We all have places that trigger our memories and stay in our hearts long after we are gone from them or they’ve been taken from us. Whether the place is a classroom, an island, suburbia, a traffic stop, or a fast-food restaurant, we all have stories that are rooted in place. We may take our space for granted, but when we write about an event or a person we love or even especially one with whom we are having a hard time, we can ground our writing and our narrative by focusing on the space around us. 

If you have a place-based piece that you’ve written in one of your Chatham University courses this academic year, the Women’s Institute and the MFA Program are hoping you will submit your piece for this reading event! The Place-Based Reading will take place on Thursday, April 17 from 7 to 8:30pm. We are seeking any writing that can be read in 5 minutes or less. The only criteria is that your piece includes thick description, sensory details, meaningful events, sharp dialogue, and a strong sense of place. Ten to twelve submissions will be accepted for this reading event. If your piece is chosen, you will be expected to read your piece at the April 17 event and to be available for a rehearsal from 5 to 6pm on the day of the event. 

Please send your submissions and a short bio of no more than 3 sentences by March 27 at midnight to n.caronia@chatham.edu. Applicants will be notified by April 7. If you have questions, contact Dr. Caronia at the above-mentioned email.