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July 15, 2019October 5, 2023

I have a new story in The Hopkins Review

Spring is over — but the Spring 2019 issue of The Hopkins Review has just come out, and it has a story of mine in it!

“Dumbo” is about a floor of smart girls in college who all happen to have hooked up with the same guy. Here’s a short excerpt:

We lived on the girls-only floor for the science scholars. The opportunity to live there was sold to us and our parents as a privilege and a perk, a reward for our high AP Biology scores and violin playing and community service projects, and as good girls we checked yes, we would welcome this social privilege, come to us at long last after the lonely years of high school. It was only after we arrived that we found out a floor of female scientists was not valued highly in this keg-stands and undie-runs college. We were, on the whole, not lookers. Glasses wore coke-bottle lenses. Skinny tied her hair in ponytails that gave her scrubbed face a tight, pulled-back look. Amoeba’s soft, doughy limbs resembled pseudopods, slowly extending and contracting around cheap, cakey treats. Lisse was the exception, with her dark-red hair and big boobs. She wore makeup and tight T-shirts. She curled her eyelashes. On Sunday nights she slathered her face with an algae-green mask before going to bed. “My mom swears by it, for soft skin,” she said when we asked about it in the morning, the mask now hard and cracked like a putrid eggshell. Later, alone in our rooms, we wondered why our mothers hadn’t instructed us in any of these feminine wiles.

This story is part of a longer collection I’m working on called Defects, which you know about if you subscribe to my love notes…. Hope you enjoy the read —

July 9, 2019October 5, 2023

It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere: A quarterly reading series in the Culver City arts district

I’m used to driving to the Mandrake from the west, so making the trip from Burbank for the first time last weekend, I got completely turned around. I parked in the general vicinity, walked up a confused half block to the stoplight, and was repeatedly pushing the cross button when I looked behind me to see an open door, and over it, the familiar little neon sign: BAR.

The Mandrake is a low-key bar in the industrial-looking area that’s the Culver City arts district. It’s also home to It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere, a quarterly reading series organized by Julia Ingalls (above), essayist and literary provocateur who sometimes writes about her love life. When I walked in, she was up front in a loose tank and white jeans, greeting people with hugs.

“Siel! I haven’t seen you in so long!”

We hugged stickily. It was a warm day, high seventies, and warmer in the bar.

Julia’s readings begin, not coincidentally, at 5 pm. Or more accurately, 5 pm is the listed start time — when people arrive, order drinks, and mingle in the sunnier front room. About a half hour later we’re corralled into the darker, danker back room, with its upholstered booths and ghoulish lighting.

Julia went up front, welcomed everyone, and the crowd of about 40 or so settled in as she introduced the first reader, Mike Sonksen, by reading a bio off her phone.

Mike Sonksen’s better known as Mike the Poet. He wore a jaunty hat and Dodgers T-shirt. He performed his poems — all about L.A. — from memory, bouncing on his heels (sample line: “The 562 is a good time because the people are down to earth”). His energy was catching; the audience smiled and bopped along. He finished with a happy yell — “I’m still alive in Los Angeles. L.A.!” — then bounced back to his seat in the applause.

Lisa Locascio went up next, pink hair glowing under the overhead light. She read from her debut novel Open Me — about a teenager’s affair with a 28-year-old man who starts keeping her locked her up in his apartment (sample line: “How fine to be a body against a smooth plane”).

Then Susan Banyas read her nonfiction work (sample line: “Is there a sense of justice, even in young children?”) with emphatic nods of the head, in the manner of an enthusiastic children’s librarian during story time. Next was Roar Shack organizer David Rocklin, reading a moody excerpt from a new novel he’s working on (sample line: “But there was the sea, blazing cobalt….”). Lynne Thompson closed the reading with more poems (sample line: “Forget this irrelevant history. Can anyone know what’s true?”).

Suddenly, it was over. The crowd applauded and started moving out, stopping at the Skylight Books table to buy the authors’ books.

Back in the sunnier front room, people looked less ghoulish, prettier. We chatted, we mingled. Julia was back in the middle of things, working the crowd. It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere was now about three years old, she told me. She said she tried to get “a medley of different mediums” for each reading — poetry, fiction, nonfiction.

Outside the evening sun was still bright. I started walking toward my car, then realized I was going the wrong way again, and turned around.

The next Five O’Clock Somewhere happens September 15, 2019 — put it on your calendar! To hear about future events, email Julia at subtextdesign@gmail.com and ask to be put on the mailing list.

It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere. Quarterly, 5 pm (email Julia or check Facebook for dates), Mandrake, 2692 S La Cienega Blvd., Los Angeles.

July 4, 2019October 6, 2023

I’m reading at the Poetry Circus

If you’d like to hang out with me in person this summer, come to The Poetry Circus #6: Circus Noir next Saturday.

Organized by Nicelle Davis whom I’ve been reading with a lot lately, The Poetry Circus is an interactive art event series described as “part workshop, community outreach, performance, ride, dance, and creation.” There’ll be poets, the Bob Baker Marionette Theater, face painting, light refreshments, and circus acts! Here’s the schedule:

When: Sat., July 13, 2019, 5 pm-10 pm
Where: The Griffith Park Merry-go-round
Cost: Free, but if you’re into it, The Poetry Circus has a gofundme campaign going on.

I’ll be reading in round 3, at 8:20 pm, though I’ve been already warned by previous attendees that the schedule usually gets behind due to the tendency of poets to go on way past their time limit (Poets — quit doing that, seriously!).

See you soon —

April 30, 2019October 5, 2023

I’m reading at Poetry Palooza 5/2

Though I mostly write fiction now, I did go to grad school for poetry — and have published two poetry chapbooks I rarely get to read from. But I’ll be doing that in a couple days at Poetry Palooza!

Poetry Palooza is an annual event organized by the Northridge Creative Writing Circle, a student group at Cal State Northridge. This year, it happens Thu., May 2. I’ll read at 5 pm in Jerome Richfield Hall, room 201 (driving directions here).

Looking forward to getting to read with Nicelle Davis again — and to meeting Sophia Apodaca. Thank you to Sam Bowers and other Cal State Northridge students for organizing this event.

February 18, 2019October 5, 2023

6 ways to give back to literary nonprofits in Los Angeles

They say true happiness comes from giving — so ask not what your literary community can do for you, ask what you can do for your literary community. Here are six ways to give back to the Los Angeles literary community:
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For a more vibrant literary community: Pen America

This literary and human rights organization, committed to championing the freedom to write, does everything from provide fellowships to emerging writers to defend writers and journalists’ freedom of speech to give out literary awards to organize local readings to host a local book club.

Become a member for $25 or more to enjoy a whole host of benefits — including invitations to members-only receptions.

For the future writers in your neighborhood: 826 LA and WriteGirl

Both these organization basically let you volunteer to mentor young girls and boys — so that they become better writers. 826LA focuses on students ages 6 to 18 while WriteGirl focuses on girls ages 13 to 18.

Those might be the best known organizations in town, but there are many other nonprofits that encourage young people to read and write. Some others to check out are InsideOUT Writers, Young Storytellers, Reading to Kids, Get Lit, and Street Poets.

For your online book review supplement: Los Angeles Review of Books

If you don’t read The Los Angeles Review of Books yet, start now. LARB publishes thoughtful, in-depth essays about books and culture every day. It’s one of my favorite places for discovering new books to read.

Become a member for $5 monthly or more and get a Reckless Reader Card that gives you discounts at local bookstores. Higher membership levels will get you the quarterly journal, handpicked books, or even invites to dinner with featured authors.

For your libraries: Library Foundation of Los Angeles and Young Literati

The Library Foundation of Los Angeles supports the Los Angeles Public Libraries, with reading and literacy programs for children adults and events — like the free ALOUD literary series that brings great authors to the downtown Los Angeles library for readings and conversations. Become a member for $50 and get first dibs on tickets to those events.

If you like both books and parties, you might consider joining the Young Literati — a LFLA membership program for people in their 20s, 30s, and 40s featuring exclusive literary events with wine and nibbles.

More: Young Literati: Party with book lovers, support libraries

For your local literary arts center: Beyond Baroque

Beyond Baroque isn’t just a bookstore with odd hours; it’s a literary arts center that hosts dozens of readings and open mics every month — as well as free weekly community writing workshops — at its historic Venice location.

Become a member for $30 or more for free admission to events. If you live out in Riverside, check out Inlandia Institute, another great literary center with similar goals.

For your local nonprofit press: Red Hen Press, Kaya Press, and Les Figues Press

My own book was published by a nonprofit literary press, Red Hen — so of course I recommend supporting this organization’s work. In addition to continuing to publish great books, Red Hen’s cool initiatives include Quill, a new queer publication series, and Writing in the Schools, writing workshops led by authors in local schools.

Other local nonprofit presses include Kaya Press, which publishes “literature being produced throughout the Asian and Pacific Island diasporas,” and Les Figues Press, which publishes more experimental, boundary-pushing work and “embraces a feminist criticality and editorial vision.”

Originally published 12/27/16; updated 2/18/19

February 17, 2019October 5, 2023

12 literary reading series in Los Angeles

One great way to find a writing community: Becoming a regular at a local reading series.

To help you do that, I’ve put together a list of my favorite reading series. Just to be clear, many more readings happen in town. Indie bookstores, writing programs, and literary journals often host their own series. Plus, lots of one-off events happen everywhere from tiny coffee shops to the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. And there are other reading series I haven’t included on this list, sometimes because they’re more private, salon-type events, other times because I simply don’t know about them yet.

Thus: Here’s my far-from-exhaustive list, going from the cozier, more local community based series on to the bigger venues with bigger names.
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Hot Dish Reading Series
This one’s a favorite of foodies. Organized by local writers Summer Block and J Ryan Stradal, Hot Dish brings together yummy eats with literary readings — to raise money for the educational nonprofit 826 LA.

Hot Dish happens roughly quarterly, although the last Hot Dish of 2018 happened back in August — and I was part of the lineup! It had a cheese-and-crackers theme, with most of the food brought to the party by volunteer-attendees who wanted to contribute to the cause. There was also wine and a half dozen great readings broken up with an intermission so people could eat and drink more. Cost: Usually $6, all of which goes to support 826LA.

Vermin on the Mount
Organized and hosted by Jim Ruland, Vermin on the Mount readings happen once every couple months at Book Show in Highland Park. Each event features short readings by a handful of eclectic writers — some on book tour, some local. Plus, there’s a raffle with free prizes for attendees, ranging from books by featured authors to Vermin T-shirts. Contact Jim to submit your own work to be considered for a reading spot. More: Vermin on the Mount: An irreverent reading series in LA and San Diego.

Library Girl
Created by Susan Hayden, Library Girl events feature a handful of mostly-local readers plus a musical act. The first event of 2019 will be themed “Ever Fallen In Love (With Someone You Shouldn’t’ve)” — and feature a taco cart, dessert, and commemorative souvenirs. Go for the literature and music — and complimentary snacks and dessert. Cost: $10, all of which is donated to Ruskin Group Theatre. More: Library Girl: A Santa Monica reading series with sugar and soul.

Poetic Research Bureau

PRB describes itself as a “valise fiction and portable literary service in Northeast Los Angeles” — which basically means PRB is an artsy, Duchampian, surrealist-influenced L.A. poetry collective with a love of the avant garde. Its long-running event series mostly writers and artists, many experimentally exploring new forms. Cost: Free, donations welcomed.

Why There Are Words LA

Founded by Peg Alford Pursell in Sausalito back in 2010, the series came to Los Angeles in February 2017, thanks to a couple of my favorite local literary people, Ashley Perez and Patrick O’Neil. Events have moved around — when I got to read in the series back in April last year, it happened in a sunny Koreatown living room — though the last few have happened at Kaffebaren downtown. Skylight Books always shows up to sell the authors’ books. Free.

New Short Fiction Series
Actors and writers unite at this long-running spoken word series. Every second Sunday of the month, actors read stories by west coast authors, giving the tales a performative flair. Most events happen at The Federal Bar in North Hollywood, but occasionally the readings roam around. My favorite was when my grad school friend Bryan Hurt’s story was read by Ryan Klamen at the Annenberg Beach House; Helen Hunt was in the audience, and came up afterwards to compliment them. The series is hosted by Sally Shore. Cost: $10-$20.

Roar Shack
Organized and hosted by local writer David Rocklin, these monthly readings in Echo Park each feature short readings by a handful of mostly-local authors, punched up with a musical performance and a little healthy writing competition called Livewrite. Contact David to get on the events email list — or to submit your own work to be considered for a reading spot. More: Roar Shack: A Monthly Echo Park reading series with music and a Livewrite.

WCCW Reading Series

Held at the Women’s Center for Creative Work, this quarterly event is put together by Nina Rota and Sara Finnerty. Each event boasts the same theme as the current WCCW programming.

Hitched
This quarterly reading series is unique in that it features pairs of writers — “as a way of celebrating the relationships we build as writers that are integral to our success and the successes of those around us.” Local poet Xochitl Julisa-Bermejo organizes these events, which always aim to give voice to marginalized voices. Her website isn’t always updated; check Facebook for the latest events. Free. More: Getting Hitched before the New Year.

Sumarr Reading Series
Organized by Diana Arterian, Sumarr readings happen once every few months, featuring a handful of mostly local readers plus a musical guest. It all happens at a cute little book store called The Pop-Hop in Highland Park. I read for this series earlier this year. Free.

Hammer Museum readings
UCLA’s contemporary museum brings to campus a great lineup of writers . Held in the spacious annex, the readings often draw a hundred or so people and usually also feature a conversation with a UCLA professor and a Q&A with the audience, followed by a book signing.

The crowd will include a mix of book lovers and UCLA students — many, I suspect, strongly encouraged by their professors to attend. Some of my favorite readings here include one by Mary Gaitskill, who talked about everything and everyone from Monica Lewinsky and Gloria Steinem, and another by Dana Spiotta, who talked about her early days working with Gordon Lish with great humor. Extra bonus: There’s always complimentary coffee, tea, and cookies. Free.

Aloud Lecture Series
The Los Angeles Public Library holds this fantastic series at the pretty downtown library, in an amphitheater that seats several hundred. Events range from a featured reading with a big name novelist to multi-author discussions of major socio-political issues (e.g. The Pursuit of War Criminals from Nuremberg to the War on Terror).

Because of the events’ popularity, free reservations are required (paying library members get first dibs) — and often “sell” out, though you’ll likely get in if you just show up because a lot of these free ticket holders end up not showing up. Don’t totally count on that though: I got in the standby line for a George Saunders reading once but was turned away; my friend and I ended up eating our sorrows at Mas Malo then returning to queue up for the book signing. Free, with reservations.
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Reading series do tend to come and go. Since I wrote the original version of this post back in 2016, Dirty Laundry Lit, Tongue and Groove, The Table, and The Window @ A.G. Geiger are no longer, while the Griffith Park Storytelling Series and Angels Flight Literary West Salons have become so occasional I’ve had to take them off the list. However, new ones also pop up all the time —

Are there other public reading series I should have included in this list? Let me know in the comments —

Originally posted 12/21/16; Last updated 2/17/19

Hot Dish photo by Lauren Eggert-Crowe