I have 8+ years of experience planning, promoting, and hosting literary arts events. My goal is to create live literary experiences that are innovative, engaging, refreshing, and welcoming to writers and and non-writers alike. Find some examples of the 30+ events I’ve worked on below.
Truth/Lies: An evening with Bassey Ikpi — hosted at the Ware Center (Millersville University) in Lancaster, PA on September 5th, 2019. Event included three local mini-features from Jamie Beth Cohen, Jonny Teklit, and Maria James-Thiaw; a feature-length performance from Bassey Ikpi, debut author of I’M TELLING THE TRUTH BUT I’M LYING (Harper, 2019); a conversation between Ikpi and Donna Talarico of Hippocampus Magazine. After event, book sales and signing. Over 100 in attendance.
Page Match: the 2nd Draft – hosted at Modern Art in Lancaster, PA (Dec 2018) – A Fear No Lit original event. Eight writers competed in a series of on-the-spot free-writes to win the title of “Lit Champion of Lancaster.” The event raised $700 for Writeface, an organization that provides writing workshops for veterans. Read more about the event in this article by Fly After 5.
The Native American Literature Symposium – hosted at Mystic Lake Hotel Casino in Prior Lake, MN (Mar 2018, 2017) – An international indigenous literature conference held over three days each March. Under the advisement of the Director, Gwen Westerman, I organized the event, redesigned the website, tracked registration, created promotional materials, and designed the conference program. During the 3-day event, I was responsible for customer service, A/V solutions, and event management.
The Submerging Writer Fellowship – hosted at the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts in Tampa, FL (Mar 2018) – Through Fear No Lit, we created an international award for struggling, unpublished writers. The fellowship was open to any writer who had no book, was not in a writing program, and had won no major awards. The winner was awarded chapbook publication and $1,000. This project culminated in a live chapbook launch at AWP 18.
Page Match – hosted at Modern Art in Lancaster PA (Dec 2017) – 8 writers competed in a series of on-the-spot free-writes to win the title: “Lit champion of Lancaster. This fundraiser raised over $400 for Third Point Press .
Fear No Lift @ Starving Artists at the Temple – hosted at the Masonic Temple in Mankato, MN (Sep 2017). This fundraiser for the Twin Rivers Arts Council included performances and installations by organizations from all over southern Minnesota. Fear No Lit design and installed a black-out poetry exhibit inside the temple’s elevator.
Poems & Postcards, ft. Roy Guzmán – hosted at the Coffee Hag in Mankato, MN (Mar 2017). Attendees wrote poems on postcards and sent them to elected officials; open mic and featured reading followed.
Ekphrasis for the Masses – hosted along the sculpture walk in Mankato, MN (Sept 2017, Oct 2016) Generative writing workshop that took place during a walking tour of local sculptures.
When I Was a Kid: Storytelling Night – hosted at the Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota in Mankato, MN (Nov 2016) – Eight storytellers shared true, unscripted, 5-min stories about childhood experiences.
OMG! That’s Embarrassing – hosted at the 410 Project in Mankato, MN (Jun 2016) – Participants shared writing, art, and music made when they were teenagers.
The Grown-up Spelling Bee – hosted at Tellus 360 in Lancaster, PA (Jan 2015) – A wild, live spelling bee for adults that served as a fundraiser for The Triangle (over $1,000 raised).
The Triangle presents: Submit Smarter! – hosted at The Seed in Lancaster, PA (Nov 2014). an informational workshop on sending work out and utilizing literary community.
The Triangle presents: Jamie Mortara – hosted at Dogstar Books in Lancaster, PA (Apr 2014). One of a 6–part series that brought emerging, touring writers to Lancaster.
Poetry Aloud! – hosted at the The Ware Center in Lancaster, PA (2012-2014). This was an annual collaborative project between Millersville University’s Creative Writer’s Guild and Franklin And Marshall College’s Kelly Writers House. Featured performers included Andrea Gibson, Anis Mojgani, and Jon Sands.
Tyler Barton 