The St. Joseph’s University Writing Series Continues…

…with a visit from poet, professor, and punk rocker, Gerry LaFemina.

gerry-lafemina

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tuesday, March 3 at 6:30 p.m. in the Foley Center

Please support the Writing Series!  It should be an entertaining evening.

Here is some information about Gerry from his website:

Gerry LaFemina believes poetry is the highest art form; believes everyone should rock out with a guitar at least once–even if they can’t play; believes teaching is a calling; believes the New York City subways are beautiful (even if they smell badly); believes in love, bigfoot and other mythic creatures; believes in the power of a good meal, a good night’s sleep, good wine, etc; believes laughter is a type of prayer….

A graduate of Sarah Lawrence College, LaFemina holds an MFA in Poetry from Western Michigan University as well as an MA in Literature with an emphasis on Twentieth-century Literature from WMU. He has taught at Nazareth College, Kirtland Community College, West Virginia University, Wheeling Jesuit University and Sarah Lawrence College. He directs the Frostburg Center for Creative Writing at Frostburg State University, where he is an Associate Professor of English.

Gerry LaFemina’s poems have appeared in the American Poetry Review, Gettysburg Review, The Sun, North American Review, among other journals, and in various anthologies including American Poetry: The Next Generation, and The Best of the Web 2013. His awards and honors include a Pushcart Prize, the Bordighera Prize in Poetry, the Anthony Piccione/MAMMOTH Books Poetry Prize, an Irving Gilmore Emerging Artist Foundation Fellowship, and Michigan Council for the Arts and Cultural Affairs Individual Artist Fellowship.

Gerry LaFemina’s fiction has appeared in Colorado Review, American Fiction, Bellevue Literary Review and other literary journals. He received the North American International Auto Show award for the story “Proofreading America” and the Renaissance City Fiction Prize for “Consolation Prize.” He’s currently at work on a new novel and a new collection of stories.

 

Support the SJU Writing Series – Dr. April Lindner Reads From Her New Book LOVE, Lucy

april

Dr. April Lindner

love lucy best cover

 

 

 

 

The very talented Dr. April Lindner, Professor of English here at SJU, will read from her new novel LOVE, Lucy on Tuesday, February 24, 2015 during Free Period at the Library.  Read on for a brief description of the book, as well as the terrific reviews the book has received.

 

 

 

 

I could just disappear–lose myself in Florence.

The thought gave Lucy a delicious little shiver.

She could go anywhere, pick a new name for herself, become a whole new person.

She could learn Italian, apply for a job in a cafe, and never go home again.

I could be whoever I want to be.

While backpacking through Florence, Italy, during the summer before she heads off to college, Lucy Sommersworth finds herself falling in love with the culture, the architecture, the food…and Jesse Palladino, a handsome street musician.  After a whirlwind romance, Lucy returns home, determined to move on from her “vacation flirtation.”  But just because summer is over doesn’t mean Lucy and Jesse are over too.

In this coming of age romance, due out in January 2015, April Lindner perfectly captures the highs and lows of a summer love that might just be meant to last beyond the season.

 Reviews

“April Lindner brings on the feels with her usual charm. Love, Lucy is another romantic winner from this amazingly talented writer.”—Meg Cabot, author of The Princess Diaries and the Heather Wells mystery series

Love, Lucy hits all the right notes…This is a great coming-of-age story, perfect for Sarah Dessen fans or those who enjoy books with a summer romance.”—VOYA (starred review)

“A contemporary romance with surprising depth in its coming-of-age elements, this modern update of E. M. Forster’s A Room with a View will appeal to fans of Sarah Dessen, Stephanie Perkins, and Lindner’s reimagined classics.”—SLJ

“This intelligent love story will resonate with readers who are themselves balancing the thin line between making lives of their own and seeking parents’ approval. A good read-alike recommendation for fans of Jennifer E. Smith or Stephanie Perkins.”—Booklist

 

 

 

 

NewPages.Com – An Excellent Resource for Creative Writers

 

newpages-logo

 

 

 

 

 

You have to see NewPages to really appreciate it.  NewPages.com is news, information and guides to literary magazines, independent publishers, creative writing programs, alternative periodicals, indie bookstores, writing contests, and more.  Their Call for Submissions list is pages long, as well as their Writing Contest opportunities.  I’m not a serious writer, but I might just take a swing at one of their offerings.  What have I got to lose?  Take a look and let me know if anything jumps out at you.  I know you have something that would wow those judges!