A Preamble to Tonight's Address

Tonight, George W. Bush will give the annual State of the Union Address. In preparation for this speech, now is a good time to highlight how one of our nation's most revered novelists rates the state of the president.

E.L.Doctorow, who was invited by Laura Bush to participate in last year's National Book Festival in Washington D.C. after the publication of "The Unfeeling President," is known for his historical fiction. He is an author who believes that, even in fiction, there is an obligation to tell the truth.

http://www.easthamptonstar.com/20040909/col5.htm

Literary Anniversary

The Writer's Center is celebrating its 29th birthday as the nation's premier independent literary center. Join members of The Writer's Center as they enter their 30th year. The birthday party takes place at the center in Bethesda on Saturday, January 28 from 7 to 10 p.m. and will feature vocal and instrumental music. Visit the website for more information and to reserve your place at the party.
http://www.writer.org/events/details.asp?id=169

Web Portal for Baltimore Literary Scene

What is the heart of the Baltimore literary scene?

Some long-time Baltimorians can point to reading series at Enoch Pratt and Notre Maison, recommend any number of publications like Link and The Baltimore Review, or rattle off a list of writers from Alvarez to Zane. But the scene can be difficult to get a handle on for newcomers and regulars alike. CityLit Project announces a new website to unite writers and lovers of the written word. The announcement comes on the organization's second anniversary.

"The site is about nurturing the entire culture of literature by bringing synergy to a somewhat fragmented scene," said founder Gregg Wilhelm.

The site serves as the small non-profit's primary method to publicize events, develop writers, and hold conversations about publishing. It's intended to take on a life of its own as users contribute to its features.

Join the conversation; visit the site at http://www.citylitproject.org/.

Happy New Workshop

After a short holiday hiatus, Writeful is back and will continue to feed literary longings everywhere with reading and writing-related tid-bits -- including craft tips from writers, information on literary events and announcements from the literary world.

What better way for writers to begin the new year than with a new fiction workshop? As a follow-up to the successful workshop last fall, the Creative Alliance and CityLit Project team up to bring Write Here, Write Now: Fiction -- Back to the Basics. It's not too late to register. Just visit the CityLit Project at the link below.

http://www.citylitproject.org/?q=node/80