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.

The summer break was so much fun that we’ve decided to stretch the break into September.

 The next WordFest gathering will meet on Tuesday, October 6.

 Good reading! Good writing!

The WordFest gathering of readers and writers will resume on the first Tuesday of September (Sept. 1st.)

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.]

Headlining the next WordFest gathering will be Pam Young, co-author of the best-selling book, Sidetracked Home Executives: From Pigpen to Paradise, which has sold over one million copies. Pam has appeared on hundreds of television talk shows, including The Today Show, Live with Regis, CBS Morning Show, and Oprah. She finally makes it to the big-time by appearing at WordFest next Tuesday.

Pam will be reading from her newest book, The GOOD Book: Get Out Of Debt, on organizing one’s personal finances. Key to her popularity and success is her combination of humor with insight, providing readers with effective strategies and practical steps in achieving their personal goals.

Also reading that evening will be Dale Duman, a retired Lockheed engineer, who is working on his first novel. Dale will read a short story, entitled, “A Cowboy’s Last Days,” which is set in 1950s Montana, reflecting a tragedy that changed a man’s life forever.

Poet and short story writer Elizabeth Evans returns to read a story, “Favorite Novels,” about an encounter in a book store.

 Local attorney and writer Patrick Kubin will be this month’s Guest Reviewer, providing feedback to the three presenters. Patrick’s fiction and nonfiction writing has been published in The Salal Review and The Columbia River Reader.

As usual, there will be an open mic time following the presenters, and The Brits owner Alice Dietz will be offering a select menu for those who wish to enjoy a meal with the readings.

 Doors open at 5:30 pm.