#9: May 2024
Writing groups, launch parties, book clubs, & more!
Welcome back to Camberville Lit!
We have so many rad literary events to share with you this morning. Whether you’re a reader or a writer, we’re sure you’ll be able to find something that sparks your interest.
Opportunities
[Massachusetts] The Studios at Mass MoCA
The Studios is MASS MoCA’s artist and writers residency program situated within the museum’s factory campus and surrounded by the beautiful Berkshire Mountains. Operated by MASS MoCA’s Assets for Artists department, the residency runs year-round and hosts up to 10 artists at a time. Artists of any nationality can apply for stays of 2 or 4 weeks. There is a special fellowship for Massachusetts artists in all disciplines, as well as other fellowships and financial aid available. Apply for the January-June 2025 residencies by June 8.
[Massachusetts] Reading Frederick Douglass Together
Each year, Mass Humanities organizes and funds free public events where communities gather together to read and talk about Frederick Douglass’ influential address, “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?” Organizations interested in hosting an event can propose any format for the reading and discussion that will foster a rich and productive community conversation. Monthly deadlines from Jan-June.
Local Events
[Boston] Sapphic Creative Writing
Saturday, May 25, 2-4pm
A space for Sapphic, Trans and Non-binary people to meet and write creatively. During the event, we'll present writing prompts in multiple topics that will get you in the writing zone. Discover new ideas, share your work, and receive feedback from fellow participants. Our aim is to create a safe space for sapphic people to foster creativity, encourage self-expression, and a sense of community. No prior writing experience is necessary – all skill levels are welcome.
[Cambridge] Have You Read This? Books Moot: Peter Pan
Tuesday, May 28, 6:30pm
Join Pandemonium Books & Games for a discussion of J.M. Barrie's classic tale of the “boy who would not grow up.”
[Cambridge] Amelia Possanza, author of Lesbian Love Story, in conversation with Amy Hoffman
Wednesday, May 29, 7pm
Porter Square Books is thrilled to welcome Amelia Possanza for the paperback release of her acclaimed memoir Lesbian Love Story! Author Amy Hoffman will join Possanza in conversation.
[Medford] Writer’s Workshop
Wednesday, May 29, 6:45-9pm
Come to the Medford Public Library for a free writing group! The group is always looking for new members, so join the group to meet your community’s fellow scribblers and get feedback on your work.
[Somerville] Spilling the Tea with new release The T in LGBT+
Tuesday, June 4, 8-9:30pm
Join All She Wrote Books and YouTube star Jamie Raines at Connexion as as he discusses and answers your questions about his new book, The T in LGBT! Sharing advice, tips and personal stories, The T in LGBT is an indispensable guide to the trans experience and gender identity. Whether you're exploring your own identity or want to learn about the trans experience to support someone or understand allyship, everyone is welcome.
[Somerville] Launch Party: Triple Sec by TJ Alexander
Thursday, June 6, 7-8:30pm
You’re invited to join All She Wrote Books at the Launch Party for TJ Alexander's newest romance, Triple Sec! The party will be held in the beautiful event space Upstairs @Bow Market. Party includes: conversation and Q&A with the author, themed cocktails & mocktails, and locally-designed character cards.
[Cambridge] Wei Tchou, author of Little Seed, in conversation with Emma Hunsinger
Thursday, June 6, 7pm
Porter Square Books is thrilled to welcome for Wei Tchou for the release of Little Seed, an experimental memoir that braids together the narrative of the author's relationship with her brother and family with a deeply personal field guide to ferns.
[Somerville] All She Wrote Books x Juliet Book Club — June
Sunday, June 9, 10:30am-12pm
Join All She Wrote Books at Juliet Social Club for a discussion of How It Works Out with author Myriam Lacroix! This is a surreal, genre-bending book following one couple accross multiple realities. It is full of surprises and bound to keep you on the edge of your seat throughout the entire read. Seats are limited, so snag yours quick!
[Somerville] Zen Writers & Poets Society
Friday, June 14, 7-8:30pm
Are you a writer looking for a community to nurture your creativity? Look no further. The Zen Writers and Poets Society offers a sanctuary where meditation and writing intertwine, inspiring and uplifting poets and writers of all levels.
[Boston] BWOC Writing Retreat
Saturday, June 22, 10am-1pm
The BWOC Writing Retreat is back at GrubStreet! This is time for you to gather with fellow BIPOC writers, as well provide some useful time for your writing. Bring your laptops, notebooks, and pens, and come write with us! We’ll have rooms to suit your particular writing preferences, such as a quiet room, a room with music, a room that welcomes light talking, as well as a room particularly for writers for children. We will also have refreshments available.
[Somerville] Shut Up & Write!
Tuesdays at 7:30pm
Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done around other people doing the same thing. Hosted at Mr. Crepe in Davis Square.
[Cambridge] Boston Poetry Slam
Wednesdays, doors at 7:15pm
The Boston Poetry Slam holds a weekly show every Wednesday downstairs at the Cantab Lounge. This is the flagship show of the Boston Poetry Slam and the entire night is devoted to the craft, performance, and enjoyment of poetry. All shows include an open mic and a featured poet or slam.
Local Project Spotlight
[Bi+ Book Gang] Writing group for bi+ writers open to new members
Calling all bi+ writers! If you are new to writing or a well-established author, the Bi+Book Gang welcomes you. With a rich Discord server, weekly accountability groups, publishing resources, writing workshops, and more, this writing group is open to any bi+ writer, poet, essayist, etc.
Are you hosting an event, launching a book, looking for a writer’s group, or running a workshop sometime soon? Let me know via this handy form and I’ll review it for next month’s issue!
Our next issue is schedule for: Sunday, June 16.
Until next time,
Kay Marlow Allen (they/them)
Editor, Camberville Lit