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.

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.