I’ve been keeping so busy with Ojai WordFest readings and writing workshops! Here’s an update on how it’s all going and what’s to come including information on Danika Dinsmore’s “Poetry BootCamps” scheduled for tomorrow, Saturday, from 9-noon and 2-5pm. I strongly recommend that you attend one or both–they are not just for poets but for anyone who wants a jump start on creativity and some tricks for when the muse steps out of the room!
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Last week’s book launch events went well! Next I have three poetry readings coming up this week where I’ll be sharing work from my new poetry collection and older work as well.
Wednesday, March 23 at 6pm I will be competing in the Ojai WordFest East vs West Poetry Slam at Bart’s Books, 302 W. Matilija Street. Also on the “West” coast team is Danika Dinsmore and Sequoia Hamilton. Individuals will also have a chance to compete; show up early to sign up. FREE!
Thursday, March 24, at 7pm join Danika Dinsmore and I for the living room style open mic which culminates our day long writing adventure “Message in a Bottle.” (Learn more about “Message in a Bottle” and register here: http://ocean2ojai.eventbrite.com/) We’re hosting our living room style open mic at Big Buddha Lounge 530 Ventura Ave, Oak View. A living room style open mic means we will be sitting in a circle and sharing poems. Danika and I met at the Taos Poetry Circus where every afternoon poets gathered in a circle outside Cafe Taza to read work together. On Wednesday, we will also have the opportunity to go on stage and perform with a dj. FREE!
Friday March 25, I am scheduled to read between 8:30 and 9pm in the Ojai WordFest Well Red book launch event at Los Caporales Restaurant & Tequila Bar, 307 E Ojai Ave. I am scheduled to read between 8:30 and 9pm. FREE!
No matter what kind of writing you do–business, school or pleasure–taking workshops and classes where you learn more tricks of the trade and taking in readings where you hear writers read and discuss their work will improve your writing. Hearing writers discuss their process will help YOU with your product!
You can find readings and workshops at book stores, colleges, cafes, and even salons held in homes. You can find out about them via online searches or local bulletin boards. Prices range from expensive to inexpensive depending on who is reading or who is giving the workshop.
Three sources I use for finding readings and workshops in California are Poetry Flash, Poetix, and Poets and Writers.
You can also find out about some readings and workshops by subscribing to this blog or to Art Predator. I’ll certainly be posting about my own upcoming readings and workshops! If you know of anything that I should write about, please send me an email or leave the information in the comments.
This week, during Ojai’s WordFest, I am looking forward to attending several readings. (more…)
I’m excited about next Tuesday! My new poetry collection will be here just in time for my 7:30pm featured reading 3/15 at the Artists Union Gallery, 330 So. California St, Ventura. Read more about my new poetry collection and other March 2011 book launch events below–including a St Pat’s Day Party Thursday at El Jardin Courtyard!
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Writing instructors Gwendolyn Alley of Ventura, California and Danika Dinsmore of Vancouver, British Columbia join forces Thursday, March 24 to offer a unique writing workshop that engages the senses and ignites the imagination. Message in a Bottle: Ocean to Ojai – Waves, Wines, Words, an event during Ojai’s WordFest, will take its participants on a journey that begins by the ocean near the Channel Islands Visitors Center and continues at a small family owned working ranch and winery.
Using their 40+ years of combined teaching experience, Alley and Dinsmore will draw on the exterior world of the senses to connect writers to the page. The scenery, the company, the spirit of adventure, the food, and the wine will be interwoven with thought-provoking writing prompts and conversation. (more…)
A week ago Sunday, I exchanged poetry collections with one of my favorite local poets, Robert Peake and on Saturday, Robert Peake published his on-line review of my new book, Middle of the Night Poems from Daughter to Mother :: Mother to Son.
Read more about Robert Peake’s new book and his review of mine below. Or just go here to read Robert’s Peake’s review of Middle of the Night.
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For current information and to register, please visit http://ocean2ojai.eventbrite.com/ (more…)
Have a wonderful Valentine’s Day, full of love and appreciation, and yes, kisses too!
This broadside poem was published in ArtLife Limited Editions February 1997. Double click on it to make it bigger and be able to read it easier. If you’d like one, let me know! I made an edition of 216; 150 went to ArtLife so I have others to sell.
I will be offering broadsides, poetry collections, and more at the Ojai WordFest Book Fair Saturday March 19 from 10am-4pm. During other days of WordFest, I may be presenting workshops on blogging and social media as well as a writing workshop “Ocean to Ojai: Message in a Bottle.” More details on these workshops and how to register for them soon!
See you at Ojai WordFest March 19-27!
Click the image above of Gwendolyn Alley and son to join us on Facebook!
Art Predator
Gwendolyn Alley aka Art Predator
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