The University of South Florida in St. Pete celebrates its students who are graduating with a creative writing certificate Monday, April 20, 6 to 9 p.m., at The Chattaway. Lynn Waddell, author of Fringe Florida, is the featured speaker. Student readers include Rachel Roth, Brendan Schlesinger and Amber Morical. This event is open to the public. Also, Waddell is currently raising money for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay. If she reaches her fundraising goal, she’ll rappel a St. Pete high-rise in costume Saturday, May 2. Donate to her cause here.
An eclectic group of individuals from the business, television, sports and cultural communities of the Suncoast will gather for "Poetic Life" — an evening of poetry and an examination of what it means to lead a poetic life, including a discussion of the danger of over-rationalization in our contemporary culture. Taking place on Wednesday, April 22, from 5:30 to 7 p.m., at the Harold and Kay Ronson Grand Atrium of the Sarasota Opera House, "Poetic Life" will feature readings in Italian and English by author and poet Piero Rivolta and arts critic Richard Storm, from Rivolta's collection of poetry, Just One Scent (The Rest is God). ABC 7's Wendy Ross; Michael's on East co-proprietor Michael Klauber; writer and poet Su Byron; and organist and co-founder of both Key Chorale and Gloria Musicale Dr. Ann Stephenson-Moe, will read poems they've personally selected from their favorite writers. Tennis legend Nick Bollettieri will close the readings with a few comments before re-introducing Rivolta and opening the floor for questions and discussion of the evening's themes. Presented as part of National Poetry Month, "Poetic Life," is free and open to the public.
Join author Peggy Macdonald for a discussion of her book Marjorie Harris Carr: Defender of Florida’s Environment Wednesday, April 22, 6 to 7 p.m., at the Tampa Bay History Center.
Emmy award-winning author Cathy Unruh launches her new book, The Lives They Choose, Thursday, April 23, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., at the Tampa Bay History Center. This book shares the compelling history of the struggles, setbacks and stunning achievements made by people with disabilities. This event is presented by the MacDonald Training Center and sponsor Shumaker Loop & Kendrick.
Greg Sestero, author of The Disaster Artist, visits Inkwood Books Friday, April 24, 5 to 7 p.m. Soon to be a major motion picture starring James Franco and Seth Rogen, The Disaster Artist is the hilarious and inspiring story of how a mysterious misfit got past every roadblock in the Hollywood system to achieve success on his own terms: a $6 million cinematic catastrophe called The Room. Contact Inkwood to reserve a book in advance. Happy hour with the author starts at 5 p.m.
The Paper Seahorse celebrates National Card, Letter & Poetry Writing Month by hosting a special day filled with classes and ending with a type-in and letter writing community social Saturday, April 25, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Classes include Creative Writing, Typewriter 101 and Introduction to Mail Art.
Have Her Campus co-founder and co-author Windsor Hanger Western sign your copy of The Her Campus Guide to College Life: How to Manage Relationships, Stay Safe and Healthy, Handle Stress, and Have the Best Years of Your Life at Barnes & Noble Dale Mabry Saturday, April 25, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Meet local writers as they showcase their latest published works at the Tarpon Springs Public Library’s Local Authors Day Monday, April 27, 1 to 5:15 p.m. Books will be available for purchase. Light refreshments will be served. Stop by the library for a copy of the event schedule. Call (727) 943-4922 for more information.
Author Sarah Gerard stops by the Largo Public Library to read from her debut novel Binary Star, which has been favorably reviewed by The New York Times, NPR and the LA Times, Thursday, April 30, 4 to 6 p.m. The reading will be followed by a reception. To get a signed copy of Binary Star, books must be purchased through Inkwood Books.
This article appears in Apr 9-15, 2015.