How to Be Heard…and Make People Listen w/Christine Howey ($40/$30 for members) – Tuesday, June 5th & June 12th, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., Gordon Square Arcade Conference Room, 6516 Detroit Ave, Cleveland
In this class, we will first meet to discuss techniques for increasing the impact of your performance, looking at examples from poets and other readers and performers. A week later, participants will prepare and deliver a poem or story of their own using those techniques, and receive feedback in a supportive setting.
Writing for the World’s Most Passionate Readers: Kids w/Tricia Springstubb ($80/$60 for members) – Tuesday, June 5th, June 12th, June 19th & June 26th, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m., Loganberry Books, 13015 Larchmere Blvd, Cleveland
No one cares about stories more than young readers do. This workshop focuses on writing the kinds of stories they deserve. We’ll consider character, narrative arc, voice, humor, and writing strong themes. Participants should bring work in progress for gentle and productive group critique. Writers of YA and non-fiction are welcome.
Slices of a Life: Vision and Revision w/Linda Goodman Robiner ($120/$90 for members) – Wednesday, June 6th, June 13th, June 20th, June 27, July 11th & July 18th, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., Mac’s Backs Books on Coventry, 1820 Coventry Rd, Cleveland Hts
This memoir workshop will provide a window into important times in your life: how it was for you to grow up in your home, to survive adolescence, what made you who you are. Simple exercises and prompts will result in your writing short vignettes. We will write in class, have homework assignments, and will work with approaches to revision. Participants will share writing and make suggestions for one another in a supportive environment.
Writing Your Family History w/Lee Chilcote (Free!) – Saturday, June 9th, June 16th, July 7th & July 14th, 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., CPL Eastman Branch, 11602 Lorain Ave, Cleveland
Your family is rich in story, and you may have a few heirlooms, a mind full of memorable tales, or many boxes of keepsake letters, journals and clippings. Learn techniques for writing your family history with the goal of publishing it or preserving it for friends or for generations to come. Participants will use writing examples, prompts and research as a starting point for exploring family history.
Events & Readings
Gordon Square Review Launch Party ($10 suggested donation; FREE for issue contributors, contest winners & finalists) – Tuesday, May 15th 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., Terrestrial Brewing Company, 7524 Father Frascati, Cleveland
Join Lit Cleveland to celebrate the launch of Issue 2 of Gordon Square Review! We’ll gather at Terrestrial Brewing Co to mingle, announce the winners of GSR’s contest, and hear readings from contributors. All proceeds go to support GSR.
Lit Events Around Town!
Rock the Mic (Free!) – Tuesday, April 24th 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m., Seniors, 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. 18 & Up, Cleveland Public Library Fleet Branch, 7224 Broadway Ave, Cleveland
Come celebrate National Poetry Month with an open mic at CPL’s Fleet Branch! Open to poets of all ages, backgrounds, and experience levels.
Independent Bookstore Day (Free!) – Saturday, April 28th, All Day, Participating Bookstores
Independent Bookstore Day is a one-day national party taking place Saturday, April 24th at indie bookstores throughout the country. The day features authors, live music, scavenger hunts, kids events, and exclusive books and literary items. Be sure to stop by Appletree Books, Mac’s Backs, Loganberry Books, and other local bookstores to participate!
