Thursdays on the Stoop is a series of free, virtual writing workshops led for and by our community members. With topics ranging from generative prompts to editing strategies, these informal workshops are sure to shake up your Thursday routine. RSVP below to get the link.

One of the most complex facets of writing memoir is finding ways to portray ourselves authentically — flaws and all. In this free hour-long session led by the author of the forthcoming memoirella, "Don't Let Them Eat the Baby: Why Roller Derby is the Greatest Sport Never Sold," (Banana Pitch Press) participants will encounter a series of questions and exercises designed to foster more depth, realism, and honesty when casting oneself as the main character.

Erica Vanstone is an author, poet, and Executive Director living in Philadelphia, PA. Former Executive Director for the sport of roller derby, Erica's groundbreaking sport for development policy work has been featured in Teen Vogue, WIRED Magazine, and more. As a writer, Erica has been published in Philadelphia Magazine, Chill Subs' Write or Die Magazine, and Heritage Local Magazine. Her poetry has been featured in Black Bough Poetry's "2023 Winter Anthology," Open Shutter Press' "Flora/Fauna,” Wee Sparrow Poetry Press' "Ourselves in Rivers and Oceans," and more. her most recent work, “When we weren’t broken,” is featured in Intangible Press’ October 2024 issue, “Kintsugi.” She's represented by Belcastro Agency and works in sport for development, building community safety and mentorship programs as Executive Director for the Police Athletic League of Philadelphia. Erica's debut memoirella publishes October 14, 2025 from Portland, Oregon's indie house Banana Pitch Press. Erica has a BFA from NYU Film and an MS in Sports Business from Temple University.