Cascade Writers Group
Kent District Library, Cascade Branch
July 9 and July 23, 7 p.m.
facebook.com/CascadeWritersGroup, (616) 784-2007
Many budding authors have the misconception that in order to be great, they need a cramped basement apartment in New York City, a typewriter and a bottle of good whiskey. Lisa McNeilley started the Cascade Writer’s Group seven years ago to dispel such myths by giving area writers a chance to utilize another, often under-appreciated resource: group feedback.
"We think of writers as working in isolation, but if you look at the acknowledgments of any published book, you'll see the names of the people [the author] consulted before they put their work out there,” she said. “Workshopping changes the way you see your own work and helps you to revise much more effectively."
Since its inception, the group has swelled in numbers to the point where prospective members are wait-listed until a spot is available. During sessions, which occur on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month, every member is given a chance to read his or her work aloud to the group.
"If you’re apprehensive about receiving feedback, direct it yourself,” McNeilley said. “Go to the group and say, 'I'm trying to work on my introduction, or my character development, or my dialogue.' You get what you want and you'll be more comfortable."
All genres and styles of writing are considered and writers of all skill levels are welcomed, provided they show a dedication to improving their own writing and a willingness to participate in the group dynamic.
"We try to look at each writer's goals for their own writing and provide feedback based on that,” McNeilley said. “Writers change as they get more experience, so we try to remain flexible."
This year, McNeilley and her fellow CWG board members used the success of their workshops as a vehicle for a larger project that aims to give talented writers around the country the exposure they deserve. As an official entry in the fifth installment of the immensely popular ArtPrize competition, Imagine This! An ArtPrize Anthology, intends to remind people of the artistic merit of writing.
“The written word is the fundamental building block of our civilization, yet with the advent of technology it's become a sort of background voice,” said CWG board member John Guertin. “We forget there's usually a brain somewhere behind it all.”
An open call yielded more than 200 submissions, but only 20 will make it into the anthology, which will be available at ArtPrize hubs, the ArtPrize e-store and various supporting businesses such as Schuler Books and the GRAM. The book will also feature images of notable artworks from ArtPrize history. Outside of a successful Kickstarter campaign, the project was made possible by invaluable contributions of time and money from the board members themselves.
OTHER LITERARY EVENTS
Book Signing with Kirk Cousins
Barnes and Noble, Holland
July 12, 7 p.m.
barnesandnoble.com, (616) 994-6015
You may remember Kirk Cousins for his remarkable play and leadership as a captain of the Michigan State University football team, but the current Washington Redskin also has a way with words. His new book, Game Changer, is written as a letter to his 15-year-old self and is full of great wisdom for young and old alike. Come hear Cousins speak at this free event, and while you’re there, pick up a signed copy of the book.
Bookbug Presents: Where’s Waldo Kalamazoo
City of Kalamazoo
Throughout July
bookbugkalamazoo.com, (269) 385-2847
Waldo figures will be well hidden in various Kalamazoo businesses around town, and the first 100 Waldo seekers to find them all are eligible for some very cool prizes, including a deluxe six-volume set of hardcover Where’s Waldo? books. There is no charge to participate, and it’s a great way to have fun while supporting local businesses.
Talking to Rock Stars: Music Journalism
Grand Rapids Public Library
July 15, 7 p.m.
grpl.org, (616) 988-5400
Music journalism may be the coolest form of literature on the planet, yet most of us only get to talk to rock stars in our dreams. Luckily, the Grand Rapids Public Library is giving you a chance to hear the inside scoop on what’s it’s like to have conversations with famous musicians. Come hear local professionals Brian J. Bowe, Bill Holdship, John Sinkevics and REVUE’s own Lindsay Patton-Carson talk about how the profession has changed and what it’s like to be a music journalist in the 21st century.
