So much happened this month, and so much is about to be here! Lit Lit, the giant open mic for writers that I host in Beacon, NY, had its fifth anniversary, and I couldn’t be more proud. This democratic, ultra-grassroots event where 20 writers at a time get up and read their writing every month got written up in the Highlands Current, the mid-Hudson Valley’s paper of record. Then we had our actual anniversary event, where around 30 folks in a carnivalesque atmosphere performed music, dance, theater, and, yes, writing, while dining on cakes, candy, and champagne contributed by members. The event was dedicated to our brother Addison Goodson, a Beacon poet and towering spirit who we lost two weeks ago. The event drew over 100 people.
Next up: the Beacon book launch for my republished memoir Growing Up Golem, which mashes up a bad-mom memoir with high fantasy. The great science fiction writer Terry Bisson called it “Rich and wild, dark and funny, as fearless as her legendary journalism and as scary as a fairy tale. A serious writer at the top of her game. I love this book!” I would love to see you at this reading and party Thursday, May 21 at the Howland Cultural Center, 477 Main St. at 7 PM. I’ll be talking about the book with Ruth Danon, poet laureate of Beacon and Dutchess County, signing copies, and serving you delicious tidbits and booze.
Stay tuned for some traditional storytelling events I am planning for the fall (think queer and radical versions of Greek myths and Bible stories). And the next Lit Lit is June 5! If you didn’t get to read at the anniversary Lit Lit and wanted to, talk to me! Hope to see you at some of these events soon.