Literary Swapmeet?

 A new idea for a new year: During the holidays I was going through my bookshelves and drawers and found books on writing and old copies of writing magazines that I hadn’t looked at in years, and I thought–“Why not share them with others who could enjoy them, too?”

And then I thought: WordFest could be a place where people bring books and periodicals to share with others–like a literary swapmeet! Except you don’t need to bring anything in order to take something that interests you. You can bring the book or magazine back when you’re done with it for someone else to use.

 Well, every good idea deserves a chance. Let’s start at the February WordFest, Tuesday, February 5th.

 And here is the line-up of presenters for that night:

 Longtime editor Ruth Thompson will read what she calls “a most unusual love story” (although I tend to think that any love story is unusual) entitled, “Souvenirs d’Anjou” by Glen Ethier, whose work Ruth has edited in the past.

Tedine Roos, a retired librarian originally from Maine, will read a piece she wrote while living there, about gardening when a woodchuck moves in, called, “Woodchuck Away!”

LCC Instructor Deborah Brink, returning after a year of travel and study in Latin America, is moving beyond her regular genre of poetry to read a short story she wrote while away, entitled “When No One is Watching.”

And local poet Peggy Williams will read a selection of her poems.

 There will be an Open Mic time at the end of the evening for those who want to try out a reading that takes ten minutes or less.

NOTE: Because the first Tuesday of January was New Year’s Day, WordFest this month has been moved to the second Tuesday, January 8^th.

At the January WordFest, Richard Robinson will be reading from his recently published book, “The Sixteenth Horseman.” His first novel, the story spans fifty years, from Hitler’s invasion of Poland in 1939 to the collapse of theSoviet Union in 1989. Rich, who lives in Kalama, is a former college dean, with degrees in history and political science. His book provides a historical context for the major events stretching between those dates, including theKorean War, theVietnam conflict, the rise of modern jihadism, and the Soviet invasion ofAfghanistan, all told through the viewpoint of his main protagonist, Joe Gaultworth.

Also reading that evening will be Mary Lyons. As the survivor of a sudden cardiac arrest in 1987, Mary has discovered both, “an intentional voice of gratitude and a first-hand-fearlessness” when writing about life and death.  She will be reading a story from the collection she has been writing, called, “It’s a Fearful Thing…”, based on her experience as a home hospice volunteer.

The third presenter will be Douglas Gilbert, who will be reading from his recently published book, “Art and Soul.” Douglas has been a practicing artist for over 40 years. With graduate degrees in both Art Therapy and Fine Art, he has been able to bridge those two fields in his work helping groups and individuals heal through contact with their deepest creativity. He will be reading a chapter from his book, entitled, “Sacred Fire”, about the essential purpose of art making.

Both Rich and Douglas will have copies of their books available to purchase and to autograph.

Hope to see you there!