NOVEMBER REVIEW & DECEMBER PREVIEW

A couple of weeks ago, poet and writing instructor Sandy Tseng read selections from her book of poems, Sediment, as well as some new work yet to be published. We were again situated in the main gallery of the BAC in Manitou Springs, where impressive oil paintings had been hung on every wall. Sandy's work orbited round two themes that are actually closely linked in emotional quality: tragedy overseas, and loss. Her volunteer work in Haiti shone through as strongly as her love for her ill and aging yellow lab, Hamlet.

I've always felt that the way a writer responds to animals, especially those closest to her, the ones she's cared for and let care for her, is one of the simplest indicators of how her creative process works. Our link to imagination is what we know through experience. Sandy's poems showed the November audience how her particular experiences with others, human or animal, became catalysts for poetic composition. Her book will still be available for sale at the December reading, in case you missed out on buying a copy!

December, the month of chilly green and white, of busy schedules and holiday baking, will shake things up a bit for the Writers Reading Series. At our next event, Friday, December 9th, at 7:30 in the BAC, the Open Mic list will be shortened to a maximum of three readers (still 3-5 minutes apiece) in order to accomodate our three featured readers: fiction writers Tim Christian, Michael Ferguson, and M.R. Hyde will be in the spotlight with short selections of their own works. These writers have just begun to publish their works more widely, and the audience will have a chance to support them. These are also the three writers that have attended CSWRS events most regularly, captivating us during their Open Mic readings.

I look forward to seeing everyone there. Spread the word about CSWRS, too, and bring a friend. Speaking of spreading the word... I'm going to be teaching an English 227 (Poetry Writing) course through Pikes Peak Community College in the spring, Monday nights from 5:30 till 8, if any of you Colorado writers is interested. You don't have to be a poet to participate, either-- in fact, I recommend poetry classes to fiction and nonfiction writers all the time. As a poet, I've learned a great deal from the prose classes I've taken in the past. So, if you know anyone who may be interested in this course, tell them to contact me!

See you on the 9th at 7:30!

Abby E. Murray
CSWRS Coordinator

OCTOBER REVIEW & NOVEMBER PREVIEW

Kathryn Eastburn, featured reader for this month's Colorado Springs Writers Reading Series, showcased selections from her books of essays as well as her regular column ("The Middle Distance") for the local NPR station, KRCC. Her imagination captivated everyone as much as her personal perspectives on writing and loss.

A week after the reading, I was back at the BAC for a preview-exhibit of artist Laura BenAmots' collection of larger-than-life paintings under the title "Battle Portraits." Laura emphasized how much her work functions as a part of soldiers and their stories as they became involved in the arts after or between deployments. Kathryn was at the preview as well, and, over glasses of wine and mini-cupcakes, we continued discussing her idea of starting an eight-week workshop for soldiers and vets interested in creative nonfiction. The pilot workshop will take place in January 2012, and I get to be part of it too, teaching a couple weeks of poetry within it. If you know someone who might be interested in enrolling, please email me and let me know (cswritersreading@gmail.com), or have that person email the series blog address so I can pass the messages to Kathryn.

Next month, on Friday, November 11th, Denver poet Sandy Tseng will be our guest author. Sandy currently teaches at Metropolitan State College and is the author of a book of poems called Sediment. She's been a delight to work with and I can't wait for everyone to hear her work.

Remember, we're usually in the main gallery of the BAC, but sometimes we end up moving due to various art exhibits. If we're in Venue 515 again, there will be plenty of signs posted directing everyone next door. Not a major change.

See you guys next month,

Abby E Murray

CSWRS Coordinator

P.S. My pumpkin cookies complimented the wine bar well at the reading. Just thought I'd say so.

SEPTEMBER REVIEW & OCTOBER PREVIEW

So, last Friday was amazing.

George Drew, pictured at right (with his good friend, poet Lynn Wagner, in the front row) charmed us all with new poems as well as pieces from his book American Cool. Frankly, I think "Our Daughter Is Becoming Elvis" might be one of my favorite poems to emerge in this series.

I am grateful for George's presence here during his stay in Colorado, just as I am indebted to those Open Mic readers who showcase snippets of their work for the pleasure of the community. Thanks, everyone. For this reading, we packed the BAC, running out of chairs before the Open Mic was even started.

And, before I get all mushy, let me quickly say that I have been so touched by the donations you've contributed to keep CSWRS afloat. As of now, we've raised enough money to fund October, November, and most of December's events.

Speaking of future months, be sure to catch Kathryn Eastburn at our next reading on October 14th. Kathryn's nonfiction works and creative contributions to both KRCC and The Independent make her one of the most genuine local writers in this community.

We'll be in the BAC gallery again, at 7:30pm, October 14th. I truly look forward to seeing you there, as I always look forward to meeting new writers and readers in the area.

Have a great September,

Abby E. Murray

CSWRS Coordinator

TONIGHT, SEPT. 9 - GEORGE DREW

Tonight, at 7:30pm, the Colorado Springs Writers Reading Series will host featured reader George Drew. We'll also have an Open Mic session to kick things off, with the usual limit of ten readers maximum, each allowed 3-5 minutes of prose or poetry reading.

If you're new to the Open Mic thing, I'll have more copies of a handy insight available-- just something I typed up a couple months ago regarding a few tips for every reader. I'm looking forward to seeing lots of students, new writers, lovers of lit, and local writers tonight!

One more thing: I think I'm going to retire the blog sign up list, as I just don't have room on the book table anymore! Too many good books for sale! So, here's a re-cap of all the blogs of writers in our area. Check them out and leave comments!

Tom Preble: www.tompreble.com

Marie Ostarello: www.ostarello.com

Julianza Shavin: www.droppinglikerubies.com

Dan Gardner: www.esldatingdiaries.blogspot.com

Joseph Uphoff: www.home.earthlink.net/~pfuphoff/id4.html

M.R. Hyde: www.hydewords.blogspot.com

Amanda Coburn: www.amandacoburn.blogspot.com

Debbie Maxwell Allen: www.writingwhilethericeboils.blogspot.com

Angela Giles Klocke: www.angelagilesklocke.com

Have fun with each other's work, guys. Stay connected and support each other! I'll see you all this evening at the BAC - 513 Manitou Avenue.

Abby E. Murray

CSWRS Coordinator

AUGUST REVIEW & SEPTEMBER PREVIEW

Last Friday night, August 12th, Lynne Bryant read a selection from her debut novel, Catfish Alley. And, as I do every month, I sat behind the book table and watched the audience fall under the spell created whenever a story is told-- we lean forward a bit, the corners of our mouths lift in little flinching smiles when a main character triumphs, our eyes soften a little and the stress of the week melts away just slightly. We leave our town and spend time in the homes of the characters.

Catfish Alley will particularly appeal to those of you who have read The Help, though it's important to know how Catfish Alley follows a very different storyline, even when the location and theme strike similar chords. If you weren't able to purchase a copy of Lynne's book at the reading, you'll be happy to know that I've got several copies on hand for you at the next event, each for $15.

Speaking of the next reading: George Drew, poet from New York and author of several manuscripts including The View From Jackass Hill and American Cool, will be our featured guest on Friday, September 9th at 7:30pm. We'll begin, as always, with an Open Mic session of ten readers maximum, each allowed 3-5 minutes of prose or poetry.

Please come purchase books to support our authors! Or, buy a beer or glass of wine for you and your date at the bar. This supports the BAC in Manitou, and I, for one, am thankful for their contribution to this series.

I'll see everybody on Friday, September 9th, at 7:30pm in the BAC main building. For now, have enjoy the rest of this scalding summer!

Abby Murray

CSWRS Coordinator

JULY REVIEW & AUGUST PREVIEW

On July 8th, Donita K. Paul showcased an excerpt from her fantastic YA novel, Dragonspell, the first in the Dragon Keeper Chronicles. The series has moved forward into several novels since its publication in 2004, and Donita has recently expanded her writing adventures into the realm of children's books.

Actually, I purchased a copy of The Dragon and the Turtle (co-written with Donita's daughter Evangeline Denmark) for my four-year-old niece in Washington state, and I've been informed that she was over the moon about it-- and is sending me some hand-drawn pictures in thanks. The storylines of Donita's books are each full of whimsy, as well as the practicality that comes from an imagined character's voice. I've been told that many people who attended that Friday's reading enjoyed most Ms. Paul's eagerness to connect with the crowd, answer questions about everything from plot to publishing, and, of course, the Open Mic participants that kicked off the evening.

Next month, CSWRS will be hosting fiction writer Lynne Bryant, whose debut novel, Catfish Alley, was published in April of this year. Lynne has popped up on our Open Mic list before, and it's going to be a delight to hear her read with a publication under her belt. The Southern Literary Review has said of Catfish Alley, "[it] brims with humor and pathos in equal parts, with realistic, three-dimensional characters sure to delight and intrigue from the start. Of all the novels set in the South, Lynne Bryant's debut novel deserves an honored place on any bookshelf."

I hope to see you all on Friday, August 12th, at 7:30 in the BAC in Manitou. August, like July, will take place in Venue 515 (515 Manitou Avenue) due to an exhibit in the BAC's main gallery. Remember to support the authors by buying books at the book table, and support the BAC by purchasing wine and soda at the bar!

See you in August!

Abby

CSWRS Coordinator

quick change!

Just a tiny update: tonight's reading with Donita K. Paul will be hosted in the building next door to the BAC's main gallery, in Venue 515. We'll have signs up on both doors, so you should be able to find your way.

See you tonight!

Abby E. Murray

CSWRS Coordinator