Dearest readers, Deadline: Registration will close on Tuesday, 7/22, at 3:00pm ET, and the class will take place that same night from 6:00 – 8:00 pm ET via Zoom. Can't make the date? We'll send you the recording! Tuition: General admission is $50, and financial aid pricing is $30. Applying for aid is quick and painless, with instant results. Payment plans are available upon check out. |
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Description: Emerging writers often find it challenging to transition in and out of memory, "flashback," or narrative backstory. Given that most of our consciousness is memory (who we are, who we're married to, how we got here, what we're supposed to be doing today), it would seem to be an easier proposition to approach memory on the page — and it is! But writers tend to overthink things and either mimic unhelpful techniques or neglect memory altogether. Let's talk about how to avoid the pitfalls of transitioning into and out of memory, flashback, or narrative backstory; learn how to represent memory accurately, and how not to write yourself into a flashback corner. Instructor: Rebecca Makkai is the author of the New York Times bestselling I Have Some Questions For You as well as four other works of fiction. Her last novel, The Great Believers, one of the New York Times’ Best Books of the 21st Century, was a finalist for both the 2019 Pulitzer Prize and the 2018 National Book Award, and was the winner of the ALA Carnegie Medal and the LA Times Book Prize among other honors. A 2022 Guggenheim Fellow, Rebecca teaches graduate fiction writing at Middlebury College, Northwestern University, and the Bennington Writing Seminars, and she is Artistic Director of StoryStudio Chicago. |
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At the risk of sounding like a 90s infomercial, BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE! We've got a very special hybrid session with the one and only Alexander Chee on August 4th. You can tune in from home via Zoom, watch the recording asynchronously, or best of all, attend live and in-person at the Asian Arts Initiative! |
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One more thing: Did you know that novelists are 13% sweatier than poets? No, you didn't, because I am lying to you. Regardless, you should probably buy a $2 raffle ticket to win $50 of cold, refreshing ice cream from our sweet friends at Milk Jawn. All proceeds will support our daily operations and free public programs. |
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In solidarity, Julian Shendelman
Co-Director P.S. Looking for more local literary connections? Check out our community calendar and resource pages. |
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- Wednesday, 7/16, 3:30 – 5:30 pm ET: Creative Coworking. Stop by for a few minutes or stay for the whole session — it’s totally up to you. Write, edit, read, daydream, or do whatever best serves your literary life. Our regulars say that they get way more writing done in the company of peers, even via Zoom. (FREE/VIRTUAL)
- Thursday, 7/17, 4:00 – 5:00 pm ET: Thursdays on the Stoop presents Getting Started in Literary Translation with Transversal. In this panel discussion and Q&A, members of Philadelphia's Transversal collective will present an overview of the literary translation landscape, discuss pathways into the field, and share excerpts from current works in progress. (FREE/VIRTUAL)
- Tuesday, 7/22, 6:00 – 8:00 pm ET: I Can't Remember How to Do This — Writing Memory in Fiction and Nonfiction: A Masterclass with Rebecca Makkai. Let's talk about how to avoid the pitfalls of transitioning into and out of memory, flashback, or narrative backstory; learn how to represent memory accurately, and how not to write yourself into a flashback corner. ($30–50/VIRTUAL)
- Saturday, 7/26, 6:30 – 8:00 pm ET: Give Them Flowers. Join Blue Stoop for a reading and celebration of the Jennifer Weiner fellows at Head House Books. We'll hear from the cohort — Reema Rao, Tori Lee, Colette Walker, Alexandra Naughton, Liz Moorhead, and Larissa Pahomov — and Jennifer Weiner herself. (FREE/IN-PERSON)
- Tuesday, 7/29, 6:30 – 7:30 pm ET: Poetry Club. A peer-led poetry reading & discussion group, powered by Blue Stoop volunteers. This month's meeting will focus on works by legendary local poet, Sonia Sanchez. (FREE/VIRTUAL)
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Got an event, organization, business, or book to promote? |
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Event title An Evening at H&H Books with Dave & Ilyssa Kyu of "Campfire Stories" Start time 7/15/2025 7:00pm Location The Head & The Hand, 2230 Frankford Ave Description Ilyssa and Dave Kyu are the Philly-based creators of Campfire Stories. Each volume features tales made for sharing amongst friends and family, all connected to the diverse national parks across the United States. The Kyus’ new series immerses readers in the lore of three of America’s most beloved natural spaces. During their cozy evening event at H&H Books, Dave and Ilyssa will read short excerpts from their books, share more about their new series, and talk about how this project came to be. Books will be available for purchase, and a Q&A and book signing will follow. Link Contact info events@theheadandthehand.com Cost Free ~~~~~~~~~ Event title Live Poetry with Moonstone Start time 7/16/2025 7:00pm Location Fergie's Pub, 1214 Sansom Street, Philadelphia Description Featuring: Erica Abbott, Elayna Mae Darcy, Thalia Geiger, Diamante “Dimo” Ortiz, and Faith Paulsen. Sean Hanrahan hosts – Open Reading Follows Link Contact info 215-735-9600 Cost $0 ~~~~~~~~~ Event title BAD REVIEWS: How to write them and why we need them, a webinar with the editors at BSR Start time 7/17/2025 6:30pm Location Zoom Description Join the editors at Broad Street Review for an updated session of our popular BAD REVIEWS webinar at 6:30pm ET on Thursday, July 17. This 90-minute Zoom class includes a Q&A with the editors and BSR critics Wendy Rosenfield and Alix Rosenfeld. In an hour-long session, Alaina will explain why “bad” reviews are so important and what honest reviews accomplish, introduce the questions a good critic asks, discuss what happens after a "bad" review runs, and lots more. Then we’ll open the floor for questions. This class is geared toward emerging and established writers who want to sharpen their critique skills. It’s a great introduction to BSR for anyone interested in writing for us, and it’s also valuable for arts lovers who want to dive deep into the life of a critic. Link Contact info ajohns@broadstreetreview.com Cost $25 suggested donation with a PWYC option ~~~~~~~~~ Event title Grow a Cowboy by Von Wise: Chapbook Release Party Start time 7/18/2025 7:00pm Location The Perch, 2321 Emerald Street, Philadelphia Description come to @theperch_musicandarts_workshop to see Von Wise and others ( @brigriffith @veryverynoisy @marcicalabretta) read at the official launch party on july 18 and maybe wear a cowboy hat or something. Von Wise received his MFA for Creative Writing from Florida International University. He teaches English composition and creative writing in Philadelphia, where he lives. His and others' work can be found on his website vonwise.lol Link Contact info @vonsonwise (Instagram) Cost $0 ~~~~~~~~~ Event title Book signing with Lindo, author of "Pawn Shop" Start time 7/19/2025 12:00pm Location Multiverse Philly, 8026 Germantown Ave Description Philly! Are you ready for Pawnshop, the new graphic novel by @lindoyes that releases July 15th? Come by Saturday July 19th between 12-2pm to get your hands on a copy! PawnShop is an afro-futurist graphic novel that explores Black resistance, identity, and culture while emphasizing the importance of emotional regulation and public safety. Expanding on the worlds created in his poetry, Lindo explores the lives of everyday folx living in a re-imagined Philadelphia where healthcare is universal and emotional equity is regulated by two government entities: Emojis and Cupids. Illustrated by fellow Philadelphia poet and artist, Jovan McKoy, and colored by Philadelphia based artist, Jaz Malone, PawnShop is a Philly inspired and Philly made love letter to the potential of a better world and the complex relationships we will still have to navigate no matter what utopia we potentially create. Link Contact info @multiverse_philly (instagram) Cost $0 ~~~~~~~~~ Event title Nature And Poetry: Summer Edition Start time 7/19/2025 6:30pm Location The Discovery Center, 3401 Reservoir Drive, Philadelphia, PA 19121 Description Poetry open mic (sign up at 6:30), yoga with Collide Zine Philly (7-7:30), free food/drinks and live music! Free children's books. Family friendly. A fundraiser for Hope and Cope. Link Contact info @amani._.reid (instagram) Cost $0 ~~~~~~~~~ |
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1315 Walnut Street, Suite 300
Philadelphia, PA 19107, United States |
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