City Works Press

Based in San Diego, City Works Press is the organizing force behind the San Diego City Bookfair. They will be launching two books at the bookfair (see below). Either of these would be a great opportunity to check the press out—to see what they are publishing and if/how it resonates with you.

Here's their announcement about the bookfair:

Come see our authors at the 4th Annual San Diego City College International Book Fair this weekend-October 2nd and 3rd!

Itchy Brown Girl Seeks Employment

By Ella deCastro Baron

Itchy Brown Girl Seeks Employment is an ironic Curriculum Vitae where life and work experiences one wouldn't want a potential employer to know are highlighted using vulnerability, wit, observation, and candor. Ella deCastro Baron-a first generation Asian American woman challenged by her parents' faith, inherited sickness, and questionable life choices-shares of beginning and ending relationships, restlessness, miracles, prejudice, entitlement, and community. She leaves it up to the reader to decide, after assessing her background, education, professional experience, fieldwork, high (and low) achievements, if she is someone worth investing in.

Ella will be reading from her book on Friday, October 2nd at 7 pm in the Saville Theatre at City College as part of the San Diego City College International Book Fair!


Lavanderia: A Mixed Load of Women, Wash, and Words

Edited By: Donna J. Watson, Michelle Sierra, and Lucia Gbaya-Kanga

This anthology initiates us into one of the most sacred domestic rituals of our mundane world-the purging of physical and psychic stains, or the art and work of doing laundry. The writers' voices rise above the sounds of washing machines, non-televised daytime dramas, and laughter. Removing the clothespins from their mouths, these women reveal their secrets, fears, loves, and regrets in poem and story form. As finely detailed as the vintage sleeve of a rummage sale find, the work in "Lavanderia" brings the circle closer to home as you find yourself nodding and remembering and thanking every woman who ever sat next to you in a laundromat and made conversation.

Lavanderia will be featured on Saturday, October 3rd at noon in the Saville Theatre at City College as part of the 4th Annual San Diego City College International Book Fair!

For more information on the Book Fair go to: www.sdcitybookfair.com

Book Fairs: Out of the House

There are two book fairs happening within the next week—one in San Diego and one in West Hollywood. Your assignment: pick one and attend at least one panel, reading or workshop, then write about it (see syllabus for more specifics).

The 4th Annual San Diego City College Intl. Book Fair is happening from Sept. 28-Oct. 3, 2009. The schedule includes afternoon and evening readings, creative writing workshops (with the wonderful Cheryl Klein), lectures and more. There will also be several independent presses and literary organizations in attendance. Check out their displays, and talk to the editors/publishers about what they publish and why.

Alternatively (or in addition), take a mini road trip on Sunday, October 4 to Los Angeles for the West Hollywood Book Fair. Here you'll find panel discussions on everything from comics to zombies to techniques for memoir writing. At 3:15, The Future of Publishing Think Tank will be talking about, well, the future of publishing. There will be readings throughout the day, writing workshops, and ghost stories. There are also many exhibitors, including several small presses, like Manic D, Red Hen Press, Ex Machina Press, Gorsky Press, PM Press, and Les Figues Press.