Upcoming Literary Events In Los Angeles
Southlanders who want to expand their appreciation of literature can take on many unique opportunities. These events offer a diversion from the old classics. Aspiring writers can learn the craft, the sophisticated can open new doors of perspective and anyone can find inspiration through the written word. From a writer's conference to lectures, real literature continues to expose the themes of our lives today.
Libros Schmibros Book Club
Armand Hammer Museum of Art and Culture Center
10899 Wilshire Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90024
(310) 443-7000
May 19
www.hammer.ucla.edu
Colleen Jaurretche and David Kipen bring together the Hammer's programs and exhibitions through literature. "The History of Forgetting: Los Angeles and the Erasure of Memory" is the focus of May's "convening." The book, by Norman Klein, mixes facts with fictional story lines. The churning of urban culture and its impact on an immigrant family is viewed as the Internet changes Los Angeles. With the evolving cyberspace "suburbs," Angelenos again forget their recent past by creating new myths.
The Graphic Canon: Illustrating the World's Great Literature
Los Angeles Central Library - Mark Taper Auditorium
630 W. 5th St.
Los Angeles, CA 90071
(213) 228-7000
May 21
www.lapl.org
Russ Kick moderates a discussion on the "graphic novel." Sometimes described as comics, this genre of literature takes on a serious bent not found in the Sunday funnies. Since the early 60s, graphic novels have explored every aspect of the human drama and more. It includes fiction and non-fiction, history or current events and dramatic or comedic story lines. This program is sure to expand anyone's appreciation of this unique form of literature.
Anne Carson ALOUD
Los Angeles Central Library
630 W. 5th St.
Los Angeles, CA 90071
(213) 228-7000
May 30
www.lapl.org
The Los Angeles County Library continues its program ALOUD with Canadian-born author Anne Carson. The professor of the classics, essayist and poet discusses her latest work "Red Doc" as it continues the love affair of Herakles and Geryon. These characters were originally developed in a prior work, but Carson takes on a new literary style diving into personal myths exploring interpersonal realities. It is sure to be an engaging evening invoking new worlds of understanding.
Rhapsodomancy Reading Series
The Good Luck Bar
1514 Hillhurst Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90027
June 2
More Info
From poetry to journals and from fiction to non-fiction, it's an eclectic mix of leading-edge literature. Authors Dawna Kemper, Joe Hall, Elizabeth J. Colen and Megan McCord make the evening burst though provoking readings. The club environment makes the event more than an intellectual event - it's a time for entertainment. Focusing on short works allows the audience to become exposed to a broad and engaging range of feelings, emotions and concepts.
Los Angeles Valley College
LA Writer's Conference
5800 Fulton Ave.
Van Nuys, CA 91401
(818) 947-2600
June 14 to 16
www.wcwriters.com
Want to improve your writing skills or start a new career? This is it for Southlanders ready to get serious. Presentations by educators and professional writers will talk about professionalism and the art of writing. If your desire is to get on the right track, the conference offers several opportunities for the simply inspired and the experienced writers to take steps forward. It's a weekend of immersion into every topic in the industry of writing for pay, and it's a social event of like-minded folks.
Robert Cuthbert is a freelance writer covering all things Los Angeles. His work can be found on Examiner.com.
