We’ve all heard campfire stories designed to provide a collective shiver; we’ve all heard traditional ideas of heaven and hell. But how can we use these concepts in our fiction in ways that enhance our writing?

In this workshop, author Heather Startup will examine several novels and one short story, searching for commonalities among their portrayals of the afterlife as well as the unique aspects of each story. Heather will discuss techniques to strengthen characters, the narrator’s reliability, and your story as a whole.

Stories for discussion include: “Louise’s Ghost,” by Kelly Link; The Poisonwood Bible, by Barbara Kingsolver; The Third Policeman, by Flann O’Brien; and The Turn of the Screw, by Henry James.

• Tuesday, June 23, 7 p.m. at the OCLS Alafaya Branch.
  12000 E. Colonial Dr.
  Orlando, FL 32826

Register here. For more information, contact the library at (407)-835-7323.

Book enthusiasts meet the last Tuesday of each month at the Winter Park Public Library for reading and discussion.

June 30: Last Train to Paradise by Les Standiford

Time/Location: 7 – 8:30 p.m., Library third floor meeting room

For more information contact Stephanie at 407-718-3918 or flyline@cfl.rr.com

From 6:30pm-8:30pm on Thursday, June 25, join the LifeArt Studio community to explore how to grow as an artist by sharing work with a safe and supportive audience. We’ll talk about the book Show Your Work by author Austin Kleon; and hear from local poet, blogger and essayistSusan Lilley, leader of the writing group “The Gloria Sirens.” This casual event offers encouragement and inspiration to stay on your creative path.

Located at Writer’s Block Bookstore, 124 Welbourne Ave, Winter Park.

Shane Hinton’s new collection of short stories, Pinkies, is being officially released today.

“Gritty, Florida realism collides with the absurd. Parental fears materialize in surreal stories. A sharp commentary on the absurdity of modern life, Pinkies is a terrifying and hilarious introduction to an unflinching new voice.”

For more information, or to order a copy of the book, visit http://burrowpress.com/pinkies