WordFest kicks off the New Year on January 4

The 2011 WordFest series starts on Tuesday, January 4, with three writers who will be presenting their works..

Lorraine Merrin will be reading from her collection of poetry, entitled “Holding Tight to Gravity’s Tail,” which she calls “poetry about real people living and surviving in a real world that often seems as cruel as it is beautiful.”

Lorraine’s work has appeared in The Salal Review, Rattle, Thema, Tar Wolf, and other journals, as well as in the anthology, “The Great American Poetry Show,” Vol. II.

Her book will be available at WordFest for $15.  The book is usually $19.95 (plus $3 shipping/handling) from Lorraine and can also be ordered at Amazon.com.

Chuck Ramsdell will be reading from his children’s book, “Quack.” A boat builder who has lived on the Columbia River for over thirty eight years, Chuck wrote the stories for his grandson. The book will be available for $10.

Ellysa Champ will read a short story called “Haunted,” about a young Japanese girl with a strange gift. An outcast, she has only one friend, who no one else can see.

Ellysa is an avid fan of the paranormal and Japanese culture, which she has blended into her short story.

An open mic time follows the the presentations.

The Brits opens at 5:30 pm.

Storyteller Leslie Slape hosts December WordFest


 Leslie Slape, local storyteller, playwright and crime reporter for The Daily News, will host the next WordFest gathering on December 7, 6:00-8:00 pm, at The Brits in Longview.

 

Leslie will introduce the three presenters for the evening and facilitate feedback of their readings.

 

Kelley Jacquez, a former newspaper journalist, will read from her collection of interrelated short stories, “Holding Woman and Other Stories of Acceptable Madness,” that take place in the hamlet of El Nido, New Mexico. Four of the stories from this collection have been published in anthologies or literary magazines.

 

 

Ed Putka will be reading his short story, “Kolenda,” a warm, humorous tale about the blessing of the houses in his old Polish neighborhood in Cleveland. Ed, a local judge, says that he was fortunate to have grown up in a culture rich with stories.

 

Joe Evelyn Schwab will be reading from his book, “Outlaws on the Big River,” about his experiences as a Wildlife Enforcement Officer on the Columbia River. Joe will have copies of his book available for sale and to autograph.

 

An open mic session follows the three presenters, where people can read their own material.

 

WordFest is a gathering of readers and writers who meet on the first Tuesday of each month at The Brits, 1427 Commerce Avenue.

 

The events are free and open to the public.

 

The Brits owner Alice Dietz offers a select menu for those who wish to enjoy a meal with the readings. The Brits opens at 5:30 pm.