Eva Barrows launches "Story Momentum Sessions," an in-person workshop series for writers developing or revising fiction, memoir, and emotionally driven nonfiction. The first session on Saturday, June 27, 10:00–11:30 a.m., at the Center for Creativity in Redwood City, includes story challenges and plans to advance projects. Cost: $20. Register at evabarrows.com/workshops.

James Hanna published a novella excerpt, “Ruby Busts a Comedian,” from his forthcoming book, Beaching the Mermaid and Other Stranded Tales, in the June 2026 issue of Adelaide Literary Magazine, an international monthly journal that publishes outstanding literary fiction, nonfiction, and poetry to help emerging and established authors reach a wider audience.

Colleen Olle’s short story, “The Question of Dinner,” was published in the summer issue of Valparaiso Poetry Review, a publication of Valparaiso University. As a marital couple debates what to eat for dinner, each attempts to conceal a secret while simultaneously endeavoring to discover what the other is hiding.

Arlene Krauss’ poem, "Cherry Blossoms," won the Adult Section of the 2026 Belmont Poetry Celebration. The annual event, part of the city's National Poetry Month activities, honored talented writers in the Belmont Library's Taube Room on April 30.

Ashia Solei earned semifinalist distinction in the prestigious annual Harvard Writers Competition for her historical‑fiction screenplay, Talks with Spirits. Adding to the excitement, her directorial debut, a “dogumentary” titled Underdogs, has been broadcast on over 92% of PBS stations across the US.

Mary E. Knippel will present “Soul Story Journey,” a 4-week guided program that helps participants own and share their stories. Through weekly teachings, journaling prompts, and reflection, participants uncover the meaning of their experiences, build confidence in their voices, and begin to express their truth authentically and with empowerment.

Tim Flood’s debut novel, The Flower of Canaan, is available for pre‑order from Simon & Schuster, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Histria Books. Set in the 13th century BCE, it follows two young people whose relationship challenges rigid social and religious rules, where the cost of defiance is death.

Darlene Frankwill present “Memoir Momentum: Avoid 3 Common Obstacles” on Thursday, May 21, from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at “Writers Helping Writers” in the Palo Alto Rinconada Library. This free workshop will help writers overcome obstacles, gain clarity, and build momentum toward completing their memoir.

Vibha Akkaraju’s travel article, “Tigers of Tadoba,” was published in India Currents, an award-winning, nonprofit news organization producing Indian American stories. Her piece captures the thrill, awe, and wonder she experienced on a tiger safari in India.

Marianne Brems’s poem, “A Homemaker’s Vision,” won first place in the CWC statewide contest, “The Smalls Too,” for 8‑line poems and 75‑word prose. Over 450 entries were submitted. Congratulations, Marianne! Her new poem, “Those Team Players,” was published in DarkWinter Literary Magazine, an online journal of short fiction and poetry.

Brad Hoge joined Jared McCormack on the MFA Writers podcast to discuss how his background in wetland ecology, biogeochemistry, and science education informs his poetry. Their conversation explored climate-change writing, the psychology of science denial, and creativity’s role in science and art. Brad is currently an MFA student at SFSU.

Carole Bumpus joined fellow CWC SF/Peninsula members as an author exhibitor at the Rinconada Book Fair in Palo Alto on April 4, held from noon to 4:00 p.m. in the Art Center Auditorium. She also served as a hybrid author panelist for a discussion titled “When Roads Diverge: Choosing Your Path to Book Publication.”

Dr. Jeanne Powell was a featured reader at Telegraph Hill Books in North Beach on March 14, where her poetry collection, Two Seasons, is available. The night of readings was sponsored by The Writers Grotto, a community of working writers and narrative artists, and Rooted & Written, a creative writing program for BIPOC writers.

James Hanna published “Fresh from Slaughtering Kittens,” a humorous excerpt from his novella, Lights Out Lizzie. His short story, “Orville Baumgardner and the Whispering Wind,” appears in Adelaide Literary Magazine, and his macabre tale, “Orville Baumgardner and Young Goodman Brown,” inspired by Nathaniel Hawthorne's dark classic, "Young Goodman Brown," appears in Spillwords Press.

Cynthia W. Gentry’s debut novel, Her Life in Ruins, is the inaugural title of Abrams Books’ first commercial adult fiction imprint, akaStory, launching in January 2027. The book is a friends-to-lovers rom-com set in Silicon Valley and the Yucatán Peninsula, about a PhD candidate and her grad-school love interest.

James Hanna published “A Quarter to Five," a humorous story in Adelaide Literary Magazine, an independent international monthly publication based in New York and Lisbon. Adelaide features exceptional literary fiction, nonfiction, and poetry, and promotes the writers it publishes by helping them reach a broader literary audience.

Darlene Frank will present “Spark Your Creativity,” a 5-week coaching program beginning February 15 that inspires deep writing, healing writing, and bold creativity. It’s a guided journey into deep imagination—both playful and liberating. This highly praised program won’t be offered again! Register online while it’s still available.

Marianne Brems’ new poem, “Fake Beer,” was published in Mercurial Silver on January 16, 2026. Mercurial Silver is a community-built literary journal of Hearth, Ruin, & Whimsy—publishing short poems, fiction, and creative writing by writers everywhere.

The editors of the Fault Zone anthology series proudly announce their 2026 Pushcart Prize nominations. Congratulations to:

• Poetry: Patricia Doyne, Jeanne Powell, and Harlan Suits

• Prose: Nirmy Kang, Elise Frances Miller, and Nina Milu

Fault Zone: Faultless? is available in hardcover, trade paperback, and digital editions from most online booksellers and distributors.

Darlene Frank will present “Memoir Momentum: Avoid 3 Common Obstacles That Keep Writers Stuck” on Thursday, January 22, from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. on Zoom. This free workshop will help writers move past obstacles, find clarity in their stories, and build momentum to finish memoirs. Register at “Memoir Momentum.”