Stanza Debuts First Book

Bookstore publishes anthology of Beacon writers
Things are humming at Stanza Books in Beacon, which has built a cohesive community of readers and writers since opening in 2023. On a chilly Tuesday evening last month, a dozen people huddled inside the shop to discuss John Irving's latest novel, Queen Esther.
At first, co-owners Mark Harris and Andrea Talarico lived above the store. But they cemented their local roots by buying a house. And this spring, they plan to move social and retail operations into the historic firehouse on Main Street, next to the Veterans Memorial Building, tripling their footprint.
They always intended to run a publishing arm, and their imprint's first issue is an anthology of writers who circulate within the store's orbit.
"We chose contributors based on relationships, which evolved over time," says Harris. "They hold readings and, most importantly, show up for other authors' events. This is a snapshot of literary culture in Beacon for the year, and we're looking to do it again with different writers."

Because the retail space cannot accommodate the family and friends of all 18 contributors, as well as everyone else who shows up, the book launch will be held at Madame Brett Social Club, a shared workspace with soft lighting and a full bar, on Saturday (Jan. 31).
"It'll be a literary salon, where writers talk shop," Harris says.
Stanza's second book, Demon Lover Witch, a dark fantasy set in Beacon and written by Harris, debuts Feb. 13. A children's title is scheduled for later this year.
The 337-page 2025 Beacon Literary Scene anthology, published as a paperback, has a William Loeb photo of the dummy light on its cover.
It skews toward fiction and poetry, although Adam McKible contributed a scholarly essay and Donna Minkowitz submitted a memoir that borders on confessional. The poets include Ruth Danon, Kristen Holt-Browning, Jim Seegert and Edwin Torres.
Arranged alphabetically by last name, the works are easy to digest. The longest entry runs 26 pages; the shortest is two (Torres' "Bannerman Island").
Each contributor shared a statement about the role of writing in their lives, except for Peter Ullian, whose story concerns a Marine born on Mars.
Gloria Beth Amodeo, who juggles writing with raising 3-year-old twins, sets a 30-minute timer when hunkering down. She met a couple of peers at a workshop who impose deadlines on each other and "don't judge."
Steven Fechter, who switched from plays to fiction, composes in longhand on legal pads. Jackie Corley offers this pro tip: "Kill your darlings and all your backstory."
Stanza sells books but is more than a store. "I've become close friends with one of the parents who brought their kids into our storytelling sessions, and I'm going over to his place tonight to play board games," Harris says. "If you're a sci-fi nerd, come to our reading club. Friendships have been made."
The book launch is scheduled for 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday at the Madame Brett Social Club, 418 Main St., second floor. Tickets are $10 at dub.sh/beacon-writers-25. The anthology is $20, with proceeds benefiting the Howland Public Library.