Laura Brown joins new friends at Pittsburgh’s Grand Concourse for a night exploring play and the work of paying attention.
Writing Prompt: Science Fiction and Ecopoetry
Reports on the state of the planet’s future can sound like dystopian science fiction. Can they also be a clarion call that enlivens our creativity? Join us as we write about our interconnection to the world we’re part of.
Piloting Friendship, Starting at Mooyah
A trip to Mooyah provides the perfect, if unexpected, place for a decision to be made: it’s time to pilot a Friendship Project. Burgers and fries aside, consider joining the takeoff.
Fear is a Luxury You Can’t Afford: Just Make Art
Are you engaging in the luxury of fear? Take a cue from illustrator Susie Jaramillo, and learn the secrets to making art despite the self-doubt that picks at your artistic heart.
Book Club: The Art of Gathering: Making (and Breaking) Rules
In this week’s book club discussion of Priya Parker’s The Art of Gathering, we consider how rules can provide the structure needed to make events more experimental, whimsical and democratic.
Poetry Prompt: Science Fiction with Ray Bradbury
Go on a walk after reading Ray Bradbury’s story “The Pedestrian,” then craft a sci-fi poem to share with us where your rambles took you.
Secrets of “The Golden Dress”: Interview With Illustrator Gail Nadeau
Learn the secrets of ‘The Golden Dress’ by L.L. Barkat, illustrated by Gail Nadeau and tuck a little something into your next creation.
Book Club: The Art of Gathering—The Kindness of Exclusion (or, Not)
We begin our book club discussion of Priya Parker’s The Art of Gathering with a look at the purpose of our gatherings and the need that sometimes arises to exclude, with kindness.
Poetry Prompt: Science Fiction with Ursula K. Le Guin
Try writing a poem inspired by Ursula K. Le Guin, where setting is everything, whether it’s the California foothills, the banks of a creek bravely winding its way to the ocean, or an utterly new planet that only you have explored!
Children’s Book Club: “The Day The Crayons Quit”
What would you do if your crayons left you angry notes? Join us for a Children’s Book Club discussion of ‘The Day the Crayons Quit’ by Drew Daywalt, illustrated by Oliver Jeffers.
Alan Seeger: The American Poet in World War I
One of the most famous poems to emerge from World War I was written by an American. Alan Seeger wrote “I Have a Rendezvous with Death” shortly before he died.
Poetry Prompt: Science Fiction with Tony Wolk
This week we’re spending time in our notebooks tracing the lines of connection, the poems we can’t forget, the books we always return to, reflecting on their influence on our poetry—and maybe sharing a poem to illustrate.
Book Club Announcement: Priya Parker’s The Art of Gathering
Priya Parker encourages us to create meaningful, transformative gatherings that shape “the way we think, feel, and make sense of our world.” Join us for our latest book club discussion of The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why It Matters.
Reading in the Wild: May’s Pages
Come learn the secrets of being a wild reader. Or just share your May pages. Megan Willome leads the way, with her May good reads.
Build Your Writing Momentum, With Some Editor TLC
Want to be a better writer? Learn helpful editorial tips in community at our new live Editor TLC events.
Poetry Prompt: Haiku Picture Books
Pour a cup of tea and enjoy these haiku picture books (including a cat tale!) that will make you smile and get you writing.
By Hand: No Hands
By Hand is a monthly prompt focused on freeing our words by using our hands. This month, we’re exploring what happens to our words when our hands are tired—with Megan Willome as our guide.
Fun Reading Activities: Color & Trace “The Lady Mouse Has a Mandolin”
Early readers Molly and Joe want to help a child learn to read. Learn fun facts about mandolins and take a spin writing a limerick, along with this fun reading activity coloring page.
Poetry Prompt: The Tanka’s Turn
Can you write a poem in 31 syllables that takes the reader in an unexpected direction?
Nothing Lost: Shakespeare Adapted
Nothing is lost when you take the time to see Shakespeare adapted—in film or on stage.