The Twin Cities for bookish sorts
Who says that January is only meant for hibernation and hunkering down? There is a lot going on, and rather than become sullen and twenty pounds heavier, you may as well get out there and enjoy some of it.
The Fireside Reading Series kicks off this week (with none other than Peter Geye), and Club Book has just announced its new winter/spring season. There are launch parties, readings and mixers. Here are a few of the highlights.
Thursday, Jan 10 - 7:00pm
Rosanne Bane Writer's Block Workshop
Common Good Books, 38 S. Snelling Ave, St. Paul
Rosanne Bane, Loft teaching artist extraordinaire, will offer tips and tricks taken from her new book, Around the Writer’s Block (which made my Gift for Writers list). This little teaser will introduce you to Rosanne’s ideas for overcoming writer’s block, or just unlocking your creativity. This is an excellent opportunity to take advantage of her skill and knowledge, for free! You cannot beat that. So writers, authors, hacks, whatever you are, get there and sit rapt. You are bound to learn something, there is no doubt.
Tuesday, Jan 15 - 7:30pm
Carol Connolly Third Tuesday Readings by Writers
The University Club, 420 Summit Ave., St. Paul
This month’s reading features Bill Cavanaugh, Jane Dickerson, Claudia Hampston Daly, Kevin Featherly, Kathryn Kysar, Stan Kusonoki, and Paul Mohrbacher. This is an accomplished group! This month’s reading will be hosted by Marcus Young, the Saint Paul City Artist in Residence, who is responsible for the Everyday Poems for City Sidewalk program (which is, by the way, open for submissions now).
Wednesday, Jan 16 - 5:00pm
January MN Pub TweetUp
Chatterbox Pub, 800 Cleveland Ave S, St. Paul
The venerable institution that is MN Pub is kicking 2013 off in St. Paul. Just show up. You don’t have to be on Twitter, but why not? There will likely be many publishing folks there, but you don’t have to work for a publisher. This is for anyone interested in the publishing cycle for any reason, again sponsored by the Minnesota Book Publishers Roundtable. It’s free, and open to anyone.
Wednesday, Jan 16 - 7:00pm
Short-Short Salon
The Loft Literary Center at Open Book
Flash fiction marathon! Twelve authors and winners of Marge Barrett's Short Shorts contest will share their work, each piece progressively shorter than the one before it. Local comedian Rana May will emcee the evening and invite everyone to create a flash piece of their own to share with the audience. The winner of the Loft’s Short-Short Salon Contest will be in attendance to read the winning 100-word story. Free and open to the public.
Thursday, Jan 17 - 7:00pm
Fourth Annual Hennepin History Museum Poetry Reading
2303 Third Ave S, Minneapolis
Join writers Anya Achtenberg, Sreekanth Bhaskaran, Richard Broderick, Kristen Dierking, Mike Finley, Thomas R. Smith, Diane Jarvenpa, and Lori Young-Williams for an evening of poetry and prose. Doors open at 6:30 and there will be a wine and dessert reception following the reading. Five dollar suggested donation goes directly to support the Hennepin History Museum.
Wednesday, Jan 30 - 5:30pm
LitPunch Mixer
Crooked Pint Ale House, 501 Washington Ave, Minneapolis
If you thought LitPunch was dead, come on out and celebrate its revival! The second year of the LitPunch program begins with a commitment to have more social and networking events throughout the year. LitPunch is sponsored by Coffee House Press, Graywolf Press, The Loft Literary Center, Milkweed Editions and Rain Taxi Review of Books. Come on out and get it going again – you’ll be in good company. This could be the event of the season, folks!
So you see, there are lots of reasons to get out from under your afghan, off your couch, or otherwise imbibing in creative pursuits. There are a few things I’ve not mentioned here, which you can always find at the Rain Taxi Literary Calendar, or on the website of your favorite indie bookstore or local branch library. Go ahead and subscribe to this column to receive information on events, reading series, book reviews and profiles of local literary folks right in your inbox!
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