Scribble House May Newsletter
Next Feedback Open Mic and Publisher Meetup Group, upcoming book fests and readings, open calls, and more!
Hello, Scribble Friends!
And May the Fourth be with you, for all my fellow sci-fi nerds! The Scribble House crew has a few things going on in the next month. The first one is the “What’s Your Hook?” workshop that Jess is leading through Write Pittsburgh on Saturday, May 16th from 10am-12pm. If you want to catch readers’ attention from the very first line of your stories and poems, this workshop will give you some tips and strategies for doing it. Click on the flier below for more deets or to register:
A few days after that, on Thursday, May 21st at 7pm is the second meeting of the Publishers & Booksellers Meetup Group, which will be happening at Trace Brewing in Bloomfield and on Zoom. You can find the Zoom info or add the meeting to your calendar by using this Google Calendar link.
At the end of the month, on Saturday, May 30th from 10am-5pm, Scribble House will have a table at the PGH Book Fest in and around the Carnegie Library in Oakland. Find us in the vendor area in Schenley Plaza with Last-Picked Books and After Happy Hour (which will be launching its new Work & Labor themed print issue at the festival!).
Then the Monday after the Book Fest, June 1st, we’ll be at Nico’s in Bloomfield for the next Feedback Open Mic! Sign-ups start at 7 and the readings start at 7:30 or whenever slots fill up (whichever comes first). Flyer for more info:
If you’re looking for more stuff to do in May, there’s plenty going on in the area, including the Millvale Music Fest on May 15th-16th, which will have two spoken word stages this year. Check out the Craft & Community section to see details on that and other upcoming happenings. There are also some events later in the year currently open for registration, like the Pittsburgh Art Book Fair and the summer session of the Iron Writing Circle, for folks planning ahead.
Navigation links:
Craft & Community – Upcoming events around Western PA, including:
Western PA Publishers with Open Calls – Currently:
Writing Prompt: The wide world of sports.
Pittsburgh is always a sports-forward city, but it’s been especially so the last few weeks, with the NFL draft in town and the Penguins (briefly) in the playoffs. And while sports might not be the most obvious source of creative ideas, they can actually be a useful tool for writers. Professional teams serve as regional cultural touchstones that can be used to add color and authenticity to a real setting, or inject more history and depth into a made-up town. Sporting events also have a lot of inherent traits that can be useful in a story, like action, movement, clear stakes, and a ticking clock.
You don’t need to make the game the centerpiece of the work to take advantage of those. Using sports can add energy to the language even when they’re just employed as a background element or in a metaphorical way. Writers in all kinds of genres can play with sports in their work, too. Here are a few writing prompts for different genres that can give you some ideas.
Crime: A sports journalist discovers something that could lead to a scandal for their home-town team (a crime a player committed, shady financial dealings from the ownership, etc.). What information did they uncover, and what do they do with it? Write a scene that starts on the moment the reporter makes the discovery.
Fantasy: Imagine a world where sports teams’ names are literal: where the Broncos are all horses, there are grizzlies on the Bears, and the Eagles literally fly down the field. Write a scene of a major game between any two teams of your choosing.
Horror: A sports team is on its way to an away game—but something stops them from getting there. What is it? What do they do next? Write a scene that starts on the moment their travel plans go awry
Literary: The beloved superstar athlete of a pro team has a secret that could completely change how fans feel about them and the trajectory of their career. Maybe it’s something they did in the past and aren’t proud of, or an aspect of their identity that they’re hiding. Brainstorm details of the athlete and their secret, then write a scene where it’s at risk of being discovered.
Memoir: Think back to your first memory involving sports. Were you playing or watching? Where were you, and who were you with? Write the scene of your first introduction to sports.
Mystery: A body is found in a stadium locker room when the crew arrives the day of a game. Who were they? How did they die? Brainstorm the details then write a story that starts on the moment the body is discovered.
Romance: Two strangers meet in the stands for a game or match from the sport of your choice and feel an instant attraction to each other. What makes them feel that way? What happens next?
Sci-fi: An alien from another planet is conducting reconnaissance on Earth and stumbles into a match of your chosen sport. What does the alien think is going on? Do they realize it’s a game or think it’s a battle, or some kind of mating or religious ritual? Write a piece from the alien’s perspective responding to what they witness.
Craft & Community
Upcoming registration deadlines & proposal calls:
There are a few lit events happening in the summer or fall that are currently open for registration:
Applications are open for the Pittsburgh Art Book Fair through May 15th:
Event date: October 31st & November 1st, 10am-5pm
Location: Carnegie Museum of Art (4400 Forbes Avenue)
Costs $100 for a half-table, $200 for a full table
For makers of books, zines, and other printed materials (70% of table must be bound materials)
The Writers Association of Northern Appalachia (WANA) is accepting proposals for their annual conference through May 21st:
Event date: October 16th-17th
Location: Wheeling Park (Wheeling, WV)
Presenters are required to register for the conference ($135-$150)
Particularly interested in topics related to the Northern Appalachian region and environmental/nature writing
Registration is open through May for the Iron Writing Circle summer session. There are three options:
June 16th-August 25th: Every other Tuesday 2-4pm, Panera in McMurray ($75, 3-month program)
June 9th-30th: Every Tuesday 6-8pm, Panera in the South Hills Galleria ($46, 1-month program)
June 3rd-24th: Every Wednesday 1-3pm, Panera in McCandless Crossing ($46, 1-month program)
All sessions moderated by Maria Simbra and have a maximum registration of 6 people
Registration is open through May 31st for the Peters Township Public Library’s Read Local Eat Local event:
Event date: August 29th
Location: Peters Township Public Library (McMurray, PA)
Features local writers and illustrators, preference for those with recent releases
No cost to participate
In-person workshops, book fests, open mics, etc.:
Anyone who’s looking for a regular group to write with, there are a couple that happen every week:
Mondays, 7:30-9pm: Write Pittsburgh Open Studio (virtual)
Fridays, 10am: Shut Up & Write! (Happenstance Café, 3822 Penn Avenue)
Pittsburgh Poetry Collective’s Open Mic and slam schedule for May:
May 5th, 7-10pm: Open mic hosted by Blossom Nicole (Poetry Lounge)
May 12th, 7-10pm: Steel City Slam & Open Mic (Poetry Lounge)
May 14th, 7-9pm: PPC Presents: Liner Notes The Midnight, “Endless Summer” (Wigle Whiskey)
May 27th, 7-10pm: Steel City Slam & Open Mic (The Pitch on Butler)
May 5th, 7-8:30pm: Story Slam!
Where: Alphabet City (40 W. North Avenue)
Hosted by Story Club PGH
The theme for this month’s iteration of the recurring series is “Unraveled.” Check the website for info on how to sign up for an open mic slot or join a judging team. There’s also a livestream available for folks who want to watch from afar.
May 7th, 6-7:45pm: Come Write In
Where: Northland Public Library, room 148-2 (300 Cumberland Road)
Another free group for writing together, this one on the first Thursday of each month. There’s contact information at the link to reach out to if you plan to join.
May 11th, 5-6:30pm: Book Tour: Mysteries of Pittsburgh
Where: Carnegie Library Oakland (4400 Forbes Avenue)
Led by Sherrie Flick and Hattie Fletcher
Costs $15
A walking tour of notable locations from Michael Chabon’s The Mysteries of Pittsburgh led by local writers. You do need to register in advance for this one, which you can do at the link above.
May 11th, 7pm: Open Mic Night
Where: Emma Lazrus Art + Music (1808 Brownsville Road)
Hosted by Pittsburgh Poetry Exchange
Sign-ups open at 7 and the reading starts at 7:30. Open to all creators, including poetry, prose, music, and whatever else one can do on a stage in roughly 5 minutes.
May 13th, 6-7pm: We Learn: Memoir and Creative Writing
Where: Carnegie Library – Squirrel Hill (5801 Forbes Avenue)
At this free workshop, participants will get prompts to write a story along with the opportunity for in-class feedback
May 23rd & 30th, 1-4pm: AIR Workshop: Book Binding with Unique Materials
Where: Carnegie Library – South Side (2205 East Carson Street)
In this two-session workshop, Artist-in-Residence Ash Strazzinski will teach participants how to hand-bind books using a variety of provided materials. You don’t need to attend both sessions, though you can to get more hands-on studio time. You can register for the event at the website above.
May 28th, 7-10pm: PSST! (People’s Song SocietTea)
Where: Bantha Tea (5002 Penn Avenue)
A monthly salon of music and words that’s open to all. Featured performers haven’t been announced yet but are usually posted on the Bantha Tea Instagram a couple weeks before the event.
May 31st, 4-5:30pm: Loose Leaf Writers Group
Where: Bantha Tea (5002 Penn Avenue)
Hosted by Write Pittsburgh
This free monthly writing group happens on the last Sunday of every month and is a chance to get some writing done in the company of other creative folks. There’s no cost but they do prefer you register in advance (just so they know how many folks are coming).
June 7th, 6-8pm: The Poetry Atelier
Where: The Space Upstairs (214 N. Lexington Street)
Suggested donation $5-$10
This monthly workshop is open to all poets. You can bring physical copies of your work to share or upload it to their Google Doc (or just come to read and share thoughts on other folks’ work).
In-person book launches, talks, & readings
May 5th, 6-7pm: Book Launch: The Last Contract of Isako by Fonda Lee
Where: Hampton Community Center (3200 Lochner Way)
In conversation with Tori Bovalino
Genre: Sci-Fi (space opera)
Costs $6
May is Jazz Poetry Month at City of Asylum, with three Thursday night performances:
May 7th, 7pm: James Brandon Lewis & The Messthetics
May 14th, 7pm: Marta Sánchez album release concert
May 21st, 7pm: Erika Denae J book launch, In the Mood For
May 7th, 7-8:30pm: Gertrude Stein Party
Where: White Whale Bookstore (4754 Liberty Avenue)
Hosted by Cecilia Konchar Farr
Celebrating the re-issue of Stein’s The Making of Americans with the co-writer of the novel guide As I was Saying…
May 8th, 8-11pm: Poet_L.S and Damian Rucci reading
Where: Poetry Lounge (313 North Avenue)
Costs $10
With musical acts Else//where and Psych Ward Grips
May 9th, 7pm: Author signing: Christian John Wikane, A Night at the Disco
Where: Stay Gold Books (1104 S. Braddock Avenue)
In conversation with Tomé Cousin
Genre: Music/photography
May 11th, 7:30-8:30pm: Michael Chabon
Where: Carnegie Music Hall (4400 Forbes Avenue)
Part of the Pittsburgh Arts & Lectures Ten Evenings Series
Costs $30-$42
Also a livestream available ($30)
May 15th, 6-7pm: An Evening with Alex Finlay
Where: Hampton Community Center (3200 Lochner Way)
Costs $8 ($35 with a book)
Genre: Mystery
May 15th-16th: Millvale Music Festival
Where: Various places around downtown Millvale
Spoken word stages on both days:
This annual music festival features over 350 musical performers across 32 stages, along with visual art, comedy, food trucks, and other fun things. The spoken word stages are organized by the Pittsburgh Poetry Collective.
May 15th, 7-10pm: Witch & Halsey Hyer
Where: Stay Gold Books (1101 S. Braddock Avenue)
Genre: Music and poetry
May 16th, 7-8:30pm: Reading & Conversation: M Lin, The Memory Museum
Where: White Whale Bookstore (4754 Liberty Avenue)
In conversation with Robert Yune
Genre: Literary short fiction
May 20th, 6:30-8pm: Book Club Pittsburgh Presents Maria Simbra
Where: Whitehall Public Library (100 Borough Park Drive)
Genre: Romance
May 23rd, 7-8pm: Book Launch: Jason Irwin, These Fragments I Have Shored
Where: White Whale Bookstore (4754 Liberty Avenue)
With readers Laurel Szymkowiak and Kurt Garrison
Genre: Poetry
May 30th, 7pm: Odd Month Poetry Series
Where: Bantha Tea (5002 Penn Avenue)
The readers for this monthly poetry series haven’t been announced yet, but you can check their Facebook page for updates (readers are usually posted a couple weeks before the reading).
June 2nd, 7-8:30pm: Book Launch: Andrew Moore, The Beasts of the East
Where: White Whale Bookstore (4754 Liberty Avenue)
Genre: Nonfiction (environmental)
Online events & classes
There are a few Craft Talks webinars in the next month:
May 6th, 3-4pm: The Art of Book Reviewing: Discovering Connection through Critique ($30)
May 13th, 3-4:30pm: Call and Response: Writing Beginnings and Endings in Essays ($20)
May 20th, 3-5pm: Mind the Gaps: Writing Less While Saying More ($30)
May 27th, 3-4:15pm: Blurb Clinic: The 150 Words That Hook Agents, Editors, and Readers ($20)
June 3rd, 3-4:30pm: Making Memoir Real: Captivate Your Readers with Dynamic Settings & Characters ($20)
May 9th, 2-3:30pm: Second Saturday Open Mic
Hosted by Bridge Literary Arts Center
The featured readers for this monthly reading series are Austin Gray and Rikki Santer. After, attendees can chime in with up to 5 minutes of words or music. You can get the Zoom link by reaching out to the email on the website.
May 12th, 8-9:30pm: The Poetry of Place: Physical, Liminal, and Memory
Hosted by Black Lawrence Press
Instructor: Sunni Wilkinson
This free workshop aims to help poets capture physical spaces on the page.
May 13th-July 7th: Dwelling in Possibility: Poems inspired by Emily Dickinson’s life and work
Hosted by Poet Camp
Costs $325
This hybrid course includes asynchronous weekly content along with an optional weekly Google Meet discussion. Each week focuses on a brief reading from Dickinson in conversation with other poets and prompts based on the week’s reading.
May 15th, 6-11pm: Spring Blossoming Cozy Writing Retreat
Hosted by Poet Camp
Costs $50-$100 (sliding scale)
Attendees to this virtual retreat will get prompts to write together, culminating in an optional read-around. You can check out the full schedule and details on the website.
May 17th-June 21st: The Revision Strategy I Wish Someone Had Taught Me: Approaching Changes with Confidence, Clarity, and Wisdom
6 Sundays, 5-7pm
Costs $295
Instructor: Megan Merchant
This six-week course will help poets refine their revision process by studying and discussing poetry and writing to generative prompts to refine elements like imagery and diction.
May 23rd, 10am-12pm: The Prop Closet: Molding Everyday Objects into Extraordinary Story Devices
Hosted by Write Pittsburgh
Facilitated by M.C. Benner Dixon and Schereéya
Costs $15-$30 (sliding scale)
In this workshop, you’ll raid your “prop closet” to insert objects into stories, poems, or essays as a way to give tangible form to abstract ideas. You’ll also get a toolkit of exercises you can use to bring that same physicality to future things you write.
May 31st, 2-5pm: Very Short & Very Very Short Poems
Hosted by Poet Camp
Instructor: Chen Chen
Costs $25-$50 (sliding scale)
This generative workshop will look at examples of short poems and share strategies for writing very short poems, with time to write and practice those strategies in class.
Western PA Publishers with Open Calls
Short prose & individual poems
Bridge Literary Arts Journal is open for fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry, drama, and art through June 1st.
Send them:
Fiction, creative nonfiction and plays up to 2,000 words
Up to 3 poems
Up to 3 works of art
Especially interested in writers and work with a connection to Northwest Pennsylvania, but open to work from all
Northern Appalachia Review is open for fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry through June 15th.
Send them:
Fiction and creative nonfiction up to 7,500 words
Up to 5 poems
Interviews up to 1,000 words
Book reviews up to 500 words
Focus is on writers from and writing about Northern Appalachia
Hollow Oak Press is accepting flash fiction for their Acorns feature
Publisher of speculative fiction based in Northwestern PA
Send them stories 1,000-1,500 words
Pays $5 per piece
Kestrel is open year-round for fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry, and art.
Based at Fairmont State University in West Virginia (so not technically “Western PA” but still highly regional)
Send them:
Fiction and creative nonfiction up to 5,000 words
Up to 5 poems
Lake Effect is open year-round for submissions of stories, poems, and essays.
Published by Penn State Behrend (Erie, PA)
What they want in their own words:
Fiction: “Lake Effect is looking for stories that emerge from character and language as much as from plot. Lake Effect does not, in general, publish genre fiction, but literary fiction.”
CNF: “Lake Effect is looking for well-crafted and lively literary or personal essays. We are not looking for literary criticism, but essays that engage literature in the context of a lived life are certainly welcome.”
Poetry: “Lake Effect is looking for poems that demonstrate an original voice and that use multilayered, evocative images presented in a language shaped by an awareness of how words sound and mean. Each line should help to carry the poem. There is no length limit per poem.”
Tongue is open for translations of fiction and creative nonfiction.
New journal based in Pittsburgh
Send them translated stories, essays, and novel excerpts of 1,000-3,000 words
Translation must be previously unpublished in English
Translators paid $50-$200
Publishes each story as a standalone with the original alongside the translation
Uppagus is open all year for their online issues
Send them:
Flash fiction (up to 750 words)
Poems (1-4)
Visual art (1-6 pieces)
You can check out their archives to see the kind of stuff they publish.
YNST Magazine is open for fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and art.
For writers and artists with a connection to the Appalachian region
Pays (rate not specified)
Also publishes fashion writing and designs
Book-length manuscripts
The Black Lawrence Press Black River Chapbook Competition is open through May 31st.
For poetry or prose manuscripts of 16-36 pages
Costs $20
Winner gets $500, publication, and 10 copies
The Autumn House Press Poetry Prize is open through June 30th.
For poetry manuscripts of 50-80 pages
Costs $30
Winner gets $2,500 and publication (all finalists considered for publication)
Etruscan Press is open to general submissions through August 31st.
Publishes novels, short story collections, poetry collections, and creative nonfiction
Minimum manuscript length of 50 pages
Costs $20
Sunbury Press is open to submissions year-round.
Publishes novels and book-length non-fiction
Based in Mechanicsburg, PA (so not quite “Western PA” but close enough for horseshoes and newsletters)
What they want in their own words: “We are always seeking new titles to publish including: history, historical fiction, mystery/detective, police procedurals, crime thrillers, horror, literary fiction, young adult, current events, science, reference, art history, ANY local/regional history, humor, spiritual/metaphysical, self-help, professional, memoirs, etc. If we didn’t mention your category — try us anyway!”
Those who write about regional and local topics may also want to check out their Catamount Press imprint, which is focused on literature related to Northern Appalachia
grateful for all of this!!!