Video of the Day: Pirate Lightning

By Anna Pulley Mon., Feb. 4 2013 at 8:30 AM

Categories: Books and Literature, Events

Julie Michelle

We fondly remember the first time we were mopped. There we were, innocently admiring the tub of lard at 826 Valencia's Pirate Supply Store, when all of a sudden an old-fashioned fuzzy mop dropped on our head. This is merely one of the magical experiences that shop holds for its visitors, but its best poorly kept secret is that the retail establishment is a front for the youth writing programs that take place in the back.

Now 826 Valencia is teaming up with literary pop-up Quiet Lightning for an evening of readings they're calling (what else?) Pirate Lightning! In the spirit of 826 Valencia's youth-oriented workshops, Quiet Lightning -- known for its quick-fire format, free of distracting reader introductions and bad jokes from a host -- mixes things up tonight by narrowing the age range of participating authors to between 6 and 18. These authors will also have their pieces published in Quiet Lightning's artful periodical, sparkle + blink. Tonight is just one stop on Quiet Lightning's 2013 Tour Through Town, in which the focus of each monthly show is informed by the venue and the participating local organizations.

Pirate Lightning! starts Monday, Feb. 4 at 6:30 p.m. at 826 Valencia, S.F. Admission is $5.

Here's Dave Eggers' TED Talk about 826.