We’re heading into the autumn season with these literary events! If you’re looking for something to do in September, here are some upcoming literary events* that may pique your interest!
- September 3, 2024 Twyla Hansen Poetry Reading and Discussion
Zoom, 6:30 – 7:30 pm
Larksong Writers Place founding board member, and award winning poet Twyla Hansen reads and discusses her poetry that covers significant emotional territory while remaining firmly grounded in the landscape. - September 4, 2024 Chris Quigg in Conversation with Ken Bloom – “Grace in All Simplicity: Beauty, Truth, and Wonders on the Path to the Higgs Boson and New Laws of Nature”
Francie & Finch Bookshop, 130 S 13th St.
Lincoln, 5:30 – 6:30 pm
“Grace in All Simplicity: Beauty, Truth, and Wonders on the Path to the Higgs Boson and New Laws of Nature” by Chris Quigg is an enthralling and accessible account of humanity’s quest to make sense of our physical world, told through interwoven tales of inspiration, tragedy, and triumph. Listen as he joins in conversation with Willa Cather Professor and Chair of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Ken Bloom. - September 5, 2024 Verse & Vibes Open Mic Night
Indigo Cottage Crafts, 2063 Creekside Dr.
Papillion, 6:30 pm
The first Thursday of every month we open the mic at an artsy space full of good vibes, and not just because of the coffee and liquor bar! Event is open to poets, authors, writers, musicians, anyone who has talent to share. Free event. - September 6, 2024 First Friday Book Talk & Reading with Shanan Ballam
Zoom, 12:00 Noon
Shanan Ballam is the Poet Laureate of Logan City, Utah. She survived a massive stroke in January 2022 that left her without speech and without the use of her entire right side. She never quit writing poetry, though, and she was awarded an honorable mention for poetry in the Utah Original Writing Competition for her collection “First Poems After the Stroke.” - September 7, 2024 Bringing Home Metaphors: From Stars to Constellations with Javon Rustin
Zoom, 10:00 – 11:30 am
A workshop to help us plot the images and metaphors in our poems so they are as clear as the night sky revealing constellations. We will be going through the process of beginning and editing poems in ways that make our extended metaphors clear to audiences and easy to create. Our constellations will be made of stories and the people we hold close. - September 7 & 21, 2024 Nebraska Warrior Writers – Omaha Workshops
Nebraska Wildlife Rehab’s Baldwin Conference Room, 9777 M St.
Omaha, 10:00 am – 12:00 Noon
A workshop designed to help veterans and active duty military personnel express their thoughts and feelings in words. Participants need only be interested in writing in any form – they do not need to have any previous writing experience to benefit from the workshops. Facilitated by professional writing instructors, the workshops consist of six to eight biweekly sessions focused on developing strategies and skills. Facilitated by Jen Stastny and Cindy Cronn. - September 7, 2024 Nominees and Friends: An Event for Nebraska Poets
FIG, 345 Riverfront Dr.
Omaha, 7:00 pm
This event features nominees to be the next Nebraska State Poet, the current State Poet, the current Nebraska Youth Poet Laureate and a number of other great local writers. And it’s free. Featuring: Matt Mason, Miranda Davis, Kiara Nicole, Todd Robinson, Jewel Rodgers, Sarah McKinstry-Brown, Jean-Marie Parks, Nathan Lachner, Omni, Sharieff Clark, Jonny KnoGood, Devel Crisp, Trac Schacht, Noni Williams, Amanda Huckins, Ben Wenzl, Bianca Swift, Paula Bell, Gina Tranisi and Shanketta O’Neal. Curated by Jewel Rodgers. - September 12, 2024 Bruce E. Whitacre: “Good Housekeeping”
Francie & Finch Bookshop, 130 S 13th St.
Lincoln, 5:30 – 6:30 pm
The contradictions of privilege and want, the dynamics of gay marriage, the joy of a good cocktail – all enter the mix as these 31 poems explore home, marriage, travel, war, sensuality, tea, and, yes, housekeeping. Listen as Nebraska native Bruce R. Whitacre reads from his new book “Good Housekeeping”. - September 12, 2024 Virtual Author Series: Susan Lynn Meyer
Zoom, 7:00 – 8:00 pm
Join for a discussion with Susan Lynn Meyer, author of “A Sky Full of Song”! Told from the perspective of Shoshana, an eleven-year old Jewish immigrant whose family is making a new life in North Dakota, Meyer’s latest book provides a unique perspective of early 20th century homesteading. This author talk is perfect for younger readers, parents, educators, and librarians interested in Great Plains literature for younger readers. - September 13, 2024 Book Launch: “To the Bone” – Alena Bruzas in Conversation with Kelsy Burke
Francie & Finch Bookshop, 130 S 13th St.
Lincoln, 5:30 – 6:30 pm
Join for an exciting book launch with the “Depraved Writers Club”! Alena Bruzas and author of “Pornography Wars”, Kelsy Burke, will launch Alena’s new novel by discussing how they handle writing dark or controversial subject matter as well as how Alena conceived of the idea of “To the Bone”. - September 14 & 28, 2024 Nebraska Warrior Writers – Lincoln Workshops
Pius X High School Conference Room, 6000 A St. (West Entrance 11)
Lincoln, 9:00 am – 11:00 am
A workshop designed to help veterans and active duty military personnel express their thoughts and feelings in words. Participants need only be interested in writing in any form – they do not need to have any previous writing experience to benefit from the workshops. Facilitated by professional writing instructors, the workshops consist of six to eight biweekly sessions focused on developing strategies and skills. Facilitated by Tom Seib. - September 14, 2024 Iron Horse Festival
Iron Horse Arts District, 504 4th Ave.
Holdrege, 11:00 – 4:00 pm
The Iron Horse District festival celebrating Holdrege’s new Creative District and including a poetry reading by Nebraska State Poet Matt Mason and a poetry slam demo. - September 18, 2024 Jeff Barnes: “Forts of the Northern Plains: A Guide to Military and Civilian Posts of the Plains Indian Wars”
Francie & Finch Bookshop, 130 S 13th St.
Lincoln, 5:30 – 6:30 pm
Great Plains historian and author Jeff Barnes will be signing copies of his book “Forts of the Northern Plains: A Guide to Military and Civilian Posts of the Plains Indian Wars”. This new edition now features more than 150 military and civilian sites, directions, and GPS coordinates, with full-color photography and maps, and aerial shots of select sites. - September 19, 2024 Virtual Author Series: Debora Harding
Zoom, 7:00 – 8:00 pm
Fans of true crime will not want to miss author Debora Harding’s talk about “Dancing with the Octopus: A Memoir of a Crime” detailing her 1978 abduction at the age of fourteen. Harding’s book also describes meeting her attacker as she processed her traumatic adolescent experience in adulthood. Please join for what promises to be a gripping conversation and showcase of this 2024 One Book One Nebraska selection! - September 19, 2024 Vocal Fry
Shirley Tyree Theater, 2401 N 24th St.
Omaha, 7:00 – 9:00 pm
An event focused on the spoken word in all its different forms. Hosted by the talented and fun duo: Jewel Rodgers and Nathan Lachner. Please come join us in listening, sharing, and loving the spoken word! - September 21, 2024 Slam Made Simple: A Practical Approach to Competitive Poetry
Larksong Writers Place, 1600 N. Cotner Blvd.
Lincoln, 1:30 – 3:30 pm
This workshop aims to provide insight into slam poetry. From the page to the stage, this includes writing, performance, and strategies for competitive success at a poetry slam. This workshop offers a comprehensive overview to all levels of poets. From inexperienced performers to the seasoned slammers, we will provide key takeaways for spoken word performance that can be utilized beyond this workshop. Instructed by Esman Rodas Calderon, a slam poet based in Lincoln, Nebraska. - September 22, 2024 Bouteloua LitART Fest
Glacier Creek Preserve, 14810 State St.
Bennington, 2:00 – 6:00 pm
Bestselling author Aimee Nezhukumatathil will be the keynote speaker, and other authors include Aaron Scobie, Moises Delgado, Lydia Kang, and Teresa Carmody. Free and open to the public, food and drink provided. - September 23, 2024 Aimee Nezhukumatathil Book Reading and Signing
UNO Thompson Alumni Center, 67th and Dodge St.
Omaha, 7:00 – 9:00 pm
Award-winning author Aimee Nezhukumatathil will visit the University of Nebraska Omaha for a reading and book signing. The event is free and open to the public. Sponsored by UNO’s English Department and Creative Nonfiction Program. - September 27, 2024 Heidi Hermanson Reading and Writing Workshop
Rock County Public Library, 201 E Bertha St.
Bassett, 4:00 pm
Heidi Hermanson will read from her two books and give a writing workshop. Come for the poetry, stay for the Junk Jaunt. Free and open to the public. - September 28, 2024 Maura Jane Farrelly: “Compliments of Hamilton and Sargent: A Story of Mystery and Tragedy on the Gilded Age Frontier”
Francie & Finch Bookshop, 130 S 13th St.
Lincoln, 4:30 – 5:30 pm
Maura Jane Farrelly will be discussing her new book “Compliments of Hamilton and Sargent: A Story of Mystery and Tragedy on the Gilded Age Frontier”. Farrelly explores these narratives as stories about the early demise of our right to be forgotten.
Check out the NCB Calendar to stay up to date on upcoming literary events happening near you!
*The time, date, and location of these events are subject to change.
Some of this month’s events, workshops, or conferences may require registration or charge a fee.
Feel free to contact us if you have an event that you would like to be featured.