by Paula Treick DeBoard
It’s been a year of great writing in Modesto! We’ve worked on our novels, workshopped our pitches, read our poems, gathered to tell stories and did a whole lot of writerly things together.
Here’s what we’re plotting in 2025:
–Monday night Write Club meet-ups at Bookish with Julia Washington and myself, where we practice craft, write, share and give feedback. Anywhere from five to fifteen writers show up, laptops and notebooks in tow, to dedicate time to their projects. Check this out at www.bookishmodesto.com/events<www.bookishmodesto.com/events> and if you’re more of an oral storyteller, don’t miss our Two Hours from Anywhere story slam on January 8 – the theme is “raised by wolves – stories of the family dynamic” and we are here for the stories of your weird family traditions, iffy parenting strategies, and “can’t believe I survived that” stories.
–Monthly Write Nights and Poetry Nights at the Queen Bean, “a supportive, judgment-free zone” for writers at all stages. Hosts Sam Pierstorff and Mike Ruehle lead writing exercises, and folks are invited to the mic to share their work. Follow them on Instagram for more info @queenbean_coffeehouse
-Second Tuesday Poetry readings at Bookish, featuring two poets and followed by an open mic. This is a great all-ages event hosted by the Modesto-Stanislaus Poetry Center, which also sponsors poetry workshops, private readings and contests throughout the year. See these events and more at www.mostpoetry.org<www.mostpoetry.org/>
Looking for a writing group or meet-up spot? Have an idea for a workshop or reading? Feel free to reach out at bookish@bookishmodesto.com<mailto:bookish@bookishmodesto.com>. We’re planning our next year of great writing!
