You're invited to a gathering for those looking for a supportive writing community that focuses on the social aspects of being a writer and a space to discuss any and all disciplines of writing. 

We welcome writers from all disciplines to hang out, work, then hang out some more.

This isn't a workshop, but a work time in a workspace with other writers.

This event is free and no registration necessary. Just show up with something to write.

We will meet at 11:30am for pastries, snacks, coffee and tea. Some will be provided, but more is welcome. If you do bring pastries, please only bring enough to share with one or two others.

Approximate Schedule

11:30am: Conversation over coffee and tea.

Noon: Quiet work. There are quite a few places to work quietly inside Markham House. Find your nook and write, or explore the books in our library upstairs, or continue your conversation outside, on the porch, or somewhere in History Park. We'll keep the coffee and kettle hot while you work.

2:45–3:15pm: Optional sharing and conversation. Writers are not expected to share what they’ve written, but if you’d like feedback, this would be the time for it.

Keep in mind, Markham House will be open to the public, so visitors will be coming in to peruse, but we will let them know that the house is infested with writers writing!

Admission: Free, but donations are welcome!

Parking: There is a parking strip on Phelan Avenue at the park gate. If there is no space available, there is a lot at the end of Phelan Ave.
Location: Once you walk into the park from Phelan Avenue, go straight until the road veers left with the firehouse on the right, then follow the left turn. Markham House is then the second house on your left. There should be an OPEN flag out on the porch.

Looking for a cozy spot to read, write, or just unwind? Stop by Markham House from 11am to 3pm. Enjoy a cup of coffee or tea while you browse our library, chat with our friendly docent, and take in some dedicated poetry appreciation time.

📍Location: Markham House @ History Park • 635 Phelan Ave, San Jose, CA.

Free parking right outside of the main gate or in the lot at the end of Phelan Avenue (except during some History Park events.)

Once you walk into the park from Phelan Avenue, go straight until the road dead ends, then make a left. Markham House is then the second house on your left. There will be a flag over the steps that reads OPEN.

You're invited to a gathering for those looking for a supportive writing community that focuses on the social aspects of being a writer and a space to discuss any and all disciplines of writing. 

We welcome writers from all disciplines to hang out, work, then hang out some more.

This isn't a workshop, but a work time in a workspace with other writers.

This event is free and no registration necessary. Just show up with something to write.

We will meet at 11:30am for pastries, snacks, coffee and tea. Some will be provided, but more is welcome. If you do bring pastries, please only bring enough to share with one or two others.

Approximate Schedule

11:30am: Conversation over coffee and tea.

Noon: Quiet work. There are quite a few places to work quietly inside Markham House. Find your nook and write, or explore the books in our library upstairs, or continue your conversation outside, on the porch or somewhere in History Park. We'll keep the coffee and kettle hot while you work.

2:30pm: Sharing and conversation.

Keep in mind, Markham House will be open to the public, so visitors will be coming in to peruse, but we will let them know that the house is infested with writers writing!

Admission: Free, but donations are welcome!

Parking: There is a parking strip on Phelan Avenue at the park gate. If there is no space available, there is a lot at the end of Phelan Ave.
Location: Once you walk into the park from Phelan Avenue, go straight until the road veers left with the firehouse on the right, then follow the left turn. Markham House is then the second house on your left. There should be an OPEN flag out on the porch.

Looking for a cozy spot to read, write, or just unwind? Stop by Markham House during the hours above. Enjoy a cup of coffee or tea while you browse our library, chat with our friendly docent, and take in some dedicated poetry appreciation time.

Note that on this day, there will be a Bay Area Printers’ Fair & Wayzgoose event at History Park, which is free. As such, parking may be limited. It may also be a little noisier than usual, but in a fun and festive way!

📍Location: Markham House @ History Park • 635 Phelan Ave, San Jose, CA.

Free parking right outside of the main gate or in the lot at the end of Phelan Avenue. Note: May incur a parking fee due to Bay Area Printers’ Fair & Wayzgoose, a free event.

Once you walk into the park from Phelan Avenue, go straight until the road dead ends, then make a left. Markham House is then the second house on your left. There will be a flag over the steps that reads OPEN.

"Odes to Everyday Things"
Poetry can emerge from the smallest details, if we’re willing to notice them. That’s why we’re thrilled to have Jasmine Sufi lead a workshop to help us uncover the poetry hidden in the everyday moments that often go unnoticed.

A leading voice in the Bay Area slam poetry scene since 2009, Jasmine brings years of experience as both a performer and a mentor. She’s a former Berkeley Grand Slam Champion and has represented the Bay Area at the National Poetry Slam on multiple occasions. Her workshop will explore how great poets find inspiration in the seemingly mundane and guide us through exercises designed to sharpen our observation skills.

No RSVP required. Just show up at 1pm, ready to hone your performance skills.

Date: Saturday, October 19, 2024
Time: 1–3pm
Admission: Free, but donations are welcome!
Location: Markham House @ History Park / 635 Phelan Ave, San Jose, CA / Once you walk into the park, go straight until the road dead ends with the firehouse on the right, then make a left. Markham House is then the second house on your left.

RSVP recommended but not required: programming@pcsj.org
Just show up!
If you participated in this workshop, help us continue providing events like this one at little or no cost by completing this brief participant survey: https://bit.ly/3AiPIpA