By Brian Dunlap
During this time of social distancing, many writers in the L.Á. literary community are holding virtual events from workshops to open mics to readings and book clubs in an effort to keep us all connected to each other and our humansess. Below is one such event, hosted by Long Beach poet Nancy Lynée Woo. Continue reading “Breathe. Write. Share. Virtual Poetry Workshop.”
FROM: Kaya Press Facebook
Dear Friends,
We hope you and your loved ones are supported, and are able to cultivate laughter and a sense of ease during this challenging and precarious season. In order to reduce the chances of transmission of COVID-19, Kaya Press’ small team of staff and interns began working from home last week. Nevertheless, our commitment to literature, our authors, and our literary community remains unwavering.
By Brian Dunlap
We have seen over the last week, artists and musicians posting videos of them singing, performing or reading from their work or livestreaming their performances and readings. It’s a chance to keep people connected to each other during a time of isolation and sickness. It’s also a chance at self care, something to enjoy and take one’s mind off the worries and stress of the Coronavirus and all its effects.
By Brian Dunlap
Poets and book lovers braved L.A.’s rush hour traffic. It was a Thursday. February 27th. The destination was Diehl Marcus & Company in Hollywood, a Curio Dealer and Event Space of finely curated antiques, home decor and accessories from around the world. The crowd arrived for Ingrid M. Calderon-Collins’ release party for her poetic memoir Let The Buzzards Eat Me Whole.
By Brian Dunlap
Local press Jamii Publishing will release the Women Who Submit (WWS) anthology Accolades edited by Rachael Warecki and Tisha Marie Reichle-Aguilera. They will debut the book at the Association of Writers and Writing Programs Conference in San Antonio.
Continue reading “Local Publisher Jamii Publishing to Release Anthology “Accolades””
By Staff Report
FROM: Signal Tribune
The new Long Beach Youth Poet Laureate (LBYPL) program is being formed by The Long Beach Public Library and the Arts Council for Long Beach in order to provide local kids with literary arts, civic engagement and performance opportunities.
Continue reading “Applications Starting For New Long Beach Youth Poet Laureate Program”
by Brian Dunlap
DJ spinned records. Conversations rose and intermingled in the air. “be/trouble” by bridgette bianca rested on a card table near Writ Large Press’ Peter Woods. The lady of the evening, professor and poet bridgette bianca stood, by the entrance greeting attendees as they arrived. Some already found this night so necessary, they needed their book signed before the evening began.
Continue reading “The Release of “be/trouble” by bridgette bianca”
By Melissa Ximena Golebiowski
FROM: Lit Hub
The door of Los Angeles’ newest bookstore is propped open on a quiet section of Hollywood Boulevard, the front window displaying books on a handmade wooden bookshelf. Inside the front room, you’ll find more books and merchandise below a neon light thought bubble and a sign that reads, “I still haven’t figured out all the people I am.” The staff is friendly, warm and eager to listen. In the back room, separated by curtains, art hangs on the yellow walls. The large space is waiting to be used by Not a Cult, an independent publisher turned bookstore.
By Steve Salvidar
FROM: Los Angeles Times
Author and former Los Angeles poet laureate Luis J. Rodriguez says he’s been visiting California’s prisons for more than 40 years since leaving his own gang youth behind and losing 25 friends to drugs and street violence.
Continue reading “Luis J. Rodriguez On Changing Lives Through Poetry”
By Patrick J. Kiger
FROM: L.A. Times
Most mornings, poet, memoirist and essayist Luis J. Rodriguez gets up around 5 a.m. at his San Fernando Valley home, reads for a few minutes for inspiration and then quickly goes to his computer to start writing. “I read, and then it’s, hey, man, I’ve got to do something!” he says. “If I can get a couple of hours in the morning, then I’m happy.”
Continue reading “Why Luis J. Rodriguez is Perpetually on the Run”
Los Angeles Literature 