Our team at Brainstorm had a brainstorm of its own: invite small presses to take center stage.

Independent publishing is where real literary work comes out to play. Writing can truly be experimental, or groundbreaking, or daring if it doesn’t have to fit into the existing catalogue of a Big 5 publishing house. Indies get to stand up for the work they believe in. No wonder many writers get their start in small presses!

Brainstorm, a reading series organized by grad students from the Queens College MFA Program in Creative Writing & Literary Translation, is starting off their commitment to integrate small presses into the reading series by inviting Ghostbird Press to the stage.

On Friday, May 30th, you can catch Ghostbird authors Richard Prins (the most recent winner of the Birdhouse Prize), John Reid Currie, along with a special appearance by Ghostbird Founder, Peter Vanderberg.

Will they regale you with their ghostly birdsong? Will they talk about the ins and outs of independent publishing? Most importantly, will you be there to add your voice?

We hope to see you at Pete’s Candy Store!