Dearest readers, Curious about getting published? Join us for Clearing the Mist, a free, in-person event at the Free Library of Philadelphia's Parkway Central branch on October 9th, 6:00 – 8:00 pm. In this lively panel discussion, writers at various stages of their careers will unpack the strategies, pitfalls, and surprises one might encounter on the way to literary “success,” however you define it. Attendees will witness the power of mentorship in real time, as early career writers get candid answers to key questions about the writing life from those who have made their journey. Before the panel discussion begins, attendees will have the chance to network and connect with other debut and seasoned writers; learn more about local resources, opportunities, and organizations; and enjoy a truly immersive literary experience. Books will be available for purchase. And yes, there will be free snacks. Tap the image below to RSVP. |
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In other news — Our students absolutely loved the Kurt David's spring class, “The Queer Art of Friendship.” This fall, Kurt's back on the Stoop with a brand new 6 week class called “ The Joy of Collaboration.” Taking inspiration from an array of literary duos, students in this generative in-person course will write across genres together: in pairs, in small groups, in person, and online. You'll dig into skillful examples of collaborative writing, play surrealist poetry games, and workshop a full-length essay. Bring a friend (or make one in class) and delight in the surprise of collaborative writing! For context, Kurt is a Philadelphia public school teacher and unionist. As a writer of poetry and creative nonfiction, he's particularly interested in friendship, queerness, and the labor movement. Here's what past students have said about working with Kurt: - “I felt so lucky to be part of the comradery and trust in this workshop!"
- “This class expanded my mind when it comes to ways to writing about impactful friendships and experiences in general."
- “Kurt made everyone feel seen and appreciated. It was super encouraging, generative, and community-forward.”
Time is running out to sign up! Be sure to register by 10/8. Financial aid and payment plans are still available. |
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In solidarity, Julian Shendelman
Co-Director |
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We need your help keeping classes and programs accessible — tap the button below to make a one-time or recurring donation. |
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- Wednesday, 10/1, 3:30 – 5:30pm ET: Creative Coworking. Drop-in coworking with peers over Zoom. Write, edit, read, daydream, or whatever best serves your literary life. (FREE/VIRTUAL)
- Thursday, 10/2, 4:00 – 5:00pm ET: Thursdays on the Stoop: Auto-Mythologies — Familial Trauma in Flash Fiction, with Alexandria Valentine. Flash fiction can be a powerful vehicle for exploring familial trauma. In this free hour-long session, we'll read, analyze, and learn from a mentor text: "Girl" by Jamaica Kincaid. We'll discuss tips for approaching emotionally charged topics and draft new stories of our own. (FREE/VIRTUAL)
- Friday, 10/3, 5:00pm ET: Extended registration deadline for the asynchronous section of Tackling NaNoWriMo Together with Kale Choo Hanson. You can write a novel in 9 weeks! Asynchronous students can expect craft lecture slides, weekly email reminders, short readings, and optional community-building activities: drop-in office hours (11/4, 11/12, 11/18 from 4–5pm ET on Zoom), weekly co-writing sessions, a community Discord, and a private end-of-semester reading on Zoom. Financial aid is still available. ($180–240 WITH AID, $300 WITHOUT/VIRTUAL)
- Monday, 10/6, 5:00pm ET: Registration deadline for Deep Revision in Any Genre with Anndee Hochman. In this open-genre 9 week class, you can revise existing works in progress or generate new writing between sessions. Expect creative prompts, a wide range of model texts, opportunities to reflect and connect, and periodic critique to help you deepen both the work at hand and your journey as a writer. ($400 WITH AID, $500 WITHOUT/VIRTUAL)
- Tuesday, 10/7, 5:00pm ET: Registration deadline for Magical Imaginings with Andrés González-Bonillas. This generative 3 week class delves into the intersection of magical realism and speculative fiction. We'll study examples spanning multiple disciplines — short fiction, poetry, film, theory — to gain a deeper understanding of the role of the artist in society, the conventions and shared traits of each genre, and their political and creative power. ($168 WITH AID, $210 WITHOUT/IN-PERSON)
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Got an event, organization, business, or book to promote? |
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Event title "Oxford Soju Club" Book Launch with Author Jinwoo Park Start time 10/3/2025 7:00pm EDT End time 10/3/2025 8:00pm EDT Location The Head & The Hand Bookstore, 2230 Frankford Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19125 Description Join us on October 3rd for the launch of Jinwoo Park’s debut novel OXFORD SOJU CLUB— a literary thriller that examines the masks immigrants wear in their adoptive countries for the sake of survival. Jinwoo will read from the novel and discuss the book with poet Kristen Brida before an audience Q&A and signing. OXFORD SOJU CLUB will be available for purchase in-store at H&H Books and on ecommerce. Get your copy ahead of time or at the event! This event is free, but registration is highly encouraged. Email events@theheadandthehand.com with any questions. Link Contact info events@theheadandthehand.com Cost Free ~~~~~ Event title Philly Comics Expo Start time 10/4/2025 10:00am EDT End time 10/4/2025 6:00pm EDT Location Old Pine Community Center, 401 Lombard St, Philadelphia, PA 19147 Description Free and Open to the public! All ages, Accessible to all. Organized by indie comic shop/art gallery Partners and Son, the Philly Comics Expo is celebrating its 5th year on October 4th! Over 160 indie comic artists/publishers, many of them local, with 4 panel discussions, a puppet show, and book signings! Link Contact info info@partnersandson.com Cost Free to attend ~~~~~ Event title Book Signing at Hilltop Books - Local Author Keli O'Connor and her book, Rehoming Breanna Huxley Start time 10/4/2025 2:00pm EDT End time 10/4/2025 3:00pm EDT Location Hilltop Books, 84 Bethlehem Pike Rear, Philadelphia, PA 19118 Description Introduction, reading, and conversation about Keli's book with the event's host. Q&A with the audience, book signing, and sales. Event runs 45 minutes to an hour. Link Contact info greencrowpublishing@gmail.com Cost Free ~~~~~ Event title Fran Wilde with special guest A.C. Wise Start time 10/7/2025 6:30pm EDT End time 10/7/2025 7:30pm EDT Location Main Point Books, 116 N. Wayne Ave, Wayne, PA 19087 Description Main Point Books gleefully welcomes back Fran Wilde with her new book "A Philosophy of Thieves." She'll be joined by guest host A.C. Wise! This event will be in our lower level event space. Reservations are requested via Eventbrite. The book is available for pre-order through www.mainpointbooks.com. Link Contact info events.mainpointbooks@gmail.com Cost free ~~~~~ |
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1315 Walnut Street, Suite 300
Philadelphia, PA 19107, United States |
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