Celebrate Spring with These Literary Events!

I don’t know about you all, but 2026 so far has felt like at least a decade. Looking forward to this month, though, there are a lot of exciting things happening. I think I’ll look a bit like the “Mom? Dad? Friends?” meme when I head into any of these events. Don’t judge me too harshly! I just want to get my words on!!

Upcoming Events

Saturday, March 7th: MTSU Write Spring Saturday

MTSU Write will be hosting workshops on some Saturdays through the semester, starting in March! These are free and open to the public, and I can speak from experience and say they are super informative and insightful! Right now, details are TBA so keep an eye on the MTSU Write socials (and Substack!) for information as it comes out. Update: Registration now open on the MTSU Write website.

Sunday, March 8th, 3-5 PM, at Dapper Owl Coffee Pub (2412 E. Main St, Murfreesboro): Writers’ Mingle with Reagan Lichtenwalter

Come join us for our monthly writers’ mingle, where this month, the young and intrepid Raegan Lichtenwalter will be sharing with us! Bring something to work on, come with blank paper, or just come for the coffee and vibes! We’d love to see you there! Click the image for more info.

Saturday, March 21st, 10 AM-2 PM, at Linebaugh Library (105 W. Vine St, Murfreesboro): Randy O’Brien Author Event

Come meet local author Randy O’Brien, who will be selling and signing copies of his book, Ribbon of Dreams. Click the image for more information.

Sunday, March 22nd, at Crying Cat Books (504 N. Maney Ave, Murfreesboro): Crying Cat 5th Birthday Celebration

Information on this event is TBA, so be sure to keep up with Crying Cat’s socials to stay in the know on how you can celebrate five years of this great local bookstore!

Sunday, March 22nd, 6-8:30 PM, at The Walnut House (116 N Walnut St, Murfreesboro): Bloom Stage Presents “A Place for All Voices” to Celebrate Poetry in the Boro’s Tenth Anniversary

Bloom Stage proudly announces the first show in its 2026 series, “A Place for All Voices.” Produced in both Murfreesboro and historic Rugby, Tennessee, this show will invite audience members to reflect on the impact of all creative communities through an entertaining evening of live performance and art. The show also serves as a release party for Poetry in the Boro’s 10th anniversary anthology, also titled A Place for All Voices.

Through poetry, story, music, and performance, this show celebrates the history and reach of Poetry in the Boro, a reading and open mic event that regularly attracts standing-room-only crowds, actively welcomes a diverse group of participants and poetic styles, and has participated in collaborations across the state and beyond.

This show will feature the music of Heather Moulder, art by Henry Jones, live art by Gregory Lannom, and a host of storytellers and poets – they’ll be sharing more soon! Click the image above for more information!

Thursday, March 26th, 4:30 PM, at the MTSU’s Sam Ingram Building (2269 Middle Tennessee Blvd, Murfreesboro): In Process Open Mic

In Process has several events through the fall semester, but this year, they’re opening up more events for the spring too, starting with this open mic! It’s free and open to the public, and there will be snacks! Check it out!

Saturday, March 28th, 10 AM, at The Grand Exchange (21 S. Public Sq, Murfreesboro): Emily Blakeney Book Signing

Drop by TGE to meet local author Emily Blakeney! She’ll be selling and signing copies of her book, Blackwater.

Monday, March 30th, 11 PM-1 AM, at The Spine Bookshop (244 S Lowry St, Smyrna): Game On Midnight Release Party

Join us for a special midnight release celebration of Game On by Navessa Allen on March 30th from 12:00 AM to 2:00 AM! If you love staying up late for bookish excitement, this is your chance to celebrate, shop, and kick off release day in the best way possible — surrounded by fellow readers who can’t wait to dive in. We’re opening our doors right at midnight, so you can be among the very first to grab her newest release the moment it drops. If you want to pre-order a copy, please reach out to us at 615-768-9833. Click the image for more details!

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And that’s it for March! Make sure to check in with your local library and/or bookstore to see if you’ve missed something! And if you have something you’d like to promote for next month, shoot me an email: taffetachimewrites@gmail.com. See you in April!

Image courtesy of @silamalychrzeczy

It's a Busy October for Book People!

We have already established that I am a basic you-know-what who loves fall. October brings autumn in full swing, and it always seems like October is one of the busiest months for bookish things—which is another reason to love it! So, yes, it’s a longer blog today because there’s a lot of good stuff happening! Read on for a slew of events and some celebrations too!

Events!

Thursday, October 2nd, 4:30-5:45, at the Sam Ingram Building at MTSU (2269 Middle Tennesseee Blvd, Murfreesboro): In Process Presents Adela Najarro

Come celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with Dr. Fred Arroyo and poet Adela Najarro!

Fridays starting October 3rd, 1-2 PM and 2-3 PM: MTSU Write Writing Groups

If you’re looking for some group writing, MTSU Write is having some special online writing groups this fall, and there are still openings! You can join either the Accountability Group (1-2 PM for $100) or the Fiction Group (2-3 PM, for $100), led by Angela Hamilton with Dr. Mary Leoson joining as co-host. If you want to join both groups and stick around 1-3 PM, the cost is discounted at $150. There will also be a haiku-writing group with Shan Overton, though details on that are still up in the air. Email Dr. Leoson to indicate your interest in any groups: mary.leoson@mtsu.edu.

Saturday, October 4th, 2-4 PM, at Books-A-Million (1720 Old Fort Pkwy, Murfreesboro): Twilight 20th Anniversary Celebration

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Yes, the Twilight saga is now twenty years old! If you’re a die-hard Twihard, go to the Murfreesboro BAM for activities and more! Click on the image above for more info!

Sunday, October 5th, 3-4:30 PM, at Crying Cat Books and Records (504 N. Maney St, Murfreesboro): Banned Book Read-in

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Like it says in this post caption, “Bring a snackie, bring a lawn chair, meet a new book-ban-hating friend! Or don’t! That’s fine too! Kisses! <3” This is in association with LibroFM and Silent Book Club, and every attendee gets a free audiobook! They do ask that you RSVP to the event though, so click the picture above to do that!

Thursday, October 9th, 4:30-5:45, at the Sam Ingram Building at MTSU: In Process Open Mic

Every Thursday, the English department hosts In Process for Creative Writing students to hear from various writers of various genres, but this week, they want to hear from YOU! Come have some snacks, share some work, and enjoy listening to others’ writing! You can keep up with information about the event here.

Sunday, October 12th, 3-5 PM, at Dapper Owl Coffee Pub (2412 E. Main St, Murfreesboro): Writers’ Mingle with Mark Orr

Connect with other writers in a relaxed setting—and even sit down and write for a bit, if you’re so inspired. Come and go anytime. Help us plan by RSVPing on this Google form. Sponsored by the literary interest group of the Rutherford Arts Alliance, Poetry in the Boro, and MTSU Write, this event is free and open to writers of all genres and experience levels (including “thinking about writing”). This month, we’ll be hearing from the lovable Mark Orr, who writes scary mystery tales, including two novels and a bunch of shorts stories, along with other stuff. He spent some time as a magazine editor as well. He currently blogs and plays with his grandchildren. Click the image for more info!

Tuesday, October 14th, 10 AM-2 PM, at Linebaugh Library (105 W. Vine St., Murfreesboro): Shay Ketcham author signing

Linebaugh Public Library is pleased to host local author Shay Ketcham for a book signing. The author will be signing and selling copies of her book, Jeremy Cooks for the Monkeys, which you can buy by clicking the image above. More information here!

Tuesday and Wednesday, October 14th and 15th, at various middle schools: FOLL presents Sheila Turnage

Middle grade author Sheila Turnage is the featured author for the Friends of Linebaugh Library Pen Pal program, which has brought authors of children's and youth literature to schools in Rutherford and Murfreesboro City Schools for over 30 years. Sheila will be visiting six local middle schools October 14 and 15th. If you have a middle schooler, tell them to keep an eye out!

Wednesday, October 15th, 2-4 PM, place TBA: RAA “The Art of Unburdening” Storytelling and Movement Workshop

If you are a caregiver, especially to someone who is dealing with dementia, then you need to know about this new series of workshops hosted by RAA all about creativity and support for those who pour themselves out for others. The first workshop is about storytelling and movement, hosted by Mark Lamb. Click the image above for more info.

Thursday, October 16th, 4:30-5:45 PM, at the Sam Ingram Building at MTSU: In Process with Jon Herbert

This Thursday’s event at In Process features a staged reading of Jon Herbert’s play in progress God Sighs, directed by Malana Harris. It’s free and open to the public, so come enjoy some goodies, hear a play, and connect with other writers! You can keep up with information about the series here.

Saturday and Sunday, October 18th and 19th, at the Bicentennial Mall (600 James Robertson Pkwy, Nashville): Southern Festival of Books

Okay, yes, this is Davidson County, but there is a large RuCo presence! SLF is among the oldest literary festivals in the country, annually welcoming hundreds of authors and thousands of visitors to downtown Nashville each October. The festival is free and includes performance stages, food trucks, and loads of publishers and booksellers. MTSU Write mentor Denton Loving is one of the author vendors, The Spine Bookshop from Smyrna will have a tent that will also feature local authors, and former Murfreesboro poet laureate Kory Wells and current Murfreesboro poet laureate Matthew Leavitt Brown will be among a group of laureates from various TN cities appearing in a session scheduled for Saturday from 1:30-3:00 pm on the Performing Arts stage. It will be a good time! Stay up to date and subscribe to SFB emails or check out updates here and here.

Thursday, October 23rd, 4:30-5:45 PM, at the Sam Ingram Building at MTSU: In Process with Gary Burr

This Thursday’s In Process feature is with songwriter Gary Burr! It’s free and open to the public, so come enjoy some goodies, learn about songwriting, and connect with other writers! You can keep up with information about the series here.

Saturday, October 25th, 10:30 AM-1 PM, at Smyrna Library (400 Enon Springs Rd, Smyrna): FOSL Local Author Fair

I am SO EXCITED about this one!! Friends of Smyrna Library is sponsoring this awesome event to highlight eighteen local authors! Look at all these cool people! Swing by the library, pick up a new book, and say hi! This is an all-ages event free and open to the public. Email friendsofsmyrnalibrary1987@gmail.com with any questions you might have and click the image above for more info.

Sunday, October 26th, 6-8 PM, at Dapper Owl: Poetry in the Boro with Brian Seadorf

Join us to listen to some poetry—or share some writing of your own—at Poetry in the Boro! PitB regular Brian Seadorf will be debuting his new book, Five Baptisms. The feature will be at 6:00, with open mic to follow. Drip coffee and light nibbles will be available at no charge. Click the image for more information!

Monday and Tuesday, October 27th and 28th, 5:30-8:30 PM, at Lara’s Event Center (413 Nissan Dr, Smyrna): FOSL Presents Scooby Doo and the Mystery at the Heart Break Hotel

Join FOSL at Lara's Boutique for an exciting in-person event where you can immerse yourself in the world of mystery and fun with Scooby Doo and the gang. Get ready to solve clues, unmask villains, and have a blast with your favorite characters. Don't miss out on this thrilling adventure that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Grab your detective gear and get ready for a day full of excitement! Doors open at 5:30 pm. Dinner, provided by Cracker Barrel, will be served at 6pm. The show begins at 6:30 with fun for the whole family! You do need to make reservations ahead of time, so make sure you click the image above to do that!

Thursday, October 30th, 4:30-5:45 PM, at the Sam Ingram Building at MTSU: In Process with Kara Kemp

RAA’s own storytelling laureate Kara Kemp will be the feature at this week’s In Process lecture! It’s free and open to the public, so come enjoy some goodies, hear some of Kara’s amazing stories, and connect with other writers! You can keep up with information about the series here.

Friday, October 31st, 6-8 PM, at The Spine Bookshop (244 S. Lowry St, Smyrna): Read or Treat

When you’re out trick-or-treating, drop by The Spine for a free book because, as Lindsay puts it, “stories are the best kind of magic.” Click the image for more info!

Yays!

Local entertainer and former RAA Board Member Taylor Gentry is trying his hand at a new endeavor: writing a book!

After returning to Middle Tennessee late last year from a two residency in Los Angeles, Taylor has re-established his presence in the creative community with a monthly show as his Count Drahoon at Cedar Glade Brews along with Murfreesboro’s resident forest troll Scufflemöss Treeman. As the Count, he also hosts horror films on the Kings of Horror YouTube channel, which boasts over one million subscribers.

While setting up his programming here in Tennessee, he was approached by friend and filmmaker Jack Rourke towards the end of 2024 to contribute to his science fiction analogy book Universe In Flux. Along with several writers, Taylor was asked to write a short story with the loose prompt of reality being warped. Taylor drew inspiration from his favorite writers Rod Serling, Ray Bradbury, and Richard Matheson to pen a story that fuses science fiction pulp with a  surprisingly uplifting message.

Taylor’s story is called “Commander Danvers”, whose protagonist is an aging actor type cast in a role that made him a household name. The franchise has long run its course in terms of original ideas, and he desperately wants something else. While on set, he is abducted by a spaceship that looks eerily similar to a craft from one of his films. He is transported to the future, where he learns that his films have gone on to inspire generations of space fighters, but their latest nemesis is so powerful that they needed to go back in time to bring their hero with them to fight it. The only problem is…don’t they realize that they have pinned the fate of the future on an actor who played the hero they think he is?

Universe In Flux is available for purchase on paperback and Kindle through Amazon. You can follow Taylor directly on social media for updates on the book and upcoming Drahoon events via @countdrahoon.

Deborah-Zenha Adams’s chapbook, Instars, is out from Dancing Girl Press. Deborah worked with Fred Arroyo as a mentor through MTSU Write; and she is an award-winning author of novels, short fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry, and served as executive editor of Oconee Spirit Press for ten years. You are invited to visit her website to read samples of her work: www.Deborah-Adams.com.

Former Murfreesboro poet laureate Cameron L. Mitchell had a new book release in September: Breaking the Block! If you attended the Poetry in the Boro event a few weeks ago, you got to hear a sampling of some of the poetry from this collection, but there’s more to it than just that: this is part poetry, part workbook, and part audio. It’s a great read! Click the image to get your copy!

Poetry in the Boro regular Raegan Lichtenwalter has a HUGE win, with her first ever publication! Her poem “Zest” was published recently in Élan Literary Magazine. You can read it here!

And MTSU Write-r Angela Joynes, who also worked with Fred Arroyo, has a new flash fiction piece out at Bright Flash Literary Journal: Read “I’ll Know It When I Smell It” here!

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Phew! If that doesn’t keep you busy in October, I don’t know what will … except all the football and campfires and Halloween and fall break and— We’ll see you next month. As always, be sure to check in with local libraries and bookstores to see what they’ve got going on, and email me at taffetachimewrites@gmail.com with any upcoming events, news, celebrations, or whatever else you’d like to be on here! Thanks!!

Banner image courtesy of @sunnymorgan