The next WordFest on Tuesday, November 10, will highlight mysteries and poetry.
Kate Dyer-Seeley writes the Pacific Northwest Mystery Series (Kensington
Publishing) set in the rugged landscapes of the Pacific Northwest and featuring a young journalist named Meg Reed. She also writes the Shakespearean Bakeshop Mystery Series (Macmillan) set in Ashland, Oregon, under the pen name Ellie Alexander—“which means I spend a lot of my time researching hikes, artisan bakeshops, and ways to kill people off.”
Her books have been on a number of bestseller lists. About the PNW Mysteries The Library Journal writes: “Dyer-Seeley provides a splendid overview of the greater Portland and Columbia River Gorge region, perfect for travel buffs. Her freshly graduated (from journalism school) bumbling protagonist shows promise with her determined attitude and moxie.” Mystery Scene Magazine recommended the Bakeshop Mysteries to readers “who enjoy clever plots, likable characters, and good food. Knowledge of Shakespeare’s plays is purely optional.”
Kate will be reading from her latest mystery, Slayed on the Slopes— After talking her way into a job writing for Portland’s Northwest Extreme magazine, Meg Reed may now really be in over her head. Actually, about 8,000 feet over her head. She’s at Mount Hood’s remote Silcox Hut, covering the Ridge Rangers—Oregon’s elite high-altitude rescue team—during their four-day winter training. Stranded in the hut with them during a sudden blizzard, Meg thinks she hears gunshots. None of the others believe her until one of their team members is found outside in a pool of frozen blood.
Kate will be talking about the challenges (and fun) of writing a mystery series—what inspires her, where she gets her ideas, and how she plots them to create tension and suspense.
Janice Haupt will be reading a selection of her poems. She says, “This is my favorite collection of my poems. In them, I am reliving adventures of mine and my family, some with laughter, some with tears. All but one are new. The most difficult ones to write are about my brother, and about my grandson’s recent climb to summit Mt. Cotopaxi in Ecuador.”
Janice has published several collections of her poetry including the most recent, Call This Beach Mine.
Steve Anderson will be reading from the sequel to his 2013 novel, Book of Hours: The Beguilement of Brother Alphaios. In the new work, Book of Hours: Peter’s Parchment, Brother Alphaios and archivist Inaki Arriaga discover an ancient document hidden inside the wood-and-leather covers of the Book Hours. Intent upon learning its source and meaning, they are warned away by Prior Bartholomew, who predicts the full weight and fury of the Church will descend upon them if they persist in their quest.
Steve lives and writes in Longview, drawing on a lifelong interest in art, architecture and western religions.
There will be an open mic period following the presentations.
The monthly gathering of readers and writers meet the second Tuesday of each month, 6:00-8:00 PM, at Cassava, 1333 Broadway in Longview. The events are free and open to the public.
Cassava offers a dinner menu for those who wish to enjoy a meal with the readings, as well as local wines and brews.