RSVP FOR THIS EVENT HERE

Queer Writers Read brings queer writers together to read and discuss queer literature, with the goal of studying and evolving our craft. Each workshop will focus on a specific element of craft (e.g., dialogue, characterization, voice). After analyzing a series of related selections across genres, participants will have the opportunity to write and share their own work, putting new ideas and insights into immediate practice!

The topic for our first session is ENCOUNTER SCENES! We will read four selections in which writers depict initial “first encounters” with another person or community. How do writers stage these encounters? How do they establish stakes in the relationship? How do they establish tension, suspense, attraction? Selections for this workshop include scenes from: 

• James Baldwin, Giovanni’s Room (Fiction)
• Patricia Highsmith, The Price of Salt (Fiction) 
• Audre Lorde, Zami: A New Spelling of My Name (Memoir / “Biomythography”)
• Danez Smith, “The 17-year-old & the Gay Bar” (Poetry) 

Participants will receive excerpts at the session; no prior reading required. ALL writers welcome! 

Any questions → andy@andybarrow.com

The Bureau of General Services—Queer Division is Manhattan’s only queer bookstore, located on the second floor of the LGBT Center. We’re open Tuesday-Sunday from 1-7pm and accessible by the 6th Ave 1 2 3 L trains and 8th Ave A C E trains. Our cafe, The Bureau Cafe, is open Tuesday-Sunday from 9am-7pm.