On Tuesday, May 5, WordFest will feature one of the youngest writers who have ever presented at these monthly gatherings.

Audrey Spindle will be reading from her story, “Dragon Isle.” She describes herself as “a sixteen year old who wants to be a writer.” She began the story when she was fourteen, writing it for her brother, and notes, “Two years later…and it’s still not done!” (Welcome to my world, Audrey Spindle!)

Joining Audrey will be Gary Dickinson. Last September Gary published Reflections, a book about his sailing adventures. Since then, he has written four articles that have been published. He recently returned from a five-month Caribbean cruise on his sailboat. He says, “I enjoy writing because it allows me to share my experiences with others.”

The third presenter will be Dan Roberts. A local doctor, Dan has written articles for professional journals, and then several years ago turned to fiction. He is now completing a novel as well as a nonfiction book about a heart transplant. He will be reading from a new work, entitled, “The VRSA Syndrome,” the story of a doctor who struggles to rescue her best friend from a coma caused by a new migraine medication while investigating the fraud that led to the drug’s release.

The guest reviewer this month will be Lorna Moon, a former correspondent for The Japan Times (English Language Version), as well as an author of two novels, a three-act musical stage play, and several feature articles in publications worldwide. Lorna is a member of the Society of Authors (United Kingdom) and ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers.)

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

Popular storyteller Leslie Slape will be the Guest Reviewer at the next WordFest gathering on Tuesday, April 7, 6:00-8:00 pm. Leslie, a writer, performer, and reporter for The Daily News, will be providing feedback to three writers that evening:

Paul Meyers, a wildlife biologist from Cathlamet, will be reading the first chapter from his novel in progress. He says that it’s about “a kid who drops out of college and moves to Las Vegas to become a professional poker player. It touches on themes of addiction, moral struggle, and the price of pursuing a dream.” Though having published articles in scientific journals, this is Paul’s first foray into fiction.

PUD Commissioner Ned Piper will also be reading the first chapter from his novel in progress, which he has titled Life at a Minimum. Only eight chapters into it, he says he’s not yet sure what it’s about.

Ruth Thompson will be changing roles that evening–from editor to writer–as she reads from the memoir she has started about her mother’s life. Ruth has edited inspirational children’s books, as well as novels for adults, and a biography on Buckminster Fuller. In 1999, she received an award for Best Editor from the Northwest Association of Book Publishers.

 Following the three presenters, there will be an open mic time when people can read their own material.

 The Brits owner Alice Dietz will offer a select menu for those who wish to enjoy dinner during the readings. The restaurant opens at 5:30 pm.

Writers are encouraged to sign up to present at the May WordFest.

Published poet and retired LCC English instructor Carolyn Norred will be the Guest Reviewer at the next WordFest gathering on Tuesday, March 3.

Carolyn will provide feedback to three presenters that evening:

Lorna Moon will be reading from her historical novel, Jacob’s Pillow, a medieval tale set in 13th century Scotland. Moon has recently returned from Scotland, where she lived for the past eight years, and is a member of the Society of Authors in Scotland.

Jane Still, a regular contributor to The Columbia River Reader, will be reading a humorous short story, Out to Lunch,” from her book, Mother Daze, No Dignity. Jane also wrote for The Second Half magazine in The Daily News.

Chuck Taylor will read an excerpt from his young adult fantasy, The Hidden Path, the adventures of three teenagers in the “Sky Realms.”

As Guest Reviewer, Carolyn will be identifying the strengths in each piece, and also ways the writers can improve their material.

 Following the presenters, there will be an open mic time where the public can read.

 The Brits owner Alice Dietz opens at 5:30 p.m. and offers a select menu for those who wish to enjoy a light dinner.

Something new for the new year.

Beginning at the February WordFest on Tuesday, February 3, guest reviewers will be giving feedback to the evening’s presenters, identifying strong points in their writing, as well suggesting how they can improve their writing.

 The guest reviewers will be professional or otherwise established writers who have years of experience and expertise to share.

The first two reviewers will be Cathy Zimmerman, features editor for The Daily News, and Ned Piper, Cowlitz PUD Commissioner and monthly columnist for The Columbia River Reader.

The three presenters at the February WordFest will represent a variety of writing genres and styles:

Rita Fontaine, an English instructor at Lower Columbia College, will be reading her nonfiction article on sailing, entitled “The Good Mariner.”

Laura Baird will be reading from her romance mystery novel, Gem Opportunities.

 And Rick Jaspers will read the first chapter from a novel he is working on for young people, entitled The Magical Photo Booth.

By adding guest reviewers to our monthly gatherings, WordFest presenters and participants will be able to benefit from the feedback of experienced writers.

There will also be the usual open mic time, when people have 10 minutes to read their material to the audience (Note: the guest reviewers will not be critiquing these shorter presentations.)

Brits owner Alice Dietz will open the doors at 5:30 for those who wish to order a meal from her select menu.

With over 180,000 books published each year and fewer and fewer publishing houses,  writers are increasingly turning to self-publishing as a way of sharing their stories, poetry, memoirs and plays.

At the next WordFest gathering on Tuesday, January 6, several authors who have chosen to publish their books will read from their works and discuss the experience of self-publishing, its challenges and its rewards.

 Jolan Durrah from Cathlamet wrote and published Adventure in Borneo: The True Story of One Man’s Quest to Find the Bornean Peacock Pheasant. It relates the adventures and misadventures of a friend who pursued his passion for exotic pheasants, taking him to the jungles of Borneo, where he knew neither the language nor customs.

Fran Gillette of Yacolt has been publishing her books on home arts and cooking for over twenty years, and estimates that she has sold more than 80,000 copies. Her books are in bookstores and special shops across the country.

 Also, Kelsey Ford, a 20-year old graduate of Mark Morris High School who is attending Sarah Lawrence College in Bronxville, New York, will talk about her internship at a new literary magazine called, A Public Space. The magazine was started in 2006, by Brigid Hughes, former associate editor of The Paris Review, and has published shorter works of some of today’s leading literary voices, including Haruki Murakami (Kafka on the Shore), Marilynne Robinson (Gilead), and Nam Le (The Boat.) Kelsey will talk about her experience interning with the literary magazine and read from its most recent issue.

Elizabeth Evans returns to WordFest to share her poetry which has displayed a wit and whimsy that has been very entertaining.

Following the presentations, there will be an open mic session.

 The Brits owner Alice Dietz will offer a select menu for people who wish to enjoy a light supper.

The Brits opens at 5:30 p.m.