Pen Parentis at Andaz Wall Street to Host October Literary Salon

Downtown's stunning free literary salon series, Pen Parentis at Andaz Wall Street, invites anyone who has ever wanted to be a writer to its October Literary Salon. The theme on October 11th is Never Give Up: Writers on Tenacity with Oregon-based novelist Jamie Duclos-Yourdon, and local writers Courtney Zoffness and Aidan Donnelley Rowley. Networking and socializing begins at 7pm followed by readings by the three resolute writers, all of which are also parents.

Pen Parentis Literary Salons shatter the stereotype of parent-writer by presenting lineups that will surprise anyone who thinks that writers who have kids can only write children's books and mommy blogs. These lower Manhattan salons are free and open to the public. There is no need to be a parent (or even a writer) to enjoy the readings.

The sponsor organization, Pen Parentis, Ltd, is a federally-recognized literary nonprofit incorporated in 2013 that provides resources to authors who are also parents: one of their outreach programs is to place parent-writers in a spotlight where they can interact with readers; it is difficult for writers who are parents to take the extended book tours now common for publicity. Salons begin with readings from the authors' new works and evolve into lively question-and-answer roundtables. The October Salon will center around creativity and tenacity as a writer.

"The Financial District is becoming more family-centric and residential and the revival of the arts community is indicative of the changing times," says Milda M. De Voe, Founding Director of Pen Parentis and herself an award-winning writer with kids, "Our Salons enliven and enrich this growing community. They connect readers to authors, which deepens the connection between literature and humanity. We're have championed the growing downtown arts scene since 2009, and thrilled to show off one of NYC's best neighborhoods in a new light."

The general public (21+only) is encouraged to check out a Salon - no prior reading or preparation is necessary. You just have to know how to enjoy good books. An RSVP through penparentis.org/calendar is encouraged but not required.