As many GalleyCat readers know, I started Beatrice.com, one of the Internet’s first literary websites, back in 1995, and have kept it running ever since (sometimes, admittedly, not as frequently as I’d like). After 13 years of introducing readers to writers online, I’m excited to join forces with the Mercantile Library Center for Fiction to establish a new reading series aimed at bringing debut writers together with passionate, enthusiastic readers. Our first event is coming up on April 16, and it’s an all-debut night, featuring Ed Park (Personal Days) and Jane Kotapish (Salvage). Future readings will pair first-timers with established authors: Arthur Phillips and Paulina Porizkova will read on April 30, followed by Rivka Galchen and Cathleen Schine on May 14. If those work out, we may do a few summer events before mounting a full season in the fall.
Technically, St. Mark’s Bookshop‘s program of readings at Solas began last week, but they’re billing Thursday night’s event with A.M. Homes, Charles Bock, and Samantha Hunt as a second inaugural, so there you go. They’re booked through early June, and co-curator Greg Purcell tells me he’s got some fantastic writers lined up beyond that. Good thing we’re not running opposite each other, so I can go see some of those shows!