Tag: author talks

Community Poetry Reading

Written by Raquel on March 14, 2026.

Come join us for an evening dedicated to poetry!

Author of the multi-award winning book, earthshine, local author Chuck Brickley will read excerpts from his latest collection, downhill home. Chuck will also be discussing what ‘free-verse haiku’ is, and why it’s a perfect medium of expression for our times.

Chuck will be joined by other local poets, who will read their work.

About Chuck:

Chuck Brickley is a Westmoor High School alum and Westlake resident who has been writing free-verse haiku for over 60 years. His haiku, senryu, haibun and hay(na)ku have been published, awarded and translated in journals and anthologies worldwide.

Visit his author website at: www.chuckbrickley.com

Author Talk with Nitza Agam

Written by Raquel on February 27, 2026.

Too Much Love, Stories of Mothering, is an anthology of essays and poems by women, edited by Nitza Agam, reveals and questions the complex and complicated relationships of becoming a mother and being a daughter. The anthology includes eighteen women writers of all ages and backgrounds. On March 14th, seven of the eighteen Bay Area writers will read excerpts from their poems and essays at the bookstore.

List of contributors for the event:

Nitza Agam
Abby Caplin
Kathleen Meadows
Cynthia Chin- Lee
Susan Light
Bonnie Lindauer
Carole DeNola

About the Author:

Nitza Agam has published two memoirs, several articles and essays in literary magazines and in The SF Chronicle, as well as poems and opinions. Prior to “Too Much Love: Stories of Mothering,” Nitza has also edited The Lemon Tree: Artists’ and Writers’ Personal Journeys of Creativity,” published by BossLady Press, 2022. Agam has a BA from Hebrew University in Jerusalem as well as two master’s degrees in literature from San Francisco State. She also holds a teaching credential in secondary English and has taught at various independent schools and workshops. She lives in San Francisco with her husband, Ofer; together they have two adult sons, David and Or.

Author Talk with Ellie Lopez, author of Chillona

Written by Raquel on January 30, 2026.

Come join us for an evening celebrating the debut poetry collection, Chillona, by local author Ellie Lopez! In Chillona, Ellie Lopez discusses their personal experience as the eldest daughter in a Mexican American family and navigating life in the Bay Area. Their book covers many themes such as identity, healing, and family. Lopez will be joined by other performers listed down below.

List of performers opening for Ellie Lopez:

Tara Rico
Mia Catherine
Dina Klarisse
Stephanie Hernandez Jarvis

Ellie Lopez (she/her) is a storyteller from Tracy, CA. Her poetry has been featured in numerous publications most recently Mobile Data Mag and KALW BAY POETS. Ellie has released a BuiLit Zine “While in Mourning” via Sampaguita Press. “Chillona” is her first full length poetry collection and was released October 2025.

Author Meet & Greet: Charles Porta

Written by Raquel on January 18, 2026.

In Pure Evil, Page Publishing author Charles Porta tells a spine-chilling thriller story about a serial killer loose in San Francisco. The police department are doing their best, but are being taunted by the killer and the death count of the city is only rising. Then, Detective Draven Overstreet is assigned to the case. He is a brilliant detective who follows his own beat with a strict moral code steeped in the protection of the innocent.

With the aid of the Gothically alluring and seductive Asia Francisco, forensics expert for the San Francisco Police Department, along with assistance from other individuals, they comb the city in desperate search for this disturbed, twisted serial killer lurking among the streets.

First five attendees receive a FREE copy of the book!

Book Launch- Lauren Campbell “When They Were in Vogue”

Written by Raquel on November 26, 2025.

Celebrate the launch of Lauren’s Campbell’s historical fiction book, “When They Were in Vogue.” Join us as we explore this powerful work of historical fiction that covers race, art, friendship, and identity during one of America’s most dynamic cultural moments. The book takes place in the summer of 1929, where siblings Scott and Alice travel from the South to a vibrant and bustling Harlem during the Harlem Renaissance.

This event is perfect for readers of historical fiction with heart, depth, and modern resonance.

About the Author:

Lauren Campbell has been writing stories since childhood, drawn to narratives that illuminate overlooked histories and explore the complexities of human nature. A third-year law student at UC Berkeley School of Law, Lauren brings a keen eye for justice and nuance to fiction that interrogates themes of race, belonging, and social change.

The first 5 attendees will receive a copy of the book thanks to our sponsor, Sobrato Foundation.

Author Conversation – Carolyn Bass

Written by Raquel on November 25, 2025.

Join Carolyn Bass a native San Franciscan, who retired from the University of California, San Francisco with over thirty years of service in Human Resources.

‘Unstoppable,’ the book she co-authored with Lisa Nichols, achieved best-seller status; her original short story was published in an anthology; and she was a featured writer/reader at Ruth’s Table in San Francisco. Books will be provided to attendees.

Carolyn is passionate about developing delicious SOS-free vegan recipes—free of salt, oil, and sugar.

Agenda:

Talk about chapter in detail and backstories
Q & A Session
Yummy treats
Trivia contest around health questions
Hat contest- wear a hat with a vegetable or fruit theme for a prize

Unearthed: Author Chanchal Garg with Mansi Goel

Written by Raquel on August 2, 2025.

Join author Chanchal Garg in conversation with Mansi Goel to discuss Chanchal’s new book “Unearthed” and her journey of healing. Hope to see you here.

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Chanchal Garg is a speaker, executive coach and facilitator at The Stanford Graduate Business School. She is also the author of Unearthed: The Lies We Carry & The Truths They Bury.

Previously Google’s Global Head of Product Policy, Mansi Goel is now ranked among the Top 5 Executive Coaches in Silicon Valley. Her core passion is to rewild herself and this earth.

Spooky Storytime with Author Victoria Fong

Written by Raquel on August 2, 2025.

Join author Victoria Fong for a Spooky Storytime on Sunday, October 26th. She will read her book, “The Legend of Sutro Tower” then we will have a costume contest and there will be treats for all. See you there.

I am a Warrior Book Launch & Community Gathering

Written by Raquel on July 25, 2025.

I Have the Heart of a Warrior – Book Launch & Community Gathering

Join us for an inspiring and heart-centered celebration of I Have the Heart of a Warrior, the newest children’s empowerment book by author, humanitarian, and speaker Leslie Lew.

This powerful event is for parents, educators, caregivers, and conscious community members who believe in raising the next generation with courage, confidence, and compassion.

Whether you’re nurturing your own child’s voice or healing your inner child, this gathering is a reminder that we all have the heart of a warrior — and it’s time to live from it.

What to Expect:

A heartfelt reading of I Have the Heart of a Warrior
Interactive Q&A and community discussion with Leslie
Creative activities for kids and families to explore bravery, boundaries, and voice
Book signing + limited edition warrior gifts
A space of love, healing, and bold transformation

Who It’s For:

Parents and caregivers who want to raise brave, emotionally aware kids
Teachers, therapists, and youth advocates focused on empowerment
Anyone looking to reconnect with their own warrior spirit

Come as you are. Leave feeling empowered, connected, and ready to rise — with your little (or inner) warrior by your side.

Information on Kerry Donoghue book launch party

“Mouth” by Kerry Donoghue Book Launch Party

Written by Raquel on March 4, 2025.

Celebrate the launch of Kerry Donoghue’s provocative debut, MOUTH, highlighting the ways we consume—from the drinks we can’t put down to the lovers we can’t resist—revealing deeper hungers we often keep hidden. A competitive eater, a rodeo clown, a pearl diver, and a mermaid-in-training are just a few of the outsiders in this collection of short stories. MOUTH asks: when our appetites define us, how do we survive the hunger?

Currently living in the Bay Area, her poetry and stories have appeared in journals such as Ninth Letter, Painted Bride Quarterly, Permafrost, The Louisville Review, and The South Carolina Review. Learn more at www.kerrydonoghue.com.

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