Happy July, word people! Are we excited or upset that 2024 is halfway done? Whichever way you feel, with more and more heat advisory warnings this summer, now is as good a time as any to stay inside with a good book—either your own or someone else’s! In this month’s newsletter, I’ve collected several bookish events going on, one more publication possibility, a great resource for new teachers, and some information about a new bookstore! (Hint: If you like graphic novels and comic books, then keep reading!)
Upcoming Events
Sat, 7/6 time and place TBA: Silent Book Club of Murfreesboro outdoor meetup - Want to read but also enjoy time with friends? Then join the SBC for their weekly read-ins! This first one is their monthly outdoor event, so you’ll need to keep up with their social media to stay in the know about when and where they’ll be meeting. If you can’t make this one or just really hate being outside, there are also meetups on Tuesday the 9th, Thursday the 18th, and Thursday the 25th, all at the Dapper Owl Coffee Pub (2412 E Main St., Murfreesboro).
Monday, 7/8, MTSU Todd Art Gallery (1512 Military Memorial), 5:30: Artists’ Reception and Opening Ceremony for Summertime Exhibit - Remember this call for publication in last month’s newsletter? Well, the deadline has passed and the doors are opening! Come meet artists and writers, check out their work, and see who won the prizes! This marks the opening of the exhibit, which will be open almost every day until Tuesday, the 23rd. More information about the reception and the exhibit here.
Wednesday, 7/10, Technology Engagement Center (306 Minerva Dr., Murfreesboro), 6 PM: MTSU Write’s Summer Simmer Event, Book Discussion of Beth Kempton’s The Way of the Fearless Writer with Kory Wells
Want to “simmer” on something to feed your creative spirit? Then join this book group discussion on The Way of the Fearless Writer by Beth Kempton. The suggested donation to participate in the book group is $10, which supports the MTSU Write scholarship fund. Books are not provided. To register without donating, send an email to mtsuwrite@mtsu.edu. Click the picture for more info.
Sunday, 7/14, Dapper Owl Coffee Pub, at 6 PM: Poetry in the Boro Open Mic and Reading with Henry Jones (Poet Laureate of Hendersonville)
Come join poets from all over Murfreesboro to enjoy snacks and drinks, hear the work of Hendersonville Poet Laureate Henry Jones, listen to lots of other talented writers, and maybe even read some work of your own! This is a great chance to network with other writers in the area and fill yourself up both with tasty snacks and lovely words! Click the picture for more info.
Sunday, 7/21, Technology Engagement Center (306 Minerva Dr, Murfreesboro), 3 PM (refreshments at 2:30): Book Discussion of Rudy Francisco’s Excuse Me as I Kiss the Sky with Nick Bush
Yet another book discussion—but poetry this time! Grab a copy of Rudy Francisco’s book and join Nick Bush and others to discuss the poems inside! Click the image for more information.
Deadline extended!
Remember last month when we mentioned the MTSU SHIFT literary magazine? Yes, the deadline was in June, but there were SO MANY submissions that Submittable broke! (I like to think this blog helped …!) So now SHIFT is reopening for submissions—but only for a limited time! Send your stuff between July 1st and 5th! More info here! You can see editor Jennifer Kates talk about it here.
New Teacher? Free Books!
Great news! New teachers in Rutherford County can get free books from Read to Succeed for the 2024-2025 school year! Email familyliteracy@readtosucceed.org to book a time (oh pun very much intended).
New Comic Book Store In Murfreesboro
Happy Book Stack, Yelp’s top bookstore of Murfreesboro, opened their new store, Comics and Collectibles next door, at 1411 Mark Allen Lane. They have extended hours to celebrate their grand opening, so stop by M-F 9-5, or S-S 12-5. Check out this reel for more info:
Speaking of comics, did you know there are actually several local places to get comics and graphic novels? Comics and graphic novels are often discounted in the literary community as somehow not “as good as” other books, but let me tell you, they are a wonderful reading experience that incorporate unique skills in art, pacing, and use of space. I recently read the original V for Vendetta graphic novel and loved it, and now I’m craving more! Most bookstores and libraries have sections for comics and graphic novels, but here are some local places (besides HBSCC) you can pick some up. You might just see me there!
And that’ll do it! Remember to check out your favorite libraries and bookstores for more lit happenings this month—and let me know about them to! Shoot me an email at taffetachimewrites@gmail.com. I’m especially looking at you, Christiana, Rockvale, Eagleville, and Walter Hill folks!
Image courtesy of @drewpera
