Please join Elisa at one of these upcoming events. All events are open to the public unless otherwise noted. If you have a book club or another event you’d like Elisa to attend in person or via Zoom, please get in touch at elisamariesperanza@gmail.com.
Join me for a conversation with local author L.L. Gertler as we discuss his debut historical thriller, Ancient Gods on Campus. Find out more about the author and the book at llgertler.com.
A celebration of the release of the Washashores Review, an anthology of Martha’s Vineyard-inspired fiction, poetry, and essays released in August 2025. Elisa will be one of 24 contributors reading short excerpts from their work in this first volume published by Featherstone Center for the Arts. Copies of the anthology will be available for purchase, with proceeds going to support the Literary Arts Program at Featherstone.
In this interactive, in-person workshop for writers of all genres, we'll review the different paths to publication and demystify the world of book publicity. Writers can expect to leave with actionable strategic and practical ideas for their book launch and marketing strategy. Click here for more information about all the workshops that day and here to register for free.
Elisa Speranza shares a presentation about the fascinating backstory to her debut novel, The Italian Prisoner, a work of historical fiction set in New Orleans’ Sicilian community during World War 2. The program is open to the public. A $5 payment at the door gets you coffee and a breakfast roll along with the presentation. Elisa will have copies of the book for sale and to autograph.
This interactive online workshop sponsored by Featherstone Literary Arts on Martha’s Vineyard is for you if you’re a writer working in any genre on a book you plan to publish and sell. It’s never too soon and never too late to find your readers. Instructors: Kate Feiffer and Elisa Speranza. Two 90-minute sessions, February 8 and 9, 2025 from 2-3:30 pm Eastern Time. More info and registration here.
Join us for a discussion of Kate Feiffer’s debut novel Morning Pages, a comedic and heartfelt coming-of-age story about a woman in the sandwich generation. Kate has worked as writer, illustrator, television and event producer, photo editor, and ice cream scooper. She is the author of eleven highly acclaimed books for children, and the 2024 humorous novel Morning Pages. She is also the illustrator of the poetry/parody The Lamb Cycle, published in April 2023.
Join me for a conversation with New Orleans author Allison Alsup about the fascinating backstory to her debut novel Foreign Seed. Learn more about the book here. Two Fish Books is inside The Coffeehouse in Arabi, St. Bernard Parish.
In this interactive, in-person workshop for writers of all genres, we’ll demystify the world of book publicity. We’ll cover both practical and creative advice; writers can expect to leave with actionable ideas for their bookaunch and its marketing strategy. Snacks provided. Register at New Orleans Writers Workshop here. Cost: $80 / Early Bird through Jan. 6: $72
You finished writing your book—now what? Planning and Executing Your Book Publicity Strategy
You’ve toiled away on your book, and you’re finally ready to get it out into the world. Maybe you’ve been lucky enough to get an agent and a publisher, maybe you’ve decided to go the independent route and self-publish. Either way, it’s unlikely there’s a marketing team ready to help you, so how will anyone beyond your friends and family find out about your book? This workshop will help demystify the world of book publicity and will provide practical advice for developing your book launch and marketing strategy.
Join me for a conversation with author and writing teacher Allison Alsup as we discuss her debut historical novel Foreign Seed.
You finished writing your book—now what? Planning and Executing Your Book Publicity Strategy
You’ve toiled away on your book, and you’re finally ready to get it out into the world. Maybe you’ve been lucky enough to get an agent and a publisher, maybe you’ve decided to go the independent route and self-publish. Either way, it’s unlikely there’s a marketing team ready to help you, so how will anyone beyond your friends and family find out about your book? This workshop will help demystify the world of book publicity and will provide practical advice for developing your book launch and marketing strategy.
This workshop is part of the wonderful Islanders Write conference held annually on Martha’s Vineyard.
Unlock Your Writing Potential - A Writers' Clinic with Elisa M. Speranza and Vincent 'Chip’ LoCoco. Join us on Saturday, February 17, 2024, from 9:00 am to 10:45 am at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave. in Metairie. The clinic is free and open to all (even to those who haven’t yet dared to call themselves “writers!”). Local authors Elisa M. Speranza and Vincent “Chip" LoCoco will share some craft tips and tricks, demystify pathways to publishing, and provide advice on how to find your readers.
For more information: OLLI Baton Rouge
More details and registration link here: https://givebutter.com/2mzNB5
Gathering and Connecting: Italian Heritage as a Creative Touchstone
Linda Dini Jenkins, Becoming Italian: Chapter and Verse from an Italian American Girl
Jennifer Martelli, The Queens of Queens
Elisa M. Speranza, The Italian Prisoner
Moderator: Christine Paladimessi, Bridge of Love
