On Tuesday, February 5,  Alan Rose will read from his newest work, a story about suppressed memories and how the forgotten past continues to bleed into one’s present. “The Unforgiven” was recently published as an e-book by Bold Strokes Books.

Alan, the author of two other novels, will also speak about his experience of finding a publisher, and how it reflects the changing face of book publishing.

“Typically, you submit a manuscript, wait months to hear anything, and if it is accepted, you’re looking at one to two years before the book appears. I emailed my manuscript, heard back within a week, and had a book contract within a month, with publication scheduled for the end of the year,” says Alan. “It was all a bit breath taking.”

The increasing popularity of e-readers, iPads and other tablets is providing publishers and authors more opportunities, he says.

“At 75 pages, ‘The Unforgiven’ was too short for a novel and too long for a short story, and probably would never have been published in print, except in a collection of other pieces,” he says. “But as an e-book, it was cost effective to publish as an individual work, and with a quick turnaround time.”

The story is about a man who, in trying to save his marriage, works with a psychotherapist to explore memories from his youth, his friendship with a priest, and specifically events that happened to him at a church summer camp. The publisher’s promotional copy says: “Eventually, he will come to the conclusion that he was molested by the priest; but he is wrong. The truth is much worse.”

“It’s probably the darkest piece I have ever written,” says Alan. “It has a number of twists and surprises and a kicker of an ending that I think helped sell it.”

Also at WordFest, Mary Lyons will be reading from “Matters of The Heart,” a “Valentine collection” of her essays and poetry. Mary says that being a single, middle-aged survivor of a cardiac arrest inspires a unique perspective on hearts, love, and romance. She offers an emotional spectrum, from loving humor to heartbreaking sadness, in these pieces.

Daily News reporter Leslie Slape will read her contribution to the newly published anthology, “How to be a Storyteller: Essays and Advice on the Art of Storytelling.” Fifteen  storytellers share a wide range of advice on how to communicate with passion and skill through storytelling. Leslie’s contribution is written from her point of view as a reporter and  how she has seen storytelling used in the courtroom. She has been a professional storyteller for more than 20 years. Copies of “How to be a Storyteller” will be available at WordFest. The book is also sold at Northwest Gift Gallery in Castle Rock and through Amazon in print and Kindle versions.

 

On Tuesday, January 8, WordFest will continue to feature readings from the anthology on holiday themes that local writers produced, titled “That Holiday Feeling.”

The anthology was the culmination of the past year’s efforts by a committee headed by retired journalist and short story writer Kelley Jacquez.

Contributors will be invited to read their pieces.

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 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.

The events are free and open to the public.

 

On Tuesday, December 4, WordFest will feature readings from an anthology on holiday themes from local writers, titled “That Holiday Feeling.”

The anthology is the culmination of the past year’s efforts by a committee headed by retired journalist and short story writer Kelley Jacquez.

The idea for such an anthology was originally proposed by WordFest member and former Daily News editor David Rorden.

Kelley and her committee called for submissions, which could include poems, short stories, memoirs and reflections, or essays on the holiday theme. Receiving more than 50 submissions, she and her committee then began the work of selecting and editing the pieces to be included in the anthology. Dave was responsible for compiling and producing the anthology.

At the next WordFest, contributors will be invited to read their pieces. The paperback will be available to purchase for $8 per copy.

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.

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.

On Tuesday, November 6,  WordFest will be meeting at The Brits, 1427 Commerce Avenue, in Longview, 6:00-8:00 PM.

WordFest regular Dale Duman will read from his recently published novel, Path to Peril, a story about cyber-terrorism and its political repercussions on the U.S. government and society. Dale is an engineer and computer scientist, who has been writing and teaching informational technology strategies for over 28 years.

Steve Anderson will be reading from Jeremiah’s Wink, his debut mystery novel about a modern day monk and master illuminator who is sent to the U.S. to   recreate a 15^th century Book of Hours. Steve is master-prepared in interdisciplinary studies from the University of Oregon with a focus on public administration and special education.  He retired last year from a career in health care administration.   He is actively seeking a traditional publisher.

Elizabeth Evans will be reading a selection of new poems.  She has been writing poetry since age ten.  Her work has been published in We Accept Donations, Spring Hill Review, Street Lights, and The Salal Review.

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.

On Tuesday, October 2, WordFest will be meeting at The Brits, 1427 Commerce Avenue, in Longview, 6:00-8:00 PM.

Leslie Slape from the Storytellers Network will be hosting the event.

Poet and novelist Carolyn Caines will read a series of poems from her newest book, A String of Perils, Poems of Hurt and Hope.  Carolyn is also the author of the novel, Passage to Love, an Ellis Island Story, and an earlier collection of poetry, In the Noiseless Night, Poems about Childhood in the ‘50s.

Charolette Conklin will be reading “Oblivious”, a short story appearing in the Chicago literary magazine Rambunctious Review. Charolette, along with Mary Stone, teaches a creative writing class through Longview Parks and Recreation.

Sally J. Jones will be reading “Prayer for Worn Moccasins,” which is appearing in the WordFest holiday anthology later this year, and also a short story about a woman in a rehab facility,

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.