Please join Benicia Literary Arts for an evening of focused writing time at the Benicia Library. All genres and experience levels are encouraged, and don't worry, no one will see what you've written! This is about getting your writing done and meeting other local writers.
We'll begin at 6:30 by leading a quick round of introductions, then start quiet writing time at 6:45. At 8:15, we'll wrap up and take some more time to get to know each other, share challenges and successes as writers, etc. Again, there will be no obligation to share your work! Feel free to take breaks as needed throughout the event.
Location: Benicia Library - Doña Benicia Room
Shut up and write is from 6:30pm-8:30pm at the library, every other Monday.
When: Next one TBA, we start at 10:30 for anyone interested in ordering coffee/tea/breakfast and having some casual conversation. Our topic discussion will run from 11:00 to noon.
Where: The Cafe at the Inn at Benicia Bay located at 145 East D St in Benicia
What: TBA
Who: Facilitated by members of our Board
Why: Because you will enjoy the discussions!
Anthology X: The Everyday as Extraordinary" is here and available for purchase.
MASTERING THE SHORT STORY WORKSHOP
A two-day WORKSHOP for experienced writers taught by Award-Winning Author,
MICHAEL BARRINGTON
Sold out!
Waitlist - email literaryartsbenicia@gmail.com to get on the waiting list.
Click here for the workshop details
"You Will Never Read -- or Write -- a Short Story the Same Way Again"
In this two-session workshop, Michael Barrington, Vice-President of California Writers Club, Diablo Branch, will pilot your way to becoming a better writer AND a better reader!
September 13 and September 20, 2026, 2 - 4pm
$40 for both classes
($35 discount rate for two-session class for California Writers Club & Benicia Literary Arts Members)
The class size is limited to 16 attendees.
Benicia Literary Arts is committed to ensuring digital and physical accessibility for people with disabilities. We are continually improving the user experience for everyone and applying the relevant accessibility standards to our facilities and online platforms.
We welcome your feedback. If you experience any barriers accessing our services, or if you need special accommodations to participate in our programs, please let us know.
Support the Joel Fallon Poetry Scholarship, awarded annually to two graduating Benicia High School Seniors with demonstrated poetic writing skills. Fallon, who died in 2016, was Benicia's first Poet Laureate. His legacy, and the programs he developed, continue to be an influence on poets everywhere. Learn more at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joel_Fallon or read The Book of Joel, available on this website.
Since its founding in 2003 by Joel Fallon, Benicia’s first Poet Laureate, the First Tuesday Poetry Group has welcomed one and all to its monthly open mic at the Benicia Public Library. Every two years, the current Benicia poet laureate collects poems from local poets and compiles them into an anthology.
Katrina Monroe, the ninth poet to hold the office, has put together the present book, dedicated to the poetical art of finding the extraordinary in everyday things. Open this book and delve into a world of unique moments and exquisite observations of the magnificent world we share.
Mary Oliver often said our role as poets and humans is to “pay attention.” Habitual perception makes things simple and ordinary; paying attention allows us to see complexities, intricacies, and even the contradictions that stir our curiosity. This is the special province of poets, to reveal that the everyday sights and sounds of our lives, upon inspection, can be extraordinary.
