Writing and Open Mic Events at The Seattle Public Library in October
release date: September 23, 2019
The Seattle Public Library will offer open mics, writing groups, workshops and poetry readings at several locations throughout the city in October.
SCHEDULE
Reading Between the Lines - Noon to 1 p.m. Tuesdays, Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29 at the Central Library, 1000 Fourth Ave., Level 6, Books Spiral 6 Meeting Room, 206-386-4636. A weekly group that reads and discusses poetry. Each week focuses on a different poet selected by group members; poetry selections will be provided.
Seattle Writes: Finding Your Story - 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5 at the Lake City Branch, 12501 28th Ave. N.E., 206-684-7518. Instructor: Theo Pauline Nestor. Many writers experience a longing to write about their own lives but little idea of where to begin, of where to dig to unearth the stories you know are there somewhere. Together, we will drill down and find those stories.
Seattle Writes: Story Seeds and Pitches - 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 6 at the Rainier Beach Branch, 9125 Rainier Ave. S., 206-386-1906. Instructor: Reagan Jackson. So you want to be a journalist. What are your ideas and how do you pitch them? The first part of this two-hour workshop will focus on getting your creative juices flowing and brainstorming all the potential topics you might want to write about. Then, we'll explore how who you are in the world influences the stories you are able to craft. The second part of the workshop will be writing short pitches.
Seattle Writes: Writing Circle with Hugo House - 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 9 at the West Seattle Branch, 2306 42nd Ave. S.W., 206-684-7444. A monthly, drop-in writing group hosted by author Jeanine Walker. It features writing exercises, motivation, and ways to connect with other writers.
It's About Time Writers' Reading Series - 6 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 10 at the Ballard Branch, 5614 22nd Ave. N.W., 206-684-4089. A monthly series featuring author readings and open mics. The 360th meeting features readings from 2019 Jack Straw Writers: Josh Axelrad, Samar Abulhassan and Rena Priest. Michael Schmeltzer will give a short lecture on the writer's craft titled "On Persona Poems."
Seattle Writes: The Journey with Author/Illustrator Don Tate - 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 12 at the Central Library, 1000 Fourth Ave., Level 1, Microsoft Auditorium, 206-386-4636. Instructor: Don Tate. Overnight success does not always happen overnight. In fact, for Don Tate, overnight success took 30-plus years to attain. This self-described "Longest-coming up-and-comer" will share his journey from reluctant grade-school reader to published illustrator, and then on to becoming an award-winning children’s book author. Tate will discuss some lessons learned and myths vs. reality, and will offer practical advice for authors and illustrators. This presentation is part of the fall kick-off meeting for the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators of Western Washington.
Writers Read – 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 13 at the Columbia Branch, 4721 Rainier Ave. S., 206-386-1908. A monthly open mic with selected author readings on the second Sunday of each month, presented in partnership with African-American Writers' Alliance.
Seattle Writes: Writing Outside the Map - 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 13 at the Broadview Branch, 12755 Greenwood Ave. N, 206-684-7519. Instructor: Laura Da’. This generative writing course uses the conceit of the map as a central metaphor for crafting new work and evoking place. The creation, crossing and elimination of boundaries of language, place and narrative will underpin writing prompts and extension activities designed to encourage new work and invigorate the revision process.
Seattle Writes: Writing Circle with Hugo House - 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 15 at the Fremont Branch, 731 N. 35th St., 206-684-4084. A monthly, drop-in writing group hosted by author Alma García. It features writing exercises, motivation, and ways to connect with other writers.
Poetry Potluck - 6:30 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 17 at the Ballard Branch, 5614 22nd Ave. N.W., 206-684-4089. Join our informal gathering to listen to and read poetry aloud. Bring a few favorite poems, whether classics or new discoveries, and share them around the table. This is a feast of poetry. (Not a food event.)
Seattle Writes: Developing Interesting Characters - 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 19 at the Douglass-Truth Branch, 2300 E. Yesler Way, 206-684-4704. Instructor: Elise Hooper. Let’s take those characters who have been rattling around in your head and get to know them better. Through discussion and a series of writing exercises, we’ll add depth and complexity to the characters who populate your fiction and put them in action to provide ideas for future scenes.
Seattle Writes: Better Fiction Through Facts - Instructor: Kristen Millares Young. We research to build the authority to astonish. The pivot from fact to epiphany compels us to keep reading, and that which has been felt is hard to forget. In this generative class, you will learn to infuse narrative with lyric accuracy through careful study of a pagan ceremony detailed in Ursula K. Le Guin’s "Lavinia." Remember to worship the story. Research guides but does not control. Let small details bear the weight of your knowledge. Leave class with a new scene inspired by Le Guin.
- 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 20 at the Capitol Hill Branch, 425 Harvard Ave. E., 206-684-4715.
- 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26 at the Ballard Branch, 5614 22nd Ave. N.W., 206-684-4089.
Seattle Writes: Writing Circle with Hugo House – 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 21 at the Columbia Branch, 4721 Rainier Ave. S., 206-386-1908. A monthly, drop-in writing group hosted by author Brett Hamil. It features writing exercises, motivation, and ways to connect with other writers.
Taller De Escritura Creativa: Escribiendo Lo Personal - 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26 at the Greenwood Branch, 8016 Greenwood Ave. N., 206-684-4086. La narrativa personal empieza como un secreto cuya complejidad se desarrolla con los largos años de la vida. En esta clase aprenderá como dar forma a un cuento personal y convertirlo en una expresión artística. De lo imaginado y lo sentido, creamos escritura que refleja nuestras verdades y contribuye a un entendimiento compartido. Juntos, usted va a leer, discutir y escribir sus propios cuentos. Esta clase terminará con una actuación de los estudiantes (tres minutos cada uno). Por favor, traiga un relato para compartir.
Seattle Writes: Romance Sub-plots for Genre Fiction - 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 27 at the West Seattle Branch, 2306 42nd Ave. S.W., 206-684-7444. Instructor: Jasmine Silvera. Learn how romantic attraction between characters can be used to add dimension to conflict and raise the stakes in the plot while avoiding the common pitfalls that elicit reader groans (and not the good kind). Come prepared to troubleshoot your work with short writing exercises designed to help round out characters and deepen their interactions.
MORE INFORMATION
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