Whew, October was a whirlwind! I feel like I didn’t even get to enjoy it! Here’s hoping November is just a tad slower so we can really enjoy all these great things going on in our little literary community! Read on for some new places to check out, the regular list of fun events and happenings going on this month, and some yays too!
First off: Some new bookstores!
The Spine Bookshop - 244 S. Lowry St., Smyrna
Okay so maybe this first one is not NEW new, but The Spine has a new location! And they’re having their grand opening celebration on Saturday, November 8th! Here’s the official press release:
“The Spine Bookshop is thrilled to announce the Grand Opening Celebration of its new location in downtown Smyrna on Friday, November 8th, from 6:00 to 9:00 PM. The event will feature local authors, exciting giveaways, and a warm invitation to celebrate community, creativity, and the love of books.
The first 20 guests through the door will receive a free gift bag, and attendees can enter to win one of five door prizes throughout the evening. Guests will also have the opportunity to meet and mingle with five local authors during a special mini book signing session — a perfect way to discover new voices and support Tennessee’s vibrant literary scene.
“We’re excited to open our doors and share this space with readers, writers, and book lovers from all over,” said Lindsay Schultz, owner of The Spine Bookshop. “This store is about more than books — it’s about building community, celebrating stories, and championing local and independent authors.”
Light refreshments will be served, and attendees are encouraged to browse the shop’s carefully curated selection of independent, local, and banned books.
Come celebrate the next chapter of Smyrna’s literary life at The Spine Bookshop’s Grand Opening, located at 244 S. Lowry St, Smyrna, TN.”
My two-year-old daughter and I have already checked out the new location, and we both approve! It’s looking great, Lindsay!
The Grand Exchange - 21 S. Public Square, Murfreesboro
Oh man, y’all. This place. SO CUTE. I took my daughters there during Fall Break and got to speak with some lovely people who work there, but THIS PLACE IS THE VIBE. It makes me wonder why we haven’t had a bookstore on the square before?! Because it fits right in!! There are lots of books, of course, but there are also other pieces of merch specific to the store like comfy sweaters, hats, mugs, and candles (one of which is burning on my desk as I type). There are also lots of other things to check out inside besides books, from E-reader cases to earrings and so much more! Plus, TGE is really getting their events rolling, so you’ll definitely see more from them on this blog! Go check them out ASAP and tell them Taffy sent you.
Then the usual: upcoming Events
Thursday, Nov. 6, 4:30-5:45 PM, at the Ingram Building MT Center (2269 Middle Tennessee Blvd, Murfreesboro): In Process staged reading of Claudia Barnett’s “Kingdom”
The In Process lectureship series has been going on strong this semester with a different genre every week! Dr. Barnett is a Playwriting professor at MTSU, and she will be hosting a staged reading of her unfinished play. It’s free and open to the public, and there are snacks! Check out the In Process blog to keep up with information.
Friday, Nov. 7-8, Online and at the Academic Building of MTSU (1751 MTSU Blvd, Murfreesboro): MTSU Write conference “Weaving Hope”
Friday, Nov. 7, 12-4, ONLINE: Register ahead of time to hear some MTSU Write writers read their work and join in on one of two sessions: “21 Questions to Generate Great Writing” with Amy Wright or “Revision Strategies” with Katie Nelson. Click the image above for more information.
Friday, Nov. 7, 6-8 PM, ONLINE: This month’s Poetry in the Boro reading and open mic is a bit different: we’re collaborating with the MTSU Write conference and having several of the weekend’s panelists as featured readers, including Kathy Rhodes, Angela Hamilton, Cameron Mitchell, and Murfreesboro poet laureate Matthew Leavitt Brown! You too can perform from the comfort of your home because IT’S ONLINE THIS MONTH!! Check out this link for more information!
Saturday, Nov. 8, 9 AM-4 PM, Academic Classroom Building (1751 MTSU Blvd, Murfreesboro): Register ahead of time and come hear keynote speaker Ruta Sepetys as well as others such as Jennifer Chesak, Shan Overton, Bryanna Licciardi, Mary Leoson, and more! Click the image above for more information. See you there!
Friday, Nov. 7, 5:30 PM, at The View at Fountains (1500 Medical Center Pkwy, Murfreesboro): 19th Annual Celebrity Spelling Bee for Read to Succeed
This one-of-a-kind fundraiser blends friendly competition, community spirit, and plenty of laughter—all in support of literacy. Your evening will include:
🌟 A lively adult spelling bee featuring community leaders
🌟 Silent and live auction items you’ll love
🌟 Signature cocktails + food from The Sweet Addiction, Simply Pure Sweets, Cedar Glade Brews, and other local favorites
🎟️ Tickets are $75 each and will directly fuel Read To Succeed’s mission to provide free literacy programs for children, adults, and families across Rutherford County. Click here to get your tickets and find out more information!
Saturday, Nov. 8 11 AM-3 PM, at Barnes & Noble (2615 Medical Center Blvd, Murfreesboro): Author Signing with Leslie Lantrip
Local author Leslie Lantrip will be signing her cozy mystery books. Go to B&N and check it out!
Sunday, Nov. 9, 3-5 PM, at Dapper Owl Coffee Pub (2412 E. Main St, Murfreesboro): Writers’ Mingle with Hil Hoover
Come meet other writers in the area, talk shop, and get the creative juices flowing with games, a quiet space to work, and/or a word of inspiration! Our guest host this month is poet Hil Hoover, author of These God-Forsaken Notes: An Irreverent Poet’s Memory Loss Memoir from Read or Green Press. Register ahead of time here to help us get a head count. More information here!
Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2-4 PM, at First United Methodist Church (265 W. Thompson Ln, Murfreesboro): The Art of Unburdening workshop with Julie Sumner
On November 12th, the RAA free Art of Unburdening workshop series continues. Join us as Julie Sumner—nurse, massage therapist, writer, and teacher—leads us in poetry reading and writing to nurture resilience. Julie’s 2023 collection Meridian was selected by poet Jane Hirshfield, and her workshops are especially meaningful for healthcare workers and caregivers. No prior experience with poetry is needed. Use this Google form to sign up for a workshop. The event is free, and free adult caregiving is available with registration.
Thursday, Nov. 13, 10 AM-1 PM, at Linebaugh Library (105 W. Vine St., Murfreesboro: Author Event with Carol Ghattas
Linebaugh Public Library is pleased to host local author Carol Ghattas, who will be selling and signing copies of her books, including her two newest releases, Archived by Death, published June 2025, and When You Don’t Feel Like Celebrating: A 31-Day Advent Devotional, published by Ambassador International, October 2025. More info here!
Thursday, Nov. 13, 4:30-5:45 PM, at the Ingram Building MT Center (2269 Middle Tennessee Blvd, Murfreesboro): In Process Open Mic
Come hear some great works by MTSU students, staff, and alumni—and maybe present some of your own work too! The event is free, open to the public, and there are snacks!
Friday, Nov. 14, 6 PM, at Blackman High School Library (3956 Blaze Dr., Murfreesboro): Soup and Sonnets, with guest author Jeff Zentner
Come join the Blackman High School Society of Undiscovered Poets in welcoming author and poet Jeff Zentner in this charity event to support the Murfreesboro Rescue Mission. A suggested donation of $10 is requested, though the event is free. (And I can attest that the tomato bisque is EXCELLENT!) Click the image above for more information.
Saturday, Nov. 15, 12 PM, at The Spine (244 S. Lowry St., Smyrna): Author Signing with Lloyd Elmore Jr.
Come chat with Loyd about his books, his inspiration, and what it’s like to bring stories to life. He’ll be signing copies and meeting readers, so it’s the perfect time to support a local author and discover something new to read! Stop by, grab a book, and stay for the stories. Click the image above for more info!
Thursday, Nov. 20, 4:30-5:45 PM, at at the Ingram Building MT Center (2269 Middle Tennessee Blvd, Murfreesboro): In Process Multigenre Celebration with Fred Arroyo, Ethan Castelo, Bryanna Licciardi, and Jennifer Wachtel Kates
This is the finale for this semester’s In Process lectureship series! Come hear from this panel of awesome writers about all the cool things they’re doing! The event is free and open to the public, and there are snacks! Keep up with the blog here for more information.
Friday, Nov. 21, 5-7 PM, at The Spine (244 S. Lowry St., Smyrna): Author Signing with David Martin
Stop by to chat with David about his books, his inspiration, and what’s next in his writing journey. He’ll be signing copies of his work and meeting readers throughout the evening. Support a local author and enjoy a relaxed night surrounded by good stories and great company. Click the image above for more information!
Saturday, Nov. 22, 3-5 PM, at The Spine (244 S. Lowry St., Smyrna): Author Signing with Michael Haggard
Come meet Michael, chat about his writing process, and get your books signed. It’s a great chance to support a local author, discover new stories, and enjoy the cozy atmosphere of The Spine Bookshop. Click the image above for more information!
Saturday, Nov. 29, 10 AM, at The Spine (244 S. Lowry St., Smyrna): Author Signing with Lisa Spencer
Bring the kids and bring the curiosity for a very special book signing with renowned meteorologist and children’s book author Lisa Spencer. There will be a fun weather-themed corner set up and plenty of local-author titles to browse. Let’s make it a great morning of books & community. See you there! Click the image for more information!
finally: let’s celebrate!
We have some exciting publications that have been happening in our community! First of all, RAA member, founder of Poetry in the Boro, and former Murfreesboro poet laureate Kory Wells won the Vodka Yonic essay contest from The Porch Writers’ Collective in Nashville and was published in The Nashville Scene!
You can read the essay in its entirety here!
And if you were at the October Poetry in the Boro, you already know about Brian Seadorf’s debut poetry collection out now!
Dorf read from his collection as our featured poet in October, and wow, what a night! Click the link above to get his book and check it out for yourself!
And that’s a wrap! Remember to check with local libraries and bookstores—especially The Spine and The Grand Exchange!—to see what other events they may have going on. And if you know of something you’d like to see in this blog for December, just shoot me an email at taffetachimewrites@gmail.com. See y’all then! <3
Image courtesy of @matreding
