Out Loud HSV monthly open mic and features creates a space for literary arts and spoken word to grow! Come early to sign up for the open mic, where you will have 5 minutes to share a creative writing piece. Then we will have a 30 minute feature with J.D. Frey!

Three years ago J.D wrote a story with a mind to self- publish. That idea turned into a Kickstarter campaign for an original self-published edition of 250 hand-bound letterpress printed books and a 1000 copy edition of machine manufactured case-bound books. He raised over $12,000 and learned many lessons along the way. If you are interested in his journey through crowdfunding, marketing, letterpress printing, fine press books, ebooks, self-publishing and... what it takes to turn your ideas into something you can hold, then please join us at Out Loud HSV on July 20 in the north floor classroom at Lowe Mill. Doors open at 6 pm, open mic begins at 6:30 pm, and afterward J.D. will read from the book and give a 15-minute lecture on his process.

About J.D:
"Most of my work is in video and animation, and telling a story is my driving passion. I've been illustrating, printing, sculpting, writing and animating most of my life. When my daughter Maggie was born, I discovered the great purpose for all of my work- making her laugh. In early 2013 I began writing a book for her, and that initial draft typed on my phone in the wee hours of the morning became a four-year mission of self-discovery and perseverance."