Which genres does Scratchpad present?
Fiction and nonfiction only.
When and where do the readings take place?
Quarterly, mostly Tuesday evenings. Check the calendar on the right for the latest schedule. Our home is Mama’s Crowbar (189 Congress St., Portland, Maine).
Any venue details I should know?
You must be 21+ with ID to enter. Mama’s Crowbar is cash only, beer only, with a wide range of craft beers on tap and in the bottle. There’s also cider, gluten-free beer, a selection of tasty HCFS-free sodas and gourmet popcorn for snacking.
Is this an open mic?
No.
How much does it cost to attend?
$0, but we encourage you to buy a drink and tip your bartender.
Do I have to be a published author to submit or read?
No.
I’m an author on a book tour. Can I come? Can I read from my book?
Yes and no. Scratchpad presents unpublished work and works-in-progress. We’re interested in that essay you’re revising, the short story that’s undergoing its fourth final draft, the novel in your drawer, the book that isn’t on store shelves (yet)—so if you’ve got one of those, and our guess is you do, that’s what we’d like to hear. (Note to traveling authors: Longfellow Books is a wonderful local venue for book tour events.)
How much time does each writer have?
About 10 minutes minimum, 20 minutes maximum, 15 is probably the sweet spot.
How many writers read at each event?
Three to five, depending.