Location: Felixology, 2 Walnut Street, Maynard

Local writer Fred Gerhard will read works inspired by Edgar Allan Poe, including poetry by his late mother Rena Gerhard from her posthumously published poetry book and works by Poe himself. After a short break and book signing, Fred will facilitate an open mic session inviting participants to read poetry or a short story (10 minutes max).

In keeping with the Edgar Allan Poe theme of the event, Felixology will be offering 20% off all Poe books and items, and their gallery wall will house an exhibit of Poe-inspired artwork. Poe-themed refreshments will be served.

Bio: Fred Gerhard, author of Drifting to “Hello” (Khotso 2023) and Lilacs Still Bloom in Ashburnham (Local Gems 2023) has had poems published in Asylum Magazine, Black Moon Magazine, Entropy Magazine, Harpy Hybrid Review, Night Owl Narrative, and anthologies by Fae Corps and Ravens Quoth Press. He is one of the founders of the New Dawn Writers’ Group in Ashburnham, MA where he lives. He writes from the tower of a Victorian house about which he is regularly asked, “Isn’t it haunted?”