54 Fairfield Street
Watchung Plaza
Montclair, NJ 07042
973.744.7177
Watchung Plaza
Montclair, NJ 07042
973.744.7177
THE WRITER WITHIN: Accessing Creativity in a Hectic World Friday, January 27th at 7:00 o'clock pm Where do ideas come from, and how does a writer enter the state of flow that is conducive to producing great work? How do you switch between the left and right brain work of creativity and editing? What blocks you and how do you get past obstacles in sticking to a writing schedule? These and other questions about the writing life will be discussed by four authors and teachers of the craft. There will be a focus on how freely children write and how we can return to that liberated state ourselves. Please join our panelists for a lively, meaningful discussion, refreshments, and beautiful books to browse and discover. · Judith Lindbergh, author of “The Thrall’s Tale”, www.judithlindbergh.com · Michelle Cameron, author of “The Fruit of Her Hands” and “In the Shadow of the Globe”, http://www.michelle-cameron.com/ · Stuart Lutz, author of “The Last Leaf: Voices of History’s Last-Known Survivors”, http://www.thelastleaf.com/ · Paula Balzer, author of “Writing & Selling Your Memoir”, http://saturdaymorningmemoir.wordpress.com/ Additional information about the event and panelists can be found at:The Writers Circle Websites: www.writerscircleworkshops.com | The Writers Circle Blog Tel: 973-900-0415
Writing Matters is a series of informal panel talks about the craft and business of writing. Moving beyond a reading or book signing, our purpose is to facilitate a discussion among readers and writers, and to explore the rapidly changing landscape of contemporary publishing. Each program features authors and editors with experience in a give subject area. In the works: Alternative Roads to Publishing Your First Nove; Can Writing Be Taught?; The Art of Translation; Reaching Today's Teen; From Page to Stage; Food Writing As Social History; Serious About Humor, and other topics. Chats are scheduled bi-monthly, (July, September, November, January, March, May),on the third or fourth Friday, at 7pm. For information, please contact coordinators Marina Cramer or Jenny Milchman.
Previous Writing Matters Events
Passion in Tranquility: Teaching the Writing of Poetry Sunday, December 4th at 4pm
Those deep thoughts and wrenching feelings so many of us pour out
on paper in our teen years - is that poetry? Can anyone be taught to
write poetry? Why study poetic forms? How does a teacher approach poetry
in translation? To rhyme or not to rhyme? Join us at watchung
booksellers on Sunday, December 4th, at 4 pm. for a lively exploration
of these and other questions, in a Writing Matters panel discussion titled Passion in Tranquility: Teaching the Writing of Poetry. The Writing Life, the Lonely Life: Building a Sense of Community
Friday, September 23rd at 7pm
Writing is a solitary profession. Alone in our heads, we dream up whole worlds, perfect them on the page, imagining their effect on our readers. But writers--especially today--must also be marketers of their work. How do we accomplish this when so little of our day is spent interacting with others? And whom do we turn to when we need to bounce ideas around, learn elements of craft, or gain perspective on our work? On Friday, September 23rd, at 7 pm please join four writers as we explore the ways in which isolation must give way to contact in this writing life. Sean Ferrell's debut novel NUMB (Harper Perennial) was described as "eye catching," "daring" and "offbeat." His second novel THE MAN IN THE EMPTY SUIT will be published in 2012 by Soho Press. Visit him at http://www.byseanferrell.com/ Jael McHenry is a passionate home cook and the author of The Kitchen Daughter (Gallery/Simon & Schuster). Learn more about Jael at http://simmerblog.com/ Steve Piacente self-published his political thriller BELLA in 2011 and launched a unique marketing campaign to get the word out. Find out more at http://www.getbella.com/ Caridad Scordato is the author of THE LOST (Forever Romance/Grand Central). Visit her at www.caridad.com
Friday, July 22, 7PM Picturing the Story: The Art and Business of Children’s Book Illustration A watchung booksellers Writing Matters program
How does a story idea become a picture book for children? Why does an artist decide to illustrate a story, and what is the process of collaboration between author and artist? What role do agents and editors play, and how does an artist navigate the complex publishing business? How are industry changes and technology likely to affect the future of literature for young children?
Come explore these and other timely topics with our guest panelists – Gary Golio, Daniel Kirk, Javaka Steptoe, and Dan Yaccarino - all seasoned, notable professionals with wonderful picture books to their credit, who will share their insights and experience with us. Bring your questions, enjoy our refreshments, pick up a signed book for that special child in your life (or your own collection).
Gary Golio is the author of the award-winning Jimi: Sounds Like a Rainbow (illustrated by fellow-panelist Javaka Steptoe); When Bob Met Woody: The Story of the Young Bob Dylan (illustrated by Marc Burckhardt), and the forthcoming Spirit Seeker: The Musical Journey of John Coltrane. Kirkus Review praised his second book, calling it “…another sensitively written, meticulously researched picture biography, this time capturing the intense ambition of the young Bob Dylan.”
The multi-talented Daniel Kirk is the author and illustrator of the popular Dogs Rule! and Cat Power! – picture books that combine art, poetry and song. He is the creator of Sam, who stars in the Library Mouse books, My Truck is Stuck (written by Kevin Lewis), While the World Is Sleeping (with Pamela Duncan Edwards), Keisha Ann Can! and many other delights for young readers.
Once a model and inspiration for his late father, award winning author/illustrator John Steptoe, Javaka Steptoe has established himself as an outstanding illustrator in his own right. After receiving the Coretta Scott King Award for illustrating his first book, In Daddy’s Arms I am Tall, his work has continued to garner recognition; he has worked with text by, among others, Walter Dean Myers (Amiri and Odette), the poet Nikki Grimes (Pocketful of Poems), and, most recently, Gary Golio (Jimi).
Dan Yaccarino’s bold, witty style has won his work international acclaim and a number of prestigious awards. In addition to his many books – most recently, The Fantastic Undersea Life of Jacques Cousteau, Every Friday, and All the Way to America – he is the creator of the whimsical characters for the television series Willa’s Wild Life, Oswald the Octopus, and the Backyardigans.
A NIGHT OF MYSTERY
OUR TWO PART WRITING MATTERS PANEL CONCLUDES WITH:
GENRE VERSUS LITERARY FICTION:
MEANINGFUL DIFFERENCE OR FALSE DISTINCTION?
In January over sixty Writing Matters guests joined a panel of novelists
to discuss the question of what makes a novel literary...or not.
Now, we flip flop the question.
On Friday, March 25th, 2011, at 7 pm, our second lineup of authors will
gather to explore the meaning of genre fiction, and whether this
categorization is real or false.
Please join
Jeff Markowitz, author of the Cassie O'Malley mysteries
Rick Moss, author of EBOCLOUD
Alina Adams, New York Times best-selling author of
WHEN A MAN LOVES A WOMAN and THIEVES AT HEART
Steven Rigolosi, author of the TALES FROM THE BACK PAGE series
and
Todd Ritter, author of DEATH NOTICE
for a night of continued conversation, food, and fun.
LITERARY VERSUS GENRE FICTION:
MEANINGFUL DIFFERENCE OR FALSE DISTINCTION? On January 28th, 2011, at 7 pm our illustrious panel will gather to explore the meaning of literary fiction, and whether it differs from genre fiction at all. Please join Laurie Lico Albanese, author of LYNELLE BY THE SEA http://laurielicoalbanese.com/ Elizabeth Brundage, author of the just released A STRANGER LIKE YOU http://elizabethbrundage.com/ Alice Elliott Dark, author of THINK OF ENGLAND http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alice_Elliott_Dark Peter Golden, author of the debut novel COMEBACK LOVE http://petergolden.com/ and Christina Baker Kline, author of BIRD IN HAND http://christinabakerkline.com/ for a night of conversation, food, and fun.
From Page to Stage
Friday, November 19th at 7pm
What is this creation we call a play? When words on a page come literally to life, with people standing on a stage, what kind of magic happens? The process and practice of creating theater will be explored in all its glitter and gala by playwrights William Spear, Rosa H. Soy, Anne Timmins, and Roselee Blooston Please join us on November 19th, 2010 at 7 pm when the curtain rises for our discussion of the play"
Special BONUS October Writing Matters Panel
Brave New World: Publishing a Book in 2010...and Beyond Ten years ago, it would've been impossible to describe the state of publishing today. There are e readers, threats to print media, houses have fallen and risen. And yet, people have been predicting the demise of the book since the first one rolled off the presses. More people than ever today are reading, while this year alone independent bookstores opened from New Mexico to New York and New Orleans. On Friday October 22, 2010 at 7:00 pm Reagan Arthur, publisher of Reagan Arthur Books, Little, Brown
Amy Gash, Senior Editor at Algonquin
Aaron Talwar, Publisher of Dark Coast Press Joelle Delbourgo of Joelle Delbourgo Associates and Janet Reid of FinePrint Literary Management will gather to discuss what's in store for book lovers everywhere. Please join us for a champagne toast and what's sure to be a lively discussion with these stars of the publishing world. Seats will fill up fast. Come early to browse the books showcased by our panel of speakers."
Growing Readers in a Digital World: Why the Publishing Market for Kids Friday September 24 at 7:00pm
In today's digital world, how do you get young people excited about
reading a book? Authors Tracey Baptiste, Susanna Reich, Troy CLE, and Crystal Velasquez will discuss the craft and business of writing for the children's market. From early readers to tweens and teens, these authors have managed to keep their young audiences turning the pages and coming back for more. Please join us at Watchung booksellers on Friday, September 24, 2010 at 7pm to meet the authors, learn more about writing and publishing for children, and find some great new reads for the young people in your life!
In Other Words: A Conversation About Translation
Friday July 30th at 7:30pm
If you're interested in the challenge of rendering words from one language to another, come hear our panelists discuss their approach. This month we feature the poets Jessica de Koninck, Mark Statman, John J. Trause, and the novelist Alexis Romay.
Seats have been tight at this exciting series. Come early and browse--we look forward to seeing you there.
Writing Matters is a series that seeks to do something a little different from a typical author's reading or signing....establish a conversation between writers and readers during this changing time in publishing. Events are characterized by substantive give and take, informal chat, refreshments and fun!
Friday, May 21st, 2010 at 7 pm
What To Do Before You Debut If you've ever considered writing a book, or are just interested in this brave, new world of publishing, please come to our sixth Writing Matters panel. Novelists Randy Susan Meyers, Shelley Stout, and Therese Walsh will all talk about the exciting process of bringing a book into the world. From independent press to major house, from already generating reviews to not yet on the shelves, attendees will get the chance to hear all the inside details about debuting in 2010, and after. Refreshments will be served, and authors available to mingle and sign books. Seats have been tight at this exciting series. Come early and browse--we look forward to seeing you there."
Get acquainted with the authors and visit their website.
http://www.randysusanmeyers.com/
http://theresewalsh.com/ http://librifiles.com/2009/10/interview-with-author-shelley-stout/
Friday, March 19, 2010 at 7 pm
Can Writing Be Taught?
Our fifth dialogue between authors and readers seeks to address the age old question of whether writing is different from any other profession, medicine, law, or teaching itself. Are the arts unique? To be a writer must you have some innate ability before you learn to hone your craft? Is there such a thing as a gift? These and other questions will be batted about by our trio of gifted authors and teachers, Sara Backer, Sally Koslow, and Charles Salzberg. Come share your thoughts along with some light refreshments, and learn a little something about this thing we call writing. Please call the store if you are interested in attending.
Get acquainted with the authors, visit their website.
Friday, January 29, 2010 at 7 pm
http://www.debragalant.com/
Friday, November 20, 7 pm. Writing Matters: A Dialog on the Craft and Business of Words. Our bi-monthly series of panel talks continues with Food Writing and Social History – Telling Stories, Touching Lives, featuring book authors Louise DeSalvo and Laura Schenone, and journalist MaryAnn D’Urso. Explore the unique aspects of the place of food in family dynamics and cultural identity, and the particular joys and challenges of food as subject for the nonfiction writer. Louise DeSalvo is the Jenny Hunter Endowed Scholar for Creative Writing and Literature at Hunter College. She is the author of sixteen books, among them the memoir Vertigo, finalist for Italy’s Primo Acerbi literary prize; Crazy in the Kitchen, and Writing As a Way of Healing, a manual intended to help people cope with the effects of illness, trauma, and terrorist acts. Laura Schenone’s book, A Thousand Years Over a Hot Stove received the James Beard Award in 2004. Her most recent work, The Lost Ravioli Recipes of Hoboken, is an exploration of family history and the search for a long-lost recipe. Her essays and articles have appeared in numerous major newspapers and magazines. She is co-author, together with Nancy Ring, of the popular blog JellyPress: Old Recipes, Modern Life. Journalist MaryAnn D’Urso’s food features have appeared in the Newark Star Ledger and other newspapers. Currently, she is involved in a mentoring project for women in crisis, using food writing as a therapeutic tool in dealing with the difficult conditions of their lives.
Hosted by watchung booksellers 54 Fairfield Street Montclair, NJ 07042 973.744.7177 www.watchungbooksellers.com |
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