The annual Writer's Block Festival is Saturday, with workshops, panel discussions and readings for writers and readers scheduled in and around the Green Building (732 E. Market St.) and the Cressman Center (100 E. Main St.). Produced by Louisville Literary Arts, the event also features a print fair in the Green Building (through 4 p.m.) with exhibits by local and regional small presses and literary journals. Registration begins at 9 a.m. in the Green Building. Advanced registration and a fee is required to attend craft workshops (full list with registration links here), but the following readings, panel discussions, presentations and the print fair are free. Panel Discussions in the Green Building GalleryMaking Matter: An Editors’ Discussion, 10– 11:15 a.m.The wild world of publishing is in the midst of a radical evolution, the likes of which hasn’t been seen since the advent of the printing press. Join Tony Fasciano (Digital Americana Magazine), Jen Woods (Typecast Publishing), M. Bartley Seigel ([PANK]), and Matt Dobson (The Paper) for a panel discussion moderated by Wesley Fairman (Fiction Editor, Sawmill) as they hash out what it takes to make publishing matter from the ether in this modern life.Writer’s Block Conversation with "Cornbread Mafia" author Jim Higdon, 11:30 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.Graham Shelby, writer and journalist, talks with Jim Higdon about the perils of telling the truth, protecting the innocent, and not getting shot in the process of writing his book about America’s largest homegrown marijuana syndicate in Kentucky, during the 1980s.Younger Games: The Pleasures and Pitfalls of Writing Young Adult Fiction, 1-2:15 p.m.Young adult fiction is hot! Consider the recent Twilight and Hunger Games series, which have been enthusiastically received by both young and adult readers. Join our versatile panel of contemporary young adult fiction writers: Gwenda Bond ("Blackwood"); Katrina Kittle ("Reasons to Be Happy"), and Kelly Creagh (the Nevermore series) moderated by YA novel and short story writer, Matt Jaeger ("The Creation of Lilith Pomegranate" and "The Care Takers"). Our panelists will discuss their writing lives and the challenges and the benefits of writing fiction for a young adult audience.Blog In, 2:30-3:45 p.m.Blogging, schmogging. Is it real writing? Or just a collection of blurbs with a bunch of pretty pictures? Our panel on blogging will wrestle with these provocative, timely questions while discussing the joys and pitfalls of the blogging life. You won’t be able to find more fun in one room–food, bourbon, music, preacher’s wives. Please join us for a panel moderated by Martha Bourlakas, “Martha Muse” (marthamuse.tumblr.com) and featuring bloggers Amy Miller, “ADDled” (addledmother.blogspot.com); Donna Ison, “The Bourbonista” (thebourbonista.com); Elizabeth Orrick, “Epicurious Louisville” (epicuriouslouisville.tumblr.com) and others.Literary Louisville Readings, Swanson Gallery (638 E. Market St.). 1-4 p.m.
- 1-2 p.m. Jerriod Avant, poetry; Sena Jeter Naslund, fiction; John Gamel, non-fiction.
- 2-3 p.m. Martha Greenwald, poetry; Frank Bill, fiction; Sonja DeVries, poetry.
- 3-4 p.m. Adriena Dame, fiction; Chris Mattingly, poetry; Angela Elson, creative non-fiction
Keynote Reading: Anis Mojgani, Cressman Center (100 East Main St.); 6 p.m. Tickets are free but required. Available at registration in the Green Building. Anis Mojgani is a two-time National Poetry Slam Champion and winner of the International World Cup Poetry Slam. A National Book Award nominee and former resident of the Oregon Literary Arts Writers-In-The-Schools program, Anis has performed at numerous universities, festivals and venues around the globe. He has performed for audiences as varied as the House of Blues, the United Nations, and TEDx and his work has appeared on HBO, NPR and in the pages of such journals as Rattle, Used Furniture, and The Lumberyard. A founding member of the touring Poetry Revival, Anis is also the author of two poetry collections, both published by Write Bloody Publishing: "Over the Anvil We Stretch" (2008) and "The Feather Room" (2011). Open Mic After-Party, After the keynote, Green Building Gallery Afterhours open mic event hosted by InKY Reading Series’s own Jerriod Avant. Sign ups will be held in the lobby of the Green Building and will begin immediately following the keynote. Space will be very limited and readings will be given out on a first come, first served basis.
