Literary Salon & Open Mic

Oct. 14, 2026 Lit Salon & Open Mic!png.png

It's fall and we are happy to launch our 4th season of our Literary Salon & Open Mic,
fostering a growing and magical literary community!

Doors open at 6pm

6:30pm program starts

6:45-7:30pm featured author convo, reading, and Q&A

7:30-7:40 intermission (refill your drink, schmooze, books for sale...)

7:45-8:45: Open Mic

This month's special feature we have not one but TWO authors, Suzanne Strempek Shea and Elizabeth Searle, literary colleagues & besties!

In Strempek Shea's memoir, Compositions: A Memoir in 42 Essays by 1 Kid On Her 8 years in Catholic School, Handed in 60 Years Late, humorous and poignant essays show a past still fully present. Compositions is a kaleidoscope of close-to-the-bone observations and stories written as energetically as if the author had always been waiting to tell the world all she knew. Read them and realize you’ve always been waiting for that, too.

You can find out more about the author and her work HERE.

Elizabeth Searle's novel, Lock Her Up, is a literary thriller about an outspoken Boston woman who becomes a national lightning rod when she’s framed for murder by her right-wing in-laws.

You can find out more about the author and her work HERE.

You can order their books HERE and HERE.

Allow me to swoon a little with this observation from Maine author Dave Patterson:

"What Nina Lichtenstein has cultivated is nothing short of a literary miracle...Maine Writers Studio is a rare phenomenon, even in a state boasting so many great libraries and independent bookstores. It’s a sacred space for words in an ever-chaotic world."

If you are in mid-coast Maine this October 14th, come experience the magic with fellow
writers and lovers of stories at the lovely Walter's Café, right downtown.

And as usual, bring your own writing to share for 5 minutes at open mic, if your name is pulled from the hat. (Check out some pointers on how to prepare for your reading HERE)

Join us for a warm, welcoming literary community right in downtown Brunswick, Maine.

What's a salon, anyway?

Literary Salons & Open Mic:
Where the Literary Community Comes Alive

We are excited to partner with Walter's Café for our monthly Literary Salon & Open Mic.

The concept of the salon is to foster community around our shared love of words, stories, and creativity.

Together we will enjoy stimulating conversations, listen to each other as we share our work at the open mic, and mingle with Mid-Coast area fellow writers. We will invite Maine authors to join us to talk about their books and craft, and to answer questions about their process and creative journeys.

The best part: you will have a chance to do a 5-minute reading of your work at the Open Mic.

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What is a salon anyway?

A salon is an intentional gathering of friends and friends of friends, but mostly, a salon is good times with humans coming together for conversation and to eat, drink, talk, and listen. "Salons are a little sexy," says Susan MacTavish Best, founder of The Salon Host.

When we come together in the same space, magic happens. Barriers break down. We listen to one another, ask each other questions, and marvel at the unlikely answers. Our goal is that we finish the evening feeling sated and happy, soaked in serotonin, a collective of humans, a community that is connected.

But salons are unpredictable, just like life. So it's important to show up with a sense of humor, loads of goodwill, and willingness to participate and engage with other participants.

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Open Mic Pointers

Want to read at OPNE MIC?

When you arrive at salon, drop your name in the hat for a chance to read. We usually have time for about 10 readers.

Here are some practical pointers and friendly suggestions:

Practice at home in front of a mirror.
Slow down, and practice more.
Think about where you can pause and make eye-contact.
Time yourself before you go live.
Reading from your iPhone often doesn't give the smoothest reading (No printer at home? You can print at the library for much less than at Staples).