Gordon Square Review Seeking Submissions!
Gordon Square Review is currently seeking regular submissions for their second issue now through March 15th. It’s cold outside, so hunker down, polish your work, and send it over! Regular submissions are free, and accepted writers receive modest honorariums. Go to their website to learn more about the submissions process.
Winter Fictionfest Announced!
Winter Fictionfest ($40/$30 for members) – Saturday, February 24th from 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m., Loganberry Books, 13015 Larchmere Blvd, Cleveland, with Michael Garriga, Lucy Biederman and Imad Rahman
This year’s Winter Fictionfest will focus on “the long and short of it,” with a panel discussion on the craft of fiction, workshops on writing flash fiction and other topics, and a reception, book-signing and open mic following the classes! Hone your craft with award-winning Cleveland authors, connect with other writers, and develop new work at this half-day conference.
Humanities Festival call for submissions extended through February 9th
We’ve extended our submissions deadline for this year’s Cleveland Humanities Festival through Friday, February 9th!
Last year, Lit Cleveland produced a staged reading featuring original writing by Cleveland writers on the theme of immigration during the Cleveland Humanities Festival. These powerful personal stories went on to be staged at Gordon Square, Public Square, Maltz Museum and more! This year, we’re seeking work on the theme of “health” for a reading during the 2018 fest! Read more.
Upcoming Winter Classes
Writing Out Loud w/Dana Norris($80/$60 for members)
Thursday, January 25th, February 1st, 8th and 15th from 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., Loganberry Books, 13015 Larchmere Blvd, Cleveland
Ever seen someone on stage, captivating the crowd, and thought “I want to do that”? This class will show you how to create, edit, and perform your own stories, and will conclude with a public show (date TBD) where students will join the storytelling community in full.
Making the Leap into Writing Persona Poems w/Mimi Plevin-Foust ($40 /$30 for members)
Wednesday, January 31st and February 7th from 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., Mac’s Backs Books on Coventry, 1820 Coventry Rd, Cleveland Hts
In this fun, interactive workshop, we’ll practice the underused but highly effective strategy of persona poems. You’ll also learn how to perform these poems aloud, with the chance to share them at a public reading soon after. Beginners to experienced poets are all welcome.
Writing About Nature and the Environment w/Mary Quade ($30/$25 for members)
Saturday, February 10th from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., Cuyahoga Valley Environmental Education Center, 3675 Oak Hill Road, Peninsula
In this workshop, we’ll learn skills to gather vivid material from the world in order to build essays or poems. Participants will spend time outdoors during the workshop practicing the art of observation. Next, we’ll construct writing that engages with imagery, knowledge, precision, science, memory, experience, and even research.
Mission Possible: Breaking into Freelance Writing w/Jen Jones Donatelli ($30/$23 for members)
Saturday, February 10th from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., Gordon Square Arcade Conference Room, 6516 Detroit Ave, Cleveland
In this class, you’ll learn how to transform your passions, experiences, and expertise into salable ideas for stories. We’ll also identify target publications and focus on generating ideas for pitches that can land your first published piece. Prepare to go from unknown to unstoppable!
The Shape of Memoir w/Charlotte Morgan ($80/$60 for members)
Saturday, March 3rd, 10th, 24th and 31st from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., Gordon Square Arcade Conference Room, 6516 Detroit Ave, Cleveland
You have recollections, but are not sure how to turn them into compelling writing. By reading selections from good memoir and doing craft exercises, this class will help you develop your first chapter. In later sessions, we’ll provide feedback on each other’s work. Open to writers of all levels.
Just the Facts, Man: Documentary Playwriting Workshop w/ Christopher Johnston ($80/$60 for members)
Saturday, March 3rd, 17th, 31st and April 14th from 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. (except March 17th, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.), Location TBD
In this workshop, we’ll discuss the techniques necessary to research a topic and get comprehensive interviews from which to draw material or language for a play. We’ll also develop a short piece that can stand on its own or be developed into a one-act or full-length play.
Polish and Purge w/Barbara Hacha ($40/$30 for members)
Wednesday, March 21st and 28th from 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., Mac’s Backs Books on Coventry, 1820 Coventry Rd Cleveland Hts
After you’ve completed the essential first step of getting your story down, it’s time to take a second look and make it better. You’ll learn ways to edit your own work to eliminate common mistakes and make your writing stronger and more compelling. You’ll leave with an improved manuscript and tools to use in the future.
Events & Readings
Lit Cleveland Winter Mixer (Free for members; Non-members, purchase a membership in advance or at the door) Saturday, February 10th from 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., Visible Voice Books, 2258 Professor Ave, Cleveland
At our next Lit Cleveland mixer, enjoy appetizers, a cash bar, and networking with Lit Cleveland members and fellow writers! While you’re there, browse the beautiful stacks at Visible Voice, one of Northeast Ohio’s finest independent bookstores, and also check out Crust Pizza downstairs. Featured readers TBA.