by Paula Treick DeBoard
This November, an intrepid group of writers met every Monday night at Bookish to work on creative projects – novel outlines, chapters, short stories, memoirs, and more. And on December 1, we’re meeting to deliver a “pitch” – to “sell” our projects. Modeled on the idea of an elevator pitch, the idea is to hone our creative ideas and be able to describe them in a concise, accurate and interesting way. Think: Here’s why you need to fund/share/read my book right now. However, you may be finding this article well after Pitch Night. Not to worry! We’re taking the rest of December off from our weekly meet-ups for general life craziness, but writing nights will resume on Mondays in January.
There are other writing opportunities this December for all levels.
Do you have a poem or song to share? Bookish open mic, hosted by Julia Washington, is an “introvert-friendly” stage for your written and musical talents. Bring your friends; come see what local talent is brewing! The show starts on Saturday, December 6 at 6:30pm, and tickets are available at www.bookishmodesto.com/events .
And speaking of poetry: Modesto-Stanislaus Poetry Center will host its annual potluck and open mic reading at Dragonfly Art For Life (1210 J Street) on Wednesday, December 10 from 6-7:30pm. This is an event for members; but it’s not too late to join, and you can even do so at the door. Annual membership is $25, which is tax deductible, and helps ensure that poetry readings and workshops continue throughout the area. The monthly Second Tuesday Poetry series resumes in 2026!
Also on December 10, check out Queen Bean’s poetry night and haiku battle from 7:30-9:30pm. Poets can select their musical accompaniment; the audience shows their appreciation for the best haikus with, what else, kazoos. Follow the Queen Bean’s social media for tickets and more info!
