Short Story Book Club kicks off the inaugural literary short story festival, Short Story Fest on May 15, 2021. Short Story Fest is the online literary event for people who love and appreciate short stories and reading culture. This one-day event will bring together readers and authors from across the country to create connections based on their mutual enjoyment and appreciation of short stories, literature, and writing.

Presenters and speakers involved with the festival represent a broad range of literary talent within the short story genre or are experts in the field. Featured sessions include:

• Writing Your Life’s Story with Jamie – Led by Jamie Cat Callan, author; In this session, we will talk about how to create a well-structured memoir.

• Writing Erotic Short Stories – Led by Petula Caesar, author, poet and journalist; This workshop will examine the history of erotic writing, spotlighting a few iconic works, with focus on creative uses of language and storytelling devices.

• Laughter Yoga – Led by Gerri Bohanan, author and yoga instructor; Workshop attendees will sit down, walk around, run around, and lay down with eye contact and childlike playfulness.

Additional workshops and chats include sessions with authors Christine Drawl, Kathy Anderson, Cherrie Woods, Joseph Holt, and Mildred Stokes; instructor Hank Wallace; and poet Otis Sprow.

“I agree with author George Saunders who said, ‘When you read a short story, you come out a little more aware and a little more in love with the world around you,” Anderson says. “That’s why I’m thrilled to be part of Short Story Fest, turning more readers on to the wonder of short stories.” “By the written word, we all shall be lifted,“ says Sprow. Short Story Fest is free, and all attendees will receive a digital swag bag. Friends of the festival can access additional benefits such as breakfast with the authors, complimentary books by authors featured at the festival, and invitation to Friends-only events. Festival attendees are encouraged to register early as there are backstage and pre-festival activities for everyone to enjoy leading up to the festival, including poetry feedback with Sprow. This and other events are available only to those who register, so the earlier you join, the more you can enjoy! Learn more about Short Story Fest and register for each session at SHORTSTORYFEST.COM.

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About Short Story Book Club Our mission is simple: Promote the development and enjoyment of short stories. Short Story Book Club aims to advance the genre of short stories by making them more accessible. Founded by professionals in communications, education, and publishing, Short Story Book Club staff have extensive experience in identifying and developing short stories for a wide range of audiences. Through Short Story Book Club, we foster reading, discovery, and reflection among a community of readers who enjoy literature for the sake of it. Donna Ledbetter, Short Story Book Club, (443) 499-3638, dledbetter@shortstorybookclub.com Kathryn Montalbano, Short Story Book Club, (908) 447-1722 ¬¬, kathryn@shortstorybookclub.com