The National Writers Union will be hosting a reading and open mic on Monday, October 15, starting at 6:00 p.m. in Tucson. This month, A.J. Flick will read from her newly published book, Toxic Rage: A Tale of Murder in Tucson (WildBlue Press). The book details a case that continues to interest Tucsonans. Dr. Brian Stidham was found stabbed to death in the parking lot of his medical complex on Oct. 5, 2004. As the investigation unfolded, it appeared that a rival eye surgeon, Dr. Brad Schwartz, hired a hit man to kill Stidham. Why would he do that? Not only did Dr. Schwartz feel betrayed by Dr. Stidham, leading to a “toxic rage” and Dr. Stidham’s death, but someone especially close to Dr. Schwartz became his main accuser: His former fiancée. A.J. is  a  writer,  editor  and  repurposed  journalist  based  in  Tucson,  Ariz. Her  byline  has  appeared  in  numerous  news  websites  and  publications  across  the  country.

The open mic is for spoken word only, but is open to all forms of spoken word (fiction, essays, poetry, articles, polemics, etc.). So bring something to read!

The event will be held at the AFSCME/SEIU Union Hall at 877 S. Alvernon Way in Tucson. The building is on the east side of the street (opposite the Randolph Park golf range) and is a couple of blocks north of 22nd Street. There is ample parking. The room is on the first floor and we will have signs up to point the way.

NWU Tucson Friday morning breakfasts are currently on hiatus but will resume on the Friday after Thanksgiving at 9:00 a.m. at Laverna's Coffee Shop. The address is 220 S. Plumer, which is one block south of Broadway, on the west side of Plumer. See you there!