Events

Heroines Journey storytelling workshop with Kate Farrell!
Jan 6, 2024 2:00 PM

Heroines Journey storytelling workshop with Kate Farrell!

January 6, 2024: CREATE YOUR ADVENTURE STORY
As we journey along well-worn tourist paths or to far flung destinations, we are eyewitnesses. If we gather not only photos and mementos, but chronicle our adventures with well-told stories, we can entertain our listeners.

February  3rd: CREATE YOUR CHILDHOOD STORY
The years of early childhood, the first flickers of memory, are precious. Where did it all start? To get a sense of yourself and your own life story, take some time to reflect.

March 2nd: CREATE YOUR STORY OF CHALLENGE
Life offers many challenges—not all are the same size or type. Whatever a particular challenge meant to you, you faced it down, and became the wiser. 

March 30th: CREATE YOUR DEFINING STORY
Defining stories are at the heart of self-discovery. They have the power to express our unique identity to others. Circumstances bring out the best and worst in us, but more importantly, they expose our true nature.

April 27th: CREATE YOUR FAMILY FOLKLORE
Family stories matter. They directly impact how we see ourselves because they give us an idea of where we come from and where we’re going. 

May 18th: STORYTELLING SHOWCASE
Enjoy the talent and amazing stories of the workshop storytellers! Each teller will have five minutes to share his or her favorite story created in the West Portal series.

 

The Heroine's Journey -A Template For Writers with Kate Farrell
Mar 21, 2024 12:00 PM

The Heroine's Journey -A Template For Writers with Kate Farrell

A Lunch and Learn Discussion with Kate Farrell for Women’s History Month 2024

Unable to attend? No worries. Register anyway and receive the replay!

Ever wonder why the movie Barbie was a “particular ripple in the universe” as Greta Gerwig, its screenwriter/director, described it? How did the movie appeal more than the average chick flick and become a runaway box office success, breaking records worldwide? 

To many, Barbie, in its plot, characters, and tropes is the universal story of the feminine quest based on ancient folk and fairy tales. Barbie is to the heroine’s journey as Star Wars is to the hero’s journey.

Kate Farrell, author and storyteller will discuss the basic elements of the heroine’s journey and compare the Hero’s Journey models of Joseph Campbell and filmmaker Christopher Vogler to the Heroine’s Journey of Carl Jung, Marie-Louise Von Franz, and Clarissa Pinkola Estes.

In this interactive presentation, you’ll hear an age-old folktale of the feminine quest with an emphasis on its main characters, followed by prompts for a free write with time to share a few. We’ll compare iconic films with similar folktale characters like BarbieSnow White, and the Wizard of Oz.

We’ll discuss how the modern experience for women reflects the basic plot elements of the feminine quest archetype and makes it relevant as a template for writers:

Treachery, Into the Wilderness, Return.

·      Treachery: Entanglements and Jealousies

·      Into the Wilderness: Escape and Initiation

·      Return: Recognition and Self Attainment

 

March 21st: The Heroine's Journey — A Template for Writers

A Lunch and Learn Discussion with Kate Farrell — Thursday, March 21st at 12 pm PDT — A Paid Virtual Event — $10 for WNBA members, $20 for non-members

 

Mitzi Szereto in person at Village Books
Mar 21, 2024 6:00 PM

Mitzi Szereto in person at Village Books

Women Who Murder: An International Collection of Deadly True Crime Tales covers true crime cases about female killers from around the world, from the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, India, Mexico, Iran, Malaysia, and other locations, penned by an equally international cast of writers. Featuring a diverse selection of true crime cases, Women Who Murder doesn't simply provide the details of each case, but explores factors such as culture, upbringing, and personal experience, all of which have gone into the making of these deadly women.

Mitzi Szereto is an American-British author, anthology editor, and short story writer whose work spans multiple genres. She's most recently known for her popular true crime franchise The Best New True Crime Stories. You can find her online at mitziszereto.com, and on Twitter and Instagram @MitziSzereto.

 

Effects Of Pickled Herring book launch with Alex Schumacher!
Mar 30, 2024 2:00 PM

Effects Of Pickled Herring book launch with Alex Schumacher!

The Cartoon Art Museum welcomes author/illustrator Alex Schumacher for a book launch celebrating his new graphic novel, The Effects of Pickled Herring. This event will take place on Saturday, March 30, 2024 from 2-4pm in the Cartoon Art Museum’s Drawing Room (aka Batman Armory). This middle grade graphic novel is an essential read for kids ages 8-12 years old and fun for the whole family. Schumacher will share some insight about the book followed by a short Q&A and signing. This event is free and open to the public.

About The Effects of Pickled Herring

The Effects of Pickled Herring by Alex Schumacher is a poignant coming-of-age graphic novel. As 12-year-old Micah Gadsky and his spirited sister Alana prepare for their dual bar and bat mitzvah, they grapple with a family secret that unravels their understanding of faith and identity. Micah's introspective nature and Alana's outgoing spirit collide, leading them to confront the complexities of growing up, and ultimately, the enduring power of familial bonds.

About Alex Schumacher

ALEX SCHUMACHER is an author/illustrator whose work has appeared in the form of picture books, comic strips, graphic novels, and too many paper napkins to count. From an early age, his cartoons were regularly displayed in a number of respectable kitchens by adoring relatives. Alex has also written for periodicals and websites such as Comicon.com, The Comic Book Yeti, and Monkeys Fighting Robots Magazine. While often lost in his imagination, he can mostly be found in San Francisco where he lives with his wonderful wife and beloved—but incredibly clingy—dog, Meldrick. Visit him online at https://alexschumacherart.com/.

 

 

Effects Of Pickled Herring book launch with Alex Schumacher!
Apr 6, 2024 1:00 PM

Effects Of Pickled Herring book launch with Alex Schumacher!

Growing up can be stinky…

Meet author and illustrator Alex Schumacher

ALEX SCHUMACHER is an author/illustrator whose work has appeared in the form of picture books, comic strips, graphic novels, and too many paper napkins to count. From an early age, his cartoons were regularly displayed in a number of respectable kitchens by adoring relatives. Alex has also written for periodicals and websites such as Comicon.com, The Comic Book Yeti, and Monkeys Fighting Robots Magazine. While often lost in his imagination, he can mostly be found in San Francisco where he lives with his wonderful wife and beloved—but incredibly clingy—dog, Meldrick.

ABOUT THE BOOK

As he and his sister Alana prepare for their B’nai Mitzvah, twelve-year-old Micah Gadsky and his whole family feel the world shifting beneath their feet when they learn a heartbreaking truth about his grandmother. The stress of the season leads Micah’s introspective nature and Alana’s outgoing disposition to collide, creating division and discord at a time when the family needs each other most. Before Micah can become a man, he must brave the storms of grief, confront the complexities of growing up, and ultimately, learn to lean on love when life trips him up.

The Effects of Pickled Herring by Alex Schumacher is a poignant coming-of-age graphic novel about sibling dynamics, faith, and the enduring bonds of family. A perfect blend of humor and heart, this book explores self-worth, identity, and the challenges of supporting someone living with Alzheimer’s disease. You will laugh and cry alongside Micah as he grapples with questions of faith and navigates the challenges of growing up.

SATURDAY, APRIL 6 AT 1PM
CAPITAL BOOKS

 

Mitzi Szereto in person at Indigo Langley (Vancouver BC)
May 4, 2024 12:00 PM

Mitzi Szereto in person at Indigo Langley (Vancouver BC)

Mitzi Szereto will be signing copies of her new book Women Who Murder: An International Collection of Deadly True Crime Tales at Indigo Langley in Greater Vancouver BC. She will joined by her Vancouver-based contributor Mike Browne (host of the Canadian true crime podcast Dark Poutine). 

Dianette Wells in person reading at Dolly's Books
Jun 8, 2024 2:00 PM

Dianette Wells in person reading at Dolly's Books

A True Story of Triumph Over Adversity and the Loss of a Child

In this gripping memoir, learn the true story of how mountaineering and extreme sports enthusiast Dianette Wells endures the devastating loss of her son and learns to balance motherhood with a life of extreme adventure.

Climbing over adversity. In her groundbreaking memoir, Another Step Up the Mountain, Dianette tells of her unique experiences climbing the Seven Summits, participating in adventure races (including four Eco-Challenges and ultra marathons around the world), as she raised three wonderful children. Trying to survive a tumultuous marriage, Dianette felt empty and unhappy. However, everything changed when she discovered adventure racing. Full of beautiful and uplifting moments, Dianette's story will inspire you to discover the meaning of joy in your own healing journey.

About the Author:

Dianette Wells is an elite member of the fewer than four hundred individuals who have climbed each of the Seven Summits, including: Kilimanjaro, Vinson, Elbrus, Denali, Everest, Aconcagua, and Carstensz Pyramid. She has participated in four Eco-Challenges, raced one hundred fifty plus miles across various desserts, biked across America and adventure raced around the globe.

She is the proud mother of three and continues to climb and race and just finished her 20th home remodel. She lives in Park City, Utah.

Follow Dianette's exiting adventures at DianetteWells.com and through social media or email her at: DianetteAuthor@aol.com.

 

Mitzi Szereto in person at Barnes & Noble
Jul 13, 2024 12:00 PM

Mitzi Szereto in person at Barnes & Noble

We are excited to welcome author Mitzi Szereto into our store to sign her new release, Women Who Murder.

Unearth the disturbing histories of notorious women. From the chilling accounts of infamous black widow murders to the spine-tingling narratives of women who shocked the world with their sinister deeds, this anthology delves deep into the minds of these deadly women. Spanning eras and continents, these tales of true crime offer a chilling exploration of the darkest corners of human nature.