Cambridge Common Writers

Reading with Michael Lowenthal
2026-02-12 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Riffraff Bookstore, 60 Valley Street, Providence, Rhode Island, 02909, United States
Join Michael Lowenthal as he reads from, Place Envy. Hester Kaplan will join Lowenthal in conversation.

Bookelicious Presents Tracey Baptiste
2026-02-12 13:30 - 14:30 (America/New_York) | Online Zoom Event
Bookelicious Presents features live, interactive classroom events with celebrated authors and illustrators, books for your students, and a student activity guide. Join this event with Tracey Baptiste (WFYP, Mentor)! Recommended for Grades 4-6. Last day to sign-up is February 10th.

Tracey Baptiste is the New York Times bestselling author of twenty-one books and several short stories for children. She writes fiction and nonfiction picture books, middle grade, young adult, and graphic novels. She is best known for the horror adventure Jumbies series and Minecraft: The Crash. Tracey can be found online at traceybaptiste.com and on Instagram: @traceybaptistewrites.

Author Talk with Michael Lowenthal
2026-02-11 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Porter Square Books, 1815 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 02140, United States
Join Michael Lowenthal at Porter Square Books for the release of Place Envy. Jennifer Haigh will join Lowenthal in conversation.

Growing up in places where his family had no past, and met mostly by silence from his Holocaust-refugee grandparents, Michael Lowenthal longed to be from somewhere. Then he realized he was gay and felt displaced from his own displaced family. Place Envy—his first book of essays after five acclaimed books of fiction—chronicles his quest for orientation in the world.

Book Launch with Cynthia Platt
2026-02-07 15:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Whitelam Books, 610 Main Street, Reading, Massachusetts, 01867, United States
Join Cynthia Platt for the book launch of her new children’s book at Whitelam Books!

Self-Care for Writers with Deanna Richards
2026-02-07 11:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York)
Fiction or non-fiction, the excavation process of writing can trigger past traumas, reopen old wounds, and just be downright exhausting. In this workshop, you’ll discover how to:

Recognize the signs that writing is taking a toll

Learn techniques to stay present and safe

Develop strategies to process difficult material without burning out

You’ll walk away with practical tools to care for yourself while doing meaningful work—so you can keep writing without sacrificing your wellbeing.

Open to writers of all levels.

Note: This is an experiential workshop. Participants are encouraged to bring special items, wear cozy clothes, light a candle.

Storytime Reading with Mikki Knudsen
2026-02-01 11:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Spiral Books NYC, 147 Sullivan St, New York, New York, 10012, United States
Join Mikki Knudsen at Spirial Books for a storytime reading of her award-winning picture book, Library Lion.

A Tactical Toolbox for Edits & Revision with Michael Mecurio
2026-01-24 13:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
This class will focus on focused revision at the level of language. It’s not about plot or form or structure, but rather about the constituent elements that make up sentences or lines. Students will be offered tactics to employ in the service of sharpening their prose or poems, in strengthening their syntax, and in surprising their readers (and themselves!) There will be resources shared in class for students to take home; nothing will be sent in advance. Students will be asked to bring a short piece of writing that they would like to revise, e.g., 500 words of prose or 1 poem (20 lines or fewer).

Writing For Healing with Amy Asherah
2026-01-22 19:00 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | Moorse Institute Library, 14 E Central St, Natick, Massachusetts, 01760, United States
Join poet, writer, and writing instructor Amy Asherah (Nonfiction, January 2023) in this writing workshop, where we will explore the ways our bodies hold onto trauma and how expressing ourselves through writing can help us heal. Sharing your writing with the group is encouraged but not required.

Amy Asherah has used writing as a way of healing for over 30 years, and studied Writing as a Therapeutic Modality at Lesley University, where she received an MFA. Her work has been published in Modern Love (NY Times), Boulevard, CALYX Journal, and other places. She completed two apprenticeships in herbal medicine and co-founded the Common Street Spiritual Center in Natick, MA.

2nd Thursday Poetry Reading with Eileen Cleary & Robbie Gamble
2026-01-08 19:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Menino Arts Center, 26 Central Avenue, Hyde Park, Massachusetts, 02136, United States
Eileen Cleary (Poetry, June 2016) and Robbie Gamble (Poetry/Nonfiction, January 2017/June 2020) are featured readers at MAC. All readings are free and open to the public with an Open Mic before the featured speakers. Space is limited at the Open Mic, signup starts at 645 pm the night of the reading.

Meet & Greet: Michelle Knudsen
2025-12-14 12:30 - 14:30 (America/New_York) | Barrett Bookstore, 5 Corbin Drive, Darien, Connecticut, 06820, United States
Michelle Knudsen (WFYP, MFA Writing Faculty) will be at Barrett Bookstore to sign copies of her newest middle grade book, Into The Wild Magic. Meet Michelle and have some of her books signed for you!

Poetry Reading with KB Ballentine
2025-12-11 18:00 - 19:00 (America/New_York) | Neighborly Books, 106 East Broadway Avenue, Maryville, Tennessee, 37804, United States
Join us KB Ballentine (Poetry, June 2007), along with three local poets, for a cozy evening of poetry & conversations at Neighborly Books.

Book Signing with Kristin Offiler
2025-12-03 16:00 - 19:00 (America/New_York) | Martin House Books, 10 Canal St., Westerly, Rhode Island, 02891, United States
Join Kristin Offiler (Fiction, January 2011) in beautiful, downtown Westerly for the 28th Annual Holiday Stroll! Kristin will be on hand to sign/personalize her new book, The Housewarming, starting at 5 pm.

Lesley Alumni Book Club
2025-12-02 17:00 - 19:00 (America/New_York) | Online Zoom Event
Join us as we discuss Break This House, written by Leslely alum, Candice Iloh (WFYP, June 2017). This monthly book club brings alumni together for meaningful conversations, community, and connection through shared reading.

Book Signing: Michelle Knudsen
2025-11-25 18:00 - 19:30 (America/New_York) | WORD, 126 Franklin St, Brooklyn, New York, 11222, United States
Michelle Knudsen (WFYP, MFA Writing Faculty) will be at WORD bookstore in Brooklyn for a reading and book signing of Curseed Princess Club.

Author Talk with Jason Reynolds
2025-11-23 16:00 - 18:00 (America/New_York) | Planet Word Museum | Friedman Family Auditorium, 925 13th St., NW, Washington D.C., District of Columbia, 20005, United States
Join Planet Word for a thought-provoking conversation between #1 New York Times bestselling author Jason Reynolds and Dr. LaCharles Ward from the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC). Together, they’ll explore the art of visual storytelling as a lens for understanding Black history and culture and how both words and images can shape narratives in consequential ways, especially in the age of AI and deep fakes.

Conversation and Q&A will be followed by a Meet & Greet with light bites.

2025 Emerging Playwright Competition with Patricia Lynn
2025-11-22 19:00 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | Phillips Mill Community Association, 2619 River Road, New Hope, Pennsylvania, 18938, United States
Join Patricia Lynn (WSS, June 2023) for a reading and moderated talkback of her winning play, The Untitled Spinster, at the 2025 Emerging Playwright Competition’s reading of plays.

Virtual Screening of "Nothing Solid" with Sharisse Zeroonian
2025-11-22 18:00 - 19:30 (America/New_York) | Online Event
Join director Sharisse Zeroonian (WSS, January 2024) for a screening and discussion of “Nothing Solid”, the world’s first and (so far) only movie about CVS.

NOTE: Recommended for ages 16+

Sip and Read: Celeste Mohammad
2025-11-22 16:30 - 18:30 (America/Port_of_Spain) | Scribbles and Quills, 6 Gaston Street, Lange Park, Chaguanas, Trinidad and Tobago
Enjoy an evening of readings and conversation with award-winning author Celeste Mohammed (Fiction, June 2016) for a special Sip & Read event featuring her latest work, Ever Since We Small.Sip, nibble, relax: the ambiance will be cozy, warm, and literary.

2025 NCTE Conference with Jasmine Warga
2025-11-21 12:30 - 13:45 (America/Denver) | Colorado Convention Center, 700 14th Street, Denver, Colorado, 80202, United States
Join Jasmine Warga (WFYP, June 2013) at the 2025 NCTE Annual Convention for her workshop: Memory Dreaming, Memory Keeping: Collecting, Creating, and Keeping Memories with the Young Folks in Our Lives. This workshop will explore the ways we can better understand ourselves, the students we serve, and the legacies we create by holding dear our memories and elevating our dreams—the good, the bad; the hopeful, the nostalgic. In this session, authors and educators will share ways we collect and keep memories with young people in classrooms across the country.

Poetry Reading with Andrea Ballou
2025-11-16 19:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Boston University, 775 Commonwealth Ave, Boston, Massachusetts, 02215, United States
Join Andrea Ballou (Poetry, June 2015) for a poetry reading at Boston University. Open Mic to follow.

Author Discussion with Tracey Baptiste
2025-11-15 11:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library – Central Library, 901 G St NW,, Washington, District of Columbia, 20001, United States
DC Public Library partners with The Brown Bookshelf tour to host a family-focused panel discussion and live reading from four renowned children’s literature authors, featuring Tracey Baptiste. She will read excerpts from her books and lead a discussion on how she crafts engaging books with diverse topics.

Young Adult Author Symposium (YAAS) with Kate Fussner
2025-11-15 09:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | Concord-Carlisle High School, 500 Walden Street, Concord, Massachusetts, 01742, United States
Do you like to read, write, or draw? Register for this year’s Young Adult Author Symposium (YAAS)! Meet 20 authors and illustrators, including Kate Fussner (WFYP, June 2021), hear about how they created their books, and learn how you can write or draw your own! The Silver Unicorn Bookstore will be on hand selling books. Pizza and baked goods will also be available to purchase.

Evil Librarian: A New Musical with Michelle Knudsen
2025-11-14 20:00 - 2025-11-15 22:00 (America/New_York) | New Spire Arts, 15 W Patrick St, Frederick, Maryland, 21701, United States
Based on the bestselling YA novel series by Michelle Knudsen, Evil Librarian: A New Musical brings supernatural teen romance to the stage with a clever pop-rock score and laugh-out-loud twists. Developed by the Landless Theatre Company, this fresh musical adventure is perfect for fans of Wicked, Mean Girls, and Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

New York Times best-selling author, Michelle Knudsen will be in-person for the Saturday evening performance of this show for a free book-signing and meet-and-greet opportunity! Books will be available for purchase.

Friday November 14 and Saturday November 15, 2025 | 8:00 PM

Sunday November 16, 2025 | 2:00 PM

The Goldilocks Strategy: Getting Our Relationship with Bears and Lions Just Right with Tony Eprile and Megan Walla-Murphy
2025-11-13 19:00 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | Online Event
Join South African novelist and photographer Tony Eprile (Fiction, MFA Writing Faculty) from his home in Vermont in conversation with CLAWS Botswana director, Dr. Andrew Stein, and biologist/tracker, Meghan Walla-Murphy (Nonfiction Alum), as they share their adventures and insights from working with animals such as lions and black bears. Learn first hand from researchers working with dangerous predators and communities that live alongside them how they are using a combination of new technology and indigenous wisdom to coexist.

Tony Eprile is a South African novelist and photographer who lives in Vermont. His novel, “The Persistence of Memory,” was a New York Times Notable Book of the Year.

Dr. Andrew Stein has spent over two decades studying human–carnivore conflict across Africa, working with African wild dogs, lions, leopards, and hyenas in Kenya, Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa.

For over 25 years, Meghan Walla-Murphy has had the good fortune of combining her passions of wildlife, ecology, and indigenous knowledge into work of conservation, advocacy, and outreach.

Coach Book Launch: Jason Reynolds in conversation with D. Watkins
2025-11-13 18:30 - 19:30 (America/New_York) | Gilman School Auditorium, 5407 Roland Ave, Baltimore, Maryland, 21210, United States
Join Charm City Books and Gilman School in celebrating the launch of Coach with bestselling author Jason Reynolds (WFYP, MFA Writing Faculty)!

The evening will be filled with stories and insightful conversations between Jason and bestselling author, our homegrown D. Watkins. Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to participate in the conversation between two earth-shaking artists speaking to our hearts, minds and imaginations.

In this companion to Jason Reynolds’s award-winning and New York Times bestselling Track series, meet Coach as a boy striving to come into his own as a track star while facing upheaval at home.

Before Coach was the man who gave caring yet firm-handed guidance to Ghost, Lu, Patina, and Sunny on the Defenders track team, he was little Otie Brody, who was obsessed with Mr. 9.99 (a.k.a. Carl Lewis) and Marty McFly from Back to the Future. Like Mr. 9.99—and his own dad—Otie is a sprinter. Sprint free or die is practically his motto. Then his dad, who is always away on business trips, comes home with a pair of Jordans. JORDANS. Fine as fine can be. Otie puts them on and feels like he can leap to the moon…maybe even leap like Mr. 9.99 when he won the Olympic gold medal in the long jump.

But one morning he wakes up to find his brand-new secret weapon kicks are missing—right off his feet! And Otie just might have a fuzzy memory of his dad easing them off as Otie was sleeping, but that can’t be right, can it?

Unless all the reasons for his dad’s “gone’s” are very different from what he’s been told… Because now, not only are the Jordans missing, but so is his father.

Experiments & Disorders: Readings with L Scully, Patricia Spears Jones, and Heather Lynn Johnson
2025-11-11 19:30 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | Dixon Place, 161A Chrystie Street, New York, New York, 10002, United States
Curated by Tom Cole & Christen Clifford, this event features fiction, nonfiction, poetry & performance texts by the most adventurous, cross-genre established & emerging writers. Featured authors include L Scully (Nonfiction, January 2023), Patricia Spears Jones, and Heather Lynn Johnson.

L Scully is a living writer. They are, first and foremost, a lover.

Patricia Spears Jones is an African American poet, anthologist and cultural activist who received the 2017 Jackson Poetry Prize and was appointed The New York State Poet (23-25). She is author of The Beloved Community and ten other collections, and two plays commissioned and produced by Mabou Mines. She edited THINK: Poems for Aretha Franklin Inauguration Day Hat and Ordinary Women: An Anthology of New York City Women Poets. She serves on the board of The Poetry Project, is founder/of the American Poets Congress, is a Senior Fellow Emeritus for the Black Earth Institute and received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from Hartwick College.

Heather Lynn Johnson (she, they) is an artist and poet living in Brooklyn whose work is characterized by its lyricism and cultural critique. Heather’s formal approach to the narrative, whether visual or poetic, is distinguished by her willingness to lay bare her own existence. Centered around queer and Black American liberation and culture, with an emphasis on outsiders, rebels and lost histories, Heather uses an autobiographical framework and considers their work imbued by their lived experience as a butch Black lesbian. Heather has published poems in the Panorama Journal of the Association of Historians of American Art, Pique Magazine, Pine Magazine, and Facility Magazine. Heather was a co-curator for Queer|Art|Film from 2020-23, the 2019 Leslie-Lohman Museum Fellow, and the 2017 Literary Fellow for Queer|Art|Mentorship. She is also the author of “The Survival Guide For Queer Black Youth” (Inpatient Press, 2017) and received an MFA with honors from the Rhode Island School of Design.

Andrea Wang & Lauren H. Kerstein In Conversation at Boulder Bookstore
2025-11-09 11:30 - 12:30 (America/Denver) | Boulder Bookstore, 1107 Pearl St, Boulder, Colorado, 80302, United States
Andrea Wang (WFYP, June 2011) and Lauren H. Kerstein will speak about and sign their new books, Worthy: The Brave and Capable Life of Joseph Pierce, and Hope Rode at Boulder Bookstore. This is a FREE kid’s event, but registration is required.

About Worthy:Worthy is the true story of a man of indomitable spirit. In the mid-nineteenth century, an impoverished father from Canton, China, sold his young son to an American sea captain, Amos Peck. The boy, dubbed “Joe,” worked on the ship for months, not knowing if his fate was to do so forever. Or would he be sold again? When the ship returned to America, Captain Peck brought the young boy to his family, who raised him with the other children. Joe Pierce grew, gave distinguished service in the Union Army, married, had children and ultimately became an American citizen–all at a time when anti-Chinese prejudice was rampant.

About Hope Rode:Following the Great Depression, literacy rates in the country had dwindled, and education and opportunities were harder to come by, especially in areas like rural Appalachia. But still, there was a dream: a vision of a nation in which reading was accessible to all—even those in the most remote places.

The Packhorse Library project of the 1930s and 1940s called upon Kentucky women to make that vision a reality and rise to the difficult and demanding job of delivering books on horseback. The Packhorse librarians were brave, steadfast, and resilient. For years, the women endured rough terrain, harsh conditions, and exhaustion. And with each book delivered and reading lesson taught, the librarians ushered in a new era for Kentuckians.

Hope Rode tells the true story of the strength, courage, and conviction of the Packhorse librarians.

2025 MAVA Conference with Stephanie Williing
2025-11-09 10:00 - 11:30 (America/New_York) | Westin Dulles Hotel, 2520 Wasser Terrace, Herndon, Virginia, 20171, United States
Join Stephanie Willing (WFYP, June 2017) at the Mid Atlantic Voice Over Conference. Stephanie will lead the breakout session: Audiobooks: By the Book: Performances grounded in genre, rooted in text, inspired by you.

In this session, participants will discuss audiobook auditions and listen to brief examples from master narrators in key genres, identify their choices, and then work on excerpts. Attendees will have the opportunity to read and receive feedback from an excerpt of their choice. Options will be provided before the session.

PoemWorks Series: Poetry Reading with Rex Arrasmith and Karen Sharpe
2025-11-07 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Online Zoom Event
Join Rex Arrasmith (Fiction/Poetry, January 2018/June 2020) and Karen Sharpe for an evening of poetry reading and open mic with the online PoemWorks series.

Author Talk: Hester Kaplan at Odyssey Bookshop
2025-11-06 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | The Odyssey Bookshop, 9 College St, South Hadley, Massachusetts, 01075, United States
Join Hester Kaplan (Fiction, MFA Writing Faculty) at Odyssey Bookshop as she talks about her new memoir, Twice Born: Finding My Father. She will be joined in conversation by Celia Jeffries.

Doors open at 6:30pm

A deeply reflective memoir weaving together the personal story of Hester Kaplan’s acclaimed biographer father and his fraught effect on her artistic development with a rich portrait of twentieth century intellectual life and a meditation on family intimacy, identity, and the art of writing
