Hello Friends!
It's the time of the year for the tiny but mighty scilla siberica to pop up all over the PorchLight lawn, and I'm happy to report they are outlasting the snow. Hurray, purple flower of springtime!
Also happy to report on our crop of upcoming events and happenings. The Writer Next Door Reading Series returns with UI professor and acclaimed novelist Louisa Hall. We can't wait to talk and hear her read from her newest novel "Reproduction" which is set partly in Iowa City. RSVP here: https://www.porchlightliterary.org/whats-on
Mission Creek is fast approaching, and you can find us at the Saturday Bookfair inside SpareMe! from 11-4. We'll have a table alongside many other great orgs and presses. Come say "hello" and ask us all your questions in person! PromptPress, our in-house Press will have editors to talk to, as well.
We are delighted to partner with The Writer's Rooms Golden Attic. Find this free program at PorchLight every Thursday night from 6:30-8:30. Here is a note from the Golden Attic's fearless leader:
Are you a poet?
Whether you write freeform or verse, sonnets or sestinas, slam poems or lyrics -- or anything in-between -- come join us at The Golden Attic! We are a safe space to hone your craft, express yourself, or just write freely.
From teens to elders, all levels of experience and poetry styles are welcome. We’ll come together to talk all things writing and poetry. We will host poetry readings once per month, as well as occasional special events centered around poetry and our local poets.
And finally, here is a highly recommended recommendation from PorchLight member and author Jenny MacBain-Stevens.
"If your writing (or sense of humor,) needs a shake up, I strongly recommend you go check out Willow Creek Theater’s regular Improvisational group “Lady Franklyn” which performs every Saturday night at 7:30pm for one hour at Willow Creek Theater on Gilbert Street, downtown Iowa City.
The group may be small or large and they will ask for suggestions from the audience so come prepared, but you will always be pleasantly surprised with what is created on stage. The joy of this performance genre is one never knows what worlds will be created in this small black box theater. You may visit a therapist’s office as a small animal, you may take a trip back in time to witness Betsy Ross’ love life and her eventual demise into ghosthood. The possibilities are endless. It is a reminder that as writers, our brains can be our own prisons sometimes.
If you are looking for new ideas or to just shake up your entertainment routine, check this group out! You won’t regret it. Probably not for very young folks as the material can be adult themed.
There is something to celebrate about humans being vulnerable on stage, not knowing what is going to happen next, and being okay with that. I think we all need more of this in our lives. Let’s sit in the discomfort and look it in the eye. Probably have a great laugh too."