Writer Chuck Perkins brings to life his experiences growing up on Pigeon Town through this curated collection of poems and essays, published by the University of Lafayette Press. Born and raised in New Orleans, Perkins details life through the lens of Black working people and the struggle to survive and thrive despite poverty, racism and classism. Yet, while many themes are challenging, Perkins highlights the beauty of life and the aspects of living in New Orleans that connects us all, and has won high praise from fellow writers, journalists and poets.
“Chuck Perkins shows NOLA mojo from inside a Black man’s eyes, ears, heart. His sweet prose is memoir-strong, folklore-filled, with New Orleans traditions, fears, and fun. A fine storyteller.”—Dr. Mona Lisa Saloy, Louisiana Poet Laureate 2021–2023
Inspiration Abounds
For Writers at The New Orleans Public Library
November is National Novel Writing Month. The annual, month-long initiative works to inspire writers of all levels to put pen to paper by writing each day during November. Each year, the event asks artists to commit to producing 50,000 words in 30 days (or at least get as close as they can).
While the founding nonprofit NaNoWriMo officially disbanded in 2024, the movement continues across the U.S. with small, locally led groups holding informal meetups, check-ins and social media accountability posts. For writers in New Orleans, inspiration can be found almost everywhere, from the city’s iconic architecture to its cultural institutions and the colorful personalities that define it. For writers looking for a boost or ways to meet others, the New Orleans Public Library has dedicated resources on their “For Writers” page, including books to reference, workshops, information on self-publishing and more.
Whether you are taking up the “novel writing month” banner on your own, or just want to get started on a new work of fiction, poetry, memoir or manifesto, the legacy of NaNoWriMo continues to inspire writers and encourages all to just keep going.
For more information on events and writer support, visit nolalibrary.org/learn/for-writers
Events around town:
Nov. 3-5
Award-winning writer Karen Russell, author of “Swamplandia!” and “Vampires in the Lemon Grove,” will serve as the 2025 Zale-Kimmerling Writer-in-Residence at Tulane University, Nov. 3-5. The author will speak on Monday, Nov. 3 at 7 p.m.at the Diboll Gallery. Check tulane.edu for additional information on events.
Nov. 10
The Morris Bart, Sr. Lecture Series will discuss the Historic New Orleans Collection’s publication “Captive State” Monday, Nov. 10 at noon at the Jewish Community Center, New Orleans (JCC). Editor Nick Weldon will be on hand for a lecture, Q&A and book signing. A kosher box lunch will also be provided to attendees. Visit nojcc.org for tickets.
Nov. 11
The New Orleans Public Library Hubbell Branch hosts writer Yuri Herrera to discuss his novel “Season of the Swamp” on Tuesday, Nov. 11 at 6:30 p.m. Check nolalibrary.org for more information.
Nov. 13
The New Orleans Museum of Art Book Club will meet on Thursday, Nov. 13 at noon to discuss “How the World is Passed: A Reckoning with the History of Slavery Across America” by Clint Smith. Visit noma.org/events for more information.
