What’s Going on in the Austin Book World June 16th — June 22nd
We’ve reached mid-June and the Texas heat is in full gear. Luckily, the creeks and streams of the greenbelt are thriving. There are several speakings and signings of new books from high profile authors such as Chuck Klosterman and Susan Branch. There are also some great Bookclub opportunities available with BookPeople. Here’s what’s going on this week in the Austin Book Community:
Thursday, June 16th (6:30 PM) @ Malvern Books, celebrate Bloomsday at Malvern Books.
Thursday, June 17th (7 PM) @ BookPeople, enjoy a speaking & signing of Ego is the Enemy by Bestselling author Ryan Holiday.
Friday, June 17th (7 PM) @ Malvern Books, join Malvern Books I Scream Social First Birthday Bash, This is the one year anniversary of Malvern Books Free reading series that shines a spotlight on young women authors from the Austin area.
Saturday, June 18th (7 PM) @ BookPeople, join poet Matthew Freeman who will be reading from his fifth book Everything Loved Restored.
Sunday, June 19th (2 PM) @ BookPeople, join renowned electronic musician Moby for a speaking & signing of Porcelain: A Memoir.
Monday, June 20th (7 PM) @ Book Woman, enjoy this YA author panel, Secrets & Second Chances.
Tuesday, June 21st (7 PM) @ BookPeople, enjoy a speaking & signing of How to Make White People Laugh by comedian, actress, writer, and filmmaker Negin Farsad.
Upcoming Events and Classes at The Writing Barn:
6 Week Class: Perfecting the Picture Book | *North Austin Satellite Location
Join us for Perfecting the Picture Book I at a satellite North Austin location, taught by Carmen Oliver. Past Perfecting the Picture Book I and II students, have gone on to sign with top agents and garner picture book contracts! This deep study and analysis of structure and form paves the way for all that is to come.Classes will be Thursday evenings from 7 to 9pm at 7703 N. Lamar, Suite 337 (in the offices of Girls With Pens) on 7/7, 7/14, 7/21, 7/28, 8/4, and 8/11
Finding Voice: The Language of Memoir with Sarah Smarsh
The most riveting memoirs are the ones in which we can hear the author speaking in an unmistakable voice, often with a rhythm and vernacular specific to the story’s place and time. Even if you didn’t grow up in the segregated South (I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, Maya Angelou), the impoverished lanes of Limerick (Angela’s Ashes, Frank McCourt), or an east-Texas oil town in the 1960s (The Liars’ Club, Mary Karr), your language carries the signature of a unique life. In this era of Internet memes, forces of linguistic homogenization might pull us away from our own voices. Through readings, writing prompts and discussion we’ll uncover the aspect of writing that can be both essential to craft and uncomfortable to let shine.
Join The Writing Barn in this group session, where we’ll use our visual tools (NO art experience or skill necessary! We love stick figures!) to explore our writer archetypes, our ideal reader, our fears and creative blocks, and our visions for ourselves as we traverse the Hero’s Journey of writing!
Using prompts from my forthcoming book, 365 Days of Doodling (Discovering the Joys of Being Creative Everyday), you are sure to come away from this class with more creative freedom and satisfaction than when you arrived.
Many times, what I’ve envisioned in a doodle has come forth, including my first book, How Dare You Make a Book? that was born right here at The Writing Barn! What will your doodles spark? Let’s find out!
