Literary Events in Tampa | Creative Loafing Tampa Bay

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Bookstore Romance Day!

Sat., Aug. 17, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

Tombolo Books

2153 1st Ave S., St. Petersburg St. Pete

Free!

Literary

It's that time of year again! Bookstore Romance Day, and we want you to celebrate with us! We are partnering with our friends at Black Crow Coffee again this year for a special Romance Day treat! Black Crow will be serving up their limited edition Lover Girl Latte for the occasion! You can get the Lover Girl Latte, full of delicious rosebud and honey syrup and white chocolate, hot or iced, and readers who purchase a Lover Girl Latte from Black Crow and a book from Tombolo can choose from our selection of free Romance Books - while supplies last! 7277559456
Morbidly Yours: The Launch Event with Ivy Fairbanks

Tue., Aug. 20, 7-8 p.m.

Tombolo Books

2153 1st Ave S., St. Petersburg St. Pete

Get Tickets
Free, Please RSVP!

Literary

Falling for the wrong person? Bury your feelings. Tombolo Books is thrilled to welcome Fairbanks to the bookstore for the launch event of Morbidly Yours! Ivy Fairbanks' debut romance, Morbidly Yours, is an opposites-attract romantic dramedy about a shy, demisexual Irish mortician who must marry by his 35th birthday to keep his beloved family business, and the Texan widow escaping her past who moves in next door. Preorder your book today to get a signed and personalized copy. Your preorder will also come with a book-branded postcard! Let us know we will see you at the launch! Please RSVP! 7277559456
Time's Agent: An Evening with Brenda Peynado

Wed., Aug. 21, 7-8 p.m.

Tombolo Books

2153 1st Ave S., St. Petersburg St. Pete

Get Tickets
Free, Please RSVP!

Literary, Learn

A multiverse story of love, loss, time travel, and final-stage capitalism from award-winning author of The Rock Eaters, Brenda Peynado. Tombolo Books welcomes Peynado to celebrate the release her new sci-fi novel Time's Agent! She will be in conversation with award-winning, local author Tenea D. Johnson! "...thrilling, a breathless and headlong read for a breathtaking time on this planet. I ate it up." —Lauren Groff, New York Times bestselling author Let us know we will see you there! Please RSVP via the link! 7277559456
GrowHouse's Weekly Poetry Workshops

Wednesdays, 7-9:30 p.m.

Ybor City - Kress And HCC YPAB

1624 E 7th Ave, Tampa Tampa

Get Tickets
$25

Literary, Learn

GrowHouse Tampa presents weekly Poetry Workshops in The Writers Room! (NO WORKSHOP ON "5TH" WEDNESDAYS!) Our workshops are designed to help artists reach new levels of their artistry and are centered mostly around the art of Spoken Word Poetry. The goal of each session is to provide poets/artists with new tools, techniques of the trade, and or a new piece of writing they would not have written otherwise. Workshop sessions are led by professional artists and active community members of the booming Tampa Bay art scene! 3473589682
GrowHouse's 1st Mondays Open Mic and Poetry Workshop

First Monday of every month, 7-10 p.m.

The Backroom Tampa

7006 E Adamo Dr., Tampa Tampa

FREE!

Performance, Live Music, Literary

FREE Open mic & Poetry Workshop! 1ST MONDAY OF EVERY MONTH! 7PM - Poetry Workshop led by author, slam champion, and GrowHouse Collective member, Charles Hines! (@charleshines401) 8PM - Open Mic [Open to ALL art forms] Hosted by the GrowHouse Collective The Backroom Tampa - 7006 E. Adamo Drive, Tampa FL 18+ Only (813) 374-5684
BOOKS FOR HOPE BOOKFAIR

Sat., Sept. 7, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

BRU Florida Growler Bar

8729 Gunn Hwy, Odessa Hillsborough County

Free

Literary, Learn

Join us for a unique and heartwarming event that blends the joy of reading with the pleasure of craft beer! Hosted by Bethany Mis with Noble Star Realty, "Books for Hope" is a special charity book fair dedicated to raising funds for Messengers of Hope, a remarkable organization devoted to feeding the hungry by sharing love in practical ways. By participating you are directly contributing to the mission of Messengers of Hope. This organization works to provide essential resources and support to those facing difficult times. Every book you purchase helps fund their initiatives! And there will be beer. .. 8132193081
Katharine, the Wright Sister: Launch Event with Tracey Enerson Wood

Mon., Sept. 9, 7-8 p.m.

Tombolo Books

2153 1st Ave S., St. Petersburg St. Pete

Get Tickets
Free, Please RSVP!

Literary

She helped her brothers soar… but was the flight worth the fall? From internationally bestselling author Tracey Enerson Wood, Katharine, the Wright Sister is an unforgettable novel that shines a spotlight on one of the most important and overlooked women in history, and the sacrifices she made so that others might fly. Tombolo Books welcomes Tracey Enerson Wood to the bookstore to celebrate her latest novel, Katharine, the Wright Sister! Enerson Wood will be in conversation with local author, L.L. Kirchner! Preorder to get your signed and personalized copy and an exclusive book-branded bookmark and sticker! RSVP below! 7277559456
Grown-up School Book Fair

Fri., Sept. 13, 7-10 p.m.

Deviant Libation

3800 N Nebraska Ave., Tampa Tampa

$13-$15

Market, Literary, Halloween

Remember those visits to the school media center looking for the latest editions of your favorite book characters? Come enjoy this grown-up version Friday, September 13th at 7:00pm Indulge your inner kid and meet special guest, King of the B-Movies; Joel Wynkoop along with several local authors, filmmakers, artist and performers. Nerd out with other book worms and media collectors as you shop local vendors, enjoy live entertainment, food trucks and more. Earn tickets for several prize drawings when you bring school supplies for local students and teachers. Advanced tickets are available for $13 Cashapp to $DeathBecomesThem13 (727) 379-4677
2nd Saturday, Storyteller's Open Mic

Second Saturday of every month, 5 p.m.

The Factory St. Pete

2622 Fairfield Ave S., Saint Petersburg St. Pete

Free

Performance, Literary, Learn

The Storytellers of Old Tampa Bay, (Not-for-Profit), presents the 2nd Saturday Storytellers Open Mic. Storytelling for grown-ups with the Storytellers of Old Tampa Bay. We invite everyone to step up and share their own 3-8 minute story— be it a personal one of youth, adventure, life lessons, or a favorite tall tale, humor, myth, fable, ghost or an inspirational story. Join the fun, listen to great stories, share a story and make new friends. 888-580-0404
☀️ Hotels, Motels, and Inns of Florida with Kristen Hare

Tue., Sept. 17, 7-8 p.m.

Tombolo Books

2153 1st Ave S., St. Petersburg St. Pete

Get Tickets
Free, Please RSVP!

Literary

For generations, tourists have packed into trains, loaded up cars, and filed onto planes with one destination in mind-—the Sunshine State ☀️ Join Florida author Kristen Hare in conversation with Gabrielle Calise at Tombolo Books to discover these historic gems and beloved places to stay in Florida. You’ll find a Spanish-Moorish palace that went from grand hotel to county courthouse to grand hotel again, the lodge on a spring where a 1950 sci-fi classic was filmed, the hotel where NASCAR was born, and the motel where Martin Luther King Jr. honed his “I Have a Dream” speech! RSVP now! 7277559456
The "Ever After" Pre-Marriage Boot Camp

Fri., Oct. 25, 6 p.m.-12 a.m.

Riverbend Retreat Fla.

10200 Elbow Bend Road, Riverview Tampa

Literary

THE "EVER AFTER" PRE-MARRIAGE BOOT CAMP 2024. A strong start...leads to an EVER AFTER finish! Date and Time: On Fri, 25 Oct 2024 18:00 - Sun, 27 Oct 2024 12:00 Category: Classes / Courses | Lifestyle, Arts, Leisure Artists / Speakers: Walter "Wally B" Jennings, Charmaine "C-Maine" Jennings URLs: YouTube: https://go.evvnt.com/2541679-2?pid=7176 YouTube: https://go.evvnt.com/2541679-3?pid=7176 YouTube: https://go.evvnt.com/2541679-4?pid=7176 YouTube: https://go.evvnt.com/2541679-5?pid=7176 YouTube: https://go.evvnt.com/2541679-6?pid=7176 8132912041
Off the Page Kickoff: NaNoWriMo Writing Workshop with Glenn Shudel

Fri., Nov. 1, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Selby Library

1331 1st St, Sarasota Sarasota

Literary

Whether you’re a NaNoWriMo veteran or this is your first time giving it a shot, this lively and interactive workshop will set you up for success. Hands-on activities and story-generating exercises will guide you in crafting compelling characters and an engaging plot. We’ll also discuss common novel-writing pitfalls and explore the “secrets” to great novels. All levels of writers are welcome: bring your passion for storytelling and get ready to write. Please bring a laptop or pen and paper! Glenn Shudel is a writer, educator, theatre practitioner, and Florida native. 941-861-1110
Off the Page: Family Day

Sat., Nov. 2, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library

4143 Woodmere Park Blvd, Venice Elsewhere in Florida

Free

Literary

Join us for Family Day, Nov. 2 at Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library! Featuring internationally bestselling children’s author of the classic “Old Turtle” Douglas Wood, and award-winning illustrator David C. Gardner. We’ll have food trucks, story time, and a Creation Station craft for the whole family. 941-861-1110
Off the Page: Writing Picture Books with Ryan Van Cleave

Wed., Nov. 6, 2-3 p.m.

William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library

300 Nokomis Ave S, Venice Elsewhere in Florida

Literary

Dr. Ryan G. Van Cleave is the author of dozens of books, including fiction, nonfiction, and poetry for both children and adults. When Ryan isn’t writing, he’s crisscrossing the country, teaching writing at schools throughout the United States. He also moonlights as The Picture Book Doctor, helping celebrities write stories for kids and bring them to life on the page, stage, and screen. 941-861-1110
Off the Page: Soman Chainani and "The School for Good and Evil" series

Thu., Nov. 7, 6 p.m.

Shannon Staub Library

4675 Career Ln, North Port Elsewhere in Florida

Free

Literary

Join us for an author talk, movie discussion, and book signing with Soman Chainani. Soman Chainani's debut series, "The School for Good & Evil", sold over 4 million copies, was translated into 35 languages, and became a #1 Netflix film in 80+ countries. His "Beasts & Beauty" debuted on the NYT Bestseller List and will be a Sony 3000 series. Chainani, a Harvard and Columbia graduate, has been nominated for the Waterstone Prize and received the Sun Valley Writer's Fellowship. 941-861-1110
Off the Page: Making Comics with Gary Barker and Rick Dakan

Fri., Nov. 8, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library

2801 Newtown Blvd, Sarasota Sarasota

Free

Literary

Join comics-artist and professor Gary Barker along with comics-writer and professor Rick Dakan, from Ringling College of Art and Design, in a hands-on workshop to learn how words and images work together. Audience participation encouraged. For all ages. 941-861-1110
Off the Page: Amor Towles

Fri., Nov. 8, 7 p.m.

Venice Performing Arts Center

1 Indian Ave building 5, Venice Elsewhere in Florida

Literary

Join us for an author talk and book signing with Amor Towles. Amor Towles is the award-winning author of “Rules of Civility,” “A Gentleman in Moscow,” “The Lincoln Highway,” and “Table for Two.” His novels have sold more than 6 million copies and have been translated into more than 30 languages. “A Gentleman in Moscow” is now an eight-episode series starring Ewan McGregor for Paramount +/Showtime. “The Lincoln Highway” is set to be adapted to film by director Christopher Storer for Warner Brothers. Towles graduated from Yale and received his M.A. in English from Stanford. 941-861-1110
Off the Page: Edward Lee and "Buttermilk Graffiti"

Tue., Nov. 12, 6 p.m.

Shannon Staub Library

4675 Career Ln, North Port Elsewhere in Florida

Literary

Join us for an author talk and book signing with Chef Edward Lee. Chef Edward Lee is a celebrity chef, author and restauranteur. His restaurants include 610 Magnolia, Nami, and Succotash. He earned an Emmy nomination for his role on "The Mind of a Chef," was a judged on "Top Chef" and wrote and hosted the documentary "Fermented." In 2021, he was awarded the Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Award. He won the 2019 James Beard Award in Writing for his book "Buttermilk Graffiti." His other books include "Smoke & Pickles" and "Bourbon Land." 941-861-1110
Off the Page: Lucy Anne Hurston

Wed., Nov. 13, 2-3 p.m.

William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library

300 Nokomis Ave S, Venice Elsewhere in Florida

Literary

Lucy Anne Hurston, niece of major 20th century writer Zora Neale Hurston and Professor Emeritus (Sociology) at Manchester Community College in Manchester, Connecticut, is the author of the remarkable multimedia biography, “Speak, So You Can Speak Again: A Life of Zora Neale Hurston” (2004). This award-winning book consists of text, photographs, a CD of Zora herself speaking and singing, and various pieces of removable memorabilia, including letters, maps, vintage magazine articles, and rough drafts of Zora’s poems. 941-861-1110
Oliver James

Wed., Nov. 13, 3 & 6 p.m.

Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library

2801 Newtown Blvd, Sarasota Sarasota

Literary

Oliver James, a TikTok sensation and motivational speaker, shares his journey of learning to read as an adult, discussing his challenges, triumphs, and mental health. His inspiring story has been featured on Good Morning America, NPR, and in People magazine. He received the 2023 National Literacy Honors Award from the Barbara Bush Foundation. 941-861-1110
Off the Page: "Three Ringling Circus: A History of Sarasota, Florida, and the Famous Ringling Brothers"

Thu., Nov. 14, 2-3 p.m.

Osprey Library and Historic Center

337 N Tamiami Trl, Osprey Elsewhere in Florida

Literary

Come for the circus peanuts, stay for the scoop on John Ringling, Sarasota, and The Ringling. Like the orange circus peanuts that people either love or hate, John Ringling, his wife Mable and his family made an indelible and sometimes controversial imprint on Sarasota. Along with accompanying photos, author Sandra Gurvis will discuss her just-released book, “Three Ringling Circus,” including the early days of the natives, Blacks and settlers; the origins of the Ringling family and ahead-of-their-time ways of developing their circus; and the massive amounts of finagling that went into the creation of the Art Museum and Ca d’Zan. 941-861-1110
Off the Page: Rebecca Renner and "Gator County"

Thu., Nov. 14, 6 p.m.

Selby Library

1331 1st St, Sarasota Sarasota

Literary

Join us for an author talk and book signing with Rebecca Renner. Rebecca Renner, an author and National Geographic contributor from Daytona Beach, FL, has written for The New York Times, The Paris Review, The Washington Post, and more. Her debut book, “Gator Country,” has been acclaimed by the New York Times, NPR, and others, and featured on best of 2024 lists by BookPage and Amazon. 941-861-1110
Off the Page: IP and Copyright for Librarians with Attorney Elena Paul

Fri., Nov. 15, 12-1 p.m.

Selby Library

1331 1st St, Sarasota Sarasota

Literary

Ms. Paul is the General Counsel of Ringling College of Art and Design where she also manages the Contracts Department. Before Ringling, she was the General Counsel of Alvin Alvin Ailey Dance Foundation in NYC, led Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts, and taught in higher education, including New York Film Academy and Fordham Law School. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Economics with honors of Phi Beta Kappa, Omicron Delta Epsilon, and cum laude, from Davidson College, and her Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School. 941-861-1110
Off the Page: Curtis Sittenfeld

Sat., Nov. 16, 3 p.m.

Selby Library

1331 1st St, Sarasota Sarasota

Literary

Join us for an author talk and book signing with Curtis Sittenfeld. Curtis Sittenfeld, author of "Prep," "American Wife," "Eligible," and "Romantic Comedy," has books selected as "Ten Best of the Year" by top publications, translated into 30 languages, and optioned for TV and film. Her work has appeared in The New Yorker and The New York Times. She graduated from Stanford and Iowa Writers' Workshop. 941-861-1110
Off the Page: Kirsten Hines

Mon., Nov. 18, 6-7:30 p.m.

Gulf Gate Library

7112 Curtiss Ave, Sarasota Elsewhere in Florida

Literary

Kirsten Hines is a Coconut Grove, Florida-based writer, wildlife photographer, and conservationist. Her aim is to inspire conservation action through her personalized storytelling highlighted by her photography. She has authored or co-authored seven books, the latest being Wild Florida: An Animal Odyssey. Others include Attracting Birds to South Florida Gardens, Birds of Fairchild, and Key Biscayne (all Florida Author and Publisher Association President’s Book Award winners), and a three-book series on Florida’s national parks, as well as the forthcoming Birds of Florida: A Photographic Guide and Recovering Caribbean Nature. Kirsten’s images have been featured in multiple publications. 941-861-1110
Off the Page: Florida's Healing Waters with Rick Kilby

Tue., Nov. 19, 2-3 p.m.

Osprey Library and Historic Center

337 N Tamiami Trl, Osprey Elsewhere in Florida

Literary

Author Rick Kilby discusses his book "Florida's Healing Waters: Gilded Age Mineral Springs, Seaside Resorts & Health Spas." Filled with rare photographs, vintage postcards and advertisements, and fascinating descriptions from over 100 years ago, "Florida’s Healing Waters" spotlights a little-known time in Florida history when tourists poured into the state in search of good health. This book was awarded both a silver medal for Florida history in the Florida Book Awards and the Stetson Kennedy Award. 941-861-1110
Off the Page: Roy Peter Clark on Writing

Wed., Nov. 20, 6-7 p.m.

Fruitville Library

100 Apex Rd, Sarasota Sarasota

Literary

Roy Peter Clark is America’s writing coach, devoted to creating a nation of writers. For more than three decades, Clark has taught writing at the Poynter Institute, one of the most prominent schools for journalists in the world. He has taught writing at news organizations, schools, businesses, nonprofits, and government agencies in more than forty states and on five continents. Clark has authored or edited twenty books about writing, reading, language, and journalism, including “Tell It Like It Is” and “Murder Your Darlings.” 941-861-1110
Off the Page: John Fowler and "A Forest in the Clouds"

Thu., Nov. 21, 3-5 p.m.

Gulf Gate Library

7112 Curtiss Ave, Sarasota Elsewhere in Florida

Literary

In “A Forest in the Clouds”, John Fowler takes us into the world of the Karisoke Research Center, the remote mountain gorilla camp of Dr. Dian Fossey, a few years prior to her gruesome murder. Drawn to the adventure and promise of learning the science of studying mountain gorillas amid the beauty of Central Africa’s cloud forest, Fowler soon learns the cold harsh realities of life inside Fossey’s enclave ten thousand feet up in the Virunga Volcanoes. Fowler's book is a journey into an extraordinary world that now only exists in the memories of the very few who knew it. 941-861-1110

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