This week, on the Stoop

Fiends, students, colleagues,   Here's what's happening on the stoop this week: DEADLINE EXTENDED: We're giving you a little extra time to send in those fall class proposals. Please submit your pitch by Friday, 8/2 at 11:59 pm ET. Today, 8/1: Join me for a creative co-working session today from 4:00-6:00 pm ET. This drop-in session is the perfect opportunity to work on your novel-in-progress, draft a new poem, or polish up that last minute class proposal. It's free and virtual! Saturday, 8/3: "Rice, Salt, and Water – Recipes for Poetry and Resistance" with Gabriel Ramirez & Saskia Kercy. Join writers and educators Gabriel Ramirez and Saskia Kercy for this 3-hour in-person workshop on recipes for poetry and resistance. Financial aid is available! Sunday, 8/4: "On Giving Up (Or Going On)" with Julia Phillips. Join bestselling author Julia Phillips for this 2 hour virtual seminar on deciding when to give up on a project. Tuesday, 8/6: Office Hours with Kristen Arnett. Join Blue Stoop co-director Julian Shendelman (that's me!) for a 2-hour conversation and Q&A with bestselling novelist Kristen Arnett. You can save 10% on all of these sessions with the promo code SUMSCHOOL24    BTW, nearly all our summer classes and workshops will be recorded and available to watch online. Our recorded sessions with Zach Ozma, Raena Shirali, Madeline Miller, and more are available now, starting at just $15. THE READING LIST Unrelated, thank you to everyone who chimed in about their summer reading list. Here are the responses, in no particular order:  The Stone Diaries by Carol Shields Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson Heart Spring Mountain by Robin MacArthur Big Swiss by Jen Beagin Love Me Tender by Constance Debré Yerba Buena by Nina LaCour True Biz by Sara Nović Against the Loveless World by Susan Abulhawa Marilynne Robinson, in general The Latecomer by Jean Hanff Korelitz The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah Thin Skin by Jenn Shapland Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi Transforming by Austen Hartke Breath, Eyes, Memory by Edwidge Danticat MAKING PROGRESS Pictured above: Taylor and I navigating the world of individual fundraising.    But in all seriousness, we made some good progress this week! We just surpassed 40% of our $20,000 summer fundraising goal. Please know that we feel sincere gratitude every single time we see a new donation come in, regardless of the dollar amount. On days when our work is challenging, those notifications buoy our spirits, sending the message that you, too, believe in Blue Stoop's potential to build community and change lives. Thank you for your vote of confidence; we're doing our best to make you proud!  DONATE COMING SOON  TO A STOOP NEAR YOU Stoop merch: We are now selling durable vinyl stickers in a variety of designs. Support our work and let strangers know you're a part of our community for just $3, including shipping. We still have our super sturdy tote bags in stock. Tell a friend! Monday, 8/5 – Monday, 8/26: Next week, applications open for our new fellowship for emerging writers. Established with the generous support of acclaimed author Jennifer Weiner, this fellowship aims to elevate emerging woman-identified writers. Six fellows will receive $5000 to support their creative endeavors, as well as professional mentoring, a supportive cohort, and promotional opportunities. When the application is live, you can find it at this link. Thursday, 8/29, 5:00-6:00pm ET: LIVE RAFFLE EVENT! Tune in as we announce the winners of our exciting prizes, which include signed books, literary coaching sessions, artsy sticker packs, and more. Tickets are just $2. In solidarity,    Julian Shendelman Co-Director CLASSIFIEDS Advertise with us: Got an event, organization, business, or book to promote? Blue Stoop is now offering affordable ad space here and on our website. LOOKING FOR LOCAL EVENTS? COMMUNITY CALENDAR 1315 Walnut Street, Suite 320 Philadelphia, PA 19107, United States Unsubscribe or Manage Preferences