On Tuesday, October 1, WordFest will host the launching of two new books by local authors.

Pat Nelson will present an anthology, Not Your Mother’s Book On Being a Parent, which she created with Dahlynn and Ken McKowen. The McKowen’s co-authored Chicken Soup for the Soul books for 10 years before starting their own humorous, sometimes edgy Not Your Mother’s Book series. The new book consists of 68 true stories about parenting and raising kids. Some of the book’s storytellers will be on hand at WordFest to read their stories that earned them a spot in this new anthology.

Carolyn Caines will be reading from her new book of poems, titled My Substitute Life, drawn from her five years as a substitute teacher in the Kelso School District. She has published two earlier collections of poetry, In the Noiseless Night and A String of Perils, as well as a Young Adult novel, Passage To Love, An Ellis Island Love Story.

Copies of Pat’’s and Carolyn’s books will be available for sale.

Fred Hudgin will read his humorous short story “Nice Day for a Ride.” His short stories and poems have been published in Biker Magazine, Poetry.Com, The Salal Review, and in the anthology, That Holiday Feeling.  He has written two novels available on Amazon’s Kindle site: Sulphur Springs and Green Grass.

WordFest is a monthly gathering of readers and writers who meet the first Tuesday of each month, 6:00-8:00 pm. In October, they will meet at Gyros Gyros at 1338 Commerce Avenue (Lower Level). A full dinner menu will be offered for those who wish to enjoy a meal with the readings, as well as local wines and brews.

The events are free and open to the public. There is an open mic period following the presentations.