Sticky Notes Blog

A blog of writing news, tips, and inspiration from Fat Plum

Gist Street Reading Series, and new Gist Street Writing Workshop

The fabulous, fun, and unpretentious Gist Street Reading Series is held every month, the evening of the first Friday of the month. The events sell out every time -- you've got to get there early, but it's so worth it because it's great fun and very inspiring for a writer.

Also, they've introduced a new event: Writing workshops the morning after a reading, led by one of the readers from the evening before. These writers are accomplished and talented people, so it's a rare treat.

Here's the scoop on May's reading, as sent by series founder Sherrie Flick to the Gist Street mailing list:

Dear Gist Street. The radio is threatening frost, but we're into our spring schedule whether the birdbath water is frozen or not. Our May reading is just around the corner: Pamela Painter is flying in from Boston with her fiction and Gary Copeland Lilley is coming in from Chicago with his poetry. I had the pleasure of hearing both of these fine writers read in 2005, and I can tell you: this is going to be GOOD.

When? Friday, May 5th. James Simon's Sculpture Studio, 305 Gist Street, Uptown. It's $3 to get in and that will get you a chance in the raffle and a chair of some sort to sit in (but not keep).

There will be books for sale, and I'm breaking out the lemon tart recipe. What kind of zesty snack are you going to bring? Remember: BYOB. (You know, you all have been doing an excellent job with the red wine lately.)

New idea: The doors will not open until 7:15. So yes. 7:15 we'll unlock the doors. 7:30 socializing begins. 8pm: readings!

Another new idea: On SATURDAY, MAY 6th, Pamela Painter (who teaches at
Emerson) is offering our first-ever morning workshop. It'll be in the studio and run from 9:30 - 12:30. That's three hours! It's called: What If? A Workshop for Fiction Writers and will use exercises to stretch your imagination. Pam says participants will begin stories, learn how to develop theme, and also learn how to complete EVERY STORY THEY START. Beginning as well as published writers are welcome. Pam is an amazing teacher; I once sat in on her summarized dialogue session at a conference and haven't been the same since.

I'm making some coffee cakes and a bunch of coffee (sorry, no decaf) to go with them. The workshop is $20/person. Reservations are required. You can reserve a space by emailing: sdflick@hotmail.com.

For directions and bios and newly posted gossip: www.giststreet.org. 412-434-5629 if you're lost.

Posted by Cindy on April 29, 2006
This entry was posted in the following categories: Coming attractions