The New York City Reading Series Census is an ongoing project to catalogue the contemporary literary scene. Any reading series curator in the New York area can take the survey here.
What is the name of the series, and what is the significance or meaning of the series name?
At The Inkwell was created to support published authors through book reviews, feature articles and readings. Initially we wanted to be named The Inkwell but the website address was already taken, so the founder’s mom suggested At The Inkwell. It’s an invitation for readers and writers to meet at the inkwell and celebrate the written word.
Who founded the series, and who runs it now?
Monique Antonette Lewis founded At The Inkwell and today the New York series is co-curated/hosted by Kait Burrier and Andrea Talarico. At The Inkwell is still managed by Monique but it is curated by local individuals in San Francisco (Alexandra Kostoulas), Seattle (Benjamin Schmitt) and Denver (Monique).
What genres or mediums does the series include?
We focus on fiction, non-fiction and poetry
What is the format of the series?
For prose nights, we have 4-5 readers and for poetry we have 7-8 readers. There is one intermission. Each writer has a max of 10 minutes to read. We also host book launches.
Where does the series take place?
KGB Bar, 85 E. 4th St, 2nd Fl, Manhattan
When and how often is the series performed (and is it seasonal)?
The series is held every 2nd Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m., except June-August.
How long has the series been active?
At The Inkwell has been active since March 2013.
Where can people find information about the series on the web?
Website: www.attheinkwell.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/AtTheInkwell
Twitter: @AtTheInkwell
Instagram: @AtTheInkwell
Do you take submissions, solicit material, or a combination?
We welcome solicitations for readings but given the increased popularity, writers should request a reading at least three months in advance.
Did you set out with specific goals when the series was launched and have they changed over time?
The reading series was born out of an initial response to the crowded literary market. It has become increasingly difficult for newly published authors to market their books to readers. At first, I began with publishing author interviews and book reviews on the website and within a month of founding At The Inkwell, I decided to add the reading series. The goal has always been the same: to support published authors through feature articles, book reviews and readings.
What distinguishes the series from others?
Most reading series stick to either fiction, nonfiction or poetry or a niche style of writing (ie romance, noir and flash fiction). We have decided to feature all kinds of creative writing, rotating a different genre month to month. The other unique selling point is that our series is present in multiple markets, New York, San Francisco, Seattle and Denver. In 2016, we will expand the series to Europe.
The next At the Inkwell is scheduled for Wednesday, March 9, 2016 at KGB Bar and will feature Omar Musa, Jen Fitzgerald, Claudia Serea, Sandee Gertz, Lynn Levin, Kimberly G. Jackson, Christina M. Rau, and Amber West