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.

Portland Literary Events

Monday, January 28
The Oregon Writers Colony presents Deborah Dewit Marchant, author of Traveling Light: Chasing an Illuminated Life
Where: Powell’s Books at Cedar Hills Crossing, 3415 SW Cedar Hills
When: 7:00
Cost: Free
For more info: www.powells.com

Monday, January 28
Jim Walsh discusses his new book The Replacements: All Over but the Shouting
Where: Borders, 708 SW 3rd Ave
When: 7:00 pm
Cost: Free
For more info: www.bordersstores.com

Tuesday, January 29
Tim Harford talks about his new book The Logic of Life
Where: Powell’s City of Books, 1005 W Burnside
When: 7:30 pm
Cost: Free
For more info: www.powells.com

Wednesday, January 30
Greg Olsen and Bill Cameron will read from their contributions to Killer Year: Stories to Die For…from the Hottest New Crime Writers
Where: Powell’s Books at Cedar Hills Crossing, 3415 SW Cedar Hills
When: 7:00 pm
Cost: Free
For more info: www.powells.com

Thursday, January 31
Jim Wallis, author of God’s Politics, discusses his new offering The Great Awakening
Where: Bagdad Theater
When: 7:00 pm
Cost: $25.95, which includes a copy of the book
For more info: Bagdad Theater

Friday, February 1
Robin Hobb talks about Renegade’s Magic, the conclusion to her Soldier Sun trilogy
Where: Powell’s Books at Cedar Hills Crossing, 3415 SW Cedar Hills
When: 7:00 pm
Cost: Free
For more info: www.powells.com

Friday, February 1
Controversial author Shelby Steele discusses his new book A Bound Man: Why We Are Excited about Obama and Why He Can’t Win
Where: Powell’s City of Books, 1005 W Burnside
When: 7:30
Cost: Free
For more info: www.powells.com

This week the Portland Fiction Project continues it’s “Zodiac Thriller” theme with “snake” inspired stories. Slither over to www.portlandfiction.net for some excellent short fiction.

Portland Literary Events

Monday, January 21
Michael Shermer discusses his new book The Mind of the Market
Where: Powell’s City of Books, 1005 W Burnside
When: 7:30 pm
Cost: Free
For more info: www.powells.com

Tuesday, January 22
Friends of William Stafford celebrate the birth of the former poet laureate
Where: Annie Bloom’s Books, 7834 SW Capitol Hwy
When: 7:30 pm
Cost: Free
For more info: www.annieblooms.com

Tuesday, January 22
Gina Daggett and Kathy Belge, the authors of Curve magazine's "Lipstick and Dipstick" column, talk about their new book Lipstick and Dipstick’s Essential Guide to Lesbian Relationships
Where: Powell’s City of Books, 1005 W Burnside
When: 7:30 pm
Cost: Free
For more info: www.powells.com

Wednesday, January 23
Rafe Esquith discusses his new book Teach Like Your Hair’s on Fire
Where: Powell’s Books at Cedar Hills Crossing, 3415 SW Cedar Hills
When: 7:30 pm
Cost: Free
For more info: www.powells.com

Thursday, January 24
Kazia Jankowski discusses the Moon Peru Handbook, an insider’s view of Peru
Where: Twenty-Third Avenue Books, 1015 NW 23rd Ave
When: 7:00 pm
Cost: Free
For more info: www.23rdavebooks.com

Thursday, January 24
Kirby Larson talks about his new book Hattie Big Sky
Where: Powell’s Books at Cedar Hills Crossing, 3415 SW Cedar Hills
When: 7:00
Cost: Free
For more info: www.powells.com

Friday, January 25
George and Roberta Poinar, the authors whose research inspired Jurassic Park, discuss their new book What Bugged the Dinosaurs?
Where: Powell’s City of Books, 1005 W Burnside
When: 7:30 pm
Cost: Free
For more info: www.powells.com

Saturday, January 26
Libba Bray talks about The Sweetest Far Thing, the final volume in a series that began with A Great and Terrible Beauty
Where: Powell’s Books at Cedar Hills Crossing, 3415 SW Cedar Hills
When: 2:00
Cost: Free
For more info: www.powells.com

This week the Portland Fiction Project begins a new "Zodiac Thriller" theme with “monkey” inspired stories. Quit monkeying around and check out www.portlandfiction.net for some great short fiction.

Portland Literary Events

Monday, January 14
World-class speed golfer Christopher Smith talks about his new book I’ve Got 99 Swing Thoughts but “Hit the Ball” Ain’t One
Where: Powell’s Books at Cedar Hills Crossing, 3415 SW Cedar Hills
When: 7:00 pm
Cost: Free
For more info: www.powells.com

Monday, January 14
Chuck Thompson discusses his new book Smile When You’re Lying: Confessions of a Rogue Travel Writer
Where: Powell’s City of Books, 1005 W Burnside
When: 7:30 pm
Cost: Free
For more info: www.powells.com

Tuesday, January 15
Colson Whitehead discusses his new book Apex Hides the Hurt
Where: Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, 1037 SW Broadway
When: 7:30 pm
Cost: $10-$26
For more info: www.pcpa.com/events

Tuesday, January 15
Eric Weiner talks about his new book The Geography of Bliss: One Grump’s Search for the Happiest Places in the World
Where: Powell’s City of Books, 1005 W Burnside
When: 7:30 pm
Cost: Free
For more info: www.powells.com

Wednesday, January 16
Beth Lisick, author of Everybody in the Pool, discusses her new offering Helping Me Help Myself
Where: Powell’s City of Books, 1005 W Burnside
When: 7:30 pm
Cost: Free
For more info: www.powells.com

Thursday, January 17
Tim Josephs reads from A Camouflaged Fragrance of Decency, his new book of humorous short fiction
Where: Twenty-Third Avenue Books, 1015 NW 23rd Ave
When: 7:00 pm
Cost: Free
For more info: www.timjosephs.com

Friday, January 18
James A. Owen talks about The Search for the Red Dragon, his follow-up to Here, There Be Dragons
Where: Powell’s Books at Cedar Hills Crossing, 3415 SW Cedar Hills
When: 7:00 pm
Cost: Free
For more info: www.powells.com

Saturday, January 19
Lisa Schroder discusses her new book I Heart You, You Haunt Me
Where: Powell’s Books at Cedar Hills Crossing, 3415 SW Cedar Hills
When: 1:00
Cost: Free
For more info: www.powells.com

This week the Portland Fiction Project continues it’s “Relatively Forced Laughter” theme with “flatter” inspired stories. Flatter yourself by reading some excellent fiction at www.portlandfiction.net.

Portland Literary Events

Monday, January 7
Story Time for Grownups: Ambrose Pierce
Where: Grendel’s Coffee House, 729 E Burnside
When: 7:30 pm
Cost: Free
For more info: 503-595-9550

Monday, January 7
Christopher Rauschenberg speaks about his new photography collection, Paris Changing
Where: Powell’s City of Books, 1005 W Burnside
When: 7:30 pm
Cost: Free
For more info: www.powells.com

Tuesday, January 8
The Arts and Crafts Movement in the Pacific Northwest
Where: Powell’s City of Books, 1005 W Burnside
When: 7:30 pm
Cost: Free
For more info: www.powells.com

Wednesday, January 9
Laurie R. King discusses her new book Touchstone
Where: Powell’s Books at Cedar Hills Crossing, 3415 SW Cedar Hills
When: 7:00 pm
Cost: Free
For more info: www.powells.com

Thursday, January 10
Colm Toibin talks about his new book Mothers and Sons
Where: Powell’s City of Books, 1005 W Burnside
When: 7:30 pm
Cost: Free
For more info: www.powells.com

Friday, January 11
Jill Conner Brown reads from The Sweet Potato Queen’s Guide to Raising Children for Fun and Profit
Where: Powell’s City of Books, 1005 W Burnside
When: 7:30 pm
Cost: Free
For more info: www.powells.com

Saturday, January 12
Writer's Dojo Launch Party
Readers include Chelsea Cain, Kim Stafford, Tom Spanbauer, and more
Where: 7518 (and 7506) N. Chicago Ave
When: 7:00 pm (Readings start at 8)
Cost: Free but RSVP required
For more info: http://www.writersdojo.org/

This week the Portland Fiction Project continues it’s “Relatively Forced Laughter” theme with “bemuse” inspired stories. Check out www.portlandfiction.net for some short fiction that will surely bemuse and beguile.

Portland Literary Events

Wednesday, January 2
Kate Jacobs will read from The Friday Night Knitting Club. Before the reading there will be a “good old-fashioned stich ‘n’ bitch” hosted by Close Knit yarn shop of NE Portland.
Where: Powell’s City of Books, 1005 W Burnside
When: 6:00 pm
Cost: Free
For more info: www.powells.com

Wednesday, January 2
J.A. Jance with read from Hand of Evil
Where: Powell’s Books at Cedar Hills Crossing, 3415 SW Cedar Hills
When: 7:00 pm
Cost: Free
For more info: www.powells.com

Thursday, January 3
The Basil Hallward Gallery hosts the book release party for Autumn de Wilde’s Elliot Smith
Where: Powell’s City of Books, 1005 W Burnside
When: 6:30 pm
Cost: Free
For more info: www.powells.com

Friday, January 4
Iron Kissed, Patricia Briggs’s third volume in her Mercy Thompson series
Where: Powell’s City of Books, 1005 W Burnside
When: 7:00 pm
Cost: Free
For more info: www.powells.com

This week the Portland Fiction Project continues it’s “Relatively Forced Laughter” theme with “embarrass” inspired stories. Check out www.portlandfiction.net for some unabashedly good short fiction.

Merry Christmas from Indigo Editing!

(Wait, are we allowed to say "Christmas"? Screw it, we're saying it anyway. Take that you PC thugs!)

Indigo Editing is taking a few days off; our weary wrists could use the rest. But be sure to come back in the New Year for upcoming events, reviews on the latest books and general information on the literary scene in Portland and beyond.

Need a last minute Christmas gift, or an early one for President’s Day? Here are two great suggestions that are in no way connected to Indigo Editing or any of its employees.

The Ink-Filled Page 2007 Anthology. Stories and art galore, now 15% off! You can’t beat that deal! https://indigoediting.com/IFP_Anthology.html for more info.

A Camouflaged Fragrance of Decency, considered by many to be the best book of humorous short fiction to come out of the Pacific Northwest in the last three and a half months. http://www.timjosephs.com/ for more info.

And don’t forget to check out the Portland Fiction Project (http://www.portlandfiction.net/) as they begin their new "Relatively Forced Holiday Laughter" theme.

Portland Literary Events

Wednesday, December 19
Derrick Jensen: Q&A with the author of Endgame and As the World Burns
Where: Disjecta, 230 E. Burnside St
When: 7:00 pm
Cost: $15 advance, $18 at the door
For more info: www.mythmedia.org, 503-913-6884

Wednesday, December 19
Verse in Person: Poets read selections from their works
Where: Northwest Library, 2300 NW Thurman St.
When: 7:00 pm
Cost: Free
For more info: www.multcolib.org/events, 503-988-5560

Friday, December 21
Attic Writers’ Workshop & Poetry Northwest: Holiday Happy hour celebrating the Attic and PoNo family and literary community
Where: The Blue Monk on Belmont, 3341 SE Belmont St
When: 6:30 pm
Cost: Free
For more info: www.atticwritersworkshop.com, 503-595-0575


This week the Portland Fiction Project continues it’s “Things Both Flat and Round” theme with “ice” inspired stories. Check out www.portlandfiction.net for some chillingly-good short fiction.

Portland Literary Events

Monday, December 10
Dinotopia: Journey to Chandra
Where: Powell’s at Cedar Hills Crossing, 3415 SW Cedar Hills Blvd
When: 7:00 pm
Cost: Free

Tuesday, December 11
Deadline
Where: Powell’s at Cedar Hills Crossing, 3415 SW Cedar Hills Blvd
When: 7:00 pm
Cost: Free

Tuesday, December 11
The Brontosaurus Word Processing Exchange
Where: In Other Words, 8 NE Killingsworth St.
When: 6:30
Cost: $3-$10 suggested donation

Wednesday, December 12
T is for Trespass
Where: Powell’s at Cedar Hills Crossing, 3415 SW Cedar Hills Blvd
When: 7:00 pm
Cost: Free

Thursday, December 13
To Harvest, To Hunt: Stories of Resource Use in the American West
Where: Looking Glass Bookstore, 7983 SE 13 Ave
When: 7:00 pm
Cost: Free

Friday, December 14
Live Wire!
Where: Aladdin Theater, 3017 SE Milwaukie Ave
When: 8:00 pm
Cost: $12.00 adv/$15.00 dos

Saturday, December 15
Walking Bridges Using Poetry as a Compass
Where: Looking Glass Bookstore, 7983 SE 13th
When: 1:00 pm
Cost: Free

This week the Portland Fiction Project continues it’s “Things Both Flat and Round” theme with “note” inspired stories. Check out http://www.portlandfiction.net/ for some note worthy short fiction.

Where Did the Funny Go?

I write a lot. In fact, I’ve been writing a new short story every week for nearly a year and a half. I’m not crazy (well…no, not really), and I’m not trying to boast (although it is rather impressive), but it’s because I write for the Portland Fiction Project. In case you haven’t heard of us (and where ya been?) we’re a group that’s constantly creating original short fiction and posting it everyday on our website www.portlandfiction.net. Check it out if you want to be thoroughly entertained.

Anyway, my point is I write a lot and it’s mostly humorous stuff. I always lean towards humor; my first instinct is to look for a laugh. When one week the editor of the PFP gave us the suggestion word “death,” my first thought was, “Okay, how do I make death funny?” I try to keep things light and witty and I think most people prefer to read something amusing, I know I do.

So my question is, where did the funny go? I read a lot of short fiction too and I’ve noticed a real dearth of humor. Why is that? Is the world in such a mess that everyone’s too depressed to be funny? Has global warming and Bush and Britney sucked everything good and fun from our lives? I certainly hope not because it seems like now more than ever we could really use a good laugh.

(Shameless plug time)

So my little diatribe has got you wondering about literature that will tickle your funny bone? Well, look no further than A Camouflaged Fragrance of Decency, a book of humorous short fiction by yours truly. Check out www.timjosephs.com for more information. And remember, there's no better Christmas gift than the gift of laughter.


Do you have a funny story? Well, Indigo would love to read it. Right now we're accepting submissions for the winter edition of the Ink-Filled Page. Check out our home page for more information.