Wisconsin Book Festival

The Wisconsin Book Festival starts today in Madison. This is a terrific tradition, a five-day conversation about reading, writing, and books. This year's theme is Changing Places.

20 Days for Peace and Justice

Friend, fellow writer, and Peaceways Newsletter editor Gail Koehler sent notice that the Central Kentucky Council for Peace and Justice's 20 Days for Peace and Justice have arrived. Check out the calendar of events, which has something for everyone. Writers in the area might be interested in Writing Peace and Justice: A Reading by the Affrilachian Poets at the Carnegie Center on October 10 at 6:30 p.m.

Real change happens at the local level.

A Memorable Evening

The Carnegie Center reading last night was, as I expected, a lovely event. The only way it could have been lovelier would have been to have a larger number of guests in the audience. About a dozen staff members and instructors read, and I am humbled and honored to have been included with such a talented group of writers. Although we largely read to each other and our devoted family and friends, the reading was proof that amazing things happen at the CCLL every day.

There was a little bit of something for everyone last night--poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction; humorous pieces, poignant pieces, and gut-wrenching pieces. The line-up included memorable pieces from Leatha Kendrick and Neil Chethik, former and current CCLL writers-in-residence, as well as stunning "farewell" pieces from Rachel Noble and Randi Ewing, members of KaPow!, who are leaving for MFA programs in the fall.

What stays with me most is the feeling I often have after spending time at the Carnegie Center--a feeling that is part joy, part peace, part gratitude.

CCLL Reading

On Friday, July 11 at 6:30 p.m. the Carnegie Center for Literacy and Learning is hosting a staff/instructor reading. Come listen to recent work by some of CCLL's staff and instructors (including yours truly).