Local short story writer Alex Kourvo and young adult novelist Bethany Neal host an open house for writers to connect with one another and/or work on their projects.
Aug. 7 & 21. Open mike storytelling competition sponsored by The Moth, the NYC-based nonprofit storytelling organization that also produces a weekly public radio show. Each month 10 storytellers are selected at random from among those who sign up to tell a 3-5 minute story on a biweekly theme. August themes: “Business” (Aug. 7) & “Destiny” (Aug. 21). The 3-person judging teams are recruited from the audience. Monthly winners compete in a semiannual Grand Slam. Space limited, so it’s smart to arrive early.
7:30-9 p.m. (doors open and sign-up begins at 6 p.m.), Greyline, 100 N. Ashley. $8. 764-5118.
Toastmasters is an international group devoted to helping each other grow in our abilities to give speeches. The Sweetwaters Toastmasters Club meets twice monthly. We are a fun and friendly group! Toastmasters also helps you develop leadership skills if you wish to do that. Come as many times as you want for free, and decide later if you want to join. In the meantime, come make new friends and have fun!
Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea on Washington Street, 123 West Washington Street. Free. 323-286-3999. https://www.facebook.com/groups/TMSweet/
Join us for a story time with Meg Gower, as she reads her book Michigan Moon, published by the Ann Arbor District Library’s imprint, Fifth Avenue Press! Though now retired, Gower used to be a naturalist at Waterloo Recreation Area, so the book that evolved into Michigan Moon features nature photography illustrations paired with lyrical verse.
A landscape architect by training, Meg Gower has worked with the Michigan State Parks as naturalist and informal educator since 2006. She enjoys leading hikes in the woods and hosting star parties. She lives with her husband and daughter at the edge of the largest state park in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula.
Join us for a special Stortyime Event with Emily Siwek and the Violin Monster!
About A Monster on Main Street:
Strange sightings are all around in this simply sweet story inspired by Ann Arbor’s beloved Violin Monster. Rendered with loose, playful illustrations, this string playing werewolf encourages readers to give scary things a second look.
Emily Siwek is an Ann Arbor, MI native who loves finding adventure in her hometown with her husband and two children. She has worked in a variety of creative industries from interior design to trend forecasting and enjoys coloring outside the lines.
Sept. 4 & 18. Open mike storytelling competition sponsored by The Moth, the NYC-based nonprofit storytelling organization that also produces a weekly public radio show. 10 storytellers are selected at random from among those who sign up to tell a 3-5 minute story on the themes of “Rivals” (Sept. 4) & “Extra Mile” (Sept. 18). The 3-person judging teams are recruited from the audience. Monthly winners compete in a semiannual Grand Slam (see Sept. 26 listing). Space limited, so it’s smart to arrive early.
7:30-9 p.m. (doors open and sign-up begins at 6 p.m.), Greyline, 100 N. Ashley. $8. 764-5118.
Performances by 2018 Ann Arbor Youth Poetry Slam finalists Hasna Ghalib, Aldo Leopoldo Pando Girard, Anika Love, Karley Misek, and Thea Rowe.
7 p.m., Nicola’s, Westgate shopping center. Free. 662-0600.
Literati is excited to welcome poet Ruth Behar who will be reading and sharing from her newest collection Everything I Kept: Todo Lo Que Guardé
About Everything I Kept: Todo Lo Que Guardé
Moving between the speech and silence of a woman struggling to speak freely, Ruth Behar embarks on a poetic voyage into her own vulnerability and the sacrifices of her exiled ancestors as she tries to understand love, loss, regret, and the things we keep and carry with us. Behar’s vivid renderings of wilted gardens, crashing waves, and firefly-lit nights recall the imagery of her inspiration, Dulce María Loynaz, who is often known as the Cuban Emily Dickinson. Presented in a beautiful bilingual English-Spanish edition–Behar serves as her own translator–Everything I Kept/Todo lo que guardé will haunt readers with the cries and whispers which illuminate the human spirit and the spectrum of emotions that make for a life and lives well-remembered.
Ruth Behar is the Victor Haim Perera collegiate professor of anthropology at the University of Michigan.
Join us for a celebration of authors, books, art, and bratwurst.
Booktoberfest will feature industry experts from around the country, offering advice and insight for authors, as well as fun and educational activities for the whole family.
Authors can even pitch their books to a panel of experts for a chance to win a publishing package from Thomson-Shore! (Must sign up for the pitch contest ahead of time by visiting thomsonshore.com/booktoberfest.)
Enjoy a day of music, food, and fun, while learning about the ever-changing world of publishing and bookmaking. A portion of proceeds will benefit 826 Michigan.
Announcement of the winners of Kerrytown BookFest Cover Contest. Also, the grand opening of an AADL exhibit showcasing entries in the contest. In conjunction with the 16th annual Kerrytown BookFest (see 9 Sunday listing). Also, live music by local ensemble Horizon Strings and refreshments.
4:30-6 p.m., AADL Downtown 4th floor. Free. 327-4200