Hey y’all and happy summer! It’s the time of cookouts, refreshing drinks, and maybe a book or two by the beach if you’re lucky. If you’re beachless here in Rutherford County and looking for a bit of literary culture, here’s a run-down of some fun literary things happening this month. (Sorry it’s a bit late—I’m new to the team! But I am so excited to be bringing you more upcoming news, resources, tips of the trade, and maybe even an interview or two …!)
Upcoming Events
June 15: Juneteenth with Read to Succeed and others
Juneteenth is coming up, and Murfreesboro will be celebrating on Saturday, June 15th, at Bradley Academy from 10 to 4. Read to Succeed will be there passing out books to children and playing games, including a “Wheel of Fortune” literacy game! Click the image above for more details.
June 15, 20, and 27: Silent Book Club
Bring a book to SBC Murfreesboro, where you can share quiet reading time with other book lovers! The 15th will be an outdoor meet (specific location TBD), and the 20th and 27th will be at Dapper Owl, 2412 E. Main St. More information here.
June 21 and 22: “Rooted” Women’s Circle
Join Becky Swersky and other women writers for a time of connection, thanks to MTSU Write. Click the image above for more information, and email mary.leoson@mtsu.edu to register.
June 23: Friends of Linebaugh Library Summer Book Social
Join other book lovers at the Linebaugh Library in Murfreesboro for games, refreshments, and more! RSVP to follevents2024@gmail.com and click the picture above for more information.
June 28: Local Author Book Club with The Spine
Grab a copy of “Bring Back My Bonnie” and meet local author Zoe Bacurin at this Smyrna Starbucks, thanks to The Spine bookstore.
June 29: LGBTQ Book Club
Celebrate Pride Month with a book! Join friends at the Starbucks on Lee Victory Pkwy in Smyrna 6:30-8 PM to dicuss P. Djeli Clark’s “Master of Djinn.” More info here!
Deadlines
There are two great local opportunities to publish your writing!
June 18: RCAA and MTSU Art Department’s Juried “Summertime” Exhibition
Have a piece of poetry or prose about what summertime means to you? Enter it here for a chance to be featured in the exhibition and maybe even win some cash! Information here!
June 24: MTSU SHIFT literary journal
SHIFT has extended their deadline! They are open to prose, poetry, memoir, and more. Get more information here!
Looking Ahead
Here are a few events in July to go ahead and put on your calendar!
July 10 6:30-7:30 PM: MTSU Write Summer Simmer Book Discussion Group
Grab a copy of Beth Kempton’s The Way of the Fearless Writer and join like-minded writers at the Technology Engagement Center (306 Minerva Dr., Murfreesboro) to discuss how to enrich your writing life! A $10 donation is encouraged, but to register without donating, email mtsuwrite@mtsu.edu. More info here!
July 14 6:00: Poetry in the Boro Reading and Open Mic
The monthly Murfreesboro poetry reading is happening Sunday evening, July 14, at the Dapper Owl coffee pub, 2412 E Main St. Doors open at 5:30, and the event begins at 6:00. Come listen to some poets and maybe share some of your own work! More info here.
July 21 3:00: Poetry Book Discussion
Join Nick Bush from Poetry in the Boro to discuss Rudy Francisco’s Excuse Me While I Kiss the Sky at the Technology Engagement Center (306 Minerva Dr., Murfreesboro). Refreshments will be at 2:30, and the discussion begins at 3. More info here.
That should do it! Make sure you keep up with your local libraries and bookstores for more events and news. If there are future events you’d like featured in our blog, email taffetachimewrites@gmail.com. Have a great June!
Image credit to @skylarjaybird
