April brought a return to our full-time hours here at 130 S Royal, as well as a whole host of wonderful virtual events. April’s docket ranged from our monthly book clubs to writing workshops, author talks, and even a contest!

We started off the month discussing What’s Mine and Yours by Naima Coster for our Old Town Books Book(s) Club. We were fortunate enough to be joined by D.C. Bookstagrammer Lupita Aquino (@LupitaReads) and the author herself! Here’s what OTB bookseller Angie had to say about the event: “Lupita and Naima had such great energy! I could listen to them in conversation for hours.”

April brought us the good fortune of several author events. Genevieve Gornichec generously spent an evening with us chatting about her debut novel, The Witch’s Heart, inspired by the Norse legend of Loki and Angrboda. She shared some Norse background music suggestions, offered up thoughts on the Marvel interpretations of Norse gods, and teased a bit about her next novel.

April Book Club News Round-Up:

• Our beloved Bad Romance Book Club gathered virtually to gush over and discuss Deception and Hidden Sins by Selena Montgomery (aka THE Stacey Abrams!). If you’re ready to chat about some guaranteed Happily Ever Afters, be sure to pick up Martha Waters’ new release, To Love and to Loathe, in time for the May meeting on 21st. Mention BRBC at check-out and get 10% off while you get added to the invite.

• Our Sci-fi/Fantasy club discussed Mike Chen’s We Could Be Heroes. This month, they’ll be returning to the world of author Becky Chambers via new release The Galaxy, and the Ground Within. We’ve got signed copies here in the store! Click here to sign up.

• OTB’s new Murder by the Book Club focused their attentions on a double author event with Liza Rodman and Jennifer Jordan, co-authors of The Babysitter. This month, they’ll be toeing the line of true crime and fiction with a discussion of In the Garden of Spite. You won’t want to miss out on this spooky novel inspired by real events! Sign up today to reserve your spot.

In addition to author events and our monthly clubs, the April events calendar was rounded out by several interactive artistic offerings:

• Kristen Zory King hosted the first of her three springtime writing workshops. Join her again on May 22 and June 26 to unlock your inner author and self. The workshops are free, but Old Town Books with also be accepting Pay-What-You-Can donations for our nonprofit Book Love program.

• Alysia Sawchyn offered up her wisdom regarding the submission and publication processes for essayists, sharing resources and tips to assist beginners and seasoned writers alike.

• We wrapped National Poetry Month with our first-ever virtual poetry open mic. Poets joined us from across the country (CA, LA, NY, and more) and even across the world (London, UK)! Stayed tuned on social media for the winner of our Poetry Month writing contest as well.

Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.
Photo contributions by Nicole Blair.