Author Laura Whitcomb will be reading from her newest Young Adult novel, The Fetch, at WordFest on Tuesday, July 7th. Published in February, the novel has landed the #5 spot on the YA “Next List” (formerly Book Sense) Top Ten for independent book stores. The novel is a supernatural love story of a “fetch,” or death escort, at the time of the 1917 Russian Revolution. Czar Nicholas II, his wife and children, and the dissolute monk, Rasputin, all play roles in the altering of history.

Laura’s first novel, A Certain Slant of Light (2005), was a Barnes & Noble “Discover Great New Writers” selection, and was chosen by the American Librarian’s Association as one of the Best Books for Young Adults. It has been published in six languages. Laura co-authored Your First Novel (2006) with literary agent Ann Rittenberg, and her newest book on writing, Novel Shortcuts, was published in March.

In addition to reading from The Fetch, Laura will be talking about writing for young people and answering questions from the audience (Laura will also be featured in an upcoming “Book Chat” interview.) Copies of her novels and books on writing will be available for purchase and autographing.

Also presenting at WordFest will be local writer and editor Jim LeMonds, who says that “everyone has a story, but not everyone has the ability to transform that story into a publishable piece of writing.”

The author of South of Seattle and Deadfall, Jim was for many years a popular and well-respected English teacher at R.A. Long High School. One of his students, Lyndsay (Farber) Faye, recently wrote a novel, Dust and Shadow, which was published this April by Simon & Schuster. Lyndsay dedicated her book to “Jim LeMonds and his Five Easy Pieces,” in recognition of his influence and the tools he had given her to become a successful writer and self-editor (Jim’s interview with Lyndsay can be viewed on “Book Chat” at www.alan-rose.com.)

At the next WordFest, Jim will discuss the importance for writers to also be their own editors, and he will offer several strategies that they can employ.

 Wrapping up the evening will be an Open Mic time. The Brits owner Alice Dietz will once again offer a select menu for those who wish to eat dinner. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.

[Note: WordFest will take a break in August and resume in September.]