Dearest readers, We have SO much to update you on, so I'm going straight to bullet points: - Our final class of the summer is just around the corner: The Stories You've Never Seen Before, with Alexander Chee on August 4th, 6 – 8 pm (ET). Join in-person at the Asian Arts Initiative, online via Zoom, or watch the recording on your own schedule. General admission is $50 ($30 with financial aid). Payment plans available!
- If you missed our other summer classes, you can still watch the recordings! Check out I Can't Remember How to Do This — Writing Memory in Fiction and Nonfiction: A Masterclass with Rebecca Makkai and First Impressions — The Power of Opening Pages: A Masterclass with Isle McElroy.
- Picture it: It's late August, the air is muggy, and you're treating all your housemates to a frosty scoop of fancy ice cream. At last, you've become the favorite roommate, finally defeating the one that does dishes. Raffle tickets for a $50 Milk Jawn gift card are still available for just $2.
- We have new merch! Screenprinted on sturdy, weatherproof vinyl, these mini bumper stickers are the perfect way to let strangers know how smart you are. I even made this stupid promotional image of Stoopy making an ill-advised U-turn, in true Philly fashion. I really should not be left unsupervised with a Canva account.
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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, 7/23, 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)
- 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. Online tickets are sold out, but you can still try to get a seat in-person! (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)
- Wednesday, 7/30, 5:00 – 8:00 pm ET: Pours + Prose: Creative Coworking and Happy Hour. We're collaborating with the W Hotel to bring you a very special happy hour and creative coworking session. Enjoy a fancy cocktail or mocktail in the cozy lounge or out on the patio while admiring the view. (PAY AS YOU GO/IN-PERSON)
- Thursday, 7/31, 4:00 – 5:00 pm ET: Thursdays on the Stoop: Writing News-Style Satire. In this free hour-long workshop, humor writer Jeff Bender will break down the key elements of satirical news stories, from headline to punchline. Participants will leave with a few headlines of their own and concepts for future articles. (FREE/VIRTUAL)
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Got an event, organization, business, or book to promote? |
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~~~~~~~~~ Event title Discount Guillotine presents... Start time 7/25/2025 7:00pm Location Neon Clown Dream Lounge, Philadelphia Description you will never be the same, the indie lit community will never be the same, philadelphia will never be the same. Featuring: Joliamour Dubose-Morris, Lauren Holguin, Alina Pleskova, Kate Catinella, Myene Yanu. Link Contact info @discountguillotine (instagram) Cost $0 ~~~~~~~~~ Event title Ghost Harmonics Start time 7/26/2025 7:00pm Location The Perch (Fishtown): 2321 Emerald Street, Philadelphia Description An amazing night of readings and music. Featuring readings by Alan Gilbert, Sarah Riggs, Stephanie Cawley, and Jarrod Campbell and music by Alexander Biggs, Ted Babcock, and Mike Gallagher. Link Contact info @ghostharmonics (instagram) Cost $5-10 suggested ~~~~~~~~~ Event title Souletri Sundays Open Mic Start time 7/27/2025 2:00pm Location Two Locals Brewing - West Philly Description Whether you're a seasoned performer or stepping up for the first time, this is your stage to shine and be embraced by a supportive audience. Join us for a Sunday afternoon filled with raw emotions, laughter, and inspiring performances. It's a special opportunity to express yourself and become part of a vibrant, welcoming community of artists. We can't wait to see you there and celebrate the magic you bring to the mic! Featured poet: So'Journey ( @Sojourneys_truth) The Open Mic sign-up list opens up at 2:00 pm. First come, first served. 5-minute stage time - ONE poem or ONE song that is 5 minutes or less. Link Contact info erlina.ortiz89@gmail.com Cost Free, donations welcome ~~~~~~~~~ Event title Scribes on South // July 2025 Start time 7/27/2025 7:00pm Location Tattooed Mom Description SCRIBES ON SOUTH is a poetry reading and open mic. Open mic readers have 5 minutes. SCRIBES ON SOUTH seeks to create community through poetry. Show out, share, and meet some new friends by sharing your work! Read poems. Kick ass. Link Contact info @scribesonsouth Cost $0 ~~~~~~~~~ Event title Tre Johnson in conversation with R. Eric Thomas Start time 7/29/2025 6:00pm Location Barnes & Noble Philadelphia, 1708 Chestnut St Description Join Tre Johnson and Barnes & Noble Philadelphia on Tuesday, July 29th at 6pm at Barnes & Noble Philadelphia (1708 Chestnut Street) for a discussion of Black Genius: Essays on an American Legacy, a powerful read redefining the meaning of genius while illuminating the ways in which Black Americans have found various ways to thrive despite insurmountable obstacles. Link Contact info (267) 234-9790 Cost $0 ~~~~~~~~~ |
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1315 Walnut Street, Suite 300
Philadelphia, PA 19107, United States |
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