DECEMBER 2018
December 12: Annual Holiday Party
You’re invited to join us for our annual holiday party.
Date: Dec. 12, 2018
Fee: FREE
Program Details: 6 pm – 8:30 pm
Food & Drink! Frivolity and Fraternity!
Location: 256 W. 38 St., 12th Floor, NYC (UAW Conference Rooms)
For more information, contact Tim Sheard: sheard2001@gmail.com
December 8: BILL FLETCHER, JR’S BOOK PARTY & DISCUSSION
Join award-winning journalist and lifelong social justice advocate Bill Fletcher, Jr. (NWU DC Chapter member) for the launch of his first work of fiction: The Man Who Fell From the Sky, a crime novel. Bill will discuss his novel’s exploration of racism and inequality through the eyes of a young journalist of Cape Verdean descent who investigates a murder in a small Cape Cod community in 1970 while covering the anti-Viet Nam War protests and the Black Panthers. His interviews of people of color, African-American and Cape Verdean, bring him a new understanding of the African diaspora and the challenges of surviving in America.
Set within a Cape Verdean American community undergoing a transformation of its own consciousness, Fletcher’s crime novel dives deep into two timely questions: Is revenge ever a moral form of justice, and when does silence become complicity as criminal acts are committed before your own eyes? Bill will also discuss the unique ways in which a work of fiction can explore and reveal important truths about the human condition, as well as touch the heart and stir a people to take action.
Saturday, Dec. 8, 2018
6 – 8:30 PM
256 W. 38 St., 12th Floor (UAW Conference Rooms), Manhattan
Refreshments will be served.
RSVP: sheard2001@gmail.com – 917-428-1352
December 1 – Monthly Open Mic
The NWU hosts a monthly Open Mic on the Third Floor of the Muhlenberg Library (209 West 23rd Street, NYC)
ALL writers are welcome to read or just come to listen to inspired words and participate in this uniquely supportive group. from 2 PM – 4:30 PM.
You’re sure to go home with new contacts and resources to advance your own work. No registration needed to read.
Hosted by NWU NY Steering Committee member Lee Christine Brownlee and M.A. Dennis.
Saturday, Dec. 1, 2018
to
Muhlenburg Public Library
209 W 23rd St, 3rd Flr, New York, NY
(near Seventh Avenue)
Fully accessible to wheelchairs.
FREE ADMISSION
NOVEMBER 2018
November 17 & 26 – Member Robert Nwadiaru Book Launch
Join this captivating conversation and book launch for member Robert Nwadiaru, author of “Nigeria: A Failed State?: Profound Treatise On A Crippled Giant.”
When: Saturday, Nov. 17 from 2 – 5 pm
Where: National Writers Union
256 West 38th Street (between 7th & 8th Avenues)
12th Floor Conference Room, Manhattan
Questions: Please email LeeChristinerRoman@gmail.com
Robert Nwadiaru is a Nigerian writer, motivational speaker, catechist, former Religious Brother, and university professor. For the past twenty-five years, he has published articles about his home country and his faith, three of which can be found in the apendices of Nigeria: A Failed State? He is a member of Tate Speakers Bureau and jointly managed a public relations agency with his cousin in Lagos, Nigeria. He resides in New York City.
Nigeria: A Failed State? treats in exhaustive detail the history of Robert Nwadiaru’s home nation and the contemporary political, social, and economic obstacles facing the country as it attempts to modernize.
“Political repression, rampant corruption, ethnic and sectarian strife, crumbling infrastructure, energy shortages, and an economy hooked on oil and mining all make Africa’s most populous country a basket case, according to this hard-hitting jeremiad. Nwadiaru ranges through Nigeria’s history since it gained independence in 1960, finding in it a story of vast potential and natural resources that have been squandered by misrule. An impassioned, eye-opening take on a critical African nation“. (Kirkus Review)
Robert will also be appearing at the Bronx Library Center Auditorium on Monday, Nov. 26 @ 2:30 p.m. All Public Library Programs are free of charge.
Bronx Library Center 310 East Kingsbridge Road, Bronx | 718.579.4244 | www.nypl.org
November 14 – Commercial Publisher vs. Self-Publishing
The National Writers Union invites you to attend a debate: Commercial Publisher vs. Self-Publishing
A Free Event!
Peter Benjaminson, successful commercially published author with a dozen books in print, will debate self-published author & Hard Ball Press publisher Tim Sheard about the pros and cons of the publishing options. There are advantages to landing a contract with a legitimate publisher, but pitfalls, too. Learn how much you earn in royalties from the two options, the ins & outs of getting reviews & blurbs, award submissions and much more from this panel of veteran writers.
Date: Nov. 14, 2018
Fee: FREE
Program Details: 6 pm wine and light refreshments; 6:30 – 9:00 pm speaker and discussion.
Location: 256 W. 38 St., 12th Floor, NYC (UAW Conference Rooms)
RSVP: Tim Sheard at sheard2001@gmail.com or 917-428-1352
Visit: https://nwu.org/chapters/new-york/upcoming-events
November 3 – Monthly Open Mic
The NWU hosts a monthly Open Mic on the Third Floor of the Muhlenberg Library (209 West 23rd Street, NYC)
ALL writers are welcome to read or just come to listen to inspired words and participate in this uniquely supportive group. from 2 PM – 4:30 PM.
You’re sure to go home with new contacts and resources to advance your own work. No registration needed to read.
Hosted by NWU NY Steering Committee member Lee Christine Brownlee and M.A. Dennis.
Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018
to
Muhlenburg Public Library
209 W 23rd St, 3rd Flr, New York, NY
(near Seventh Avenue)
Fully accessible to wheelchairs.
FREE ADMISSION
OCTOBER 2018
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) represents journalists worldwide with 160 member unions in affiliation and has consultative status at ECOSOC. We have a global mandate to advance the safety of journalists both in conflict and non-conflict situations and, in this regard, we cooperate with governments as well as campaign at an international level with the UN, in particular its agencies that promote the safety of journalists and combat impunity.
With the help of our members over the past few months we opened discussions with a number of governments on our proposal to reinforce all the existing international instruments in a single convention in order to strengthen future endeavors to secure the safety of journalists and end impunity for crimes against them.
We have also consulted with some of the major organisations representing the media industry and, drawing on their experience and collective wisdom, we can now say with confidence that this project has the support of the industry and the profession.
The aim of this meeting would be for us to discuss the proposed Convention and hear from colleagues directly as to their experiences and thoughts on this most important topic. We very much welcome your participation in this crucial discussion.
74 Chambers St, New York, NY 10007, USA
October 13 – Annual NWU NY Writers Conference
Save the Date – Saturday, October 13. Kick your career into higher gear with a day of lectures and workshops focusing on copyright protection, contract advice, branding techniques, low cost social media marketing opportunities, and much more.
THEME: New York City is the Writer’s Key to Success – Unlock NYC’s great free and inexpensive resources for writers.
Date: Oct. 13, 2018
Location: 256 W. 38 St., 12th Floor, NYC (UAW Conference Rooms) **Building is Wheelchair Accessible**
REGISTRATION INFORMATION:
Prices below include continental breakfast, satisfying lunch, and wine-and-cheese reception PLUS lots of resources to take home.
Advance Registration – $50
Registration At Door – $60 ($50 for dues-paying NWU members)
Click HERE to purchase your tickets and view itinerary
SPECIAL – If you join the NWU (or renew your membership) for a full year at $150, then your conference ticket is just $30! Email nwuny@nwu.org for the special ticket code for this offer.
Note that space is limited for the afternoon group consultation sessions, so advance registration is strongly suggested. Writers paying at the door will be placed in the sessions with open spots.
October 6 – Monthly Open Mic
The NWU hosts a monthly Open Mic on the Third Floor of the Muhlenberg Library (209 West 23rd Street, NYC) from 2 PM – 4:30 PM.
ALL writers are welcome to read or just come to listen to inspired words and participate in this uniquely supportive group.
You’re sure to go home with new contacts and resources to advance your own work. No registration needed to read.
Hosted by NWU NY Steering Committee member Lee Christine Brownlee and M.A. Dennis.
Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018
to
Muhlenburg Public Library
209 W 23rd St, 3rd Flr, New York, NY
(near Seventh Avenue)
Fully accessible to wheelchairs.
FREE ADMISSION
SEPTEMBER 2018
CALLING ALL NWU MEMBERS!
We’re having a general membership meeting on Saturday, September 22, 2018
2-4 pm at 256 W. 38 St., 12th floor
Lunch will be served
With new and veteran members serving on the steering committee, we want to hear from our members. What are your concerns, needs, ideas? Your gripes, suggestions, dreams? We want to listen, and we want you to feel welcome to voice your opinion.
Our union has scored a number of impressive victories over the last year, bringing in many thousands of dollars in writer fees that had gone unpaid. We have helped writers negotiate their contracts and helped them enforce the terms of their contract. We have also partnered with other writer and freelancer organizations to push government agencies to protect our rights and even expand our copyright protection, and that’s only the beginning.
Our NY Chapter is developing exciting programs as well; programs you will want to take part in. We’ll tell you about them at the meeting.
So come for lunch and stay for a lively discussion. Remember: when you build the union, you build your career, because the union is advancing the rights and opportunities for all writers.
RSVP: Tim Sheard: sheard2001@gmail.com
September 16: Brooklyn Book Festival
Bookend Events September 10 – 17, 2018
September 12 – What Do Editors Do For a Writer?
Publisher Timothy Sheard (Hard Ball Press) explains the different types of editing: Story, Content, Line and Marketing. He will explain how all writers require editing of their work. BONUS FEATURE: Bring 2 copies of a 3-page sample of your work to be tested with Timothy’s Ten Point MS Evaluation Tool.
Date: Sept. 12, 2018
Fee: FREE
Program Details: 6 pm wine and cheese; 6:30 – 9:00 pm speaker and discussion.
Location: 256 W. 38 St., 12th Floor, NYC (UAW Conference Rooms)
For more information, contact Tim Sheard: sheard2001@gmail.com
September 8 – Monthly Open Mic
The NWU hosts a monthly Open Mic on the Third Floor of the Muhlenberg Library (209 West 23rd Street, NYC) from 2 PM – 4:30 PM.
ALL writers are welcome to read or just come to listen to inspired words and participate in this uniquely supportive group.
You’re sure to go home with new contacts and resources to advance your own work. No registration needed to read.
Hosted by NWU NY Steering Committee member Lee Christine Brownlee and M.A. Dennis.
Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018
to
Muhlenburg Public Library
209 W 23rd St, 3rd Flr, New York, NY
(near Seventh Avenue)
Fully accessible to wheelchairs.
FREE ADMISSION
August 18 – Annual NWU Picnic for Members & Friends
Spend a summer afternoon and share great food with fellow writers while overlooking the Hudson River. We’ll be on the 66th Street Plaza in Riverside Park South near Linda’s Lawn, Saturday, Aug. 18, from 1 PM – 5 PM.
All of our members and friends are invited. Please RSVP with the food and/or drink you’re planning to bring.
One plate/bowl of food or one bottle of water/soda/tea/lemonade is fine. No alcoholic beverages.
** RAIN LOCATION: If bad weather is predicted, the picnic will move indoors at 256 West 38th Street, 12th Floor. **
Directions to the Riverside Park Picnic Site:
By Foot: Walk to Riverside Blvd. (not Riverside Drive) and W 68th Street. Find the path to the right (North) of the playground. Walk down the path (West toward the water), it will bring you into Riverside Park South.
By Bike: Ride your bike along the bikeway that runs through Riverside Park South. This bikeway can be accessed from the Hudson River Park and Riverside Park bikeways. The NYC Parks Department provides bike racks near the PIER i CAFE.
By Train: Take the 1, 2, or 3 Lines to W 72nd Street. Walk to West End Ave and W 70th Street. Continue on W 70th Street until you reach Riverside Blvd then walk South to W 68th Street then follow walking directions. (Note: W 68th Street does not connect to Riverside Blvd, thus we suggest the W 70th Street route).
By Bus: Take M72 cross-town to W 70th Street and Riverside Blvd (last stop.) Walk South to W 68th Street then follow walking directions.
All NWU members are welcome to share their ideas with chapter leaders about future events and activities.
Monday, August 13, at 6 PM at the NWU office,
256 West 38th Street, 12th floor.
Conference call line available too. RSVP to nwuny@nwu.org.
August 8 – 44th Newark Black Film Festival
Join us to celebrate NWU member and award-winning filmmaker Kathleen Foster for her film, Profiledat the 44th Newark Black Film Festival Honoring the winners of the Paul Robeson Awards on
Wednesday, August 8, 2018
Reception & Awards Ceremony – 4:30 pm
Newark Museum – 49 Washington Street, Newark NJ
First come, first-seated. On-site parking for a fee.
RSVP for Reception at 973.596.6544 or rsvp@newarkmuseum.org
Film Screenings and Q&A at CityPlex 12 – 7:30 pm
360–394 Springfield Avenue, Newark NJ
FREE on-site parking.
For the complete NBBF schedule, visit newarkmuseum.org/nbbf
To join NWU at this event, contact kathleen.foster@gmail.com
August 4 – Monthly Open Mic
The NWU hosts a monthly Open Mic on the Third Floor of the Muhlenberg Library (209 West 23rd Street, NYC) from 2 PM – 4:30 PM.
ALL writers are welcome to read or just come to listen to inspired words and participate in this uniquely supportive group.
You’re sure to go home with new contacts and resources to advance your own work. No registration needed to read.
Hosted by NWU NY Steering Committee member Lee Christine Brownlee.
Saturday, Aug 4, 2018
to
Muhlenburg Public Library
209 W 23rd St, 3rd Flr, New York, NY
(near Seventh Avenue)
Fully accessible to wheelchairs.
FREE ADMISSION
JULY 2018
July 28 – 29: The 8th Annual NYC Poetry Festival
The 8th Annual New York City Poetry Festival will be held on Governors Island’s Colonel’s Row on July 28th & 29th, 2018. The Poetry Society of New York, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting poetry within our culture, will once again invite attendees to come together for this free two-day festival to celebrate New York City’s vibrant poetry community.
The event will include over 75 poetry organizations and 250 poets on its three main stages; a Vendor’s Village where local booksellers, artists and craft makers will sell their wares; healthy and delicious food truck options; a beer and wine garden; poetry-inspired installation art throughout; The Ring of Daisies open mic area; The Blackbird Pavilion, an exclusive cooling oasis offering free refreshments to Poetry Society of New York members; and, of course, the Children’s Festival!
July 21– Harlem Book Fair (20th Anniversary)
- To learn more about the Harlem Book Fair, visit harlembookfair.com.
July 17 – The State of Workers’ Rights in New York City
Public hearing on Tuesday, July 17, at 6:30 PM
LaGuardia Community College
Little Theatre (Room M134)
30-10 Thomson Ave., Long Island City.
To RSVP: https://www.
July 12 – NWU Members Featured on WBAI-FM Arts Express Radio Show
WBAI’s Arts Express, a show of culture and politics, will be featuring poems from A Blade of Grass: New Palestinian Poetry on Thursday, July 12, 2 – 3 PM.
July 9 – NWU NY Steering Committee Meeting
All NWU members are welcome to share their ideas with chapter leaders about future events and activities.
Monday, July 9, at 6 PM
National Writers Union office
256 West 38th Street, NY, NY, 12th floor.
Conference call line available too. RSVP to nwuny@nwu.org.
July 7 – Monthly Open Mic
The NWU hosts a monthly Open Mic on the Third Floor of the Muhlenberg Library (209 West 23rd Street, NYC) from 2 PM – 4:30 PM.
ALL writers are welcome to read or just come to listen to inspired words and participate in this uniquely supportive group.
You’re sure to go home with new contacts and resources to advance your own work. No registration needed to read.
Hosted by NWU NY Steering Committee member Lee Christine Brownlee.
Saturday, July 7, 2018
to
Muhlenburg Public Library
209 W 23rd St, 3rd Flr, New York, NY
(near Seventh Avenue)
Fully accessible to wheelchairs.
FREE ADMISSION
July 3 – An Alternative 4th of July Celebration
COMMEMORATING FREDERICK DOUGLASS
Independence Day Speech at the Rochester Ladies’ Anti-Slavery Society, 1852
Come listen to readings of excerpts from Frederick Douglass’ speech
Featuring Jazz Poetry Ensemble UPSURGE!NYC
REFRESHMENTS SERVED
$10-$20 Sliding Scale — No one turned away
JUNE 2018
June 13 – Low Cost/High Impact Social Media Marketing Tips & Tricks
Media consultant Stephanie Larkin, author of SCORE on Social Media! – Getting started on social media platforms and postings for business and organizations, will discuss harnessing the power of the internet to build your brand and reach potential customers.
Date: June 13, 2018
Fee: FREE
Program Details: 6 pm wine and cheese; 6:30 – 9:00 pm speaker and discussion.
Location: 256 W. 38 St., 12th Floor, NYC (UAW Conference Rooms)
For more information, contact Tim Sheard: sheard2001@gmail.com
June 2 – Monthly Open Mic
The NWU hosts a monthly Open Mic on the Third Floor of the Muhlenberg Library (209 West 23rd Street, NYC) from 2 PM – 4:30 PM.
ALL writers are welcome to read or just come to listen to inspired words and participate in this uniquely supportive group.
You’re sure to go home with new contacts and resources to advance your own work. No registration needed to read.
Hosted by NWU NY Steering Committee member Lee Christine Brownlee.
Saturday, June 2, 2018
to
Muhlenburg Public Library
209 W 23rd St, 3rd Flr, New York, NY
(near Seventh Avenue)
Fully accessible to wheelchairs.
FREE ADMISSION
MAY 2018
May 11 – Metro New York Labor Communications Council’s 43rd Annual Convention
Dave Zirin to be honored at Metro Convention.
2018 Labor Communicator of the Year
DAVE ZIRIN, The Nation’s sports editor to receive the Labor Communicator of the Year award. Zirin was named one of the “50 Visionaries Who Are Changing Our World” by Utne Reader. He is also the host of the “Edge of Sports Podcast,” and “The Collision with Etan Thomas and Dave Zirin” on WPFW in DC. Zirin coauthored with Michael Bennett the newly published, Things That Make White People Uncomfortable.
Introduced by ROBERT LIPSYTE, American sports journalist, author and former Ombudsman for ESPN.
PANEL DISCUSSION
Communicating about Workers’ Rights from Spectrum to Janus
Bob Hennelly, Investigative Journalist, moderator
PANELISTS INCLUDE
Ginger Otis, Daily News
Josh Austin, Communications Director The NewsGuild of New York
Meghana Reddy, Time of Day media
John Tarlton, The Indypendent
Jessica Ramos, candidate for State Senate, formerly Director of Latino Media for NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio
TO REGISTER: metrolabornyc.org
$25 members; $35 non-members; Special rate for students, interns and unemployed: $10.
Registration – 8:30 a.m.
Business Meeting – 9:30 a.m.
Panel – 10:00 a.m.
Presentation of contest winners.
Breakfast and lunch will be served.
For more information go to metrolabornyc.com
May 9 – Pitch, Sell and Get Paid for your Articles & Stories
Veteran journalist David Hill discusses his career as a journalist and how he develops relationships with editors, pitches articles and, when published, makes sure he is paid in full.
Date: May 9, 2018
Fee: FREE
Program Details: 6 pm wine and cheese; 6:30 – 9:00 pm speaker and discussion.
Location: 256 W. 38 St., 12th Floor, NYC (UAW Conference Rooms)
For more information and to RSVP, contact Tim Sheard: sheard2001@gmail.com
May 5 – Monthly Open Mic
The NWU hosts a monthly Open Mic on the Third Floor of the Muhlenberg Library (209 West 23rd Street, NYC) from 2 PM – 4:30 PM.
ALL writers are welcome to read or just come to listen to inspired words and participate in this uniquely supportive group.
You’re sure to go home with new contacts and resources to advance your own work. No registration needed to read.
Hosted by NWU NY Steering Committee member Lee Christine Brownlee.
Saturday, May 5, 2018
to
Muhlenburg Public Library
209 W 23rd St, 3rd Flr, New York, NY
(near Seventh Avenue)
Fully accessible to wheelchairs.
FREE ADMISSION
May 5 – Bronx Book Fair
The Bronx Book Fair is dedicated to engaging and growing the community of poets and writers in the Bronx and to connecting to readers and book lovers of all ages. Free!
Saturday, May 5, 2018 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Bronx Library Center/New York Public Library
310 E Kingsbridge Road, Bronx, NY 10458
APRIL 2018
April 13 – 14: Organizing 2.0 Conference 2018
A CONFERENCE FOR ORGANIZERS, TECHIES & ACTIVISTS
Organizing 2.0 brings together hundreds of leaders, organizers, fundraisers, techies and activists to share our collective wisdom, skills, and talents. There will be workshops, trainings, discussions, consulting and networking opportunities, visionary speakers, and a provocative debate around strategy and practices.
Over two days in Manhattan, we will bring together hundreds of people to learn from each other, share stories and strategies and build our skills, organizations and movements. Featured tracks focusing on online to offline organizing, digital strategy, member engagement and much more.
Murphy Institute
April 13-14, 2018
25 West 43rd St.
NY, NY 10036
April 11, 2018 – Write and Sell In Multiple Genres
Learn how to broaden your writing platform beyond the novel or nonfiction book. 
An author with his hat in many camps, Gabriel Schivone has successfully pitched novels, nonfiction political-historical books, comic books, graphic novels and children’s books to publishers. He also writes and produces plays and pitches movie screenplays.
Learn how he adapts to these varied formats and platforms and how you can expand your work into other formats.
Date: April 11, 2018
Fee: FREE
Program Details: 6 pm wine and cheese; 6:30 – 8:30 pm speaker and discussion.
Location: 256 W. 38 St., 12th Floor, NYC (UAW Conference Rooms)
For more information, contact Tim Sheard: sheard2001@gmail.com
NWU – BUSINESS OF WRITING – MONTHLY PRESENTATION SCHEDULE (3)
April 7 – Monthly Open Mic
The NWU hosts a monthly Open Mic on the Third Floor of the Muhlenberg Library (209 West 23rd Street, NYC) from 2 PM – 4:30 PM.
ALL writers are welcome to read or just come to listen to inspired words and participate in this uniquely supportive group.
You’re sure to go home with new contacts and resources to advance your own work. No registration needed to read.
Hosted by NWU NY Steering Committee member Lee Christine Brownlee.
Saturday, Apr. 7, 2018
to
Muhlenburg Public Library
209 W 23rd St, 3rd Flr, New York, NY
(near Seventh Avenue)
Fully accessible to wheelchairs.
FREE ADMISSION
The New York Metro labor Communications Council is offering two $500 prizes for work by student journalists on the theme of “New Forms of Solidarity.”
Thanks to the energy and creativity among grassroots activists, non-traditional forms of labor organizing have grown in recent years, sometimes with dramatic and far-reaching results. The Domestic Workers Alliance, Fight for $15, Black Lives Matter, and the Coalition of Immokalee Workers are all prominent examples. These worker-centered organizations sometimes partner with traditional labor unions as well as with faith-based and community-based organizations to generate support for their campaigns, and use innovative techniques to bring pressure to bear on employers and owners.
Stories by undergraduate and graduate students that capture and explain this phenomenon through original reporting will be considered. One prize will be awarded for a written article of approximately 1200 words, another for a video report of two to six minutes.
The winner will be honored at our annual convention in New York City on May 11, 2018.
Application Deadline: April 2, 2018. Please include your name and the school you are attending. Students do not need to be journalism majors.
For more information and to apply, please contact:
Charles Wilibanks / chuckwilbanks@gmail.com/ 212-823-2054
MARCH 2018
March 22 – 14th National Black Writers Conference
The theme of the 2018 NBWC “Gathering at the Waters: Healing, Legacy, and Activism in Black Literature” acknowledges our concern about the recent, and still continued, issues of social inequality and injustices that challenge us and builds on the legacy of healing through activism. This timely theme will center on the ways in which Black writers use their writing to explore and convey messages that heal and restore our individual selves and collective community. The Conference will also examine the instrumental role that Black writers have played in building our cultural history; the imprint that this has left in Black literature; and how the literature of Black writers has impacted present-day and future generations. And last, we want to look at the significance of activism in writers’ works, that is how a writer’s beliefs and personal vigorous actions are used to support the political and social change they want to see take place in today’s society and in the world.
2018 NBWC Honorary Co-Chair Dr. Myrlie Evers-Williams
Honorees: Steven Barnes, Kwame Dawes, Tananarive Due, David Levering Lewis, Susan L. Taylor, and Colson Whitehead
Thursday, March 22 – Sunday, March 25, 2018; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Medgar Evers College, CUNY
Founders Auditorium
1650 Bedford Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11225
Visit www.centerforblackliterature.org to view the full program.
March 14 – How to Pitch a Book to Agents and Publishers
Prolific and successful book author Peter Benjaminson (The Lost Supreme, Super Freak: The Life of Rick. James), will discuss
- How to query an agent and an editor
- What works in a query letter
- What are the entry points for meeting agents and editors
- What approach is doomed to failure.
Sample query letters will be provided..
Date: March 14, 2018
Fee: FREE
Program Details: 6 pm wine and cheese; 6:30 – 8:30 pm speaker and discussion.
Location: 256 W. 38 St., 12th Floor, NYC (UAW Conference Rooms)
For more information, contact Tim Sheard: sheard2001@gmail.com
NWU – BUSINESS OF WRITING – MONTHLY PRESENTATION SCHEDULE (3)
March 6 – Damaged Virtues A Cry from Within
NWU member Calvin Ramsey‘s play Damaged Virtues Damaged Virtues A Cry from Within was just performed at the National Black Theatre in Harlem. This play will continue to have performances around the country as a fundraiser for a hospital in Kenya that performs fistula operations on the women in that area. Next performance…
Damaged VirtuesDamaged Virtues A Cry from Within
March 6 at 7 PM
Unitarian Church of All Souls
1157 Lexington Ave. (East 80th St.)
New York, NY 10075
March 3 – Monthly Open Mic
The NWU hosts a monthly Open Mic on the Third Floor of the Muhlenberg Library (209 West 23rd Street, NYC) from 2 PM – 4:30 PM.
ALL writers are welcome to read or just come to listen to inspired words and participate in this uniquely supportive group.
You’re sure to go home with new contacts and resources to advance your own work. No registration needed to read.
Hosted by NWU NY Steering Committee member Lee Christine Brownlee.
Saturday, Mar. 3, 2018
to
Muhlenburg Public Library
209 W 23rd St, 3rd Flr, New York, NY
(near Seventh Avenue)
Fully accessible to wheelchairs.
FREE ADMISSION
FEBRUARY 2018
February 21 – Build Your Brand with Live Performances
NOTE: Monthly Wednesday Series will be held on the 3rd Wednesday of this month.
Performance Poetry with Raymond Nat Turner, Garret Robinson and The Jive Poetic, discussing how they use live performances to sharpen their writing voice and build their brand.
Raymond Nat Turner
Raymond Nat Turner is a Steering Committee Member of the NY Chapter of the National Writers Union (NWU) and a NYC poet privileged to have read at the Harriet Tubman Centennial Symposium. He is Artistic Director of the stalwart JazzPoetry Ensemble UpSurge and has appeared at numerous festivals and venues including the Monterey Jazz Festival and Panafest in Ghana West Africa. UpSurge! has two critically acclaimed CDs, All Hands On Deck and Chromatology to its credit. Turner currently is Poet-in-Residence at Black Agenda Report, Ralph Poynter’s “What’s Happening” and WBAI’s Tuesday “Morning Show”. He has opened for such people as James Baldwin, People’s Advocate Cynthia McKinney, progressive sportswriter Dave Zirin and CA Congresswoman Barbara Lee following her lone vote a
gainst attacking Afghanistan.
Garrett Buhl Robinson
Since 1992, Garrett Buhl Robinson has been wandering around the United States while studying independently and writing prolifically. After arriving in New York City in 2011, he has been performing his works on the streets of Manhattan. In 2015, he made his Off-Broadway debut at Theatre Row performing his musical Letters to Zoey in the United Solo Theatre Festival. He has self-published 7 of his books. Photo by bob kidd photography.
Jive Poetic’s Bio:
Jive Poetic received his BA in Media Studies from the State University of New York at Buffalo, and his MFA in Writing and Activism from Pratt Institute. He has performed his work in venues ranging from the Australian House of Parliament to the Tom Thumb Theater in Kent, England. He was also one of two poets selected by the US Embassy to
represent American slam poetry during an international cultural exchange program in Warsaw, Poland. Jive Poetic has collected gran
d slam championship titles from Pensacola, Florida to Munich, Germany. In 2003, Jive Poetic was a member of the Nuyorican Poet’s Café’s N
ational Slam team ranking second in the nation as a team, and 10th as an individual. In 2004, he was a member of the Providence Rhode Island Slam Team; in 2005 he was a member of the NYC Louder Arts Slam Team; in 2006 he was a member of the Brooklyn National Slam Team. In 2011 he served on the advisement panel at the Australian National Slam Summit. He was featured on season four of TVONE’s LEXUS VERSES AND FLOW, PBS News Hour, and BET Facebook Live. He is the founder of Insurgent Poets Society, co-founder of The SOUNDBITES POETRY FESTIVAL, and currently hosts the open slam at Nuyorican Poet’s Café. When he is not on tour or hosting, Jive Poetic teaches performance poetry and hip – hop workshops to at risk youth in New York City and surrounding tri-state area. In 2017 he became the first ever recipient of the John Morning Award for Art and Service. Photo courtesy of Steve Berczik.
Date: February 21, 2018
Fee: FREE
Program Details: 6 pm wine and cheese; 6:30 – 8:30 pm speaker and discussion.
Location: 256 W. 38 St., 12th Floor, NYC (UAW Conference Rooms)
For more information, contact Tim
Sheard: sheard2001@gmail.com-
NWU – BUSINESS OF WRITING – MONTHLY PRESENTATION SCHEDULE (3)
February 13 – Book Launch for Herb Boyd’s Black Detroit
Celebrate Black History Month at a Book Launch party for member Herb Boyd.
There will be a book signing and discussion of Black Detroit: A People’s History of Self-Determination.
Tuesday, Feb. 13, from 6 – 8 pm
256 West 38th Street, NYC (12th Flr)
Admission: FREE to public
February 3 – Monthly Open Mic
The NWU hosts a monthly Open Mic on the Third Floor of the Muhlenberg Library (209 West 23rd Street, NYC) from 2 PM – 4:30 PM.
ALL writers are welcome to read or just come to listen to inspired words and participate in this uniquely supportive group.
You’re sure to go home with new contacts and resources to advance your own work. No registration needed to read.
Hosted by NWU NY Steering Committee member Lee Christine Brownlee.
Saturday, Feb. 3, 2018
to
Muhlenburg Public Library
209 W 23rd St, 3rd Flr, New York, NY
(near Seventh Avenue)
Fully accessible to wheelchairs.
FREE ADMISSION
JANUARY 2018
January 1 – January 31: Monthly Online Contest- Create a New NWU Slogan
The NWU is launching a monthly online contest for our dues-paying members. This month we’re asking for your help to create new NWU slogan.
NWU Slogan Contest Rules:
1. Take the next few weeks to compose your best slogan for the NWU’s New York Chapter.
2. You may get outside help from relatives, friends, and pets.
3. Submit your entries to nwuny@nwu.org.
4. Final date of acceptance for entries is 11:59 PM ET on January 24, 2018.
5. Only NWU dues-paying members can participate in this contest. If you’re not a member yet, you can join online.
6. All contest entries will be entered onto a voting sheet and the NWU New York Steering Committee will vote for the winners.
7. Members of the NWU New York Steering Committee are not eligible to win any prizes from this contest.
And the prizes are …
First Prize: The winning slogan (with the winner’s name) will appear on all NWU NY Chapter event flyers starting in March 2018. This slogan will also be recommended to the NWU’s national leaders for possible adoption in time of the 2018 Delegates Assembly.
Second Prize: One-month subscription to the Writers Market.
Third Prize: Various NWU New York Chapter leaders will post positive reviews about your work on your Amazon page, website, or social media platforms.
Good Luck! We look forward to reading the slogans you submit.
January 21 – Free Wine and Food Party
NWU Member Frank Hickey is hosting a free Wine and Food Party on Sunday, January 21, from 3 PM to 5 PM at the Manhattan Art and Antiques Center, 1050 Second Avenue at 56th Street. RSVP: Frank Hickey at 213-235-6381 or lfrankhickey@gmail.com.
2018 Women’s March in NYC
72nd St. and Central Park West
Over the past year, basic rights for women, immigrants, people of color and even Mother Earth have struggled to survive under the weight of the current administration. The press has been labeled an “Enemy of the People” and healthcare for millions has been threatened. We must stand together!
- The main entrance point will be at 72nd St. and Central Park West.
- The rally starts at 11:30am at Central Park West between 61st – 62nd Streets. The full block in front of the stage (61st to 62nd on Central Park West) will be reserved for those with disabilities.
- The march starts at 12:30 pm and will go past Columbus Circle, East on 59th Street, and South on 6th Avenue with exits at 45th/44th/43rd streets.
- There will be many after march activities (indoors) to choose from. (See the FAQ for more details.)
We will not be silent!
- FAQ: https://
womensmarchalliance.org/2018- womens-march-on-nyc/2018wm- faq/ - VOLUNTEER: https://
womensmarchalliance.org/2018- womens-march-on-nyc/ 2018wmvolunteers/ - DONATE:https://www.aplos.com/
aws/give/ WomensMarchAllianceCorp/2018wm - SHOP T-Shirts: https://
womensmarchalliance.org/shop/
January 19 – UAW Region 9A Annual Civil Rights Dinner
UAW Region 9A Annual Civil Rights Dinner on Friday, January 19. The NWU Chapter has a few tickets available to attend this inspiring event held in Hartford, CT. Transportation will be provided. NWU dues-paying members who would like to attend are asked to send an email message to nwuny@nwu.org. Limited number of free tickets available.
January 10 -Tell Me More About Press Kits
Press kits (also known as media kits and Electronic Press Kits [EPKs]) are prepackaged promotional materials, designed to garner publicity for your book. They are intended to gain you attention from the media (interviews and write ups for: newspaper and magazine articles, blog site posts, television, radio, podcasts, etc.). Learn how to prepare and package your book, to be appealing to media outlets, how and where to distribute your press release. Also learn other ways (social medial and otherwise) to promote your book that can save you time and money, from author, editor, and PR writer Eartha Watts Hicks.
ABOUT EARTHA
Eartha Watts Hicks is editor-in-chief at Harlem World Magazine, founder of Earthatone Books, and is the award-winning author of Love Changes. She a member of the esteemed Harlem Writers Guild, and a PR writer and affiliate of BlackPR.com.
Fee: FREE
Program Details: 6 pm wine and cheese; 6:30 – 8:30 pm speaker and discussion.
Location: 256 W. 38 St., 12th Floor, NYC (UAW Conference Rooms)
For more information, contact Tim Sheard: sheard2001@gmail.com
NWU – BUSINESS OF WRITING – MONTHLY PRESENTATION SCHEDULE (3)
January 6 – Monthly Open Mic
The NWU hosts a monthly Open Mic on the Third Floor of the Muhlenberg Library (209 West 23rd Street, NYC) from 2 PM – 4:30 PM.
ALL writers are welcome to read or just come to listen to inspired words and participate in this uniquely supportive group.
You’re sure to go home with new contacts and resources to advance your own work. No registration needed to read.
Hosted by NWU NY Steering Committee member Lee Christine Brownlee.
Saturday, Jan. 6, 2018
to
Muhlenburg Public Library
209 W 23rd St, 3rd Flr, New York, NY
(near Seventh Avenue)
Fully accessible to wheelchairs.
FREE ADMISSION
January 1 – January 31: Monthly Online Contest- Create a New NWU Slogan
The NWU is launching a monthly online contest for our dues-paying members. This month we’re asking for your help to create new NWU slogan.
NWU Slogan Contest Rules:
1. Take the next few weeks to compose your best slogan for the NWU’s New York Chapter.
2. You may get outside help from relatives, friends, and pets.
3. Submit your entries to nwuny@nwu.org.
4. Final date of acceptance for entries is 11:59 PM ET on January 24, 2018.
5. Only NWU dues-paying members can participate in this contest. If you’re not a member yet, you can join online.
6. All contest entries will be entered onto a voting sheet and the NWU New York Steering Committee will vote for the winners.
7. Members of the NWU New York Steering Committee are not eligible to win any prizes from this contest.
And the prizes are …
First Prize: The winning slogan (with the winner’s name) will appear on all NWU NY Chapter event flyers starting in March 2018. This slogan will also be recommended to the NWU’s national leaders for possible adoption in time of the 2018 Delegates Assembly.
Second Prize: One-month subscription to the Writers Market.
Third Prize: Various NWU New York Chapter leaders will post positive reviews about your work on your Amazon page, website, or social media platforms.
Good Luck! We look forward to reading the slogans you submit.
NWU is the sole provider of IFJ Press Passes to freelance journalists in the U.S.