at more events in the future.
If you missed the festival and are looking to add some art to your summer, don't worry - there are several others coming up in the area. You can find a list here.
For more pictures pf the event, check out my blog post about it HERE.