Starting August 10th, Mesa Arts Center is partnering with Creative Catalysts to present Wordplay Cafe open mic. The monthly event will start with a performance writing workshop then follow up with open mic performances, featured storytellers, spoken word artists and musicians. Volstead Public House on 105 W. Main St will host the workshops until the finale story slam on March 22nd at Mesa Arts Center. Find out more information and get the complete schedule here.
This is a platform for local community members to take their story and transform it into spoken word and performance art.
Phoenix
#ArtLitPhx: Historias del taller escritura creativa en español
This Friday our former student editor-in-chief, Ofelia Montelongo will be hosting the final Spanish creative writing class and workshop at Las Palabras book store. Ofelia created the group over the summer and this is the students’ chance to read the work that they have been working on. Las Palabras libraria is located at 1738 E Mcdowell and the reading starts at 7 PM. Click here for the Facebook event and more information.
#ArtLitPhx: Rachel Egboro “Telling the Whole Story”
On Saturday, August 12th Rachel Egboro will be conducting a two-hour introductory storytelling workshop. Rachel is the co-founder of thestoryline.org, a Phoenix storytelling collective. During the workshop, Rachel will give some simple steps to begin and develop a story for an audience. The workshop costs $25 and will be at the Changing Hands Phoenix location. You can find more information and buy tickets here.
#ArtLitPhx: Frida Khalo and Diego Rivera exhibition discussion
Sunday August 13, the Heard Museum will host a live exhibition discussion on their Frida Kahlo exhibition. This exhibition has already received a ton of praise, and this may be the only North American stop for the traveling exhibition. The discussion will be moderated by Claudia Mesch, professor of Art History at ASU. She will explore the contemporary influences of the two legendary figures. The event runs from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. and is included with museum admission to the Frida Kahlo exhibit.
#ArtLitPhx: Unsellable Inventories Launch
Friday July 28th, Phoenix Poetry Series presents their newest zine launch titled Unsellable Inventories. Editor Kat Hofland showcases emotions, experiences, thoughts, beliefs, and more through the power of lists. There will be readings throughout the evening, featuring an array of local writers, Tucson writers, and a few from far-away places. The event will be at Fillmore Coffee Co from 6 to 8 p.m. Click here for the Facebook event. 
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#ArtLitPhx: Four Chambers Press call for full-length manuscripts
Local literary publisher, Four Chambers Press is now accepting full-length manuscript submissions in poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction through July 31st, 2017. Poetry should be between 60 and 160 pgs; prose should be between 30k and 80k words. For full guidelines, visit our website at http://fourchamberspress.com/submit.
From their press release: Four Chambers Press, an independent community press based in Phoenix, AZ is now accepting full-length manuscript submissions in poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, hybrid, and all other forms of contemporary literature through Monday, July 31st, 2017. We also pun frequently on the idea of being a heart. Namely: that we’re lovable; somewhat cheeky; an occasional flirt. But we also take the responsibility of literature and book publishing very seriously. We will bleed for this if we have to. Our hearts beat for this. We don’t care where you come from or what you do. We’re interested in building something that’s going to outlast us. We want to feel something together. We’re interested in you. Writers of all backgrounds and skill levels are encouraged to submit. No fees.
#ArtLitPhx: Author’s visit with Paul Mosier
On Saturday June 24th, from 2 to 3PM, the Mesquite Public Library will host local author Paul Mosier. Paul will discuss his newest book, Train I Ride. The book will be available to purchase, and he will speak about his writing process. This is a free event and you can find out more information at the Phoenix Public Library website here.
#ArtLitPhx: Changing Hands presents Ahmad Daniels, M.Ed.: From Queens to Quantico: A United States Marine’s Story
On Friday June 30th at 7PM, Changing Hands will host PFC Ahmad Daniels as he speaks about his new book, From Queens to Quantico: A United States Marine’s Story. The speaker speaks of his idyllic life in Queens, New York and his time in the marine corps. Ahmad’s story explores, first hand, the racial tensions of the 60’s.
The event will be held at the Changing Hands Tempe location at 6428 S McClintock Dr, Tempe, AZ 85283. Find out more information here.
#ArtLitPhx: Changing Hands Presents Nora McInerny Purmort
On Thursday June 29th at 7PM Changing Hands Phoenix will host Nora Mclnerny Purmort to discuss her new memoir, It’s Okay to Laugh (Crying Is Cool Too). Nora is the Gracie-award winning host of the podcast, Terrible, Thanks for Asking. Her memoir follows her husband Aaron’s battle with cancer, and Nora’s views on mortality and resilience.
Find out more about the event here. Changing hands Phoenix is located at 300 W Camelback, Phoenix, AZ 85013.
#ArtLitPhx: Changing Hands presents Paul Brinkley-Rogers
On Wednesday June 14th at 7PM, Changing Hands Phoenix will be hosting Paul Brinkley-Rogers as he discusses his new memoir, Please Enjoy Your Happiness. The memoir focuses on his time in 1959 when he had a love affair with an older Japanese woman while serving aboard a US Navy vessel outside of Yokusaka. Paul is a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and veteran war correspondent that worked for many years in Asia, covering the war in Vietnam and Camboadia for Newsweek.
Find out more about the event at Changing Hands’ Phoenix location (300 W Camelback Phoenix, AZ 85013) here.