As a reader, writer, and book lover I have to say, It’s about time, Green Bay!
The area’s first UntitledTown Reader and Author Festival kicks off next weekend and I couldn’t be more tickled. Here are just five of the many reasons I’m ready to go.
1. Adult Field Trips
As adults, sometimes we need to do things by ourselves, for ourselves. I do love reading Percy Jackson books out loud and dissecting Harry Potter with my eleven-year-old, but I’m looking forward to hanging with other like-minded and (adult) readers and writers. (But there are kid-friendly events, too…)
2. Teens are Writers (and people), Too
There are events for teen readers and writers! I love to see the community offering ways for teens to put their energy into something productive, collaborative, and meaningful. Those opportunities can be sparse. If you have a tween interested in writing, get them to Sandy’s workshop! Sandy Shackelford is one of the best artists in the county. And did I mention they’ll be a live Skype event with Young Adult author A.S. King? ‘Cuz there will be.
3. I’ve Been a Bad Writer…
I’ve been too tired to work, parent, and write. I know, excuses, excuses… I just wasn’t feeling moved to pick up a pen or sit at the computer. I’ve been neglecting my writing for awhile now and feeling pretty guilty about it. But now, now, there are these great workshops at no charge. My brain is tingling and my pen is calling me. Bring on the inspiration!
4. The Author Events
You guys. Margaret Atwood, Sherman Alexie, Lorna Landvick, and my two favorite Wisconsin Authors, Nickolas Butler And Michael Perry, are coming to Geebs!
Have you ever seen an author speak or been to a book signing? If you have, you know what I’m looking forward to. If you haven’t, then go! Seeing authors, huge ones like Margaret Atwood and Sherman Alexie and not-as-huge ones like my author crush, Nickolas Butler (not to be confused with, ever, Nicholas Sparks), is inspiring as a writer. It can also be entertaining for anyone. I recently saw Patricia Skalka having only read a portion of one of her books and it was fascinating. (Pst! Patricia will be at UntitledTown, too).
5. Storycatchers Live!
I’m a fan of The Moth podcast. Until I saw it on the UntitledTown schedule I had no idea we have our own storytelling thing close to home. Storycatchers invites everyday regular people to get on stage to tell their own true stories in about five minutes. How cool is that? Unless you listen to The Moth and This American Life, for most of us this kind of storytelling only happens *maybe* around the water cooler or the campfire. I’m not brave enough to go on stage and tell my own stories, but I am looking forward to being in the audience and cheering on those who are.
Clearly, I’m ready for UntitledTown to start already. How about you? Will I see you at the very first UntitledTown?
Inspired to read other Wisconsin writers? Read my piece 11 Novels to Read if You Love Wisconsin on WhooNEW.
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