Portland Literary Events

Monday February 25
The Oregon Writers Colony will present 25 Tips for Freelance Writing by Cornelia Seigneur.
Where: Powell’s Books at Cedar Hills Crossing, 3415 SW Cedar Hills
When: 7:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
For more info: http://powells.com/

Monday February 25
Charles Burns will discuss his graphic novel Black Hole
Where: Powell’s City of Books, 1005 W Burnside
When: 7:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
For more info: http://powells.com/

Tuesday February 26
Dexter Flowers will be hosting an open mic night for writers.
Where: In Other Words bookstore, 8 NE Killingsworth
When: 7:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
For more info: http://wweek.com/words/

Tuesday February 26
John C. Morrison will read from his new poetry collection, Heaven of the Moment
Where: Broadway Books, 1714 NE Broadway
When: 7:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
For more info: http://portlandmercury.com/

Tuesday February 26
A Children’s Place Bookstore’s Gina Greenlaw will present five new children’s titles at Bibliovinio Night
Where: Vinideus, 4759 NE Fremont
When: 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
For more info: http://wweek.com/words/

Wednesday February 27
This month’s Loggernaut Reading Series will feature fiction writers Arthur Bradford and Pauls Toutonghi, and poet Joshua Beckman.
Where: Mississippi Studios, 3939 N Mississippi
When: 7:30 p.m.
Cost: $5.00
For more info: http://www.mississippistudios.com/

Thursday February 28
A Night of Queer Readings will feature five authors in one bookstore.
Where: In Other Words Bookstore, 8 NE Killingsworth
When: 6:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
For more info: http://www.inotherwords.org/

Thursday February 28
Dan Kennedy will discuss his memoir Rock On: An Office Power Ballad
Where: Powell’s City of Books on Burnside, 1005 SW Burnside
When: 7:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
For more info: http://powells.com/

Sunday March 2
Tracy Chevalier will discuss her book Burning Bright
Where: Powell’s City of Books on Burnside, 1005 SW Burnside
When: 7:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
For more info: http://powells.com/

New Release Spotlight: Foreskin's Lament

Foreskin's Lament by Shalom Auslander

To say that Shalom Auslander is not religious would be a gross misunderstanding of his memoir, Foreskin’s Lament. Despite focusing on his departure—or rather, recovery—from Orthodox Judaism, Auslander acknowledges God’s hand in every minuscule aspect of his life. “It’s been a real problem for me,” he repeats.

Peppered with Hebrew vocabulary and Old Testament stories, Auslander’s narrative pulls readers into an insular—even paranoid—worldview where God is a twisted jokester waiting to rain thunder and brimstone for even the smallest mistakes. In his Rabbi-led classroom, they sang, God is here, God is there, God is everywhere!

“I’m doing my best to lose Him,” writes the adult Auslander. “I’m failing miserably.”

God’s anger is matched only by that of Auslander’s father—surly when sober, abusive when drunk—who threatens to break his sons’ hands on a disturbingly regular basis. The cliché is broken by Auslander’s ability to feel empathy for his father. “I wondered what it would be like if no one in your family wanted to walk home with you from synagogue.” So Auslander walks with him. His father doesn’t say a word.

The most painful part of Auslander’s story is his acute consciousness of his own imperfections. It is this knowledge, as he begins shoplifting, eating non-kosher, and delving into pornography, which leads him to vacillate between hopelessness and rage against God for demanding perfection in the first place. But for every curse Auslander launches at God (and there are lots—just a warning to those averse to the f-word) there is an apology, too.

Thankfully, the book is not all doom and gloom. The story is book-ended by the birth of his first child, and his wife, Orli, is stable and refreshing. Also, Auslander possesses incredible wit. He’s funny enough that furtively reading this book in class is impossible—people keep asking what’s so funny. I imagine Auslander’s response would be a sarcastic, “God.”

Review by Melissa Wells, Indigo Editing, LLC

ISBN-13: 978-1-594489-55-6
Publisher: Riverhead Hardcover
Pub Date: October 2007
Hardcover: $24.95

Teen Art Exhibit

The Rise Above Art Program will be having its first annual Teen Art Exhibit on Tuesday, March 4, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. It will be held at the Walters Cultural Arts Center, located at 527 East Main St. in Hillsboro. Refreshments will be provided.

The Rise Above Art Program provides art education at A Safe Place for Youth, a teen homeless shelter in Hillsboro. It is funded by the Hillsboro Community Arts and the Miller Education Center. Through this program, teens create all kinds of art, including sculpture, collage, paintings, and poetry.

The exhibit will be on display from March 4th through the 28th. For more information, call the Walters Cultural Arts Center at 503-615-3485, or send an e-mail to teensriseabove@yahoo.com.

Portland Literary Events

Monday, February 18
Charles Bock will read from his novel Beautiful Children
Where: Powell’s Books on Hawthorne, 3723 SE Hawthorne
When: 7:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
For more info: http://www.powells.com/

Monday, February 18
Poet Turiya Autrey will lead an interactive workshop, Hip-Hop Lyricism: Writing What Matters
Where: Portland State University, Smith Memorial Building, 1825 SW Broadway, Room 327
When: 11 a.m. and 7 p.m.
Cost: Free
For more info: http://www.multcolib.org/reads/lectures.html

Monday, February 18
Editor Susie Bright will read from her collection, The Best of Best American Erotica 2008: Fifteenth Anniversary
Where: Powell’s City of Books on Burnside, 1005 W Burnside
When: 7:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
For more info: http://powells.com/

Tuesday, February 19
Historian Curtis Yehnert will discuss The Hidden Meaning of Fairy Tales
Where: Glenn and Viola Walters Cultural Arts Center, 527 E Main St., Hillsboro
When: 7 p.m.
Cost: Free
For more info: http://wweek.com/events/3414/6/

Wednesday, February 30
Anne Elizabeth Moore and The New Press will present Unmarketable: brandalism, copyfighting, mocketing, and the erosion of integrity
Where: Reading Frenzy, 921 SW Oak
When: 7 p.m.
Cost: Free
For more info: http://www.readingfrenzy.com

Wednesday, February 20
Poetry Downtown kicks off their 2008 series with Li-Young Lee, author of The Winged Seed and Behind My Eyes
Where: Newmark Theatre, 1111 SW Broadway
When: 7:30 p.m.
Cost: $14 to $18
For more info: http://www.literary-arts.org/

Thursday, February 21
Alaya Dawn Johnson will read from her novel Racing the Dark
Where: In Other Words Bookstore, 8 NE Killingsworth St.
When: 7:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
For more info: http://www.inortherwords.org

Thursday February 21
Coeditors Larry Smith and Rachel Fershleiser will discuss the collection Not Quite What I Was Planning
Where: Powell’s City of Books on Burnside, 1005 W Burnside
When: 7:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
For more info: http://www.powells.com/

Friday February 22
Vikram Chandra will discuss his book Sacred Games
Where: Powell’s City of Books on Burnside, 1005 W Burnside
When: 7:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
For more info: http://www.powells.com/

Friday February 23
Two local authors will discuss their new books: Tony Wolk and Good Friday, and Molly Gloss and The Hearts of Horses
Where: Portland State University Branford P. Millar Library, 1875 SW Park
When: 7:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
For more info: http://wweek.com/words

Sunday February 24
A celebration of the life and work of local poet Vi Gale, featuring contributions by an impressive array of Oregonian poets.
Where: First Unitarian Church, 1011 SW 12th
When: 3:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
For more info: http://oregonlive.com/

New Release Spotlight: The Candy Shop War

The Candy Shop War by Brandon Mull

“Moon Rocks,” Trevor said. “I want to try.” He stuck his candy into his mouth and jumped hard. He launched up into the limbs of the tree above, catching hold of one to stop his ascent. “Whoa!” he called from his lofty perch. “It felt like I was heading into orbit.”

These days, it’s hard to find an inventive children’s fantasy novel, or at least one that doesn’t have the feel of a Harry Potter repeat. Author Brandon Mull had managed to pull it off, though, with his new book The Candy Shop War. Though the typical fantasy elements are there—magic, wizards, potions, spells, a quest for treasure—Mull puts a fresh twist on the traditional elements, creating a exciting journey to the last page of the book.

Nate, Trevor, Pigeon, and Summer are ordinary fifth graders, living in a small town, dealing with bullies, parents, teachers, and loads of homework. But all of that changes when they visit the new candy shop. Mrs. White, the owner of the candy shop, befriends the foursome, and lets the kids in on a secret—that she can make magical candy. In exchange for doing a few “odd” jobs—collecting magic beetle eggs, “borrowing” a town relic from the local museum—Mrs. White shares the candy. Rock candy that makes you feel as if you’re walking on the moon. Chocolate drops that change your appearance. Jawbreakers that make you invincible. And fudge that makes parents ease up on the rules and teachers forget to assign homework.

Once the foursome gains her trust, Mrs. White asks them to join her quest to search for a powerful, magical treasure—a treasure she wishes to protect from evil forces. Being explorers at heart, the four decide to join her quest. But as the tasks—and the candy—become more and more dangerous, and Mrs. White becomes more and more obsessed with the treasure, the kids begin to wonder if Mrs. White is truly as “good” as she claims.

Though The Candy Shop War resonates of other fantasy works, Mull has managed to create an imaginative, amazing adventure that any child would enjoy. Mull provides solid characters—regular kids struggling to do the right thing in the face of incredible temptation, villains who turn out to be allies, friends who turn out to be enemies—and excellent plot turns, that keep the reader guessing who to trust and what will happen with every turn of the page. Throw in fresh brands of magic and supernatural creatures and the result is an exciting romp with twists and turns around every corner.

Review by Katrina Hill, Indigo Editing, LLC

ISBN-13: 978-1590387832
Publisher: Shadow Mountain
Pub Date: September 2007
Hardcover: $17.95

I'm Waiting—Tell Me Already!

Something crucial is missing from this sentence.

Portland Literary Events

Monday, February 11
Casebound Journal Making
Where: Independent Publishing Resource Center, 917 Oak St. #218
When: 6:30-9:00 p.m.
Cost: $25 members/$40 non-members
For more info: www.iprc.org

Tuesday, February 12
Michael Pollen will discuss his book In Defense of Food
Where: Bagdad Theater & Pub, 3702 SE Hawthorne
When: 7:00 p.m.
Cost: $21.95 (includes a copy of the book)
For more info: http://wweek.com/events/3413/words/

Tuesday, February 12
Susan Wicklund will read from her book The Common Secret: My Journey as an Abortion Doctor
Where: In Other Words Bookstore, 8 NE Killingsworth St.
When: 6:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
For more info: http://www.inotherwords.org/

Friday, February 15
Natalie Goldberg will read from her book Old Friend from Far Away
Where: Powell’s City of Books on Burnside, 1005 W Burnside
When: 7:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
For more info: http://www.powells.com/

Friday, February 15
Obert Skye will read from his book Leven Thumps and the Eyes of Want
Where: Powell’s Books at Cedar Hills Crossing, 3415 SW Cedar Hills Blvd.
When: 7:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
For more info: http://www.powells.com/

Saturday, February 16
Portland Jazz Festival Presentation
Where: Powell’s on Burnside, 1005 W Burnside
When: 4 p.m.
Cost: Free
For more info: http://www.powells.com/

Saturday February 16
Intro to Letterpress
Where: Independent Publishing Resource Center, 917 Oak St. #218
When: 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Cost: $45 members only
For more info: www.iprc.org

New Release Spotlight: You Have Time for This

You Have Time for This: Contemporary American Short-Short Stories
Edited by Mark Budman & Tom Hazuka

This tome of word power isn’t tome-like at all. Rather, You Have Time for This, edited by Mark Budman and Tom Hazuka, is a convenient little book that fits snugly in your hands as the cover practically opens itself, drawing you into short-short stories packed with love, hatred, and objects with lives of their own.

Each story takes place in five hundred words or fewer, and each author amazingly builds a world, characters, a life, a story in the limited space. As editor Mark Budman related in an interview,* “A good flash, replete with a cohesive plot, rich language and enticing imagery, is perhaps the hardest type of fiction to write.” Its evocative language borders on poetry, and its depth guarantees to capture the mind, while its foundation in fiction appeals to the largest population of readers. And its most defining attribute—its length, or lack thereof—caters to the modern reader, whose ample reading time has been winnowed away by errands, chores, commute times, meetings, and appointments.

For all this, short-short fiction often draws the highest level of respect among word lovers. And the authors of You Have Time for This deserve that respect. Contributors come with an impressive list of previous publications—or sometimes a more impressive proclamation of first publication. No matter their curriculum vitae, though, each writer’s vivid words engulf readers, constructing a world of fiction around them for just a moment…and then allowing the constructs of the world to fade away while the ghost lingers for a long while.

We busy readers—clambering onto the subway, lulling in line at the post office, shivering in the dentist’s waiting room—are invited to share in these poetic glimpses into one hallway of You Have Time for This’s authors’ minds. We can peer in, even experience the stench of the janitor’s bleach, for just a moment, and then return to our own corridors when life beckons us back. Indeed, you have time for this.

Review by Ali McCart, Indigo Editing, LLC

*View interview

ISBN: 978-1-932010-17-6
Publisher: Ooligan Press
Pub Date: November 2007
Paperback: $11.95

It's Good to Laugh at Yourself

Okay, so I promise Indigo editors give more concrete, helpful advice than this. But there is a bit of that dance always, isn't there, that trying to light on the "right" answer while keeping the story the author's own. Hey, as a writer myself, I sometimes have this conversation with myself—it's why I too am a member of writing groups and why I too hire a professional editor.

Tell Your Story in Six Words

Could you do it? I've been following this new book for about a week now—it's so interesting. Put your six words in comments. I'm trying to lead us off, but it's tricky you know (it always is when you're trying to be economical with your words). "Started with dogs, now snuggling cats"? "Scent of fall always reminds me"? Check out the examples of published ones—or buy the book; there are some truly lovely ones.

A recent interview with the creators is here. In addition to the book, they also talk about online vs. print publishing, since they also edit SMITH Magazine. What do you think of the two forms? What do you think of SMITH's premise and the work they're doing?

Writers' Strike—Yes, It Is Still On

I've been terribly remiss in keeping us talking about the writers' strike in Hollywood. What? That's still going on? It's become a bit of a strange situation because a lot of people aren't talking about it as much as they were, yet truly frightening-sounding reality shows are trudging across the screen in growing numbers, so clearly things are not back to normal.

So, yes, it is still going on—a reminder that you can stay up-to-date here—and whatever we write, we should support our fellow writers, whatever they write. We all fight the fair-pay war, most of us over and over.

In case you haven't seen them yet, the WGA has put out some (mostly) great Speechless videos. One of my favorites from the very beginning is this one. And if you want some truly blunt talk about fair pay for writers in general, check out Harlan Ellison's video.

Newest Ink-Filled Page Released!

Winter 2008 Ink-Filled Page

Ah, the games we play--both mental and board, sometimes involving food or big red balloons. They make for such great stories. Download the Winter 2008 issue of the Ink-Filled Page to see how these writers and artists reflect life, and its games.

Read Across Oregon Read-a-Thon

A note from Oregon Literacy:

This year will be the 6^th annual Read Across Oregon Read-a-thon.

Read Across Oregon (RAO) works much like any walk-a-thon or bike-a-thon. Participants donate a small entry fee (suggested at $10) and then obtain pledges above and beyond the entry fee on a per page or per book basis (ex: a nickel per page or $5 per book). Other than that, participants--such as students, teachers, book club members, librarians, tutors, business people, etc.-–simply read as much as possible during the entire month of March. Any book can be read from anywhere and textbooks do count. Parents can read to children and children can read to parents.

The best part is that any charity, such as a school or literacy organization, can reap 50% of the money their participants raise, while the other 50% goes to us to promote literacy statewide and in SW Washington. All the participant has to do is list the charity/school in the appropriate box that is provided on any sign-up form. Oregon Literacy then does the rest, including distributing reader logs, pledge sheets, doing the bookkeeping, and cutting the check to the organization. This makes for a very easy event to become involved with and it has nearly no overhead for partners and beneficiaries!

Proudly sponsored by Gunderson and Starbucks, you can sign up and/or find out more about RAO on our homepage or here: http://www.oregonliteracy.org/events/readacrossoregon.php

Oregon Literacy is a 42-year old 501(c)3 non-profit organization with a mission of strengthening local literacy programs, supporting volunteer tutors, and empowering learners. We believe literate communities thrive!

Portland Literary Events

Monday, February 4
Bich Minh Nguyen reads from Stealing Buddha's Dinner
Where: Powell's on Burnside, 1005 W. Burnside
When: 7:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
For more info: http://www.powells.com/

Tuesday, February 5
Beginning Bookbinding: Sewn Books
Where: Independent Publishing Resource Center, 917 Oak St. #218
When: 6:30-9:00 p.m.
Cost: $20 members/$35 non-members
For more info: www.iprc.org

Thursday, February 7
First Thursday: Open House & Write-Off Contest
Where: Independent Publishing Resource Center, 917 Oak St. #218
When: 6:00-9:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
For more info: http://www.iprc.org/

Thursday, February 7
Love Letters
Where: Independent Publishing Resource Center, 917 Oak St. #218
When: 6:00-9:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
For more info: http://www.iprc.org/

Thursday, February 7
First Thursday with Folk Artist Douglas Jones
Where: Powell's on Burnside, 1005 W. Burnside
When: 6:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
For more info: http://www.powells.com/

Saturday, February 9
Sign Press and Poster Design
Where: Independent Publishing Resource Center, 917 Oak St. #218
When: Noon-4:00 p.m.
Cost: $40 members/$60 non-members
For more info: http://www.iprc.org/

Saturday, February 9
Coeditors María Ochoa and Barbara K. Ige will discuss their book, Shout Out: Women of Color Respond to Violence
Where: In Other Words Bookstore, 8 NE Killingsworth St.
When: 2:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
For more info: http://www.inotherwords.org/

This week the Portland Fiction Project continues it’s “Zodiac Thriller” theme with "sheep" inspired stories. Check out the newest stories at www.portlandfiction.net.