{"title":"Meet-Ups","description":"\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLIMITED TIME OFFER - Buy 1, Get $10 OFF second meet-up! Use code \u003ci\u003eMEETUP \u003c\/i\u003eat checkout\u003ci\u003e (valid for meet-ups only)\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eHangout with the experts each month in our highly interactive, online meet-ups for a variety of topics like film, horror fiction, creative writing, \u0026amp; public speaking. Relax, unwind, enrich your mind!\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cem data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e*\u003c\/strong\u003eAll workshops are held over \u003cstrong\u003eZOOM\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u0026amp; listed according to\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e U.S. EASTERN TIME\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. \u003c\/span\u003eA link is emailed 30 minutes before the workshop. PLEASE CHECK YOUR SPAM \/ JUNK MAIL if you do not see it.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"superpowered-speech-meet-up-with-brian-hurwitz","title":"Superpowered Speech ~ Meet-up with Brian Hurwitz","description":"\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eMove over Toastmasters! It’s time to build your own personal model of public speaking and take your oratory skills to the next level with this monthly online meet-up led by expert Brian Hurwitz.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ePublic speaking is considered the most common phobia experienced by people of all ages; but well beyond a possible cause for anxiety, it is an invaluable skill that is universally applicable to nearly every walk of life. Its benefits extend well beyond getting up in front of a group of strangers and delivering a speech. If you want to stand out socially, academically, and professionally then polishing your speaking skills and getting rid of that intimidating stage fright is a must.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eGet valuable lessons, tips, and feedback each month on the three key types of speech: Speaking to Entertain, Speaking to Inform, and Speaking to Persuade. You will develop and practice key speaking skills for your own speeches each month, as well as constructively critique those delivered by others in a no-pressure environment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e*\u003cem\u003eBrian Hurwitz is a member of UCLA’s Department of Communication where he lectures on the fundamentals of oral communication, mass media, and film history. In addition to his speaking engagements at media conferences and educational institutions, he has spent the past fifteen years creating and writing films and TV shows for such companies as Hulu, Cinemax, Lifetime, Mattel, Paramount, DMG Entertainment, Tri-Star Pictures, and NBC\/Universal.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"literatureandpen.com","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40847349579933,"sku":"6960485957789","price":20.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0557\/8050\/7805\/products\/SuperpoweredSpeech-BHurwitz-shutterstock_741835249.png?v=1630867673"},{"product_id":"talks-from-the-crypt-meet-up-with-joey-otero","title":"Talks from the Crypt ~ Meet-up with Joey Otero","description":"\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eIf you crave thrills and chills, yearn for the atmosphere of moonlit nights, or want to get in touch with the roots of horror fiction, then this the group for you!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eHorror – the supernatural, the Gothic, the weird, and everything in-between – isn’t just about what we fear, but also what we value.  Sometimes we discover dark truths about ourselves along the way. With that in mind, we’ll be exploring everything from Carmilla to Cthulhu, and probing into what makes them so powerful and relevant to this day. Expect a mixture of literary greats, little-known gems, and a wide variety of subjects and subgenres. We are open to suggestions!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e*\u003cem\u003eJoseph Otero received his MA in Victorian Literature and Culture from the University of York in 2020, with distinction. His research interests in the middle Victorian period include Elizabeth Gaskell, Charles Dickens, the Victorian social novel, and the development of written dialect and idiolect; in the late Victorian period. His primary research interest is in Arthur Machen, the symbolist movement, and the literary influence of Anglo-Catholicism. Joseph has taught undergraduate courses in both composition and literature, and enjoys working with students at any level, especially in an open seminar format.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"literatureandpen.com","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40848436363421,"sku":"6960777527453","price":20.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0557\/8050\/7805\/products\/TalksFromCrypt-JOtero-shutterstock_1986773147.png?v=1630354335"},{"product_id":"a-poetry-affair-meet-up-with-brittney-kay","title":"A Poetry Affair ~ Meet-up with Brittney Kay","description":"\u003cp\u003eExplore the art of poetry with expert Brittney Kay Walsh as she guides you through the essentials of sound, scene\/setting, voice, and more each month in this online meet-up.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhether you are just getting started or are an experienced poet, A Poetry Affair will provide you with the space to create, share, and get feedback. You may bring in your own pieces of writing for workshopping, if time allows.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCome explore the profound in the mundane and delight in the pleasure provided by poetry!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e*\u003cem\u003eBrittney Kay Walsh holds a Juris Doctorate along with a Masters of Environmental Law and Policy. In addition to her career as a lawyer and experience coaching the mock trial team at her law school, she has a passion for poetry and writing. Brittney enjoys leading poetry groups, open mics, and writing workshops. She also has a massage therapist certificate and has become a Reiki Master.  This has enabled her to combine her love for writing and experience with natural healing in very creative ways.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"literatureandpen.com","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40849278009501,"sku":"6960946544797","price":20.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0557\/8050\/7805\/products\/APoetryAffair-BKWalsh-shutterstock_1494900143.png?v=1630360749"},{"product_id":"cinema-society-meet-up-with-jessica-wawra","title":"The Cinema Society ~ Meet-up with Jessica Wawra","description":"\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eFinally, a place for movie buffs to share insights with fellow film fanatics! View a film at leisure in prep for this fun monthly meet-up or come with your repertoire of films past and get ready to delve deep into the hidden (and obvious) themes behind your favorites and explore some missed gems too.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eWhether you are bursting to share your thoughts or just want to relax and listen in, you are going to look forward to this weekly “book club” for cinema lovers led by expert Jessica Wawra. New theme each week!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e*\u003cem\u003eNo previous film studies experience is necessary.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e*\u003cem\u003eJessica Wawra holds a M.A. in Aesthetics \u0026amp; Politics from California Institute of the Arts. Her research and thesis focused on Phantasmagoria Nova: Meta Friction, Upheaval, and Apocalypse in\/of Post-Millennial Cinematic Horror. In addition, she held a graduate research \u0026amp; teaching assistantship and completed her program as a Lillian Disney Scholar. Wawra was granted a curatorial\/critical studies residency at Hauser \u0026amp; Wirth, Los Angeles in 2019 (“Extensions of Horror”) and continues to work on projects related to post-millennial phantasmagoric horror.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThroughout her career, Jessica has been drawn to the intersection of art and social justice. Her writing and research challenges social inequities and oppressive power structures, and investigates human interactions in the public sphere. Through critical explorations of art, community, and context, Jessica seeks ways to foster dynamic discourse and elevate underrepresented populations.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eOutside scholarly endeavors, Jessica and her husband enjoy watching sci-fi\/horror\/fantasy shows and taking their dog, Selkie, on walks in the foothills.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"literatureandpen.com","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40849599332509,"sku":"6960999334045","price":20.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0557\/8050\/7805\/products\/CinemaSociety-JWawra-shutterstock_792693088.png?v=1630363419"}],"url":"https:\/\/literatureandpen-com.myshopify.com\/collections\/meet-ups.oembed","provider":"literatureandpen.com","version":"1.0","type":"link"}