This week the WordXWord Festival is going on in Pittsfield. This year the festival is packed with readings, slams, events, films, and workshops for poets and writers of all ages, interests, and abilities.
The 4th Annual WordXWord Festival – a celebration of the power of words – will run from Saturday, August 11 through Saturday, August 18 and present dozens of word workers – authors, poets, story tellers, spoken word artists and songwriters. WXW takes place in traditional and not-so-traditional venues ranging from a barbershop to a theatre, a bra shop to a tapas bar in the recently designated Upstreet Cultural District of Pittsfield, Massachusetts.
Here is a rundown of some of the workshops that are scheduled, including one that is happening this afternoon at 4:30pm. All workshops will be held at yBar, 391 North Street, Pittsfield, MA.
Tuesday, 8/14, 4:30P – Megan Falley – Lessons for Young Writers from a Young Writer
Megan Falley, author of After the Witch Hunt, is known for her ability to address an issue in subtle and nuanced ways. In her workshop, she will vigorously encourage participants to find new vantage points into their own work and explore the stories closest to their hearts via a unique route. The rest is Top Secret.
Wednesday, 8/15, 4:30P – Cristin O’Keefe Aptowicz – The Art of Nonfiction Poetry
In her own poetry, NEA fellow Aptowicz often uses true but unusual facts to shine a light on contemporary life. In this workshop, the group will discuss poems which use facts as a jumping off point, before writing their own poems using the discussed techniques. Unusual facts will be provided!
Thursday, 8/15, 4:30P – Derrick Brown – The Daily Artist
Ready to make the leap from artist to serious artist? This discussion will rally, inspire and give artists and writers a no-nonsense approach to hitting the road, touring, selling, marketing and getting organized for financial success.
Derrick Brown is an author, performer and president of one of what Forbes and Filter Magazine call “…one of the best independent presses in the country,” Write Bloody Publishing.
This event, in its fourth year, is a great community gathering, bringing together poets, writers, musicians, and fans of the arts all in a very welcoming downtown Pittsfield, MA. These guys are working hard to bring poetry to the people. If you have time in your schedule, please try to make the short trip to check it out and show support.
