One of my favorite things about Tennessee is the four distinct seasons we have. And, wow, summer was awful with this heat dome business. But in this last bit of September, it’s like someone flipped a switch, and I am SO EXCITED for October! Pull out your scarves, boots, sweaters, warm drinks, and BOOKS! And join us at any (or, hey, all) of these literary events happening this month!
Upcoming Events
Thursday, October 1st, 4:30-5:45 PM, at the Tom Jackson Building at MTSU (Murfreesboro): In Process Special Event for National Hispanic Heritage Month, featuring William Archila and Lory Bedikian
There are plenty of In Process events happening this month, starting with this special event to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month! Dr. Fred Arroyo will be interviewing these two Hispanic writers about their work, which will be available for purchase and signing at the event. Click the image for more info!
Saturday, October 3rd, 11 AM-1 PM, at Linebaugh Library (105 W Vine St, Murfreesboro): Amy C. Shaw Author Event
Come visit local author (and friend of mine!) Amy Shaw, who will be selling and signing copies of her YA book Love, Sax, and All that Jazz from Elk Lake Publishing. Click the image for more info.
Saturday, October 3rd, at The Grand Exchange (21 S Public Sq, Murfreesboro): Twilight Day
Twilight seems to be the TGE staff’s favorite, so they’re having a day to celebrate the series! Trivia is at 5:45, and a movie showing is at 8 PM—but there will be Twilight-themed activities all day! Bring your body glitter and your broody self and have some fun! Click above for more info.
Thursday, October 8th, 4:30-5:45, at the Sam Ingram Building at MTSU (2269 Middle Tennessee Blvd, Murfreesboro): In Process Open Mic and Cafe
Every semester, In Process makes sure to make time for students, staff, anyone else to share their work! Come listen to some pieces of writing or share some of your own! The event is free and open to the public!
Sunday, October 11th, 3-5 PM, at Dapper Owl Coffee Pub (2412 E Main St, Murfreesboro): Writers Mingle
Every month, we have this get-together with writers of all kinds to chat, inspire, and grow, no matter what you write, how much you’ve published, or how long you’ve been writing. Our guest hosts will be Lindsey Underwood Moers and Erica A., the organizers of the recently announced Middle Tennessee Book Fest. Come out and learn about the opportunities they have planned for writers and readers! Click above for more info!
Thursday, October 15th, 4:30-5:45 PM, at the Sam Ingram Building at MTSU: In Process featuring Tom C. Hunley
Tom C. Hunley will be an interesting one to hear from during this In Process lecture; he is a multigenre writer with experience in film, poetry, novels, and more! Come to this free, open-to-the-public event to learn more!
Saturday, October 17th, 12-1 PM, at Southern Festival of Books (Nashville): The Poetry in the Boro Anthology Reading
Okay, yes, it’s Nashville, but it’s SOFEST time, babyyyy!! Not only is this an event that you should absolutely go to, but this year is special: Poetry in the Boro is going to have a featured time to read from the ten-year celebratory anthology, A Place for All Voices! The exact location is TBA (we expect to be on one of the outdoor stages, under a tent), and we’re open to contributors interested in reading their work from the anthology. If that’s you, send an email to poetryintheboro@gmail.com. We’ll see you there!
Saturday, October 24th, 10 AM-1 PM, at Smyrna Public Library (400 Enon Springs Rd, Smyrna): Friends of Smyrna Library Local Author Fair
There are SO many awesome people in this lineup of authors featured in the FOSL Local Author Fair! I went last year, and it was such a great time! Come say hi to these authors, buy some signed copies of some books, get some swag, make some friends, and support your local library! Click the image for more info.
Sunday, October 25th, 6-8 PM, at Dapper Owl: Poetry in the Boro, Featuring Evelyn Berry
Another month, another poetry reading with PitB! This month’s featured poet is Evelyn Berry, and then we’ll hear from lots of local poets—maybe even you! Doors open at 5:30 PM, and there will be complimentary drip coffee and little nibbles. Click above for more info!
Thursday, October 29th, 4:30-5:45 PM, at the Sam Ingram Building at MTSU: In Process featuring Erin Byers Murray
The last In Process lecture of the month features Erin Byers Murray, a food writer and editor! It should be a good talk, and I’m glad free snacks will be available because I’m sure you’ll get hungry!
Thursday, October 29th, 6:30 PM, at Cedar Glade Brews (906 Ridgely Rd, Murfreesboro) - Brian Seadorf Book Release
After you leave In Process, head over to Cedar Glade to celebrate Brian’s new book of poetry, Brian Damage: Poems from a Stroke Survivor! Dorf (as we lovingly call him) is a PitB team member and open mic host, as well as a frequent contributor at our open mic. He is also the librarian at Blackman High School! And the release of his book is on World Stroke Day. Click above for more info!
On My Mind
We’re entering the final quarter of the year, which means you might be looking at finishing up some of your yearly writing or reading goals. Remember that 1) if you didn’t meet your goal, it doesn’t make you a failure. That’s like hammering your phone after you’ve dropped it! 2) A little progress is still progress. My personal reading/writing goal is just ten minutes a day, and you’d be surprised how much that adds up! Ten minutes of reading a day is over an hour of reading for a week! So if you’re needing to get a little fire put under you to meet your goals, just focus on little steps and cheering yourself up along the way. And remember that we’re all rooting for you!!
And I think that’ll do it for October! Remember to always check in with the library and bookstores closest to you to see if I’ve missed anything, and if you have any events you’d like for me to highlight in the future, make sure you email me at taffetachimewrites@gmail.com. See you next month!
Cover image courtesy of @jecka06
