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WordFest hosts first-ever ‘Book Pitch’ for local authors

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WordFest invites local authors to promote their books at its next event on the first Tuesday, December 3, 6:00-8:00 pm, at the Cassava Coffeehouse, 1333 Broadway in Longview.

(WordFest usually meets on 2nd Tuesdays.)

[Artwork by Mark E Dykstra]

Any author is welcome to sell and sign copies of their books that evening.

“There should be quite a range of fiction and nonfiction books there,” said Alan Rose, who coordinates the monthly gathering of writers and readers. “We are expecting memoirs, thrillers and mysteries, literary fiction, historical fiction, romance, children’s and Young Adult books, poetry, all showcasing local literary talent.”

Books will include works published by major publishing houses and independently published. Authors are encouraged to bring along their own card or folding table, or double up with another writer.

Each person will have 5 minutes to talk about and/or read from his or her work.

“This is a great opportunity to do all your holiday gift shopping in one evening,” said Rose.

There may be an open mic period depending upon the number of authors talking about their books.

The monthly gathering of readers and writers usually meets on the second Tuesday of each month, 6:00-8:00 PM, at Cassava. All events are free and open to the public.

Cassava offers a dinner menu for those who wish to enjoy a meal with the readings, as well as local wines and brews.

For more information, contact Alan Rose at www.alan-rose.com.

November WordFest offers thrills through poetry and stories

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WordFest features daring poetry and a modern-day thriller ripped from today’s headlines on Tuesday, November 12, 6:00-8:00 pm, at the Cassava Coffeehouse, 1333 Broadway in Longview.

Armin Tolentino is the author of the poetry collection We Meant to Bring It Home Alive (Alternating Current Press 2019). He earned an MFA at Rutgers University in Newark, NJ and his poetry has appeared in numerous journals including Common Knowledge, Arsenic Lobster, Hyphen Magazine, and The Raven Chronicles.  

He is a former Oregon Literary Arts Fellowship recipient and works for Multnomah County managing education and anti-poverty initiatives. He refers to himself as “a phenomenal clapper, a passable ukulele player, and a bumbling, but enthusiastic, fisherman.”

Armin will read selections from his collection, which explore loneliness, longing, and faith, told through the voices of an astronaut lost in space, a whaler cursed by a dragon, a 19th century bone collector escaping extinction, and other beings feeling severed from their world.

Find more information about Armin and his writing at www.armintolentino.com.

Rick E. George has worked as a wildland firefighter, a sportswriter, and an educator, including five years as a language arts teacher at Coweeman Junior High School in Kelso. He is the author of Vengeance Burns Hot and Cooper’s Loot, both published in 2019, as well as short stories and poetry. He lives with his wife April in the Cascade Mountains of Washington state.

Vengeance Burns Hot isa literary thriller set in the mountains around Snoqualmie Pass, where helicopter pilot and Afghan War veteran Ed Kline faces day to day challenges battling wildfires and building a new romance. But then a cryptic text, followed by deadly attacks from an anti-government militia, engulf Ed in a deeply personal way. Is Ed’s son part of the militia, or trying to escape from it, or both? In seeking the answer, Ed risks his career, his new relationship, and his life.

There will be an open mic period following the presentations.

The monthly gathering of readers and writers meets the second Tuesday of each month, 6:00-8:00 PM, at Cassava. The events are free and open to the public

Cassava offers a dinner menu for those who wish to enjoy a meal with the readings, as well as local wines and brews.

For more information, contact Alan Rose at www.alan-rose.com.