Erika Dreifus

Quick note: I don’t expect to be online today–I’m preparing this post ahead of time and scheduling it for “normal” publication on Yom Kippur, which this year begins at sunset Tuesday evening and ends Wednesday evening.

Celebrating Staggerwing

Had a terrific time Saturday evening at the launch event for Alice Kaltman’s Staggerwing. The story collection and its author were celebrated by a lively crowd at Brooklyn’s BookCourt, one of my favorite book-event venues.

I don’t think I’ve attended a bookstore reading organized quite like this one. After greeting us, Alice explained that we’d hear first from two other people–a poet friend and a brother-in-law (who happens to have “actor” in his resume)–who would each read one section from her story “The Honeymoon Suite.” After that, we’d hear Alice read a story. And then, we’d be treated to a Q&A with Alice conducted by Sara Lippmann. (Oh–complimentary wine and beer were also available.)

It worked out so well. Definitely a strategy to consider (especially if you have friends/relatives with stage presence!).
(more…)