literature

New Orleans writers round up: Lara Naughton, Jesmyn Ward, Justin Nobel, Maurice Carlos Ruffin, Kristin Sanders, and Yuri Herrera

Countless writers in New Orleans are ever plucking away at their keyboards, conducting research or interviews, or simply probing their memories and inner lives to create worthwhile work. Much of this is published online, scattered disparately throughout cyberspace. Here are a few things we at Room 220 read recently that compelled us to gather them together and share. New Orleans writers round up: Lara Naughton, Jesmyn Ward, Justin Nobel, Maurice Carlos Ruffin, Kristin Sanders, and Yuri Herrera

Rodrigo Toscano and Carolyn Hembree to read at BJ’s on May 25

Poets Rodrigo Toscano and Carolyn Hembree headline the Blood Jet Poetry Series on Wednesday, May 25, at BJ’s in the Bywater (4301 Burgundy). Read ROOM 220‘s review of Hembree’s latest collection here. Rodrigo Toscano’s newest book of poetry is Explosion Rocks (Springfield Fence Books, 2016). His previous books include, Deck of Deeds, Collapsible Poetics Theater (a Rodrigo Toscano and Carolyn Hembree to read at BJ’s on May 25

James B. Borders IV releases Marking Time, Making Place: An Essential Chronology of Blacks in New Orleans Since 1718

James B. Borders IV recently released a chronological history disclosing the pivotal African-American names, events and locations in Marking Time, Making Place: An Essential Chronology of Blacks in New Orleans Since 1718 (Beckham, 2015). “New Orleans is one of the most Africanized spaces in North America,” says Borders. “It’s a fascinating repository of black life. The history James B. Borders IV releases Marking Time, Making Place: An Essential Chronology of Blacks in New Orleans Since 1718

Dogfish Reading Series launches 2016 season with Mixed Company on Jan. 21

The Dogfish Reading Series presents their first event of the year featuring writers from Mixed Company at 7:30 pm on Thursday, Jan. 21, at Dogfish headquarters (2448 N. Villere St). Doors open at 7 pm. Featured readers will include Addie Citchens, Jeri Hilt, Ambata Kazi-Nance, and Kristina Kay Robinson. The open mic will begin at 8:30 pm. The event Dogfish Reading Series launches 2016 season with Mixed Company on Jan. 21

Recently read, a New Orleans writers round up: Anya Groner, Adrian Van Young, Tad Bartlett, and Maurice Carlos Ruffin

Countless writers in New Orleans are ever plucking away at their keyboards, conducting research or interviews, or simply probing their memories and inner lives to create worthwhile work. Much of this is published online, scattered disparately throughout cyberspace. Here are a few things we at Room 220 read recently that compelled us to gather them together and share. Recently read, a New Orleans writers round up: Anya Groner, Adrian Van Young, Tad Bartlett, and Maurice Carlos Ruffin

T. Geronimo Johnson wins Ernest Gaines Award for Welcome to Braggsville

New Orleans-born T. Geronimo Johnson recently won the Ernest Gaines Award for Literary Excellence for his novel Welcome to Braggsville. The award will be presented during a public ceremony at the Manship Theatre in downtown Baton Rouge on Jan. 21 at 6:30 p.m. Welcome to Braggsville is a socially provocative, dark comedy that explores political identity, racial T. Geronimo Johnson wins Ernest Gaines Award for Welcome to Braggsville