Find me at these upcoming spring events

Spring is finally here! Even though it’s still cold out there for a D.C. spring, it smells like flowers and mulch and rain. So, I’m hopeful that warmth is just around the corner.

With spring, comes a new lineup of readings and events! Here’s where you can find me in the next few months.


An image of DiVerse Gaithersburg's poster, a typewriter with 2nd Sundays 2-4 p.m. at the Gaithersburg Library, poetry reading and open mic.

April 8: I’m a featured reader at this month’s DiVerse Gaithersburg at the Gaithersburg Library. It’s Sunday, April 8 from 2-4 p.m. DiVerse Gaithersburg is a new reading series in Maryland, and I’m so impressed with Lucinda Marshall for starting and leading it. There’s a great lineup for Sunday, including: Joseph Ross, Kateema Lee, and me. Special guest Mayor Jud Ashman will be discussing the upcoming Gaithersburg Book Festival on May 19.

 

An image of a silhouetted person staring up at a sky filled with stars and various colors. On the right, text: "Fantasy As Reality: Activism and Catharsis through Speculative Writing. Moderated by Christina M. Rau With panelists Rita Banerjee Marlena Chertock Alex DiFrancesco #fantasyasreality #splitthisrock2018"

April 21: At this year’s Split This Rock Festival, I’m talking about Fantasy As Reality. My panel is Saturday, April 21 at 9 a.m. — since it’s so early, we’ll have treats and a raffle prize (like astronaut ice cream!). #FantasyAsReality will be moderated by the amazing Christina M. Rau and the panelists include: Rita Banerjee, Alex DiFrancesco, and me. We’ll be exploring activism and catharsis through speculative fiction. You can RSVP to the event here.

Split This Rock is Washington, D.C.’s premiere poetry event, highlighting poetry at the intersection of the imagination and social change. You must register for the festival to attend the panels. The featured readings at night are open to the public.

 

An image of a poster "Our Queer Mother Earth: an ecojustice & climate change reading"

June 9: I know, I know, it’s not technically spring, but I’m so excited for this event I have to share it early with you all! I’m serving as the moderator for “Our Queer Mother Earth: An Ecojustice & Climate Change Reading.” Before Capital Pride, head over to The Potter’s House at 2 p.m. The amazing lineup includes: Danielle Badra, Jen Deerinwater, Danielle Evennou, Devi Lockwood, Sam Mahone, Rhodes, Xemi Mandibusan. You can RSVP to the event here.

This reading is part of the lead-up to OutWrite 2018, which happens August 3-5 in Washington, D.C. There have been workshops and readings hosted around the city for the past few months promoting the festival and encouraging queer/LGBTQ writers to participate, submit a panel, and attend.

 

Graphic saying "DC's LGBTQ Literary Festival #OutWrite2018 August 3-5"

August 3-5: OutWrite 2018 happens in August, which is the best month because it’s also my birthday month and when my second book, Crumb-sized, came out! If you’d like to be involved with the festival, then submit a panel or reading proposal here. Details about my own panel TBA.

Hope to see you at some of these events!