Jane About Town: To Kill a Mockingbird at the Alabama Theatre

Gregory Peck (center) as Atticus Finch

To Kill a Mockingbird is one of my favorite books of all time. Set in Depression-era Alabama, Harper Lee's novel follows the story of Atticus Finch as he defends a black man against a false rape charge and strives to shield his children, Scout and Jem, from prejudice and hate. 

As an English teacher I have the privilege and pleasure of leading a group of 8th graders through a reading of this book each school year. And after we finish the novel we watch the 1962 film adaptation of the book, which in my opinion, is a classic in its own right. 

This Sunday, July 13, from 2 to 5 p.m.,  I'll have the chance to see To Kill a Mockingbird on the big screen at the Alabama Theatre as part of its 2014 Summer Film Series. 

Beginning at 1 p.m., author Beverly Crider will be in the Alabama Theatre lobby signing copies of her new book, Legends & Lore of Birmingham and Central Alabama.

Doors will open one hour before showtime. Tickets are $8 and will be available at the door or in advance through Ticketmaster.

The Call to Be Bold

I should have known Friday would be a great day. 

During my personal Bible study time Proverbs 28:1 was brought to my attention: "The wicked flee though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion." And this was after a week of feeling God urging me to be bold in my prayers and to be more confident about my future. 

Marla and Marcia Pruitte
a.k.a. The Pruitte Twins

Then I went to Cupcakes and Conversations, a ladies empowerment night hosted by inspirational speakers Marla and Marcia Pruitte, better known as The Pruitte Twins.  

The night was full of motivational talks by local women who true are movers and shakers in our city. Women who spoke at the event included  radio and TV personality Eunice Elliott, Robin Ato, owner of Gracie Grove Venue where the event was held, Kimberly Davis and TaShara King of Davis and King Consulting, public relations pro Chanda Temple and Kanisha Shamburger of Created to Win Enterprises LLC. 

All throughout the night the message I heard over and over was to simply be bold. 




Be bold enough to dream. I knew I'd love the Pruitte Twins as soon as they started talking because they mentioned that they are fans of vision boards. A vision board is a visual representation of your dreams and goals. I make a new vision board every year or so because I believe that, as Proverbs 29:18 states, "Where there is no vision, the people perish." 

I, like the Pruitte Twins, also believe that we should write down our dreams. As Habakkuk 2:2 reads, "Write the vision and make it plain." I've written down my goals and dreams since I was a child, but Eunice Elliot, who was the MC for the night, made me realize that I need to approach this practice in a new way. Instead of writing down what I want to have or to do, I need to state what I will have and what I will do. Or better yet, I need to state that what I want is already mine: I am a successful blogger, writer, and entrepreneur! 

My Current Vision Board
Find out how to make one of your own at The Writeous Babe Project.

Be bold enough to walk in your purpose. Purpose, the Pruitte Twins said, is tied to the people you believe you were called to serve. I believe I am here to serve God, women and girls, and my husband. Thus, I seek ways to glorify God in every part of my life. I work to empower women and girls through my writing, my teaching, my church small groups, and See Jane Write. And I strive to be the best wife I can be. This is how I try to walk in my purpose. What is your purpose and how to you strive to walk in that calling every day? 

Striking a pose with the lovely Chanda Temple

Be bold enough to always be your best self. Chanda Temple reminded us ladies that, whether we like or not, we are our own brand. Look your best always -- even on casual Friday or when out running errands -- and be ready to give the pitch for your business, book, or blog. While listening to Chanda, who, of course, was dressed to impress in a gorgeous floral frock, I began to think about how this applies not only to a wardrobe, but to a website as well. Your blog should showcase your best writing. No throwaway posts allowed! And keep your blog updated to show that you are on top of your game. 

Be bold enough to empower other women, not compete with them. What is for you is for you; it's yours and yours alone, the Pruitte Twins reminded us during in their talk. There's no need to believe that if another woman in your field is successful you won't be. Instead of tearing other women down, lift them up. I've learned that you'll often lift up yourself in the process. I started See Jane Write to help other women and as a result I've received a number of paid freelance writing gigs, speaking engagements, and much more. 

I left Cupcakes and Conservations ready and determined to take See Jane Write to the next level. And I left feeling as bold as a lion indeed.

Jane About Town: Cupcakes and Conversations

On Friday night you'll find me with my business cards in one hand and a cupcake in the other. 

Think of Cupcakes and Conversations as a ladies night out for women looking to be empowered in their professional and personal lives.  The theme for this event is "reNew You: Renewing Your Mind For Your Purpose." The panel discussion will cover a variety of topics including personal finance advice, beauty tips, and guidance on how to get the most out of life. 

One of the panelists for this Cupcakes and Conversations event is See Jane Write member Chanda Temple, who is director of public relations for the Birmingham Public Library. Alabama 13's Eunice Elliot will be a speaker as well.  

The night will include food and drinks (and cupcakes, of course). Click here to learn more about this event and to purchase tickets. 

Jane About Town: The Bloganista Mixer presented by Hamer Law Group

Here at See Jane Write we are very excited about our upcoming event The Bloganista Mini-Con, a partial-day conference for fashion, fitness, and lifestyle bloggers. To celebrate we're hosting a mixer for local bloggers. 

At the Bloganista Mixer enjoy drink specials and complimentary appetizers provided by Hamer Law Group. 

The first five people to arrive will receive a door prize from The Original Birmingham. 

At this party you'll have a chance to meet and greet some of the Bloganista Mini-Con panelists and speakers as well as network with other local bloggers. 

Attendees will also have a chance to purchase conference tickets without online processing fees. This will be the last day to purchase tickets at the early bird price. 

Join us Thursday, June 19 from 5:30 - 8 p.m. at the Wine Loft in downtown Birmingham. The Bloganista Mixer is free, but registration is required. 

RSVP here. 

Dress to impress! 

Jane About Town: Birmingham Bloggers Monthly Meetup

There's a new blogging group in town and See Jane Write is eager to support this organization. Birmingham Bloggers is led by Meredith Davis, Beth Branch and Molly Moon and caters to male and female bloggers of all ages in the Birmingham metro area. Their goal is simple -- to help local bloggers meet and collaborate. 

Birmingham Bloggers will host its first monthly meetup at 7 p.m. on Thursday at Chuy's in the Summit. RSVP via Twitter @bhambloggers or via email at bhambloggers@gmail.com. 

Looking Ahead

There are many great blogging and social media conferences coming up this summer that you don't want to miss. 

Y’all Connect Presented by Alabama Power is a blogging and social media conference taking place Friday, June 13 in Birmingham. The mission of Y'all Connect is to give attendees practical takeaways in corporate storytelling. See Jane Write fans can save $30 on Y'all Connect tickets using the code SJW110. But hurry. This offer expires May 30. 

The Bloganista Mini-Con is See Jane Write's first mini-conference. This partial day conference is designed for fashion, fitness, and lifestyle bloggers but has something for everyone. Early bird tickets are only $20! Learn about our speakers and session topics and get your tickets today at thebloganistaconference.eventbrite.com. 

Save the date! This year's WordCamp Birmingham is set for Saturday, August 16. WordCamp Birmingham is the South's oldest running WordCamp having its first in 2008. WordCamp is a great opportunity to learn about WordPress whether you are a beginninger or advanced user. Visit  http://2014.birmingham.wordcamp.org to sign up for updates on this year's conference. 

On Being a Woman of Power

The B-Metro Blog Team
We're raising our glasses to the power of women!

Last week I had the opportunity to cover B-Metro magazine's Women of Power party, which celebrated the release of the magazine's annual Power of Women issue.

As part of the B-Metro blog team I shared highlights of the party via Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. 

The Power of Women issue is my favorite. Last year I had the honor of being one of the women featured. The profile See Javacia Lead focused on my work with See Jane Write. 

I was quite excited to see several ladies of See Jane Write at last week's party, which was held at Vino in English Village. 

Abiola, Jane, and Shella came out and represented for See Jane Write!

The turnout was great and everyone seemed to have an excellent time. 

We enjoyed delicious free hors d'oeuvres from Vino and live music by Gabriel Tajeu. 

Along with Vino, the party was also sponsored by Alabama Power and Cadillac, who showed off some gorgeous new cars. 

At the party I had the chance to chat with Raquel Morgan, a top commercial account manager at Alabama Power, about what it means to be a woman of power. 

Raquel Morgan of Alabama Power

"Being a woman of power is about being willing to give back and being willing to uplift other women," Morgan said.

When asked what advice she would give to young women graduating high school this month, Morgan's response was simple yet wise: "Enjoy life, but make smart choices." 

Morgan has worked for Alabama Power for 15 years and says it's a great place to work for women and for anyone. 

"I've been given so many opportunities and resources to excel in my career path," she said. 

Morgan said that one of the women of power she admires most is Bobbie Knight, who is the head of the Birmingham division of Alabama Power. "I admire her integrity, her strength, and her intelligence," Morgan said. "And she has great fashion sense!"




How do you define a woman of power? What women of power do you admire most? 



Cross-posted at WriteousBabe.com. 

Jane About Town: Celebrate the Power of Women with B-Metro

It's no secret that I love B-Metro magazine and its annual Power of Women issue is a prime example of why I'm such a fan of this publication. 

Each May B-Metro honors women of Birmingham striving to make the city a better place. I had the privilege of being recognized for my work with See Jane Write in last year's Power of Women issue. (Check out my profile, See Javacia Lead.) 

This year's honorees will be celebrated at the Power of Women Party, 5-7- p.m. on Thursday, May 8 at Vino (1930 Cahaba Road, Mountain Brook)  in English Village. I'll be part of the B-Metro Blog team broadcasting party highlights via Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. 

The party will include complimentary food, a cash bar, and door prizes. 

Head to Facebook to RSVP. 

And then read about this year's honorees in this month's issue of B-Metro . 

You can follow my event coverage on the following social media channels:

Facebook - Javacia Harris Bowser & See Jane Write & Writeous Babe

Instagram  - @writeousbabe

Twitter - @writeousbabe and @seejanewritebhm

Why you should go? B-Metro supports our city's powerful women. Show that you do too. 

Other events you shouldn't miss include...

Lunchtime Discussion on Hoover Schools Bus Fees

Join Alabama Media Group and WBHM 90.3 for a discussion on the Hoover's plan to charge students fees to ride school buses. AL.com's Jon Anderson and WBHM's Dan Carsen will be on hand to fill parents in on the latest news and take questions. This event will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, May 8 at The Egg & I, 4741 Chace Circle in Hoover. Whether you're a concerned parent or education blogger, you don't want to miss this discussion. Learn more here. 

Picture Birmingham at Silvertron Cafe

Support local blogger Rachel Callahan by having dinner at Silvertron Cafe on Monday, May 12. Earlier this year Rachel launched Picture Birmingham, a website through which prints, canvasses and note cards of sunset and skyline photos that she’s been taking in Birmingham over the past several months. One hundred percent of the profits from the sale of these photos goes to support The WellHouse ministries, a local organization that rescues and houses women, children, and men who were victims of sex trafficking. On May 12 from 5 to 8 p.m. Rachel will be displaying and selling her photographs and cards and Silvertron will donate a percentage of their sales that evening to The WellHouse. RSVP via Facebook. Read See Jane Write Magazine's profile of Rachel to learn more about Picture Birmingham. 


If you have an event you would like to be featured in Jane About Town send details to javacia@seejanewritebham.com. 

Jane About Town: Swoozie's Housewarming Party

People who say there's nothing to do in Birmingham simply aren't paying attention. Most weeks there's so much going on I have trouble deciding what events I will and won't attend. If you're a Birmingham social butterfly you probably have his problem too. That's where Jane About Town comes in. With this new feature I'll highlight local events I think would be of interest to women who write and blog. 

Swoozie's Housewarming Party

You are invited to Swoozie's Housewarming Party at their new location at The Summit (next to Bed, Bath & Beyond). Swing by between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. for cocktails, a chance to snag great door prizes, and big discounts. 

You may know Swoozie's best for its personalized printing services, but the store has so much more to offer. Swoozie's would be a great place to grab gifts for Mother's Day or for the graduates in your life. If you're getting ready for a summer soiree, check out Swoozie's stylish drink pitchers, wine glasses and serving platters. If you're headed to a baby shower soon Swoozie's has you covered there too with everything from plush stuffed animals to chew-beads necklaces -- a trendy trinket for mom that's also baby friendly. Swoozie's also has a wide variety of stationery, jewelry, gift books, and more. 

Why should you go? Swoozie's is a company that values bloggers. Wednesday evening Swoozie's hosted a special exclusive event for bloggers that I was honored to attend.  And not only is Swoozie's a good place to get gifts for family and friends, but you'll find great gifts for you too. With journals, notebooks, and notepads galore -- Swoozie's is a writer's dream. 

Be sure to follow Swoozie's Birmingham on Facebook. 

Looking Ahead

How to Win Awards and Influence Readers in 439 Days and 668 Blog Posts

Wade Kwon

Would you like to learn how to win awards and influence readers in 439 days and 668 blog posts? Then you don't want to miss the next See Jane Write members-only workshop. 

Communications consultant Wade Kwon will be speaking to See Jane Write members on this very topic. Wade is the founder of Birmingham Blogging Academy and the Y'all Connect social media conference. The Poynter Institute selected Wade as one of 35 Influential People in Social Media. Birmingham Magazine readers selected him as Best Tweeter in the Best of B’ham 2010 and 2011 online polls.

A Birmingham, Ala., native, he started his award-winning blog Wade on Birmingham in 2005, and has worked with Time Inc. and Scripps-Howard on blogging and new media. He is also one of the founders of the Alabama Social Media Association, a nonprofit group dedicated to educating people about social media.

Wade has been a writer and editor at Southern Living magazine and the Birmingham Post-Herald newspaper, winning numerous journalism awards.

This event is for members-only. To receive an invitation to this event become an official See Jane Write member today. Click here for information on how to join. 

Alabama Writers Conclave Conference 

T.K. Thorne

Set for July 11-13, 2014, the Alabama Writers Conclave Conference will offer workshops on fiction, poetry and more. See Jane Write member T.K. Thorne will lead a workshop on historical fiction versus the historical novel. For registration and more information visit www.alabamawritersconclave.org. 

If you have an event you would like to be featured in Jane About Town send details to javacia@seejanewritebham.com. 

Why Women Writers Should Love the Birmingham Public Library

Image via Flickr/Creative Commons

This week has been National Library Week and thus I've been thinking a lot about why I love my local library. When I asked myself that question the answer came to me quickly: My local library empowers me both as a writer and a woman. 

I could talk about the hours on end I spent as a teenager in the North Birmingham, Titusville, and Downtown branches of the library reading books to help me with everything from figuring what religion I truly believed to applying for college, scholarships and financial aid. But I don't have to look back that far. 

Just this year my local library has done plenty for me. 

In February the downtown library hosted its annual Local Authors Expo and gave me an opportunity to lead a workshop on social media and talk about See Jane Write to other local writers. 

In March at the Smithfield library I attended a motivational talk by Eunice Elliott on pursuing dreams, a talk that helped me focus on the goals that matter to me most and figure out the kind of legacy I want to leave. 

The library also opens its doors to local organizations that want to host events of their own to empower Birmingham residents. 

A few weeks ago I attended Power In Heels, a program for female entrepreneurs sponsored by Operation Hope and hosted at the downtown library. I left that program feeling fearless. And last year See Jane Write hosted a panel discussion on publishing.

Women writers should love their local libraries because libraries are buildings rich with inspiration for great stories, and that inspiration doesn't only rest within the pages of novels or short story collections. Visit the archives section, step back in time and watch your imagination run wild. 

Ask to see old scrapbooks of early Birmingham residents like Edith Ward. Take a look at the paper dolls she collected as a child, the letters from boyfriends she received as a teen, and other items like a dance card, clippings of her favorite poems, and playbills from theater performances she attended. Look at photos and read diary entries about her love for her bike, or her "wheel" as she called it. For Edith and other young women of the late 1800s their bikes represented freedom. A girl might hop on her bike and ride from the Southside all the way to Bessemer. 

I don't write much fiction, but learning about Edith's life had me itching to try my hand at a historical novel set in Birmingham. 

Birmingham Public Library staff members after collecting signatures
at City Hall for the Declaration for the Right to Libraries

As National Library Week comes to an end show your appreciation for Birmingham libraries by signing a declaration of support. The national campaign known as the Declaration for the Right to Libraries is simply a good-faith effort to show how important libraries are in empowering and building communities, strengthening families and changing lives. 

You may visit any library in Jefferson County and ask to sign the Declaration for the Right to Libraries. Or you may go online and sign by visiting www.ilovelibraries.org/declaration/sign.

For more information, visit http://www.bplonline.org/programs/Declaration.aspx. 

Reconnect with Your Fearless Self

Rep. Merika Coleman-Evans signed a declaration
of her support of Birmingham libraries.
(Photo Credit: Chanda Temple)

What do you want to be when you grow up?

Do you remember what answer you gave to that question when you were a child? I wanted to be the first female president of the United States. Alabama legislator Rep. Merika Coleman-Evans had this same dream as a girl and shared this with me and the dozens of other female entrepreneurs who gathered for the Power in Heels business workshop on March 28. The free event, hosted by Operation HOPE Birmingham, was held in the Arrington Auditorium of the central branch of the Birmingham Public Library. 

Coleman-Evans was the keynote speaker at Friday's event and she talked to us about being fearless and fierce. Like many of us, Coleman-Evans had plenty of fierceness and fearlessness as a girl dreaming presidential dreams. 



But she not only talked the talked, but she also started making strides toward achieving her lofty aspirations. In 2002 Coleman-Evans was elected to the Alabama House of Representatives when she was only 28 years old. 

But that's only part of the story, Coleman-Evans told us. Along her road to success, she faced a speed bump: fearfulness. She began to to doubt herself. 

Perhaps you're dealing with doubt too. Perhaps you're dealing with a significant other, a family member, a co-worker, or a friend who is discouraging you from pursuing your writing or business goals. Perhaps you're doubting yourself because you've faced rejection. 

But Coleman-Evans gave us a simple charge: Don't let anyone else dim your light.

She urged us to remember that boldness we had as girls and to reconnect with our fearless selves. Coleman-Evans closed her talk with a song many of us knew from childhood: "This Little Light of Mine."

She invited us all to stand to our feet, clap and sing along. She wanted us to declare, in song, that we will let our lights shine everywhere we go. 

When you were a child what did you dream of becoming? Why did you let that dream go? 

Sometimes we let go of dreams because our goals and interests change. I realized I wasn't interested in politics enough to run for any office. I realized writing was my true passion. But sometimes we let go of dreams because we start to doubt ourselves as we grow older and face failure, rejection and fear.  But what would happen if we chose to believe in ourselves anyway? 

Dare to have childlike faith in yourself. 

See Jane Write hosts its first members-only workshop

Last night I hosted the first See Jane Write members-only workshop and it was a huge success. About a dozen members and I gathered at the Desert Island Supply Co. (DISCO) to discuss blogging and social media.

I kicked off the night by sharing some of my personal online experiences and striving to answer questions that the ladies sent to me beforehand. Topics covered included the purpose of blogging and using social media, choosing the best platform for your blog, deciding how often to post, managing multiple social media accounts, monetizing your blog and building your blog readership and social media following. We also discussed blog photography, RSS feeds, and more!

Then it was time to get busy.

These members-only events are called workshops for a reason. They're designed to encourage attendees to take at least one action step before they leave. So after I spoke, the ladies got to work. One member made her first post to her WordPress site. One member - who's new to social media - set up a Facebook account. Another started an account on Twitter. And another left with a new editorial calendar.

Still, there was so much more I hoped to do and share. So I'll be hosting these workshops (sometimes with guest speakers) quarterly. If you don't want to miss out, become an official member of See Jane Write today.

Special thanks to DISCO for being our venue partner for these workshops!

And thanks to all the ladies who came out. All the laughter shared was my favorite part of the night!

Living the Dream and Leaving a Legacy

Last week on my blog The Writeous Babe Project I wrote about having so many goals and so many dreams that I'm not sure where to start. I want to be a blogging star. I want to write and publish a book on feminism. I want to run a successful online magazine. I want to see my byline in all my favorite publications. I want to take my teaching career to the next level. And I want to grow See Jane Write. 

While speaking at the 2011 skirt! Creative Conference, author Claire Cook told us ambitious ladies of letters in the audience that we can do it all, but not all at once. I've learned just how true this is. When I try to do too much, when I spread myself too thin, the result is mediocrity: I'm good at many things, but great at nothing.

So I declared on WriteousBabe.com that I would choose one goal to make my top priority, at least for the next year. But I had no idea how to choose the dream on which I would focus.

Enter Eunice Elliot. 

Eumice Elliott

Elliot is a TV and radio personality, comedienne, and motivational speaker based here in Birmingham. Saturday afternoon I had the privilege of attending one of motivational talks at the Smithfield Library. This year Elliot has been doing a series of lectures she calls "Living the Dream" at Birmingham Public Library branches. This particular talk was in honor of Women's History Month and her goal was to inspire women (and any men in the audience) to boldly pursue their dreams. 

Elliot first asked the crowd if we know what our dream is. I couldn't answer, not because I don't have a dream, but because I have too many. I shared this with Elliot and she gave me a simple question to consider: If, in your lifetime you could only pursue one of your goals, which one would it be? 

The conclusion I came to was quite surprising. I thought I'd decide to focus on running a successful online magazine. To help us identify our dream Elliot told us to think back to what we loved doing or dreamed of doing when we were children. I've wanted to run a magazine since I was 15. But that wasn't the goal that rose to the top. 

The thing I want to do most is grow See Jane Write. 

I decided that what's most important is leaving a legacy and the legacy I want to leave is See Jane Write. I want to leave a legacy of empowering women to speak their truth and nurture their creativity through the written word, a legacy of inspiring women to live a life worth writing about. 

At the end of the day that matters so much more than being a blogging star or a best selling author per even the editor of a successful magazine. 

Elliot encouraged us to maintain positive thoughts about our dreams by writing down our goals or even creating a vision board. I'm sure my eyes brightened when she said this, since I just made a new vision board last month.

Elliott believes in the law of attraction: what you think you'll get something, you will. And I believe that too. 

Late last year I kept thinking about how much I wanted to have a column in a local magazine. I wrote down this goal and even told a few friends about it. On January 31, I received an email from the editor of one of the city's best magazine asking if I'd be interested in writing a column for that publication. (More details to come!) 

But it wasn't my positive thinking alone that landed this opportunity. 

On Saturday night I couldn't sleep. I tossed and turned in bed until 2:30 a.m. thinking about the question Elliott posed to me that afternoon. The thought that kept coming to me was to have a servant's heart. Then when I went to church Sunday morning the message of the sermon was about... wait for it ... HAVING A SERVANT'S HEART! What I've learned through See Jane Write is that when you do good for other people, good things happen to you. I've had the opportunity to attend blogging conferences for free and even speak at blogging conferences because of See Jane Write. Furthermore, most of the local freelance writing gigs I have  -- including this new column opportunity -- I acquired because of See Jane Write. 

I believe that by focusing on See Jane Write not only will I help others, but I will also help myself. I believe that by focusing on See Jane Write, all my other dreams will come true too. 

Eunice Elliott's next Living the Dream Empowerment Workshop will be held Saturday, March 29 at 2:30 p.m. at Pratt City Library, 509 Dougan Avenue.  

Join See Jane Write at the Birmingham Local Authors Expo

Birmingham writers, mark your calendars for Saturday, Feb. 1. On this day the Birmingham Public Library will present its annual Local Authors Expo. This expo gives local authors an opportunity to sell their books, network with other writers, and attend free workshops. This year, See Jane Write will present a workshop on how authors can use social media to reach readers and promote their work.

The See Jane Write social media workshop, set for 1 p.m., will be led by yours truly and authors Stephanie Naman and Kathryn Lang. Naman, author of the novel Murder on the First Day of Christmas, has not only had great success with social media networks such as Twitter and Pinterest but she also blogs as the main character of her book at Chloe Gets a Clue. Naman will discuss best practices for blogging and using social media. Lang, who has published ten books, has a knack for helping people develop self-marketing plans that get to the heart of their writing goals. She will share her writing wisdom at the session, too.

I'm also quite excited about the morning workshop "How to Write While Having a Life." This session is set for 10 a.m. and will be led by young adult author and full-time teacher Anne Riley. Riley will explain how to make writing a book a manageable task when you also have a job and a family.

See Jane Write Magazine contributor Chanda Temple had a chat with Riley and the prolific author shared that one of the best pieces of writing advice she's ever received is "Write the book you want to read." 

Saturday she'll share tips on how to actually find time to do so. 

You can read Temple's entire interview with Riley at See Jane Write Magazine. 

The Birmingham Public Library Local Authors Expo will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 1 at the Central branch of the Birmingham Public Library, located at 2100 Park Place in downtown Birmingham. Nearly 100 authors will be on site selling their books. This event is free and open to the public. For more information visit bplonline.org.

How Social Venture Saved See Jane Write Magazine

Dirty dishes, dirty laundry, and old episodes of NCIS -- all these things posed a serious threat to the launch of See Jane Write Magazine. 

Back in June I had plans to spend four to eight hours each day working on my magazine project. I had to write and edit articles, design the website, and secure sponsors for the launch party. But at the end of each day I'd look at my to-do list and realize very few items had been completed. 

A week into June it was clear that I could not be productive working at home. And I didn't want to go to a coffee shop every day because all my favorite shops sell sweet treats that were going to obliterate all the hard work I'd been doing with my Jillian Michaels DVDs. 

Enter Atticus Rominger. 

Atticus works for REV Birmingham, an economic development organization that strives to stimulate business growth and improve quality of life in Birmingham and its neighborhood commercial centers.  One of the many amazing things REV has created for the city of Birmingham is SocialVenture, a co-working space and business community for social entrepreneurs, freelancers, and small businesses. SocialVenture offers office space and meeting space to its members and gives its members access to business growth and innovation programs. 

This summer Atticus gave me the opportunity to work in one of the co-working spaces at SocialVenture. The first day I worked at SocialVenture I got more done in two hours than I had in two weeks! Currently, SocialVenture serves as the workspace for programs like Teach for America. 

Khadijah Abdullah, managing director of teacher leadership development for Teach for America,
loves her private office space at SocialVenture.

Allecyn Gay, manger of intervention and leadership development for Teach for America,
 was working hard in her co-working space at SocialVenture.

SocialVenture also has great meeting spaces -- including small meeting rooms and a large conference room equipped with Wi-Fi, high quality audio capabilities, large HD monitors, projectors and more. This month's Birmingham Girls Club Conference, at which I had the honor of leading a session on writing, was held at SocialVenture. 

SocialVenture proved to be a great venue for the recent Birmingham Girls Club Conference.
Photo Credit: Sherri Ross Walters

At the recent Birmingham Girls Club Conference, my session on writing
was held in one of the small meeting spaces at SocialVenture.
Photo Credit: Tanya Sylvan

I'm excited to host the next See Jane Write event -- I Tweet, Therefore I Am: A SocialMedia Panel Discussion -- at SocialVenture. And I'm especially excited that this event will be held during the REVIVE Woodlawn Week. 

REVIVE is a collaborative program of REV Birmingham that partners with community leaders, building owners, entrepreneurs and artists to activate vacant spaces and sidewalks to showcase the assets and opportunities within five target commercial districts. Oct. 28-Nov. 1 the spotlight will be on Woodlawn. 

I hope you'll join See Jane Write in Woodlawn for I Tweet, Therefore I Am and for a chance to check out the wonderful meeting and co-working spaces at SocialVenture.