Sheer egoism, aesthetic enthusiasm, historical impulse, and political purpose. According to George Orwell in his essay “Why I Write,” these are the four motives for writing.
Inspired by this essay, The 1888 Center is seeking short-essay submissions from local voices to share their own stories for the “Why We Write” roadshow. Those selected will have the opportunity to read their work aloud at one of the three live events across Orange County. A collection of chosen submissions will also be compounded into a limited series anthology and published by the 1888 Center. Following the three-day roadshow, the center will also produce an audio podcast and video documenting the curated selection of pieces performed.
“We’re calling out to anyone who writes to express what motivates them to use language,” said Trevor Allred, 1888 Community Manager. “We want this roadshow to make public and unite the creative minds working throughout Orange County.”
The 1888 Center, founded by Chapman University alumni Kevin Staneic, is a non-profit based in Orange that aims to “develop educational programs, produce collaborative projects, and publish relevant literature from around the world to enrich our diverse neighborhoods and engage the national community.”
The “Why We Write” roadshow kicks off in Costa Mesa April 28 and is free to the public. The following show takes place at Cooks chapel, at the Packing House in Anaheim on May 16. The series closes at the 1888 Center in Orange on June 20. For full event details and submission requirements visit http://1888.center/roadshow/