We hope all of our American friends had a safe and wonderful Thanksgiving! We enjoyed a good day off, and then a lovely weekend following with the Worcester Storytellers and Richard Fox on Friday night, and then a fun Small Business Saturday with Broad Universe—even through some crazy holiday traffic! Thank you to all of you who came out this weekend to our little “bigger on the inside” bookstore at 65 James Street.
We’ve received some new arrivals just in time for the holidays! In addition to a great selection of books for the winter holidays, we’ve just gotten in a shipment of beautiful Advent calendars and Christmas books—from the religious to the cuteness of Hello Kitty! Come in and check them out!
TONIGHT, Monday, November 30, ABSW is still going with events as we host 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 we’ve got another event-filled weekend ahead of us!
THIS FRIDAY, December 4, from 6:30 – 9:00, join us for Wishing Well Connections “Everything but the Writing” Kick-Off Party! Interested in the business of writing? Curious about the differences between traditional publishing, indie publishing, and everything in between? Would you like to find out what the best path to publishing is for you? Join the team of Jennifer Allis Provost, Trisha J. Wooldridge, and Sue Lahna as they launch Wishing Well Connections, an information and networking hub that connects authors to the services and knowledge they need to help them make the best decisions for their book, career, and budget. Besides launching Wishing Well, Jenn, Trish, and Sue will present a short version of their popular workshop, “Everything but the Writing,” covering the top most important business aspects of a career in publishing.
Authors, friends, and colleagues, these women have a collective experience of over 50 years of writing, publishing, and marketing. Their work can be found in newspapers, magazines, small- and mid-size press anthologies, novels, and all over the web. They’ll talk about finding the right publishing road for you, be it independent or traditional or hybrid; what to expect from each path; common pitfalls in the publishing industry; and better ways to market and publicize your brand and your books.
To celebrate the business launch, there is no fee for the workshop, but attendees are asked to bring either a $5 donation or food to share. Coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and pastries will be available. To reserve space ahead of time, contact the bookstore or wishingwellconnections@gmail.com.
THIS SATURDAY, December 5 from 4:00-6:00 PM author Susan Lynn Peletier debuts her novel, an intimate look into one woman’s life—a compelling tale of love, loss, joy, and sorrow.
THIS SUNDAY, December 6 from 10:00 AM-6:00 PM, ABSW is hosting the First Annual Dickens Marathon. Join us for a 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.
And December continues on…
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.
UPDATE: Saturday, December 19, 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. This is a moving feast, and we’re their stop at 7:30. 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!