The Port Townsend Writers' Conference

Some people are new to writing, discovering for the first time the trance that writing down one's thoughts brings. Others have been writing for years, filling journals, publishing books, and running blogs in an effort to share themselves with the world. Whatever your level of skill, the Port Townsend Writers' Conference works to provide the connections and resources you need to help you grow as a writer.

Running from July 8-22 at the Fort Worden State Park, this writing conference has been an annual event since 1974, catering to writers and aspiring writers in the Pacific Northwest. Every year since its founding has seen more and more people attend, lured by the workshops, creative freewrites, vibrant readings, and knowledgeable lectures. Various writers and poets make up the 2012 conference faculty, offering their experience and advice on how to keep your thoughts moving and the pages filled.

Mornings will see conference goers engaged in workshops with faculty members assigned to their groups; afternoons workshops are taught by both faculty members and visiting writers that focus on specific topics regarding writing. In the evenings, two faculty members will present their lectures at the Joseph F. Wheeler Theater, available to all participants.

Entrance into the Port Townsend Writers' Conference does cost a fee, ranging from $50-$695, depending on how much you register for. However, scholarships and tuition assistance are available.

Success has followed this conference for 39 years, watching writers disperse with new knowledge. Whether you're here to create new work and hone existing skills, or relax and lose yourself in a writing retreat, the experience you'll gather here is unparalleled to any other. For more information, check out the Port Townsend Writers' Conference informational webpage.

Sharma Shields - Author Reading

Auntie's Bookstore is excited to welcome back Sharma Shields into their midst. A former staff member of Auntie's, Shields will be reading from her collection of stories entitled Favorite Monster. Filled with tales of mythical creatures and downright nightmares, the surprising end result reveals that sometimes, the greatest monsters of all are just plain human. Cyclops and werewolves, reality and fantasy, sweet dreams and darkness - all are intertwined within the pages of this delightful book.

Sharma Shields' writing has appeared in many places, such as the Kenyon Review, the Iowa Review, Fugue, and the Sonora Review. She is the recipient of several awards, including being the winner of the Autumn House Fiction Contest, which led to the publication of Favorite Monster. Shields has a BA in English Literature from the University of Washington, and a MFA from the University of Montana. She currently lives in Spokane, WA with her husband, their son, and their beautiful newborn daughter.

Shields will be taking time from from her busy schedule to hang out at Auntie's, visiting the staff and customers, and reading from Favorite Monster. Don't miss her! Come listen on Wednesday, June 27th, at 7:00pm.

Storytime for Kids

We've all heard that rumor that exposing your child to classical music boosts their brains cells and makes them smarter. We've come across articles in parenting manuals that swear by reading to your children, because it strengthens the relationship and prepares them for academic excellence.

Well, the Spokane County Library District certainly has it covered when it comes to introducing kids to exciting stories and vibrant pictures. Every week each branch of the Spokane county library holds Storytime, a twenty minute period dedicated to stories, songs, and mini lessons. This time is spent helping to stimulate a passion for learning and literature. Weekly Storytime is separated into three age groups:

1. Baby Lapsit for 0-18 months - This one-on-one time between baby and parent focuses on nursery rhymes, songs, and stories to introduce the baby to rhythm and music. It works to foster an early love of the written language.
2. Toddler Storytime for ages 1 1/2 to 3 years - Designed for toddlers, this story-time uses picture books, puppets, and finger-play to engage children in arts and culture.
3. Preschool Play Learn for ages 3-5 years - This activity goes for an hour instead of the usual 20 minutes. It brings stories, songs, and finger-play into the mix to introduce concepts of math, science, art, and literature.

All of these weekly programs focus on helping children to develop cognitively, becoming aware of their educational surroundings through fun activities that promote bonding with parents. To find out what times each library branch holds their Storytime, click the here, or visit the Spokane County Library District website directly at http://www.scld.org/. 

Kelly Milner Halls - Author Reading

Auntie's Bookstore is presenting a Spokane bestselling author Thursday, June 21, at 7:00pm. Children's author Kelly Milner Halls jokes that she has always been the weird kid--she asked too many questions, didn't like to play with dolls, and couldn't stop talking to neighbors. Now, her childhood oddities have paid off; she holds dozens of honors and awards, has 19 books published, and is even the proud owner of a four-foot rock iguana aptly named Gigantor.

On the 21st of June, she'll be speaking about her latest book, Hatchlings: Life-Size Baby Dinosaurs. This bold and visually detailing book has its pages filled with life-size baby dinosaurs, giving kids an up close and personal view about these age-old reptiles. The colors are bright, the pictures are vivid, and the memories of reading this story to your children will last for a lifetime. So bring your kids and meet up with Kelly Milner Halls at Auntie's to explore the beauty of these dinosaurs.