New! March Workshops
What You Need To Know About Self-Publishing ($18.00/$15.00 for members)
Sat. March 4th 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., Mac’s Backs Books on Coventry, 1820 Coventry Rd. Cleveland Hts. Ohio
The number of authors who are opting to self-publish continues to rise. More and more independent authors are finding success in the marketplace and topping bestseller lists, a clear indication that readers are embracing author-published titles. Join Cleveland novelists J. Thorn, J. Everett Prewitt and Christine Benedict for a discussion about the state of self-publishing in 2017. Hear about the common misconceptions and mistakes most indies make and how you can avoid those same pitfalls. Bring your questions and ideas to our Q&A.
Imitating the Stranger: or How to Write Like Someone Else ($45.00/$40.00 for members)
Thursday, March 9th, 16th, & 23rd, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., Loganberry Books, 13015 Larchmere Blvd., Shaker Hts.
Sometimes we’re just tired of our usual ways or we’re dissatisfied with our own work or we’re envious of that guy on p. 32 of Best American Poets. We want to do something else! In this class, we will try to make that leap. But before you write like a stranger, you have to have a clear idea of what you typically do in a poem—recurrent water themes, good chewy language, short lines but long stanzas? Or on the dark side—shallow images? buried endings? repeated references to Buffy the Vampire Slayer? Bring 3 copies of a poem that is representative of your work to the first class. Bring a pair of scissors, some tape, and a black marker (seriously). We’ll get to work.
Keeping it Brief: Writing Flash Fiction ($45.00/$40.00 for members)
Saturday, March 11th, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Mac’s Backs, 1820 Coventry Rd. Cleveland Hts. Ohio
Flash fiction is an exciting sub-genre that distills narrative into a few pages or, in some cases, a few hundred words. Try out fun exercises, explore techniques for writing better fiction, and generate new flash fiction pieces at this immersive day-long workshop with Laura Grace Weldon.
Transition & Transformation: Writing For Self-Discovery (FREE)
Saturday, March 18th, 12:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m., South Euclid-Lyndhurst Library, 1876 South Green Rd., South Euclid, Ohio 44121
Ready or not, we all go through numerous transitions in our lives — starting or ending a job, divorce, death of a loved one, an empty nest. Each transition brings with it an ending and possible feelings of loss, but also signifies a new beginning. This workshop will help participants discover how writing can clarify meaning, aid introspection, and increase our options for creativity during the journey of transition. No writing experience necessary!
Writer’s Boot Camp: Writing For Good w/Pam Turos and Lee Chilcote ($25.00/$20.00 for members)
Wednesday, March 22nd, 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., Gordon Square Arcade, 6516 Detroit Ave., Cleveland
Whether you are a freelancer or volunteer interested in using your skills to benefit a cause or a non-profit professional who wants to launch a content marketing strategy for your organization, this workshop will offer insight, guidance and suggestions for how to find, plan and share stories that inspire people to take action.
April Workshops
Introduction to Personal Essay Writing w/Lee Chilcote (Free)
April 15th, 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., CPL Carnegie West Branch, 1900 Fulton Rd., Cleveland Ohio, 44113
Writers of all levels and backgrounds welcome. Learn the fundamentals of writing personal essays, including turning memories into stories, establishing yourself as a character, using tools like scene and dialogue, conducting research and interviews, and revising for publication. Workshops will offer participants opportunities to write and get feedback.
Lit events around town
Broadsides & Ephemera open mic at Loganberry Books (Free)
Thursday, February 9th, 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m., Loganberry Books, 13015 Larchemere Blvd., Shaker Hts.
A spoken word showcase by and for local writers. This month’s featured reader is long-time Broadsides fixture Doc Janning! Open mic from 7:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Ekphrastacy: Artists Talk & Poets Respond (Free)
Thursday, February 9th, 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m., Heights Arts, 2175 Lee Road, Cleveland Hts.
An evening with “Likeness” exhibition artists, who will speak about ideas and processes behind their works, as well as the challenges of creating successful self-portraits. Featuring Poet Laureate Christine Howey and fellow Northeast Ohio poets Dianne Borsenik, Kisha Nicole Foster, Jayce Renner and AKeemjamal Rollins.
