September Writing Activities Hosted by The Seattle Public Library
release date: September 8, 2020
The Seattle Public Library will offer online open mics, writers groups and workshops, and poetry readings in September. Our mission during this time of distraction, artistic fatigue and social isolation is to create a regular time and space for writers to write and to meet each other.
SCHEDULE
Seattle Writes: Writing Circle with Hugo House – 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 9. Attend a free writing circle facilitated by established local writer Jeanine Walker from Hugo House! Bring something you’re working on, or just come ready to write. Registration is required.
In this group, you’ll focus on writing with poetry prompts. The session will begin with introductions and a short warm-up, after which we’ll read two separate poems and write in response to those. At times writers will be invited to create community through sharing words or ideas with other writers in small groups. Attendees will leave the class with 2-3 new drafts of poems.
It's About Time Writers' Reading Series – 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10. This monthly series features author readings and open mics. The 370th meeting features readings from Pamela Moore Dionne, Tamara Kaye Sellman, and Lauren Davis. Registration is required.
Writers Read - 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 13. Local writers will read from their diverse repertoires of poetry, short stories, novels and essays. The event will end with a Q&A session, followed by an open mic session. This program is presented in partnership with African-American Writers' Alliance on the second Sunday of the month. Registration is required.
Seattle Writes: Writing Circle with Hugo House – 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 14. Attend a free writing circle facilitated by established local writer Brett Hamil from Hugo House! Bring something you’re working on, or just come ready to write. Registration is required.
In this group, writers introduce themselves, talk about their writing and discuss an evocative opening topic. You are given a prompt and 20-30 minutes of silent writing time, with the opportunity to read what you wrote in a mutually supportive, welcoming environment.
Seattle Writes: Writing Circle with Hugo House – 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 15. Attend a free writing circle facilitated by established local writer Alma García from Hugo House! Bring something you’re working on, or just come ready to write. Registration is required.
In this group, writers introduce themselves and receive optional fiction, poetry and nonfiction prompts to work on for 60-70 minutes of sustained silent writing time. Small group breakout sessions at the end of our time together encourage you to share and respond to work generated during the session, or just get to know the other writers in the group.
Virtual Seattle Writes: An Ancient Music - Writing with South Asian Ghazals - 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 19. Explore the ghazal form of poetry through select readings and writing prompts with Shankar Narayan. Ghazals in South Asia are one of the most popular forms of poetry anywhere. While there has been much analysis of the ghazal's evolution in English, how the ghazal works as popular art is less accessible to western writers. This class aims to give participants a flavor of that space. Registration is required.
Virtual Arts for 50+: Landscape Poetry - 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19. During this workshop, we'll explore the settings which hold special meaning through reminiscence activities. We'll sing songs that recollect and songs we remember. We'll share personal stores and, together, create a mural of landscape memories - captured in visual images, words and phrases. Registration is required.
Virtual Arts for 50+: Writing Our Stories - 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 28. During this interactive workshop, we'll work together to write a song and learn about rhythm, structure and melody techniques. Registration is required.
MORE INFORMATION
The Library believes that the power of knowledge improves people's lives. We promote literacy and a love of reading as we bring people, information and ideas together to enrich lives and build community.
All physical locations of The Seattle Public Library are currently closed in accordance with public health guidelines. Find out more at spl.org/ChiefLibrarian. Visit the Library’s Road to Reopening page for more information on book returns, Curbside Service and other Library services being offered while Library buildings are closed to prevent the spread of COVID-19. You can now place new holds on physical Library materials.