"The summer night is like a perfection of thought"—Wallace Stevens
Celebrating Western PA Publishers, Podcasting Poets, Sci-Fi Submissions, Lit Fests, Library Expansions, Appalachian Romances, Events with Local and Visiting Authors... and more!
The quote we almost used in the subject line: "Summer afternoon—to me, those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language." - Henry James
Wallace Stevens won out in a squeaker… but either way, we’ve been thinking a lot about long summer days as we inch toward the ten-year anniversary of Littsburgh, an idea that was born after a poetry event—was it with Scott Silsbe and Weird Paul?—over a round of pierogis and $1 radlers at Bloomfield Bridge Tavern in August 2015.
And all these years later? We’re still ending our emails the same way:
We’ve just added a ton of new literary events to our calendar!
Be sure to scroll down for updates about a new lit fest (“A Gathering of Western PA Publishers”), poetry podcast pitches, library expansions, a new sci-fi zine (now accepting submissions!), Appalachian Romances, and more…
Cool summer nights and poetry readings,
The Littsburgh Crew
P.S. Thanks to everyone who’s pledged their support and donated to Littsburgh—and whether or not you’re able to donate, we always appreciate your support!
Scribble House Lit Fest: A Gathering of Western PA Publishers!
We’ve been a big fan of Scribble House since their first “Workshop Matchmaking” event (such a great idea)… and now they’re hosting their very own literary festival to highlight publishers in Western Pennsylvania!
We’re proud to be partnering with Scribble House to help spread the word… which is that the free Scribble House Lit Fest will take place at Spirit (in Lawrenceville) on November 17th, 2024 and registration is now open for attendees, presses, and journals.
Register now, tell your friends, and mark your calendars!
Featured Event: Caroline Carlson’s Virtual Book Launch for Wicked Marigold!
“Full of snappy humor, delightful wordplay, and quirky characters… this book is a whimsical exploration of belonging and sibling relationships. A witty and engaging anti-fairy-tale adventure.”—Kirkus Reviews
“It's our pleasure to welcome back children's book authors Caroline Carlson & (Littsburgh’s) Nick Courage, this time to celebrate the release of Caroline's latest book, Wicked Marigold. The pair will join us in a virtual conversation via Zoom, and answer questions from the audience. This event is free and advance registration is required…”
(Caroline will also be stopping by Penguin Bookshop on Saturday, July 20th at 12:00p.m. to sign copies of Wicked Marigold).
Start Reading Wildcat: An Appalachian Romance by Jeffrey Dunn!
“Lost love. Industrial catastrophe. Can it all be redeemed?
A retired English teacher returns to his Appalachian roots, lured back to the once-shuttered Hotel Wildcat, now revitalized as a collective endeavor. As he ventures through this transformed community, a new world unfolds before his eyes. The former mine, once a symbol of tragedy, now thrives as a flourishing mushroom farm. The dairy emerges as a purveyor of wholesome organic milk products, while the mill stands as a vibrant hub for sustainable and artisanal creations.
Yet amidst this promising rebirth, Wildcat’s ominous history remains inescapable—the haunting era of closures and explosions…”
Don’t miss out: The Pittsburgh launch for Wildcat: An Appalachian Romance will be at White Whale on Friday, August 2nd and will feature readings by Jeffrey Dunn, Don Wentworth, Joan Bauer, and Kristofer Collins!
Pittsburgh’s International Poetry Forum Launches Short-Form Poetry Podcast (Now Accepting Pitches)!
“Pittsburgh’s International Poetry Forum launches The Greatest Lines of All Time, a short-form podcast dedicated to exploring one great line of poetry per episode—participation is open to local writers, educators, artists, and other admirers of poetry and Pittsburgh…”
New Pittsburgh Sci-Fi / Fantasy Zine: Baubles From Bones!
“We’re excited to help spread the word about Baubles From Bones, ‘a new, independent, Pittsburgh-based sci-fi/fantasy zine that publishes aspiring and emerging authors in the genre’ (currently accepting submissions)!”
Introducing: Cooper-Siegel Community Library 2.0!
“‘Today we celebrated the start of the public portion of the Cooper-Siegel Community Library 2.0 Capital Campaign,’ said Community Library Association Board Advisor, Jim Mitnick. ‘This endeavor will see the completion of more than six thousand square feet of space on the library’s lower level.’
Guests were provided with safety gear and a sledgehammer and those interested were invited to take a swing at a wall being demolished as part of the expansion…”
Q&A: Susan Helene Gottfried (Author of Saving Sima)!
“But the main focus of the grant went toward the purchase of a tent […] that a rotating group of local authors and I will be bringing to farmers’ markets and craft shows and whatever else we can find who’s willing to host a group of writers who want to sell their books. Look for the West of Mars tent and stop in and say hi and see who else is accompanying me on any particular day…”
Don’t sleep on literary Pittsburgh - visit our literary events calendar!
Start Reading Out of the Fire by B. A. Collela…
He’s tried several occupations in the fifteen years since he graduated from college, but this one is his biggest gamble yet. He’s been accepted to the firefighting training program at Reynolds International Airport in Central Pennsylvania. This means uprooting not only himself, but his wife, Lisa.
Once there, though, Tony finds it’s not the perfect fit he’d hoped for. The physicality humbles him, and he struggles, both with his skills and with the other firefighters in his platoon…”
Pittsburgh Arts & Lectures Announces 2024/25 Season!
Q&A: Ed Simon (Author of The Soul of Pittsburgh: Essays on Life, Community and History)!
Q&A: Anna Monardo (Pittsburgh-raised author of After Italy: A Family Memoir of Arranged Marriage)!
Celebrate Pittsburgh’s Own Mal Goode, Network News’ First Black Correspondent!
Q&A: Sharon Dilworth (Pittsburgh author of To Be Marquette) with Jen Bannan!
Start Reading Slime Line by Jake Maynard!