I 💛 PGH

Illness and disability are universal human experiences, but too often these experiences are narrowly categorized into either medical freak show stories or “inspirational” narratives. These constraints can shut down our creative work, self-reflection, and inquiry into our experience. And they leave too many stories untold. This day-long workshop will begin by addressing clichés for writing […]

Hang out with Littsburgh and celebrate literary Pittsburgh with other readers, writers, booksellers, literary organizers and advocates at Spirit! There's NO COVER CHARGE for Littsburgh's Second Annual Happy Hour (although you'll want to bring $ for pizza and beer) and there won't be any readings (if you're looking for those, check out Littsburgh's Event Calendar!). […]

We all enjoy good food and strong drinks. But how can you write about them in a way that transcends “really good,” “awesome,” and “delicious”? In this workshop, taught by Hop Culture magazine editor in chief and cofounder Kenny Gould, you’ll learn how to write tantalizing descriptions that also tell a story about that special […]

The memoirist is asked to play many roles simultaneously—that of the author (you, sitting at the keyboard), the character (younger you, in the scenes you are recollecting), and the narrator. This last role is both the slipperiest and perhaps the most important. But how do you find your narrator and make them work for your […]

The memoirist is asked to play many roles simultaneously—that of the author (you, sitting at the keyboard), the character (younger you, in the scenes you are recollecting), and the narrator. This last role is both the slipperiest and perhaps the most important. But how do you find your narrator and make them work for your […]

Science & Religion—Exploring the Harmonies: A Media Perspective with Writers and Editors from The Atlantic, The Washington Post, The Weekly Standard Science and religion co-exist in our world in many complex, interesting, and productive ways beyond the caricature of conflict and contradiction. Join us for readings, conversations, and the launch of “Science and Religion: Exploring […]

Powerful stories often come in small packages. Writing shorter isn't as simple as it might seem. Flash requires precision and restraint and often lends itself to unconventional structure and form. Learn the art of flash nonfiction in this afternoon writing workshopp with Sarah Shotland. Featuring a variety of exercises that will help you appreciate both […]

Don't let a failure of memory be the end of a writing project. Instead, turn it into the beginning of a creative breakthrough. If you're working on a memoir, then you know that your memory is the best source of material, your impetus for writing. But memory is also sometimes a trickster, telling inaccurate stories […]

Put a pin into the map and tell us about a Pittsburgh place that maybe only you remember. Volunteer story collectors will be on hand conducting brief interviews and taking down your story for the Unlandmarks project. Whether it’s a café or church that have shuttered their doors, a mural that’s been painted over, or […]

Whether you have a draft at the ready, or have yet to put pen to paper - we welcome your company! Local editors and publishers will share important do's and don'ts in a casual, comfortable atmosphere. Come ask your burning questions and learn more about the writing, editing, and publication process.

Lineup Announced! Plan your visit at TrustArts.org/FirstNightPGH. Culminating with the city’s Countdown to Midnight and raising of the Future of Pittsburgh Ball, this six-hour celebration sprawls downtown’s renowned 14-block Cultural District — inside theaters, galleries, and unique spaces and along city streets on outdoor performance stages. Acclaimed national artists and Pittsburgh’s vibrant artist community ring […]

There are many ways to tell stories that are true. In this lively five-week workshop series, examples and writing prompts will help you practice innovative ways of breaking through traditional essay structure and thinking about how form can complement content in creative nonfiction. Activities and prompts include writing a short food memoir in the form […]

There are many ways to tell stories that are true. In this lively five-week workshop series, examples and writing prompts will help you practice innovative ways of breaking through traditional essay structure and thinking about how form can complement content in creative nonfiction. Activities and prompts include writing a short food memoir in the form […]

There are many ways to tell stories that are true. In this lively five-week workshop series, examples and writing prompts will help you practice innovative ways of breaking through traditional essay structure and thinking about how form can complement content in creative nonfiction. Activities and prompts include writing a short food memoir in the form […]