With over 180,000 books published each year and fewer and fewer publishing houses,  writers are increasingly turning to self-publishing as a way of sharing their stories, poetry, memoirs and plays.

At the next WordFest gathering on Tuesday, January 6, several authors who have chosen to publish their books will read from their works and discuss the experience of self-publishing, its challenges and its rewards.

 Jolan Durrah from Cathlamet wrote and published Adventure in Borneo: The True Story of One Man’s Quest to Find the Bornean Peacock Pheasant. It relates the adventures and misadventures of a friend who pursued his passion for exotic pheasants, taking him to the jungles of Borneo, where he knew neither the language nor customs.

Fran Gillette of Yacolt has been publishing her books on home arts and cooking for over twenty years, and estimates that she has sold more than 80,000 copies. Her books are in bookstores and special shops across the country.

 Also, Kelsey Ford, a 20-year old graduate of Mark Morris High School who is attending Sarah Lawrence College in Bronxville, New York, will talk about her internship at a new literary magazine called, A Public Space. The magazine was started in 2006, by Brigid Hughes, former associate editor of The Paris Review, and has published shorter works of some of today’s leading literary voices, including Haruki Murakami (Kafka on the Shore), Marilynne Robinson (Gilead), and Nam Le (The Boat.) Kelsey will talk about her experience interning with the literary magazine and read from its most recent issue.

Elizabeth Evans returns to WordFest to share her poetry which has displayed a wit and whimsy that has been very entertaining.

Following the presentations, there will be an open mic session.

 The Brits owner Alice Dietz will offer a select menu for people who wish to enjoy a light supper.

The Brits opens at 5:30 p.m.