We’re finally hitting some cooler temps which, if you’re like me, really makes you want to curl up with a hot drink, a candle, and a book! Luckily for you, there are a lot of literary things happening this month. So get your sweaters and scarves on and join us!!
EVENTS
Saturday, 10/5, 2:00, at The Spine Bookshop: Author Signing with Mark Gibson
Go check out The Spine to celebrate the release of Mark Gibson’s latest book! Whether you're a devoted fan or a curious newcomer, this is the perfect opportunity to meet the author, get your book signed, and delve into the captivating world he has created. Click here for more info!
Thursday, 10/10, 10:30, at Technology Engagement Center: Special Author Storytime with Pat Blankenship
Go to the TEC for a special storytime with author Pat Blankenship as she reads her new children’s book Marvelous Margot makes Art. It’s free and open to the public! Click the picture for more info. And if you can’t make it then, you can also go …
Saturday, 10/12, 1:00, at The Spine Bookshop: Book Release Party with Pat Blankenship
Celebrate the release of Pat's latest book and enjoy an afternoon of book shenanigans. Meet Pat Blankenship, purchase your copy of her enchanting new book, and have it signed by the author herself! Don't miss this special opportunity to share the joy of reading with your little ones and support a talented local author. Click here for details!
Saturday, 10/12, 12:00, at the Discovery Center: STEAM-a-palooza
Join TEC & Bookmobile staff for trivia, art, bird-watching, and—best of all—stories! Click the picture for more information!
Saturday, 10/19, 10:00, at Linebaugh Public Library: M.A. Grant Author Event
M.A. Grant will be selling and signing copies of her book, “Lord Bennett of Ashwood Hall: The Wanderer.” Go check her out!
Saturday, 10/19, 1:00, at The Spine Bookshop: Book Signing with Melanie Collins
Go to The Spine to celebrate the release of children's author Melanie Collins' latest book! Melanie, the talented creator of the beloved "Socks the Cat" series, has once again crafted a delightful addition to her collection of enchanting children's stories. Her newest book promises to captivate young readers with its charming characters, imaginative adventures, and heartwarming messages. Melanie's unique storytelling ability and vibrant illustrations make this book a must-read for children and parents alike. Don't miss out on the chance to embark on another magical journey with "Socks the Cat" and friends in Melanie Collins' latest masterpiece. More info here!
Sunday, 10/20, 6:00, at Dapper Owl: Poetry in the Boro monthly feature and open mic!
We’ve got a double feature scheduled for you October 20, with JR Robles and Aaron Shapiro, who will be sharing their work and talking about their recent experiences as ArtWire fellows in the 23-24 season. Then we’ll have an open mic afterward, so come hear from JR, Aaron, or one of the other talented PitB poets—and maybe share something of your own! Click the picture for more info!
Wednesday, 10/23, 5:30, at Tailgate Brewery: Books and Brews in the Boro
Books & Brews is an an ebook club based out of the Technology Engagement Center, meaning that they mostly utilize Hoopla, which is free with your library card! This month, the group is meeting at Tailgate Brewery and reading Anthony Horowitz’s Magpie Murders, which is available in the library, on Libby, or on Hoopla. Click the pic for more info!
Southern Festival of Books poster art by Benji Anderson
Saturday and Sunday, 10/26-27, at the Bicentennial Mall Park, TN State Museum, and TN State Library: The Southern Festival of Books! Okay, so this is in Davidson County, BUT SoFest only one of the biggest and longest-running literary festivals in the nation, so you know we have to include it! There will be SO MANY AUTHORS THERE—including sessions that include our friends
Gaylord Brewer (MTSU poetry professor),
Randy O’Brien (MTSU alum and news director of WMOT for 30+ years), and
Jeff Sellers (MTSU alum).
Local children’s book author Sherry Roberts will have her books in the SCBWI booth, and you may find her working the booth as well.
In addition, former Murfreesboro poet laureate and PitB founder Kory Wells will be one of several readers paying tribute to beloved Tennessee poet and teacher Bill Brown, who passed away in late 2023. The Spine Bookstore from Smyrna will be among the vendors, and there may be some other RuCo people there you recognize! Click here for more info!
Throughout the fall, the In Process series at MTSU continues
Most Thursday afternoons at 4:30, these events feature accomplished writers in various genres in sessions open to the public. The venue, in the Sam Ingram Building, is conveniently located on the edge of campus and has its own parking. Check out the schedule here.
Looking into November…
The Technology Engagement Center and Poetry in the Boro are partnering to offer a nature writing workshop for tweens and teens on November 2. Look for details and a registration link soon here on the PitB website.
And that’s about it! Remember to check the library and bookstore closest to you to see what specific events they’ve got going on. And if you know of anything I missed, holler! You can reach me at taffetachimewrites@gmail.com. See you next month—or at one of these awesome events this month!
Image courtesy of @danilokusta
