February Programs: Building A Practice

Events, workshops, and a few ways to stay engaged

Hi friends,

Before we get into this month’s programs, I wanted to drop a few links for folks who’ve been feeling angry/sad/helpless/depleted about what’s currently happening in Minneapolis, not to mention the rest of the country/world.

I saw this clip from Tressie McMillan Cottom the other day, and it was a good reminder that, perhaps counterintuitively, doing something (no matter how small) will make you feel less burned out than taking a step away or shielding yourself in the name of self-care.

So, some options: you can protest, or donate, or make a few phone calls, or join a local mutual aid group and plug into something already in-progress. Whatever it is, I hope you’re able to find some time to do what you can, and to say hello to your neighbors.

Now, onto our February programs—

In addition to our regular Drink ‘N Drafts, I’m excited to announce our first collab with Lit Club, a literary series run by Kelly Chervin that builds community around reading and a love of literature in all forms.

When Kelly and I met it was quickly clear we’d have to do something together—writing! reading! duh!—and now we are! Join us as we discuss the books that make us want to write, then write a few short pieces together.

I’m also offering a few more writing consultations this year, so if you’re working on a project (or want to get one off the ground) and are looking for feedback, line edits, structural advice, and more, send me a message! (One of the writers I work with, Liz McCrocklin, just wrote a post about working with me on her own Substack, if you’re interested in a first-hand account.)

Scroll to learn more about all our upcoming programs, and hope to see you soon!

—Josh

Events

We’re back at Book Club Bar with a new Stage Dive, where a trio of performers tell stories that the audience uses as their writing inspiration.

Stage Dive at Book Club Bar, East Village
Wednesday, February 4th from 8-10pm (RSVP)

Our first collab with Lit Club invites you to bring the books that inspire you to write, and then provides the prompts to put that inspiration into practice.

Quick Eternity, FiDi
Tuesday, February 17th from 6-8pm (RSVP)

We’re hosting three Drink ‘N Drafts around NYC in different locations—

Book Club Bar, East Village
Wednesday, February 18th from 8-10pm (RSVP)

Liz’s Book Bar, Cobble Hill
Tuesday, February 24th from 7-9pm (RSVP)

Anaïs, Boerum Hill
Wednesday, February 25th from 7-9pm (RSVP)

Workshops

In March I’ll be at the Center for Fiction for another round of Writing Without Thinking. This is half-day course of generative writing exercises, designed to jump-start the creative process and introduce new ways of thinking less and writing more.

I love running these exercises with new people and learning about everyone’s different approaches, and if it sounds like it’s of interest to you, come hang!

Center for Fiction, Fort Greene
Saturday, March 14th from 12-4:30pm