Newtown Literary’s Queens Writes Weekend

I am excited to spread the word about Newtown Literary’s Queens Writes Weekend (May 19th-May 21st)! We need writing more than ever in these precarious times.

On Sunday May 21st from 1:00pm-3:00pm, I’ll be hosting a poetry workshop at Astoria Park (19th Street entrance). Writers of all levels are welcome. We’ll be reading various poetic forms, including haiku, cinquains, Shakespearean sonnets, and free verse. For free verse, I’ll be sharing a couple of my poems published in Literary Mama and the San Francisco Peace and Hope literary journal. After we read each poetic form, I will assign a thematic writing prompt. For example, the prompt of “love” in writing our own sonnets. Afterward, our writers will have the opportunity to read their poems aloud in an improvised open mic format. This will be a relaxed, encouraging atmosphere which I hope everyone will enjoy.

As a fundraising event, there is a $5 suggested donation to Newtown Literary. For more information, including other Queens Writes Weekend writing sites, please visit NEWTOWNLITERARY.ORG!

Spread the word! See you there!

Peace and inspiration,

Stephanie

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Queens Lit Fest!

Happy May Day!

I just wanted to thank everyone involved in the Queens Lit Fest that took place at LIC Landing this past weekend. I was honored to be a featured reader at the event on 4/29 and to introduce my novel, The Boulevard Trial, to our Queens literary community. I will always be grateful for the opportunity to participate in this event by the incandescent waterfront and to connect with poets, writers and musicians from Queens and beyond.

Stay tuned for upcoming literary events!

Peace and inspiration,

Stephanie

 

 

“Stephanie Laterza Puts Queens on the Map!”

I am so grateful and happy to end this week by receiving a new, five-star review of The Boulevard Trial, which also pays homage to our literary borough of Queens. By the way, the Queens Lit Fest 2017 is fast approaching! Hope you’ll join us the weekend of April 29th-30th to enjoy some poetry and fiction featured by some of the best writing talent here in Queens. I’ll be reading on April 29th! To view the full programming for the event and to learn how to become a sponsor, please visit the official event page! Spread the word!

In keeping with the theme of Queens-inspired literature, today’s new 5* review of The Boulevard Trial  says, in part, “Stephanie Laterza Puts Queens on the Map!” and characterizes the novel as having “An intriguing storyline that captivates you, as its characters shock, manipulate, seduce and outsmart one another and keep the reader in suspense until the end!”

Read the full review, as well as others,  here.

If anyone else out there enjoyed reading my book, please leave a review. It only takes a moment and makes a universe of difference!

Thanks so much for all your support!!! Wishing you an inspired weekend ahead.

Oh, and once again, Happy Birthday Justin Trudeau, you fine, fantastic, fabulous PM!

Love,

Stephanie

Happy Valentine’s Weekend

Happy Friday and Happy Valentine’s Weekend!

I’m sending out love and wishing everyone an inspired, happy Valentine’s weekend.

For the readers out there, or lovers of readers, here’s a steamy (tasteful) excerpt from my novel, The Boulevard Trial, in particular the scene where my protagonist Helena finally kisses her beloved Michael. Get your copy in time for Tuesday!

“Michael’s hands trembled as he took Helena’s face in his hands. He pressed his lips to hers, then drank from her mouth with a grateful tongue, tasting her fleshy wetness for the first time. Never in his life had he quenched such a longing.”

 

I’ll close with a quote from one of my all time favorite poems by e.e. cummings to send love to those who’ve come and those who’ve gone but left an indelible mark:

“i carry your heart(i carry it in my heart)”

 

Happy Birthday, Cupid.

 

Queens Lit Fest 2017 Programming is Up!

As we get closer to April, which also happens to be National Poetry Month, I am thrilled and honored that the Queens Lit Fest 2017 programming is up! Many thanks, as always, to Mike Geffner and Megan DiBello for this opportunity!

The festival will take place the weekend of April 29th-April 30th at LIC Landing and will feature some of the best poets/writers from around our amazing borough!

I am scheduled to read on Saturday, April 29th in the 3:20-4:00 pm time slot and will be reading a selection of my published poems inspired by the industrial landscape of Queens as well as excerpts from my novel, The Boulevard Trial. It will be an inspiring weekend!

For the rest of the programming and more information, including how to sponsor this amazing event, please visit the official event page: https://queenslitfest.eventbrite.com

Sending everyone much peace and inspiration! Hope to see you at the Queens Lit Fest!

Black History Month and Solidarity

In beginning our celebration of February as Black History Month, and in reflecting on the tumultuous state of our country, I recall the words of the eternal poet and teacher, Dr. Maya Angelou, who said, “Pick up the battle and make it a better world just where you are. It can be better and it must be better, but it’s up to us.”

May we take up Dr. Angelou’s challenge as we defend those seeking refuge from the brutality and horrors of war and who have recently been denied the rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness that our Declaration of Independence reminds us are unalienable rights. In this light, please read my poem, Free Gray, published last year in the San Francisco Peace and Hope online anthology.

As I’ve said before, emboldened by our common humanity, we can overcome tyranny.

Peace and inspiration,

Stephanie

 

 

 

 

Queens Lit Fest!

I am honored and thrilled to be one of 100 featured poets/writers at the Queens Lit Fest taking place the weekend of April 29th-30th at LIC Landing. I’ll be reading excerpts from my 5* reviewed novel, The Boulevard Trial, and a selection of my published poems inspired by our industrial landscape of Queens and L.I.C.. This will be a truly exciting event and the notion of sharing my work in my beloved home borough fills me with endless gratitude.

Consider showing your support for our featured Queens poets/writers by becoming a sponsor of this amazing event. For more information, including signing up for the open mic, check out the event page. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/3rd-annual-queens-lit-fest-poetryprosespoken-word-lic-landing-free-tickets-30551037977 

In these precarious times, we, as artists, find hope and inspiration through our words and our creations. Come join us for the Queens Lit Fest! Spread the word!