Welcome to DC Writers Room’s new Substack, the place for all things literary in the DMV. This issue features an interview with the co-founder of Stirred Stories, Kelsea Johnson.
Lit Life: A Conversation with Stirred Stories Co-founder, Kelsea Johnson
DCWR: What’s the inspiration behind your latest project?
JOHNSON: Little Jade: Memoir of a Young Eurasian Immigrant is our first young adult book. It chronicles the life of Katherine Haas, who immigrated to the U.S. on a ship when she was eleven. Katherine’s story as a multicultural immigrant is joyful, resilient, and even comical at times. We’re thrilled to share Little Jade with readers!
DCWR: What do you hope readers take away from Little Jade?
JOHNSON: After reading Little Jade, readers should have an appreciation for the nuances that sprinkle one’s cultural upbringing. We also hope readers are reminded that kindness is key.
DCWR: What book or books are on your newsstand or desk right now?
JOHNSON: Oh, fun question! Erasure by Percival Everett, The Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison, and Three Muses by Martha Anne Toll.
DCWR: Which writer or artist of any kind did you most recently discover and fall in love with?
JOHNSON: Another fun question! I’ve been listening to Teddy Swims a lot lately. And I recently enjoyed Julia Ridley Smith’s writing in her novel Sex Romp Gone Wrong.
DCWR: When you’re not writing you are …?
JOHNSON: Reading, going on long walks, and brainstorming future travels.
NEWS FROM THE DC WRITERS ROOM
DCWR SATURDAY MORNING WRITE-IN POSTPONED: The Saturday morning Write-In scheduled to take place at our Tenleytown studio will be postponed until sometime in September. Follow us on social media and keep an eye out for our next newsletter for announcements about the rescheduled date.
DCWR PUB NIGHT HAPPY HOUR WITH STIRRED STORIES: Next month, on 9/13 from 6-8PM, The DC Writers Room will be hosting a Pub Night Happy Hour in collaboration with Stirred Stories. This free event will take place at our Tenleytown studio, and will be an opportunity to hear about Stirred Stories latest titles, mingle with others in the DC literary community, and enjoy some refreshments. Keep an eye on our social media and our next newsletter for the upcoming registration link.
NEW REVIEW IN THE NYT BY JENNIFER HOWARD: A review by Jennifer Howard, DCWR member and author of “Clutter: An Untidy History,” has recently been published in the New York Times. The review is titled “War and Remembrance: New Novels by Lois Lowry and Gayle Forman” and can be read here.
THE LIT LIST: THE DMV’S COOLEST LITERARY EVENTS THIS MONTH
2024 NATIONAL BOOK FESTIVAL: The much-anticipated 2024 National Book Festival takes place on 8/24 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. The free festival, which runs from 9AM-8PM, will feature a wide array of authors (including DCWR operator Donna Hemans!) and will include events such as author presentations, book signings, author panels, and interactive activities. Check out the National Book Festival’s website to see the author line-up as well as the event schedule. Can’t make it in person? No worries – some of the programs will be livestreamed, and video of all programs will be available after the event. More information can be found on the Festival Information page.
PARK BOOKS SPARK IN THE PARK: Do you just *love* romance? On August 17, from 11AM-3PM, Park Books will be hosting Spark in the Park, an event for romance authors and readers that will feature over 25 author signings, romance book merch, and more. The event is free, though there is the opportunity to purchase a VIP ticket that offers early access. Registration for admission can be found here.
2024 CHIDREN’S SUMMER READING FESTIVAL @ CHANTILLY REGIONAL LIBRARY: On 8/18 from 12-3PM, the Chantilly Regional Library will be hosting their annual Children’s Summer Reading Festival to kick-off Fairfax Country Public Library’s summer reading program. This free event will include games, crafts, live entertainment, and more. You can reserve a spot here.
“You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.” – Maya Angelou