By Jessica Weems
The literary events this week feature bold new writing with experienced authors. Debut novels, poetry readings, and even interesting political discussions, the drama never ceases in Austin, so don’t miss a second of it! Also, be sure to check out some of the Writing Barn classes being offered this year.
The Events
On Friday, September 12 at 7PM, Book People will host architect and debut author, Minerva Koenig, for a speaking and signing on her first novel, Nine Days: A Mystery. Nine Days features Julia Kalas, a seasoned criminal, who is sent to a small Texas town under witness protection after her husband is killed. Kalas, who is carefully watched by police chief, Teresa Hallstedt, finds work at the local bar but lands in a sticky situation once a dead body is found on the roof. Plenty of twists, turns, drama, and fun in this one! Come out and support the newest addition to our literary community!
On Saturday, September 13 at 9AM, Shennandoah Diaz will be at St. Edward’s University to present “Marketing on the Web: Building Your Online Presence.” This workshop will bring to light the importance of internet presence for published or up and coming writers alike. Whether it be in the publishing or marketing aspect, Diaz will discuss the different strategies and tools necessary to make your written work stand out and your readers listen up.
Also on Saturday, September 13 at 7PM, Malvern Books will present “An Evening with Henry Chappell and James Magnuson.” They will start off with some live music from American roots duo Mark Viator and Susan Maxey and then move on to the readings. Chappell is a field reporter for The Land Report and has been working as a freelance writer since 1997. His latest book, Silent We Stood, won the 2014 Western Writers of America Spur Award for best historical novel. Magnuson, playwright and author of nine novels, is the Director of the Michener Center for Writers and has also won an NEA grant for his work with fiction. The event is free and sure to be a hit!
On Sunday, September 14 at 3PM, Book Woman will host the book launch for Cindy Huyser’s latest book of poetry, Burning Number Five: Power Plant Poems. Burning Number Five was named co-winner of the 2014 Blue Horse Press Chapbook contest and judge Larry D. Thomas called it, “a memorable, seamless merging of art and science.” Huyser also hosts open mic poetry readings every month at Book Woman.
On Monday, September 15 at 7PM, activist and acclaimed author Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz will be at Book People for a speaking and signing over An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States, her latest book, that challenges the founding myth of the United States. Dunbar-Ortiz uses the viewpoint of the indigenous peoples to show how Native Americans actively resisted the expansion of the US Empire. This emotional and factual drama is sure to compel readers and change the minds of many, concerning America’s original inhabitants. Join Book People for the fabulous discussion!
On Thursday, September 18 at 7PM, Malvern Books will host its monthly reading series, The Finnegans Wake Reading Group to discuss James Joyce’s greatest works. Visit the reading group’s website for more information! http://finwakeatx.blogspot.com
What’s Happening at The Writing Barn
Don’t forget to sign up for our newest six-week class, Style and Substance: Break into the Magazine Business! Laura Jenkins will be her
e to give attendees the strategies necessary to make a name for themselves in the magazine world. The class will begin Wednesday, September 24 so hurry and register now!
Writing Barn Director, Bethany Hegedus, will teach a six-week class, Perfecting the Picture Book II: A Deeper Understanding, and Draft, Draft, Drafting! The class features lessons by wonderful novelist and picture book author Bethany Hegedus, and students will get a chance to work on their own picture books-in-progress during workshop time. This class will meet on Tuesday nights, beginning October 7 from 7-9PM. Register now at info@thewritingbarn.com
Get a new perspective with Advanced Writer Weekend Workshop, Writing Outside the Box with author/agent Ammi-Joan Paquette and author K.A. Holt. Starts Thursday, October 9! Top-selling agent and author Ammi-Joan Paquette and author K.A. Holt will conduct this hands-on workshop to give attendees a different outlook on their writing and leave them with some new-found inspiration!
BUT WAIT… THERE’S MORE!!!
We are beyond excited that the annual Texas Book Festival is finally here and will begin October 25, 2014. With more than 275 authors in attendance, this is sure to the biggest and best one yet! Here is the link to the highly anticipated 2014 Texas Book Festival Author Lineup!