Edo artist Nagasawa Rosetsu painted the image of a small fluffy puppy resting on a gigantic bull, proving that two seemingly incongruous figures can co-exist in harmony. In the same way, these Tuesday book events will facilitate conversations between published writers who normally don’t sit together but actually have intersecting experiences. Moderated by author Naomi Hirahara, BULL & PUPPY will investigate what “uncommon” authors may have in common. A poetry reading will open each session, which will end with a quick writing prompt for all attendees.
All events below will be at 341 FSN (341 E 1st Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012).
FREE ADMISSION. Capacity is limited. Informal seating is available on a first come, first served basis.
SHIFTING GROUND
Tuesday, April 9, 2019 | 7:30 PM
Conversation about a changing Los Angeles and writing about deserts and the deserted. A City Terrace-raised poet committed to developing community, a novelist who teaches on Skid Row, and a Japanese American who lived on Skid Row for three years after his release from Manzanar.
• SESSHU FOSTER, poet and teacher
• IVY POCHODA, novelist and Skid Row writing teacher
• HANK UMEMOTO, writer of Manzanar to Mt. Whitney who lived in Skid Row for three years with his family after being released from Manzanar
• Flash writing workshop
WHAT’S THERE TO EAT?
Tuesday, April 23, 2019 | 7:30 PM
A conversation about the cultural power of writing about food. An urban fantasy writer takes on mochi, a teacher becomes a chef, and another teacher on his quest for the best almond duck.
• SARAH KUHN, urban fantasy writer of the upcoming YA novel, I Love You Mochi
• CECILIA LEUNG, UCLA-educated chef and co-writer of Little Flower Baking cookbook
• TONY OSUMI, activist, elementary school teacher, muralist, and lover of almond duck
• Food-flash writing workshop (led by Tony Osumi)
STEPPING OUT
Tuesday, May 14, 2019 | 7:30 PM
Conversation about walking through our past and present. A UC Berkeley professor translates a 1920s itinerant laborer’s serials, a poet searches for Little Tokyo, and a journalist explores the past with a camera.
• LYNELL GEORGE, Los Angeles memoirist and photographer of After/Image and daughter of LAPD beat cop who walked Weller Street in the 1960s
• ANDREW WAY LEONG, UC Berkeley professor and translator of Lament in the Night, two serials published in the 1920s by The Rafu Shimpo and a small press
in Little Tokyo
• AMY UYEMATSU, poet of numerous collections, including 30 Miles from J-Town
• Flash writing workshop (led by Amy Uyematsu)