Artfully Edmonds: An-Edmonds-Kind-Of Writer’s Week

 

Washington State Tod Marshall has accepted the Edmonds Library invitation to a complimentary reading on Friday, September 30.
Free! Washington State Poet Laureate Tod Marshall has accepted the Edmonds Library invitation to read from his poetry in a complimentary reading on Friday, Sept. 30 at 5 p.m. in the Plaza Room, 650 Main St.

This is a thrilling Edmonds-Kind-Of Writer’s week for Artfully Edmonds as the Write On The Sound (WOTS) conference commences on Friday, Sept. 30.

Presented by City of Edmonds Arts Commission, assisted by a legion of volunteers, in collaboration with the Edmonds Library, and with the involvement by community-notables, this prestigious event showcases the very best that Edmonds has to offer to every level of writer.

It’s no wonder that registrants for the three-day conference come from Edmonds, Shoreline, Lynnwood, the greater metropolitan areas of Seattle, Bellevue and Tacoma; Bainbridge and Whidbey Islands; and the counties of Skagit and Whatcom, plus the southwestern, central and eastern regions of the state.

Laurie Rose, EAC Write On The Sound (WOTS) coordinator, informs Artfully Edmonds that out-of-state attendees come from as far away as Alaska, Arizona, British Columbia, California, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Montana, New York, Oregon, Texas, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.

There will be approximately 300 attendees, volunteers and presenters at the conference. Activities are centered primarily at the Frances Anderson Center and Edmonds Library.

WOTS even offers a few free features to the general public; the first of which is a reading by Washington State Poet Laureate Tod Marshall, sponsored by the Edmonds Library. Marshall’s reading of his poetry will be held in the Library’s Plaza Room on Friday, Sept. 30 at 5 p.m.

To honor our local writers and in conjunction with the conference, the Friends of the Library is continuing to exhibit, in its display case, the works of local writers – many of whom are perennial attendees of Write on the Sound.

Featured Artfully Edmonds author, Paddy Eger.
Featured Artfully Edmonds author, Paddy Eger.

One writer whose work is included in the library’s exhibit is Edmonds’ educator and author Paddy Eger.

Paddy’s transition from writer to author began with the publishing of Educating America in 2011 and was followed with the Educating America Desktop Flipbook. In 2013, Paddy published the first in a trilogy of novels that provide a behind-the-scenes glimpse of ballet performance and stage life.

The fictional trilogy includes 84 Ribbons, When the Music Stops, and Letters to Follow (each one is subtitled). In the trilogy, young Bremerton resident Marta Selbryth, who aspires to be a prima ballerina, meets tumultuous challenges and forms alliances that follow her from her teen years into adulthood. Fate seems to shine favorably on Marta’s confidante, Lynn; but their close friendship endures the realities of fame and fortune, failure and misfortune.

Early in her career as an author, Paddy partnered with Karin Hoffman of Tendril Press – it has been a wonderful marriage of design + wordsmanship.

Next up for Paddy Eger

Historical fiction enthusiasts, friends and fans are awaiting the arrival to local book stores of Paddy’s grand saga that follows the misfortunes of a servant falsely accused of petty theft while struggling to survive the Tasmania prison system of the 19th century. Titled “Tasman: A Young Prisoner’s Journey,” this Artfully Edmonds favorite is due out in 2017.

As Paddy packs up her notebooks and sharpens her pencils on the eve of WOTS, Artfully Edmonds (AE) was able to catch up with her (PE) for an informal interview:

– – –

AE: Paddy, from the following choices, how would you characterize the exercise of composing words that grow into novels?

  1. as a duty;
  2. as a necessary escape to a fantasy world;
  3. as a gift to your readers now that your career as an author is established?

PE: Writing is more of a passion, an obsession: I need to write.

Granted, it’s self-expression but it’s also a chance to stretch my brain and see where the characters take me.

– – –

AE: You’ve now completed your ballet trilogy. Do you miss Marta and Lynn? Or, are you in some small measure sick to death of dealing with their problems?

PE: What?!! I dearly love most of my characters and now that the trilogy is finished, I miss most of them.

I particularly miss not having a continuing storyline with Bartley (from Book 1) and Sam and Betty (Book 2). I could see myself exploring the possibilities of Cheryl’s life and continuing on with the friends Lynne makes in France (Book 3). But, deep down, I know it’s time to move on.

Developing the snarky characters was the most fun. They caused my main characters, Marta and Lynne, to make decisions and take actions I could not have anticipated until the moments they were confronted.

It’s true, characters DO tell you what they want you to write.

I must admit I’m a bit tired of Madame Cosper. Her negative attitude pulled me down, so I’m glad I’m finished with her. Throughout the series, Madame Cosper and then Uncle Leo (Book 3) irritated me in the way that they treat people.

paddys-trilogy

– – –

AE: Paddy, you are a perennial WOTS attendee?  Why?

PE: I think WOTS is a well-organized event and a great value for writers. The classes vary and usually appeal to the different genres I write. The presenters share interesting information and I enjoy being surrounded with writers without leaving my hometown. I always come away with new ideas and a renewed energy reminding me that I love to write, even if just for myself.

– – –

AE: What would you like to tell My Edmonds News readers about your upcoming books?

PE: Well. . . Letters to Follow: A Dancer’s Adventure (Book 3) is a change in location. In this book I used the places I discovered and fell in love with during my European travels over the past 30 years. This story let me revisit them once again.

Letters to Follow uses a different format than the first two novels in the series. As the title suggests, Lynne sends letters as well as postcards back to the states. In turn, she receives correspondence in return.

My publisher, Karen Hoffman, who is also a creative designer, created unique handwriting and stationery to stylize each character’s correspondence. I think it makes the book ‘Pop!’.

To make the ballet story more interesting to non-ballet readers, I’ve provided a glossary of ballet terms and created a YouTube channel that lists music and performances I’ve mentioned in the story. It’s fun to try new ways to reach out to different readers.

My next novel is a complete departure from tutus and pointe shoes. It’s called Tasman: A Young Prisoner’s Journey. Several years ago, my husband and I visited Port Arthur, a penal colony in Tasmania. I became so obsessed with the true story of a young Irish lad sent there in the 1850s that I wrote a poem, then a short story, and finally decided to do research and write an adventure novel. I expect it to be available next year.

– – –

AE: What’s on your distant horizon?

PE: I don’t know what’s coming after Tasman. I do know I want to get back to Anna Mak, my easy-reader chapter books character. I have two-dozen stories featuring this character – all in rough format. I might also work on other children’s books, finish my remembrances book and organize my poetry. But those will happen around the promise to my husband that I’ll take time to resume our world traveling adventures.

– – –

AE: Well, then! We had better let you get on with your writing, in that case.

My Edmonds News and Artfully Edmonds salute the hundreds of Edmonds writers who grace our city, including those whose mentions follow in this week’s column.

~ ~ ~ ~

Thursday, Sept. 29

6 p.m.

Local children's author Kizzie Jones celebrates the launch of her latest book next week at Edmonds Yacht Club.
Local children’s author Kizzie Jones celebrates the launch of her latest book Thursday, Sept. 29 at Edmonds Yacht Club. The public is invited to celebrate this enchanting and colorful book with the author and her community. Edmonds Yacht Club is located at 326 Admiral Way.

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Free to the Public!
Friday, Sept. 30
5 – 5:45 p.m.

Edmonds Library
650 Main St.

Tod Marshall, Washington’s Poet Laureate has accepted an invitation from the Edmonds Library to read from his published works.

Marshall is in town to participate as a presenter at the sold-out 2016 Write on the Sound writer’s conference.

His presentation at the library on Friday is funded by the Friends of the Edmonds Library.

Saturday, Oct. 1

Marshall will also available to sign books at the conference Book Signing Reception from 5:15-6:30 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 1, in the Edmonds Plaza Room, directly above the library.

An English professor at Gonzaga University, Marshall’s two-year appointment as the state’s poet laureate began this year in February. The role includes building awareness and appreciation of poetry through public readings, workshops, lectures and presentations across the state.

He says of his responsibilities as the state’s poet laureate, “I am continually reminded of how important the arts, and the humanities, are to people. Poetry doesn’t just thrive at universities or in schools. From my many encounters with very young students and with old enthusiasts, I know that there is a powerful appetite for art, for philosophy, for history, for poetry — it’s great to encounter that.”

During his talks in Edmonds, Marshall said that he will be talking about blurring of lines between different modes of writing.  “Poetry, fiction and non-fiction all share so many qualities; I’ll try to help writers see how they can work on all those modes of writing.”

Marshall added that he believes poetry needs to be both read and heard. “I think that it needs both forms to thrive.  They are two different flowers – think radiant, exuberant sunflower and tiny, quiet orchid,” he said. “You know what, though?  Both of them have the opportunity to achieve a similar sort of beauty – sometimes in the hush after a spoken line, there is a hushed echo of how ‘page’ poems function; sometimes in the raucous music of a Hopkins or June Jordan, there is a brash energy that unfolds in the mind. We need all of our poetries.”

~ ~ ~ ~

Local author Diane Twohy Masson’s book “Your Senior Housing Options” is a winner of the ‘National Mature Media Awards Program 2016’ according to one of its editors, Kim Kimmy.

Senior housing option expert and local author Diane Twohy Masson has won a National Mature Media Award for her book, “Your Senior Housing Options.”  Diane’s program, presented by the Mature Market Resource Center (a national clearinghouse for the senior housing market) recognizes the nation’s best marketing, communications, educational materials, and programs designed and produced for older adults.

Those involved with the design and production of “Your Senior Housing Options” include the author and illustrator Steve Hartley, and editors Kim E. Kimmy, Jeannette Weiss and Joyce Ball.

“We were delighted to take part in the Mature Media Awards Program this year, and were honored to be selected as a winner,” says Masson.  The book was written to help seniors and adult children understand future housing options and plan for their future housing needs.

 ~ ~ ~ ~

What’s coming up for October 

The City of Edmonds Arts Commission (EAC) is joining thousands of arts organizations and communities across the nation in celebrating National Arts and Humanities Month throughout October.

For over 20 years this annual proclamation has honored the efforts of artists, historians, teachers, and cultural groups in Edmonds working to make the arts and humanities a part of everyone’s life. A proclamation in honor of Arts & Humanities month will be read during the Edmonds City Council meeting for Tuesday, Oct. 11 (121 5th Ave. N.) The meeting begins with a flag salute at 7 p.m.

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5bb9705b-31c4-4c93-a203-bce4664b1d71
INKtober was started by artist and animator Jake Parker in 2009, according to Wikipedia. Global participation has grown to 100,000 by 2014. With participation by Edmonds’ ARTspot, that number is expected to grow.

Saturday, Oct. 1
2-4 p.m.

ARTspot celebrates INKtober: 31 days. 31 drawings. 31 “spots”

Tracy Felix, mistress of Edmonds’ artist challenges says of her latest brainstorm, “ARTspot thinks INKtober is a perfect event to introduce in our ‘Challenge Series’. So, we have put together our first ” INKtober ” inspired event! We have assembled 31 super wonderful drawing kits that include everything you could want for black and white inspiration.”

Artists all over the world take on the INKtober drawing challenge by doing one ink drawing a day for the entire month of October.

Tracy explains, “Each ARTspot artist who registers to participate in INKtober will have his or her work displayed in an “art line” in the ARTspot store window. As the month proceeds, the lines will fill, garnering lots of attention all month as the collection grows.”

Halloween

The challenge culminates on Monday, Oct. 31 when downtown Edmonds hosts over 3,000 visitors to the annual Halloween Trick-or-Treat In-the-Street celebration.

Information on ARTspot’s participation in INKtober can be found at this website:

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Sunday, Oct. 2
6:30 p.m.

Herb Otha, Jr. and Friends are scheduled to perform at EdCC Black Box Theatre, according to Lynnwood Today.
Herb Ohta, Jr. and Friends are scheduled to perform at EdCC Black Box Theatre, according to Lynnwood Today.

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west-side-story

Thursday, Oct. 6
7:30 p.m.

Film Cabaret Series
Thursdays!

ECA’s inaugural Film Cabaret Series opens with a screening of West Side Story (1961) on Thursday, Oct. 6 at 7:30 p.m. Winner of 10 Academy Awards including Best Picture, West Side Story is an electrifying musical that sets the ageless tragedy of Romeo and Juliet in the slums of 1950s New York.

The series marks the launch of ongoing programming that showcases ECA’s state-of-the-art digital cinema system, generously donated in 2013 by long-time ECA donor and supporter, Anne Gittinger.

To complement this showing of West Side Story, the ECA is including in its season’s performances An Evening with Rita Moreno on Saturday, Oct. 15. Miss Moreno played “Anita” in the film version of West Side Story. (See the Artfully Edmonds mention, in chronological order below.)

Plus live jazz + Bistro setting!

Opening the film showing of West Side Story is the Jake Bergevin Quartet, performing a jazz arrangement of the film’s original score.

Purchase show packs and single tickets for the film series online at www.ec4arts.org, or through the ECA Box Office. This is a TeenTix event, which means tickets are $5 for registered teens, pending availability.

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moon-over-buffalo-poster-11x17
“Moon Over Buffalo”, a hilarious romp by Ken Ludwig, is performed by The Phoenix Theatre through October 30.

 

Thursday, Oct. 6
8 p.m.
Pay-what-You-can “Dress Rehearsal”

Friday, Oct. 7 – 30
Friday and Saturdays at 8 p.m.
Sunday matinees at 2 p.m.

Moon Over Buffalo

The Phoenix Theatre

9673 Firdale Ave.

Beginning with *Pay-What-You-Can” guaranteed fun dress rehearsal, The Phoenix Theatre launches its 2016-17 Season with this madcap comedy, which centers on George and Charlotte Hay, fading stars of the 1950s.

We find George and Charlotte on the brink of a disastrous breakup due to George’s dalliance with a young actress, when they receive word that Frank Capra is coming to see their upcoming matinee. If Capra likes what he sees, he may cast them in his next movie.

Unfortunately everything that could go wrong does go wrong due to their daughter’s clueless boyfriend and hilarious uncertainty about what play they are actually doing.

The theatre opens with a cast that includes Phoenix stars, Cindy Boggio, Melanie Calderwood, Tom Cook, Steve Heiret, Karen Hendrickson, Jay Jenkins, Tracy Kirkpatrick and Jim Thompson (in alphabetical order).

Watch and enjoy as these great Edmonds-area thespian pals battle, betray, and besmirch each other in Ken Ludwig’s Moon Over Buffalo directed by Eric Lewis.

For tickets call the Phoenix Theatre box office at 206-533-2000 or visit the Phoenix website.

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If you loved the film-series showing of "West Side Story" -- extend the experience with your friends by seeing Rita Moreno in person on Oct. 15.
If you loved the film-series showing of “West Side Story” — extend the experience with your friends by seeing Rita Moreno in person on Oct. 15.

 

Saturday, Oct. 15
7:30 p.m.
 
An Evening with Rita Moreno
Edmonds Center for the Arts (ECA)
410 4th Ave. N.

Rita Moreno, whose credits include her role as “Anita” in West Side Story, will present an evening of story and song, featuring favorites from the American Songbook, Broadway classics, swing, jazz, and selections from her new Spanish album Una Vez Más (produced by Emilio Estefan).

Moreno remains one of only nine performers ever to win all four major artistic awards: the Oscar, the Emmy, the Grammy and the Tony.

Tickets to An Evening with Rita Moreno are available at www.ec4arts.org, and by calling the ECA Box Office at 425.275.9595.

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Yes! by David Varnau
Yes! by David Varnau

Yes!

By David Varnau

Hearing from luminary artist David Varnau is always a delight and the news of his most recent unveiling is no exception.

From his Edmonds’ studio, Varnau sends notice that he has completed his sculpture titled, Yes!

He describes his work thusly: “Yes! Is a cast bronze figure measuring 20″H x 19″W x 10″D and features a figure seen leaping forward, confident in what awaits her. It is an image of abandon, conjuring those times when we let go of control and embrace the promise that life freely offers us.”

The artist produced this video presentation of Yes!

Artist Statement

I enjoy creating sculptures like this that appear as though they defy gravity. In this piece, the figure is seen leaping forward, confident in what awaits her. It is an image of abandon, conjuring those times when we let go of control and embrace what life freely offers us.

– By Emily Hill

12. Emily-2015

Emily Hill is the author of two novels and a short story collection. Emily is retired from a career in public information and news media relations. If you would like your event listed, or featured, in Artfully Edmonds, Emily invites you to contact her at myedmondsnews@gmail.com.

 

  1. This article highlights what a lively, artful community Edmonds is. Thank you, Emily, for bringing it all together for us. I’ll be there for the launch of Kizzie Jones’ book and also for Write on the Sound. After that, I see from your article that I have other excellent choices.

    Great interview with Paddy Eger. I’m looking forward to reading the third book in her series, Letters to Follow.

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