On Tuesday, June 4, several local writers will be reading from their works.

Fred Hudgin will be reading his poem, “Breath,” and a nonfiction story titled “The Last Salute.” After serving in the army, including a tour in Viet Nam, Fred earned a BS degree in Computer Science from Rutgers University and has had a career as a computer programmer.

“Technology plays a large part in my books.  I try to find creative ways to use it in the story line,” he said. His short stories and poems have been published in Biker Magazine, Poetry.Com, The Salal Review, and in That Holiday Feeling, a collection of Christmas short stories.  He has written two novels available on Amazon’s Kindle site: Sulphur Springs and Green Grass.

Elaine Cockrell, retired administrator and teacher from the Kelso School District, will be discussing her historical fiction novel about World War II and the internment of Japanese Americans working on the farms in Eastern Oregon.  Using one chapter from her book, she will discuss the sources, the historical setting, and the insights from her writers group in helping to bring her story to life.

Rhoda Karr will be presenting her story, “The Lottery”, which she notes “is not to be confused with ‘The Lottery’ by Shirley Jackson, and more along the lines of ‘The Lady or the Tiger?’ by Frank Stockton.” Rhoda has spent her life on the West Coast, from Baja to the Bering Sea, and writes fictional stories from her experiences.

WordFest is a monthly gathering of readers and writers who meet the first Tuesday of each month, 6:00-8:00 pm., at The Brits, 1427 Commerce Avenue, in Longview, 6:00-8:00 PM.

The events are free and open to the public. There is an open mic period following the presentations.

The Brits offers a full dinner menu as well as selection of wines and beers for those who wish to enjoy a meal and beverage with the readings.