StoryOly and the Olympia Poetry Network

Amy Lewis portrait

Photo by Kevin England

My fellow book lovers, salutations! As this holiday season gets going, please consider a book by a local author, purchased at a local bookstore. Let’s support each other by buying locally instead of a faceless conglomerate. Maybe adopt the tradition of giving a book on Christmas eve, called Jolabokaflod. It’s an Icelandic tradition of giving a book, drinking hot chocolate, and reading together on Christmas Eve. It’s called a ‘Christmas Book Flood.” I know it is way too early to think about that, but I love any excuse for bringing more books into the house!

When the darkness begins and the hibernation starts, I know I need to get out of the house and be around people who love books and words as much as I do. I get ideas, meet great writers, and feel energized by the experience. Reading your poem or telling a story to people helps clarify what is working, what didn’t land the way you thought it would, and what is flowing right. My experience doing this has always been positive. Either I am convinced mine is the best thing of the night – (which is highly doubtful) – or I see where the work needs to go. Sometimes, people say lovely things to you which always makes me feel grateful.

There are two really great organizations in town that I know of, and I am certain there are more I don’t know about. If you know of others, please send me the info! Dig out that poem, work on that story you have and give reading a try.

The Olympia Poetry Network

This group has been around since 1990, meeting on the third Wednesday of the month at Traditions downtown. Signups for the open mic start at 5:30, and I’d recommend getting there at 5:30 if you want to be able to read as spots fill up quickly. Everyone is welcome, and the readings are free of charge, tips being welcome. Readings start at 6 pm, and there is usually a Featured Poet for each month. Featured Poet for this Wednesday is Holly J. Hughes. Check out their events page for more info click here.                 

Olympia Poetry network also has a writing group, occasional workshops, and a monthly newsletter packed with tips, prompts, and general news. Members get a break on costs for the workshops, so if you are interested in those, you might want to consider it.

StoryOly

Held at the Brotherhood Tavern on the 3^rd Tuesday of each month, this is a Story Slam event, focusing on folks telling true stories around a theme for each month. They have an excellent how-to-tell-a-story tutorial on their web page; click here for it. Signups begin at 6:30 p.m., the event starts at 7 p.m. They draw names out of a hat for who gets to read when.

Storytellers get about 8 minutes to tell their true story, this month being on the theme of Silver Lining. A winner for the evening is selected by judges from the audience. It's an amazing experience: listening to people being vulnerable, funny, insightful, or analytical about themselves and their lives. Listening and connecting to the stories, bonding, and building community with each other over shared experiences? What else do you need for a good time? Count me in!

Each month has a different theme, and all the winners at the end of the series compete in a Championship scheduled for next September. I’m looking forward to hearing all kinds of amazing stories throughout the season.

So, now you’ve something cool and amazing to get out and do for tomorrow and Wednesday. Maybe you’ll be brave and share your work. I will be delighted to see you do it.

Amy Lewis focuses her column on the literary world of Thurston County, spotlighting writers, small presses, book artists, poets, and storytellers of all types. Contact her – amy@thejoltnews.com – if you have a literary event, book, or reading.