On Tuesday, November 3,  WordFest will feature long-time editor Ruth Thompson as November’s guest reviewer. Ruth is the editor for Illumination Arts, a publisher of illustrated children’s books. She is also an independent editor, was the Kelso High School librarian for over 20 years, and is President Emeritus of the Washington State Association of School Librarians.

Ruth will be reviewing  three stories. Judge Ed Putka will read his story, “A Union Ship.” Poet Elizabeth Evans will present her short story, “Moving On,” about a young girl and her family seeking food and work during the Great Depression.

And a  younger voice at WordFest, Chris Mahon who is a student, will read his tale, “Tarinen and His Gaining of the Staff of Anu Nairan”–“one of many legends of Tairinen, the wizard who would live to see the End of All Things,” says Chris. “I’ve studied myths and legends for about four years and have enjoyed writing since elementary school.”

We will meet at The Brits, 1427 Commerce Avenue in Longview, 6:00-8:00 pm.

The Brits owner, Alice Dietz, will again offer a select menu  for those who wish to enjoy a meal with the readings (Did you see those luscious desserts she had last time?) The Brits opens at 5:30 pm.

Featured at WordFest on October 6th will be one of the giants of Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror writing.

William F. Nolan, best known for his science fiction classic, Logan’s Run, has written novels, short stories, verse, screenplays for film and television, as well as critical studies of Dashiell Hammett and Ray Bradbury.

He has received numerous awards, including twice winning the Edgar Allan Poe Award from the Mystery Writers of America, being voted a “Living Legend in Dark Fantasy” by the International Horror Guild, and receiving the honorary title of “Author Emeritus” by the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, Inc.

He wrote or co-wrote the screenplays for the films, The Legend of Machine Gun Kelly (1975), Logan’s Run (1976), and Burnt Offerings (1976), as well as the television adaptation of Henry James’ Turn of the Screw, Terror at London Bridge, and The Kansas City Massacre. Career collections of his writings have been published in Things Beyond Midnight (1984) and William F. Nolan’s Dark Universe (2001).

Joining Nolan will be James R. Beach, publisher of Dark Discoveries magazine, and his co-editor and writer, Jason V. Brock. They will be speaking about the horror, sci-fi, and fantasy genres, and with Nolan, will take questions from the audience. Complimentary copies of Dark Discoveries will be available.

During the Open Mic period, participants are encouraged to share their own creepy stories and writings in recognition of Hallowe’en. People can sign up to read for 10 minutes.

The event is free and open to the public. The Brits owner Alice Dietz offers a select menu for those who wish to enjoy dinner with the readings and discussion. The Brits opens at 5:30 pm.