EVENTS

Apr
19
4:00 PM16:00

Writing the It Without the Ick: Personal Essays Editors Want to Publish

Join me and fellow anthology editors Ilana Masad and Stevie Seibert Desjarlais (HERE FOR ALL THE REASONS: WHY WE WATCH THE BACHELOR) for this one-time virtual class!

A rejection is not a me-jection–but it can feel like that when your personal essay doesn’t make the cut (or The Cut). What gives editors the ick? In the last year, we’ve edited at least 50 essays between us–and that’s just for our two anthologies. We’ve seen it all: submissions that were immediate yeses, voices we were excited to help develop, and those that missed the mark. In this class, we’ll provide insight around structuring a personal story, incorporating research, sharpening voice, effectively collaborating with editors, and more. We’ll demonstrate through sample pitches and essay excerpts what works and what doesn’t. Finally, we’ll answer your burning questions about how to write personal essays that get accepted.

More information here and register here.

View Event →
An Early Look Inside Living, Together with Debutiful (virtual)
May
7
7:30 PM19:30

An Early Look Inside Living, Together with Debutiful (virtual)

Join editor Samantha Paige Rosen and contributors Kristen Arnett, Rhaina Cohen, Jonathan Escoffery, and Adam Vitcavage for an early look inside the literary nonfiction anthology Living Together: Reimagining Community in the Age of Disconnection

Living, Together will be released on July 14, 2026 from Beacon Press.

The event—which will include readings, a conversation moderated by Debutiful’s Adam Vitcavage, and an audience Q&A—is free with a preorder from your favorite indie bookstore. Any copies preordered from Mavey Books will be signed by Rosen.

Send proof of purchase to samanthapaigerosen.asst@gmail.com. You will be sent a calendar invite from Debutiful a week before the event.

Attendees will also be entered into a drawing to receive:

  • a pitch or query letter consult from Samantha Paige Rosen

  • a media/publicity crash course with Adam Vitcavage

  • a bundle of books from Debutiful

  • a piece of handmade pottery from Samantha Paige Rosen

More information here.

View Event →

Mar
19
8:00 PM20:00

Our Unique Brains: Neurodivergent Writers Share Strategies (virtual version!)

By popular demand (jk but it was a great panel), I’m bringing this AWP panel to the virtual space provided by Philadelphia’s own “A Writer’s Party!” Featuirng Philly-based writers Eshani Surya, LindoYes, Elizabeth Austin, Julian Shendelman, and moderated by me.

Approximately 20% of the population identifies as neurodivergent. If you’re among this group, you’ve likely seen your writing benefit from your unique brain through hyperfocus, attention to detail, memory retention, thinking outside the box, and more. You’ve also probably experienced challenges to process and craft around these same skills and qualities. In this panel, genre-diverse writers with ADHD, ASD, OCD, and dyslexia share their strategies and routines, their wisdom and reflections.

Register here.

View Event →
Mar
12
4:00 PM16:00

Amplify Your Story: How Writers Can Build Literary Visibility

In a world where authors must do their own promotion, the good news is that you have many tactics available. Even if you avoid social media and no matter how much support your publisher provides, there are ways that authors can raise their profile and find readers. Leslie-Ann Murray moderates a panel of authors who have taken various approaches to publicizing their books and connecting with audiences.

If you could use advice about how to approach social media or need help getting traction with reviews and interviews, join us for this encouraging talk about how writers can actively promote themselves and their works throughout the literary world, before and after a book’s publication. The session will offer practical strategies to:

  • Secure book reviews and interviews (even with smaller, emerging platforms)

  • Prepare for interviews and confidently own their narrative.

  • Elevate their social media presence in authentic, sustainable ways.

  • Connect with audiences through book clubs, newsletters, and literary communities.

A Q&A will follow the presentation; you can pre-submit a question when registering for the event. A recording will be made available for those who cannot attend live.

Register here.

View Event →
Mar
7
3:20 PM15:20

Chosen Family, Narrative Possibility: The Expansive Literature of Friendship

  • AWP Conference & Bookfair - Baltimore Convention Center (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

At AWP in Baltimore, I’ll be in conversation with writers Emma Copley Eisenberg, Paul Lisicky, Reena Shah, and Rachel Richardson:

Friendships rarely appear as central subjects in stories about adult life, though they are often our sturdiest and longest-lasting bonds. To center friendship is an act of resistance to a dominant heteronormative narrative. This panel seeks to investigate these under-written relationships. In novels, poetry, and essays, the panel will discuss friendship as a topic worth centering in our creative lives and work, and will explore the generative possibilities in the territory.

More information here.

View Event →
Mar
7
9:00 AM09:00

Our Unique Brains: Neurodivergent Writers Share Strategies (AWP panel)

  • AWP Conference & Bookfair - Baltimore Convention Center (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

At AWP in Baltimore, I’ll be moderating this conversation with writers Eshani Surya (RAVISHING), Emily Farris (I’LL JUST BE FIVE MORE MINUTES), Alex Alberto (ENTWINED), and Kristine Esser Slentz (EXHIBIT):

Approximately 20% of the population identifies as neurodivergent. If you’re among this group, you’ve likely seen your writing benefit from your unique brain through hyperfocus, attention to detail, memory retention, thinking outside the box, and more. You’ve also probably experienced challenges to process and craft around these same skills and qualities. In this panel, genre-diverse writers with ADHD, ASD, OCD, and dyslexia share their strategies and routines, their wisdom and reflections.


View Event →