We have extra thanks to give this week at Annie’s Book Stop of Worcester, the “bigger on the inside” bookstore at 65 James Street—we had a record-breaking weekend with our Doctor Who Day on Saturday! Thank you so much to everyone who came out to celebrate with us!
As a reminder, we will be CLOSED on Thursday, November 26, Thanksgiving Day. We wish everyone safe and wonderful holiday, wherever you are!
On Friday, November 27, we are back to our regular holiday hours, which you can always check on our website, and we are happy to host the Worcester Storytellers open mic featuring Richard Fox from 7:00 – 8:30 PM.
And then, on Small Business Saturday, November 28th, we are hosting a special event with Broad Universe, spotlighting several local women who are authors, publishers, and artisans—all running their own small businesses. The event runs from 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM. Shoppers can not only find unique gifts they can personalize, but they are also supporting the Worcester Business Community and local women author and artisans at the same time!
Broad Universe is a non-profit organization with a New England chapter (many members from Massachusetts specifically) that promotes, celebrates, and honors women’s contributions to science fiction, fantasy, horror, and similar genre fiction. The authors taking part in this year’s Small Business Saturday are:
Inanna Arthen (Vyrdolak) is an artist, actor, writer, freelance book designer and author of The Vampires of New England Series (vampiresofnewengland.com). She runs the independent press By Light Unseen Media (bylightunseenmedia.com). She is a member of New England Horror Writers, Broad Universe, IPNE and IBPA. Find out more at inannaarthen.com.
- A. Black writes dark fiction and horror. Her fiction has been published by Knightwatch Press, Stupefying Stories, Smart Rhino publications, and the New England Horror Writers.
Jude McLaughlin is an author of speculative fiction web serials, novels, and short fiction. Raised in a town in Delaware whose name no two people pronounce the same way, she now lives and writes in a town in Massachusetts whose name no one from out of state can pronounce.
Trisha J. Wooldridge is the former president of Broad Universe and a freelance editor, writer, and journalist. She also writes grown-up stories and poems, including EPIC award-winning Bad-Ass Faeries contributions. As child-friendly T.J. Wooldridge, she’s authored 3 novels, The Kelpie, Silent Starsong, and The Earl’s Childe. http://www.anovelfriend.com
Jennifer Allis Provost has published a contemporary romance series, Changes, an urban fantasy series, Copper Legacy, and the epic fantasy series Chronicles of Parthalan, has also been featured in several horror and fantasy anthologies. Follow Jennifer (and learn about her other hats) @parthalan or visit her website at http://authorjenniferallisprovost.com/.
LJ Cohen is a novelist, poet, blogger, ceramics artist, and relentless optimist. After almost twenty-five years as a physical therapist, LJ now uses her clinical skills to injure characters in her Science Fiction and Fantasy novels. She lives in Newton with her family, two dogs, and the occasional international student.
Suzanne Lahna works at Word Vagabond as a developmental and copy editor, as well as a book formatter. She has a B.A. in Professional Writing from Fitchburg State University, and has spent the past three years working as a technical writer, but her true love is fiction writing.
Angi Shearstone is an award-winning professional artist with an MFA in comics, a small herd of cats, strong geek tendencies and a fondness for ska-core. She’s worked in children’s books and comics, in addition to selling fine art and illustrative paintings.
Signed and personalized books make wonderful holiday gifts, and the readings will give you a taste of the author’s flavor to make sure it’s just the right fright for your gift. Not only that, but Small Business Saturday gives people the chance to support their communities—doubly so with ABSW. Not only are shoppers supporting the local bookstore, but they are also supporting local authors and artists. Find a more unique, personalized gift this holiday season—and give back to your local community—at ABSW and other local stores this November 28, Small Business Saturday!
And then, we finish out November on Monday, November 30, where ABSW hosts The Free People’s Artists Workshop from 7:00 – 8:00, where local artists and creators can network and get feedback from other artists and creators of all types. This event is co-sponsored by the Worcester County Poetry Association.
And since December is only a week away, here is a look at what else is coming up!
Friday, December 4, 6:30-9:00 – Wishing Well Connections “Everything but the Writing” Kick-Off Party! Wishing Well Connections is a networking and education hub for authors, editors, publicists and more. The website and organization officially go live on this date, and the creators are giving their “Everything but the Writing” workshop for only a potluck contribution or $5 to go towards food and supplies. (The hour-long workshop normally costs $30-$60 or is part of a convention / conference fee.) To reserve space ahead of time, please contact wishingwellconnections@gmail.com.
Saturday, December 5, 4:00-6:00 PM – Turning Point with Susan Lynn Pelletier. Author Susan Lynn Pelletier debuts her first novel Turning Point, an intimate look into one woman’s life—a compelling tale of love, loss, joy, and sorrow.
Sunday, December 6, 10:00 AM-6:00 PM – First Annual Dickens Marathon. Round-robin reading of A Tale of Two Cities with featured readers from the Worcester County Poetry Association. There will be a pot-luck lunch, and Victorian costumes are encouraged and welcome.
Thursday, December 10, 7:00-8:00 PM – Cecilia Tan and Erotic Fiction Markets. Long before 50 Shades of Grey, the erotic fiction market was always hot, and Tan has been publishing there for over 20 years. Whether you’re interested in finding more to read or in writing erotica, join us for a discussion of where to find, how to write, and what’s the business of some of the hottest books in the industry.
Saturday, December 12, 2:00-4:00 PM – History of the American Tavern with John Silva. Find out about American Taverns—and even how to turn your basement into one! Colonial attire welcome and encouraged.
Saturday, December 12, 7:30 PM onward – Holiday Caroling with Sam & Fran & Friends! Join members of the Free People’s Artists Workshop for an evening of yuletide spirit. Bring your voice, your instrument, or just your love of music. And feel free to don fancy holiday garb, too!
Sunday, December 13, 2:00-4:00 PM – Michael Cooper’s Foxes in the Vineyard. Author Michael Cooper returns with another historical thriller based in Jewish lore.
As a reminder, our regular events are…
Spinning Yarns Craft and Audiobook Social, every Monday 7:00 PM (except for when the Free People’s Artists Workshop meets the last Monday of the month). Bring a craft and enjoy an audiobook or audio drama with other crafty booklovers!
Worcester Storytellers, the fourth Friday of every month from 7-8:30 PM. For the complete updates and schedules, follow Worcester Storytellers on Facebook! UPDATE: We will not have Worcester Storytellers for December, but they will return on January 22.
The Free People’s Artists Workshop, the last Monday of each month from 7:00-9:00 PM. Networking and feedback from other artists and creators of all types. Co-sponsored by the Worcester County Poetry Association.
Doctor Who Talks, the third Thursday of every month from 7:00 – 8:00 PM. Join us for a discussion of our favorite science fiction serial. Every month will have a different topic! UPDATE: We will not have a Doctor Who Talk for December, but this event will return on January 18.
NEW REGULAR EVENT: The Rainbow Readers of Massachusetts is an LGBTQA Book club that will meet once a month on Saturdays. Regular meetings start back up in January, with dates and book announcements TBA.
As always, keep an eye on our website and Facebook page for the most up-to-date information.
May your world be filled with wonderful words!
Annie's Book Stop of Worcester 