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July 2010 Programs at Charis Circle |
Writing With Intent
Monday, July 12 & 26 6:30-8:30pm
This facilitated group is open to all writers of fiction and creative non-fiction who want a serious group to provide constructive criticism, motivational exercises, and interpersonal accountability to keep their writing on track. We do in group exercises and critiques with an eye towards individual improvement and the eventual goal of publication. Writers are encouraged to bring copies of their work to share for critique. Please direct
inquiries to elizabeth@chariscircle.org. |
Bitch is the New Black: An Evening With Helena Andrews
Wednesday, July 14, 7:30-9:00pm
On December 10th 2009, The Washington Post published a front-page profile of Helena Andrews that was hugely popular and prompted responses from The Huffington Post, Jezebel, and Racialicious. In the article, "Single Minded Success," Helena explained her work, life and love: "What I am trying to say about single black women is, you don't know them as well as you think you do. They may not know themselves as well as they think they do." Her first book, a memoir told in parts titled Bitch Is the New Black, chronicles
Helena's journey from the kidnapped daughter of the town lesbian to the Washington reporter who can't remember a single senator's name, to the girl who runs her love life on G-chat. Don't miss your chance to meet this hilarious and provocative author. |
Cliterati Open No Mic
Thursday, July 15, 7:30-9:00pm
Charis & Cliterati pair up to present an inviting and fierce open mic & reading series on the 3rd Thursday of every month. Hosted by the anarchic spoken word team of Karen G and Theresa Davis, members of the Art Amok Slam Team, this series cultivates the voices of authors, novices and an assortment of poets, songstresses and storytellers. |
Akoma Book Club
Saturday, July 17, 10:30am-12:00pm
The Akoma Book Club (of Women Healing Women) is open to any woman seeking camaraderie with like-minded women for fun, self-empowerment and growth. Even if you haven't read the book, but are willing to talk about the principles in the book, you can join us for a lively discussion. July's book pick is The Survivor Personality by Al Siebert. When faced with adversity, tragedy, or just bad karma, what makes one
person crumble, another survive, and another thrive? Al Siebert first
became interested in this question when he discovered that World War II
combat survivors were less like Sylvester Stallone in Rambo and more like Alan Alda playing Hawkeye, the irreverent M.A.S.H.surgeon. Years of subsequent research taught Seibert that those who survive (and thrive) often respond to challenge with humor, wisdom, and
mental and emotional flexibility. No, life isn't fair, but Siebert shows us the tricks to regaining our stability in a world that seems hell-bent on knocking us off track. |
Practice Erases Perfect: A Journey of Faith in Imperfection Christian and Buddhist Insights
Wednesday, July 21, 7:30-9:00pm
Join us for a very special Faiths and Feminisms with Dr. Bobbi Patterson, professor of Religion at Emory University as she shares her faith journey. Here is a snippet: "Daily living can be tough - even amid joys and dancing. I thought by trying to ignore the things that set me off, I'd be kinder and gentler with others and myself. But it turns out that by learning to let go of my perfectionism, I gained more insight into my "imperfections." Those trigger points of irritation and despair became invitations to healing and wholeness. Insights from Christian and Buddhist contemplative traditions drew me to this journey of practicing imperfection." |
Perfect Peace with Daniel Omotosho Black
Thursday, July 22, 7:30-9:00pm
Don't miss this very special evening with Clark University professor Daniel Omotosho Black, whose new novel, Perfect Peace, explores the complexities of gender and sexuality in one rural southern African American family. Emma Jean Peace had always wanted a girl, but after birthing her sixth boy, she swore she would never be pregnant again as she is going through "the change." Unexpectedly, she becomes pregnant yet again and gives birth to her seventh boy in May of 1940. Possessed by her wish to have a daughter and angry at God for so denying her, Emma Jean declares the baby is her daughter at last, naming her Perfect.
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Queer Literary Fiction Book Group
Wednesday, July 28, 7:00-8:30pm
This facilitated group discusses books which feature queer characters/storylines as well as a strong attention to literary craft and style. July's pick is The Big Bang Symphony by Lucy Jane Bledsoe, the author of several books including the novel, Biting the Apple. Her newest novel, The Big Bang Symphony: a Novel of Antarctica is a story about three women - a geologist, a composer, and a galley
worker - who have taken jobs in Antarctica. As they each fall in love
and into trouble, their lives become more and more entwined - until one crisis binds them in friendship for life. Come with questions prepared to email the author! |
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