Happy New Year (almost)!

I’m delighted to report that I’ll be starting 2007 with a bang, with a reading and two new events that I’m really excited about.

Featured reading, Autumn Konopka and Ashraf Osman
Jan. 8th, Monday, 6:30 pm
Free Library of Philadelphia, Center City
As part of the Philadelphia Free Library’s Monday Poets Series, I’ll be reading (about 15-20 mins) mostly from my collection, What the Postwoman Left, including the few final poems that haven’t read anywhere yet. The reading is in the Skyline Room at the Central Branch on Vine Street, so even if you don’t care about the poetry, come for the view. Seriously though, this is a great series that draws a large, diverse crowd — so along with the fine featured poets (*wink*wink*) the open mic is pretty darned impressive. Please join us.

Open Poetry Workshop, led by Autumn Konopka
Jan. 13th, Saturday, 1-3pm
Big Blue Marble Bookstore, Mt. Airy
I’ll be leading a new poetry workshop at the Big Blue Marble that is free and open to poets of all writing levels. Bring 10 copies of one poem. I’ve participated in workshops for years — the good, the bad, the ugly — so I’ve learned what it takes to make a workshop constructive, pointed, sensitive, and fair. If there’s a good turn out, the workshop will continue every 2nd & 4th Saturday. Check out the details here.

The Bard’s Book Club
Feb. 8th, Thursday, 7pm
Big Blue Marble Bookstore, Mt. Airy
The Bard’s Book Club is a space for poetry lovers to talk about the poetry they’re reading — not just the poetry they’re writing. You don’t need to be a poet to come — you just need to be interested in reading & discussing books of poetry. I’m not interested in talking like a high-minded, inaccessible lit professor. I’m interested in getting down to what moves us in each book, how it’s working, where the language really lifts the hair off the top of your head. This group will continue on the 2nd Thursday of each month, and books and poets will be open to the interests and ideas of participants.

As always, if you want more information about these events, get in touch.