Classic literature and experimental forms alike are created best when the author trusts their own vision. But in an era where it seems like everything has been done, how can you know when you’ve created something that not only feels true to you, but will also speak to others? Local authors Luke Sutherland (Distance Sequence), rumi ryan (thoughts + pieces), and Paul Jaskunas (The Atlas of Remedies) discuss how they trust themselves in their creative processes, and how leaning into your voice is your greatest asset.

As creative lead at Black Author Brand, rumi ryan works with authors to develop polished literary work that captivates with imagery and creative storytelling. rumi’s unique approach to art combines several modalities including poetry, music, conversation, and visuals. thoughts + pieces, an interactive book of poetry, is her debut collection.

Paul Jaskunas is the author of two novels: The Atlas of Remedies (Stillhouse Press) and Hidden (Free Press), which won the Friends of American Writers Award. A chapbook of his poems, Mother Ship, will be released by Finishing Line Press in Fall 2024. His writing has appeared in the New York Times, America, Tab, Little Patuxent Review, and the Vilnius Review, among many other publications. Since 2008, he has taught literature and writing at the Maryland Institute College of Art in Baltimore, where he edits Full Bleed, an annual journal devoted to the intersection of the visual and literary arts.  Learn more at www.jaskunas.com.

Luke Sutherland is a trans writer and librarian. His work has appeared in smoke and mold, ANMLY, Bright Wall/Dark Room, MQR: Mixtape, and more. His chapbook Distance Sequence (Neon Hemlock 2024) won the OutWrite 2023 Chapbook Contest in Nonfiction. He was a finalist for the SmokeLong Quarterly Award for Flash Fiction in 2022 and the Larry Neal Writers’ Award in 2023.  Luke also helps run a DC-based trans writing group and micropress, Lilac Peril. You can find him online as @lukejsuth.

This is an in-person event. Seated capacity at People’s Book is 50 patrons. Standing room is an option. All events are first-come, first-served seating. Accessible seating is always available.

If you want to purchase any of these books online and still support People’s Book, follow the links below:

https://bookshop.org/a/101932/9781945233241

https://bookshop.org/a/101932/9780743257800