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Articles by Zach Powers
How a dad discovered Puget Sound pier fishing for his son’s first catch
IT’S A CHILLY FEBRUARY MORNING at Tacoma’s Point Defiance Marina. The tide is so high that every third or fourth wave splashes over the retaining wall and washes over our rain boots as my family begins our weekend with a walk from the marina to Owen Beach. My wife and daughter stroll hand-in-hand and I follow a few paces behind them with Ellis, our 8-year-old son. As we walk past the pier, Ellis lets out a long, exaggerated sigh, the sort of sigh that begs a question.
Teen Open Mic @ The Writer’s Center
Prose, poetry, and spoken word Open Mic @ The Writer’s Center! All writers are welcome to come and share 4-5 minutes of their latest work. Sign-up starts at 1:45pm, and readings begin promptly at 2pm. Limited to 20 readers, so arrive early if you plan to read. Sponsored by Poet Lore, America’s oldest poetry magazine. FREE and open to the public. Enjoying our free events? Help us offer more programs to support writers with a $10 donation »
Zach Powers’s Book Notes music playlist for his novel The Migraine Diaries
In the Book Notes series, authors create and discuss a music playlist that relates in some way to their recently published book. Previous contributors include Jesmyn Ward, Lauren Groff, Bret Easton Ellis, Celeste Ng, T.C. Boyle, Dana Spiotta, Amy Bloom, Aimee Bender, Roxane Gay, and many others. Written in the form of a headache journal, Zach Powers’s The Migraine Diaries is both inventive and profound in its exploration of pain and endurance.
Washington Writers’ Publishing House Capital Love LitFest
The Capital Love LitFest is an 8-hour literary salon of writing workshops, deep-dive literary discussions, and poetry and prose readings from the new WWPH pocket-sized anthology, Capital Love. The Capital Love LitFest, and our anthology, are dedicated to all those who believe love is the antidote to hate, and that love is action, intent, healing, and hope.
American Gothik: The Changing Face of American Families – A Staged Reading - The Writer's Center
Skip to main content Day(s): Sunday Time: 2:00 PM EST - 3:30 PM EST Cost: Free Writer Steve Majors presents a staged reading of his new play, American Gothik, which grew out of a Writer’s Center workshop. A full-cast reading will be presented Sunday, February 22 at 2pm inside the theatre at The Writer’s Center. Admission is free.
Novelist Maria Karametou Book Launch
The Writer’s Center welcomes Maria Karametou for a book launch celebration of her debut novel, The Amalgam. Maria is in conversation with author Frances Park. FREE & open to the public. RSVP below. Athens, 1984. All Meta wants is to escape her tyrannical father and the future he demands of her.
Artist Talk for Deborah Tomlin’s SUTRA
The Writer’s Center is pleased to present SUTRA, an exhibition of drawings and paintings by artist Deborah Tomlin, on display in the Center’s Joram Piatigorsky Gallery, January 29–March 23, 2026. Artist Talk is FREE & open to the public. RSVP below. In 2022, Deborah Tomlin was diagnosed with breast cancer from a routine mammogram. She underwent treatment, which consisted of three different surgeries including a bilateral mastectomy.
Opening Art Reception for Deborah Tomlin’s SUTRA
The Writer’s Center is pleased to present SUTRA, an exhibition of drawings and paintings by artist Deborah Tomlin, on display in the Center’s Joram Piatigorsky Gallery, January 29–March 23, 2026. Opening reception is FREE & open to the public. RSVP below. In 2022, Deborah Tomlin was diagnosed with breast cancer from a routine mammogram. She underwent treatment, which consisted of three different surgeries including a bilateral mastectomy.
Virtual Info Session for Novel Mill w/ Kristen Arnett
Meet Kristen Arnett, instructor for our Novel Mill workshop, and have all your questions about the program answered! The Writer’s Center staff will be on hand, too, to address any logistical questions.
Novel Mill w/ Kristen Arnett
Are you looking for an exciting, fun, collaborative way to get your writing brain into gear? Are you ready to finally sit down and write that novel that you’ve been thinking about forever? Do you wish you had a confident, cheerful writing coach to guide you to the finish line?
Virtual Craft Chat on Writing Horror w/ Tracy Cross in Conversation w/ Teri Ellen Cross Davis
The Writer’s Center presents a FREE virtual chat about the craft of horror! We’re joined by Tracy Cross to discuss her new novel, A Gathering of Weapons. Tracy is in conversation with her sister, poet Teri Ellen Cross Davis. RSVP below to receive login information (our virtual events are held via Zoom).
Virtual Craft Chat on Advocacy with Pedro R. Pierluisi & Mark A. Cymrot
The Writer’s Center presents a FREE virtual chat about the craft of advocacy! We’re joined by former Puerto Rico Governor Pedro R. Pierluisi and author/attorney Mark A. Cymrot for a candid discussion of writing and speaking for a cause. RSVP below to receive login information (our virtual events are held via Zoom). FREE and open to the public, all times Eastern Read Pedro R. Pierluisi’s article “Quiet Power: Leadership Beyond the Podium” on LinkedIn » Learn more about Mark A.
Women Artists of the DMV Opening Reception @ The Writer’s Center
The largest ever curated fine arts multi-venue show in the United States comes this Fall to 16 art venues in the Greater Washington, DC capital region as curator Florencio Lennox Campello surveys over 400 female artists actively working around the DMV.
Virtual Craft Chat w/ Novelist Susan Coll
The Writer’s Center presents a FREE virtual chat about the craft of fiction! We’re joined by author Susan Coll for a discussion of her new novel, The Literati. Susan is in conversation with Amy Freeman, author and Development Director at The Writer’s Center. RSVP below to receive login information (our virtual events are held via Zoom).
Virtual Craft Chat w/ Novelist Kathleen Barber in Conversation w/ Suzanne Park
The Writer’s Center presents a FREE virtual chat about the craft of fiction! We’re joined by Kathleen Barber to discuss her new novel, Both Things Are True. Kathleen is in conversation with Suzanne Park. RSVP below to receive login information (our virtual events are held via Zoom).
Virtual Craft Chat w/ Novelist Jennifer Givhan
The Writer’s Center presents a FREE virtual chat about the craft of fiction! We’re joined by author Jennifer Givhan for a discussion of her new novel, Salt Bones. Jennifer is in conversation with Amy Freeman, author and Development Director at The Writer’s Center. RSVP below to receive login information (our virtual events are held via Zoom).
Virtual Craft Chat w/ Novelists Lacey N. Dunham & Laura Venita Green
Just in time for Halloween, the Writer’s Center presents a FREE virtual chat about the craft of writing gothic and horror-adjacent fiction! Gothic fiction frequently blends realism with the otherworldly through the presence of doppelgangers, ghosts, the uncanny, and atmospheric prose that elicits dread and unease. We’re joined by authors Lacey N. Dunham and Laura Venita Green for a discussion of their genre-blending debut novels.
Virtual Reading w/ Poets Catherine Arnold & Richard Smith
The Writer’s Center welcomes poets Catherine Arnold (The Apple Tree) and Richard Smith (Beyond Where Words Can Go) for a virtual reading. FREE & open to the public. RSVP below. Catherine Arnold grew up in Cheshire, in the northwest of England. Having fallen in love with painting, she moved to the United States to study at The School of the Art Institute of Chicago.
Virtual Craft Chat w/ Hannah Grieco & Alina Stefanescu
The Writer’s Center presents a FREE virtual chat about the craft of writing! We’re joined by fiction writer Hannah Grieco and poet Alina Stefanescu for a cross-genre discussion about their new collections. RSVP below to receive login information (our virtual events are held via Zoom). FREE and open to the public, all times Eastern. We encourage you to order the books from your local, independent bookseller or online from the publishers.
Short Fiction Intensive Reading hosted by R. O. Kwon
The Writer’s Center welcomes five participants from R. O. Kwon’s Short Fiction Intensive for a virtual reading of work produced in the workshop. Featured readers: Margaret Chmiel, Blue Guldal, Alice Kim Hawari, Brent King, and Sergio Muro. FREE & open to the public. RSVP below. Marjee Chmiel is a writer, researcher, and documentarian who lives in the DC area with her spouse and their two tiny dogs.
Memoirist Johnisha Matthews Levi in Conversation w/ Bernardine (Dine) Watson
The Writer’s Center welcomes Johnisha Matthews Levi for a reading and discussion of her new memoir, Number’s Up: Cracking the Code of an American Family. Johnisha is in conversation with DC author Bernardine (Dine) Watson. FREE & open to the public. RSVP below. Johnisha Matthews Levi is a nonprofit development professional and former litigation attorney. Her writing has appeared in Wildsam, thekitchn.com, Northern Virginia Magazine, and Yes! Media.
Virtual Info Session for Novel Year with Mathangi Subramanian
Meet Mathangi Subramanian, instructor for our Novel Year workshop, and have all your questions about the program answered! The Writer’s Center staff will be on hand, too, to address any logistical questions. Register below to receive login information. The info session is free and open to all interested writers.
Opening Art Reception for Mark Cymrot’s “Around the World in 50 years with Photography”
The Writer’s Center is pleased to present “Around the World in 50 years with Photography,” an exhibition of photographs by Mark A. Cymrot, on display in the Center’s Joram Piatigorsky Gallery, July 3 – August 26, 2025. The proceeds of all photograph sales will be contributed to the Center. FREE & open to the public. Light refreshments provided. A career as counsel in major international lawsuits and arbitrations is exhilarating but stressful. Photography has been my escape.
New Verse Review Reading
New Verse Review: A Journal of Lyric and Narrative Poetry is an online journal committed to renewing the ancient affinities among poetry, song, and story. This reading features four prominent poets who have published in NVR. Ned Balbo holds degrees from Vassar, the Johns Hopkins Writing Seminars, and the Iowa Writers’ Workshop.
Playwrights’ Staged Reading Showcase – Session 2 - The Writer's Center
The Writer’s Center welcomes playwrights Tyrone Colbert, Deryl Davis, and Charles Jones for staged readings of their new plays! 2:00pm “Charlie’s Year” Historical figures come to life as flamboyant art historian Bendor Grosvenor sets out to uncover the truth behind a series of paintings about Scottish romantic hero Bonnie Prince Charlie.
Playwrights’ Staged Reading Showcase – Session 1 - The Writer's Center
The Writer’s Center welcomes playwrights Steve Majors and Charles Jones for staged readings of their new plays! 2:00pm “American Gothik” In a rural Black home held together by half-truths and patchwork love, a boy must piece together who he is before the whole house of cards comes down. 3:00pm “Finding Home” Haunted by war and the secret love he lost, a Marine veteran returns home to a world that doesn’t understand and a grief he can’t outrun.
Washington Writers’ Publishing House 50th Anniversary Celebration
The Writer’s Center welcomes Washington Writers’ Publishing House for a celebration of the press’s 50th anniversary! Featuring readings from Grace Cavalieri (founder of WWPH), E. Ethelbert Miller, Kathleen Wheaton, Erika Raskin, Jacob Budenz, and more! Hosted by Caroline Bock & Jona Colson, co-presidents.
An Evening of Tributes to Percival Everett
The F. Scott Fitzgerald Festival and The Writer’s Center present a reading in tribute to Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award-winning novelist Percival Everett. Featuring best-selling author Samuel Ashworth, multiple award-winning novelist Madison Smartt Bell, and acclaimed novelist Afabwaje Kurian, plus concluding remarks by Everett. FREE and open to the public. RSVP required below.
Virtual Info Session for Novel Year w/ Julia Phillips
Meet Julia Phillips, instructor for our Novel Year workshop, and have all your questions about the program answered! The Writer’s Center staff will be on hand, too, to address any logistical questions. Register below to receive login information. Info session free and open to all interested writers.
Virtual Craft Chat with Novelist Varun Gauri
The Writer’s Center presents a FREE virtual chat about the craft of fiction! We’re joined by Varun Gauri to discuss his debut novel, For the Blessings of Jupiter and Venus. Varun is in conversation with Zach Powers, novelist and Artistic Director at The Writer’s Center. RSVP below to receive login information (our virtual events are held via Zoom).
Katie Goh Virtual Book Launch in Conversation w/ Shze-Hui Tjoa
The Writer’s Center presents a FREE virtual book launch! We’re joined by author Katie Goh to discuss her debut memoir, Foreign Fruit: A Personal History of the Orange. Katie is in conversation with memoirist Shze-Hui Tjoa. RSVP below to receive login information (our virtual events are held via Zoom).
Opening Art Reception for Within the Process by Ruth Lozner & Kenzie Raulin
The Writer’s Center is pleased to present WITHIN THE PROCESS, a exhibition of visual storytelling by collaborators Ruth Lozner and Kenzie Raulin, on display in the Center’s Joram Piatigorsky Gallery April 24 – June 25, 2025. The artists will also be in the Gallery on Monday, May 5, 1-3pm to meet guests and answer questions about the work. FREE & open to the public. Light refreshments provided. WITHIN THE PROCESS is a thought-provoking exhibition of visual storytelling.
Virtual Craft Chat with Author Viet Thanh Nguyen
The Writer’s Center presents a FREE virtual chat about the craft of writing! We’re joined by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Viet Thanh Nguyen to discuss his new book, To Save and to Destroy: Writing as an Other. Viet is in conversation with Zach Powers, novelist and Artistic Director at The Writer’s Center. RSVP below to receive login information (our virtual events are held via Zoom).
Virtual Craft Chat with Poet Keetje Kuipers
Poet Lore and The Writer’s Center present a FREE virtual chat about the craft of poetry! We’re joined by Keetje Kuipers to discuss her new collection, Lonely Women Make Good Lovers. Keetje is in conversation with Emily Holland, poet and editor of Poet Lore, America’s oldest poetry journal. RSVP below to receive login information (our virtual events are held via Zoom). FREE and open to the public, all times Eastern.
Virtual Craft Chat with Memoirist Sienna Liu
The Writer’s Center presents a FREE virtual chat about the craft of memoir! We’re joined by Sienna Liu to discuss her new book-length essay, Specimen. Sienna is in conversation with Zach Powers, novelist and Artistic Director at The Writer’s Center. RSVP below to receive login information (our virtual events are held via Zoom).
A Tribute to the Life and Poetry of Elisavietta Ritchie
A gathering for writers, friends, and family members to share their memories of Elisavietta and favorite poems from her collected works. Open to the public.
Indie Press Publishing Panel
There are many paths to publication, so why choose an independent press? What are the benefits and drawbacks? What is the scope of your reach and will your book be read? Authors Varun Gauri and Len Kruger join Washington Writers Publishing House Co-Presidents Caroline Bock and Jona Colson to discuss the value of independent publishing from both sides of the process. Moderated by Bethanne Patrick.
Poet Michele Evans Reading, Discussion & Open Mic
Join Michele Evans for a reading and discussion of purl, her debut poetry collection from Finishing Line Press. Afterwards, Michele will host an open mic. FREE & open to the public. RSVP below. Michele Evans, a fifth-generation Washingtonian (D.C.), is a writer, teacher, and adviser for Unbound, an award-winning Northern Virginia high school literary magazine.
Virtual Craft Chat with Memoirist Patricia Coral
The Writer’s Center and The Inner Loop present a FREE virtual chat about the craft of nonfiction! We’re joined by Patricia Coral to discuss her celebrated memoir, Women Surrounded by Water. Patricia is in conversation with Chet’la Sebree, poet, essayist, and board member of both The Inner Loop and The Writer’s Center. Women Surrounded by Water is The Inner Loop’s Author’s Corner spotlight. The Inner Loop cultivates and promotes the distinctive literary culture of Washington, DC.
Memoirist Hannah Stowe Virtual Paperback Launch in Conversation with Sonja Swift
The Writer’s Center presents a FREE virtual paperback launch! We’re joined by nature writer Hannah Stowe to discuss her memoir, Move Like Water: My Story of the Sea, now available in paperback. Hannah is in conversation with Sonja Swift. RSVP below to receive login information (our virtual events are held via Zoom).
Caregiving & Parenting Through a Literary Lens
The Writer’s Center presents a FREE symposium addressing the subject of caregiving (including parenting, eldercare, and other ways we give care to the world) in literature and popular culture, offering a short film screening, free creative writing workshops, and a panel discussion. Featured writers include Hannah Grieco, Steve Majors, Seema Reza, and John Vercher. The symposium concludes with a reception for all attendees. All events are FREE and open to the public.
Poetry Reading with Subhaga Crystal Bacon, Brandel France de Bravo & Jennifer Martelli
The Writer’s Center welcomes poets Subhaga Crystal Bacon, Brandel France de Bravo, and Jennifer Martelli for a reading from their latest collections. FREE & open to the public. RSVP below. Subhaga Crystal Bacon (they/them), is the author of four collections of poetry including the Lambda Literary finalist, Transitory, 2023, winner of the BOA Editions, Ltd.
Virtual Craft Chat with Memoirist Melissa Febos
The Writer’s Center presents a FREE virtual chat about the craft of memoir! We’re joined by bestselling author Melissa Febos to discuss her new memoir, The Dry Season: A Memoir of Pleasure in a Year Without Sex. Melissa is in conversation with Emily Holland, poet, author, and editor of Poet Lore, America’s oldest poetry journal. RSVP below to receive login information (our virtual events are held via Zoom). FREE and open to the public, all times Eastern.
Reading and Discussion with Poets Steven Leyva & Holly Karapetkova
The Writer’s Center welcomes poets Steven Leyva and Holly Karapetkova for a reading and discussion to celebrate their new books. Steven Leyva was born in New Orleans, Louisiana and raised in Houston, Texas. His poems have appeared or are forthcoming in 2 Bridges Review, Scalawag, Nashville Review, jubilat, Vinyl, Prairie Schooner, and Best American Poetry 2020.
Novelist Natalia Theodoridou Virtual Book Launch in Conversation w/ Rory Power
The Writer’s Center presents a FREE virtual book launch! We’re joined by author Natalia Theodoridou to discuss his new novel, Sour Cherry. Natalia is in conversation with bestselling author Rory Power. RSVP below to receive login information (our virtual events are held via Zoom).
Publish Now! A One-Day Conference @ The Writer’s Center
Publish Now is a one-day conference for writers interested in learning more about all the ways you can share and publish your work. You’ll attend up to 4 panels featuring experts in all aspects of the writing and publishing cycle. Topics will include broad overviews, preparing your work, querying agents, publishing short-form work, and more! More than 25 panelists, including Kenneth D.
With ice bumper cars and skating, this WA rink has the best of both whirls
I LOOK DOWN at my phone only for a moment, but when I look up, it’s too late. I try to brake, but the ice is too slick. Unable to control my vehicle, I crash into the car in front me. A split second later, I’m T-boned by a second car. “I’m so sorry,” the woman behind the wheel mouths to me. Our three vehicles careen across the ice, at the harsh mercy of physics and mechanical engineering. And it’s the most fun I’ve had in ages.
Virtual Craft Chat with Poets Luisa A. Igloria & Christina Pugh
Poet Lore and The Writer’s Center present a FREE virtual chat about the craft of poetry! We’re joined by Luisa A. Igloria and Christina Pugh for an enlightening discussion about their latest books. RSVP below to receive login information (our virtual events are held via Zoom). FREE and open to the public, all times Eastern We encourage you to order a copy of our guests’ books from your local, independent bookseller or online: Caulbearer by Luisa A.
Beatrice Hamblett Artist Talk for You Don’t Know Me
The Writer’s Center welcomes photographer Beatrice Hamblett for an artist talk on “You Don’t Know Me,” a solo exhibition of photographs and stories, on display in the Center’s Joram Piatigorsky Gallery March 6-April 18. FREE & open to the public. Light refreshments provided. “You Don’t Know Me” introduces viewers to a cross-section of people—fisherman, hunters, church-goers, people living in small towns and “hollers”—who reflect the spirit of Appalachia.
Opening Art Reception for You Don’t Know Me by Beatrice Hamblett
The Writer’s Center is pleased to present “You Don’t Know Me,” a solo exhibition of photographs and stories by DC photographer Beatrice Hamblett, on display in the Center’s Joram Piatigorsky Gallery March 6-April 18. FREE & open to the public. Light refreshments provided. “You Don’t Know Me” introduces viewers to a cross-section of people—fisherman, hunters, church-goers, people living in small towns and “hollers”—who reflect the spirit of Appalachia.
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