Members of TWIG, in collaboration with Tuscaloosa Public Library, are offering a free six-session memoir-writing course. Laura Hunter, Jim Ezell and Carolyn Breckinridge Ezell will offer the first session on Saturday March 14th in the library’s History room from 2:00 to 4:00. They will read samples of poetry memoir, memoir through letters, prose memoir and pre-K rebus memoir, and will provide instruction, exercises, memoir guidelines and suggestions. Five additional TWIG member panels will follow on the Saturdays, April 18, May 2, May 16, June 6, and July 11. This program is offered by Tuscaloosa Public Library as a part of West Alabama’s celebration of the 250th anniversary of the birth of our nation.
Signings
| Day / Date / Time | Author(s) | Event / Location |
|---|---|---|
| Friday, April 10 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM |
| Druid City Arts FestivalGovernment Plaza, 618 Almon Ave.Tuscaloosa, AL |
| Saturday, April 11 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Druid City Arts FestivalGovernment Plaza, 618 Almon Ave.Tuscaloosa, AL |
| Saturday, April 11 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM | TK Cassidy | Barnes & Noble2640 N. Reserve St., Missoula, MT |
| Saturday, April 11 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM | Emily Walls Ray | Books, Beads and MoreMechanicsville, VA |
| Saturday, April 18 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM |
| Impact Book FestivalFultondale Event Center2980 Hawkins Ln., Fultondale, AL |
| Saturday, April 18 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM | TK Cassidy | Easter Craft MarketHamilton, MT |
| Saturday, April 25 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM | TK Cassidy | Irish FestivalMissoula FairgroundsMissoula, MT |
| Saturday, April 25 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM |
| Barnes & NobleTuscaloosa, AL |
Celebrations
- Congratulations to Lynessa Layne and her husband, AJ, for organizing their spring, 2026 TropiCon Book Expo and Convention (April 10 & 11). This one will be held in Hot Springs, Arkansas.
- Megan Blaney’s poem, “Blaney 1988,” has been accepted by Dark Moon Rising Publications for inclusion in their anthology, White Trash Beautiful.
- Beth Sherrill has received word her poems, “On Epiphany Sunday” and “The Scourged Back” have been accepted for publication by the Massachusetts poetry journal, Meat for Tea.
- Beth also has been awarded third place for her haiku with the theme of promise in this year’s Sakura Haiku contest.
- Megan Blaney has begun a YouTube channel, Between Ink and Air, where she is presenting her stories. http://youtu.be/xGJkA-dJyyg?si=gUtBtfr80WkuoG1
- Gregory N. Whitis was the guest last month (March 26th) on The Noon Show, 100.1. Check out his interview on Spotify and YouTube.
- Author Sam Popkin has released a trailer for his book of life reflections, Scenes Through the Narrow Window: Personal and Professional Reflections of a Clinical Psychologist. https://youtu.be/g6BqLPPC1r4?si=s5sP9UlkFYSOfWEI
Readings and Appearances
| Day / Date / Time | Author | Event / Location |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday, April 7 TBA | Beverly Thorn | Saint Mary’s CollegeSouth Bend, INPreparing for the Dementia Tsunami: How Knowledge and Planning Ease Caregiver’s Coping and Burden |
| Sunday, April 19 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM | Beverly Thorn | Women in Christian Service PresentationSt. Mark’s ChurchTuscaloosa, AL |
| Monday, April 277:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Emily Walls Ray | Henrico County Authors Community ShowcaseTuckahoe Public Library1901 Starling Dr., Henrico, VA |
| Thursday, April 30 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM | Beverly Thorn | Warrior Investment Group Book Signing & DiscussionIndian Hills Country ClubTuscaloosa, AL |
Community Activities
- Walt Henley, Laura Hunter and Elizabeth Kitchens will serve as April panelists for the Memoir-Writing Session offered through Tuscaloosa Public Library. The session will be held Saturday, April 18th, from 2:00-4:00 PM. Walt will discuss memoir-writing using the internet and social media; Laura will present memoir through poetry and will facilitate and Elizabeth will explore ways to begin, continue and complete writing projects.
- Carolyn Breckinridge, Laura Hunter, Gary Minder, Carolyn Rhodes, John Ryland and Greg Whitis will represent TWIG at Tuscaloosa Public Library’s event, “The Living Library,” on Thursday, April 16th, 4:30-7:00.
- John Ryland signed at the Strawberry Star Market at Lloyd Wood Education Center in Northport to support West Alabama special need services on March 28th.
- TK Cassidy will be offering a course in creative writing for adult at the Missoula Public Library, Missoula, Montana, April 8-10th from 10:00-2:00.
- Jennifer Horne continues to offer her weekly Poetry Break on her Facebook page.
- Emily Walls Ray is offering an 8-week course in Memoir Writing on Thursdays (3/26-5/22/26) at the
- Shepherd Center of Richmond, Lakeside United Methodist Church, 9:30-10:30 AM., Richmond, VA
- Emily Walls Ray also serves as a volunteer reader at Kidz Zone of the Atlantic Coast Athletic Center, Short Pump, Richmond, Virginia.
