If you like variety in your literary experiences, you won’t want to miss The Nature of Words literary festival, November 7-10 in Bend.
This year’s eclectic slate includes acclaimed authors of young adult fiction, slam poetry, fiction, poetry and creative nonfiction. Reserve now to enjoy readings, workshops, lectures and an author reception with all of the guest authors. Tickets and information are available at The Nature of Words website.
A Four Day Literary Feast
The complete festival schedule is as follows:
November 7
Multicultural Lecture with Lawson Inada – 12pm, Central Oregon Community College (COCC), Campus Center, Wille Hall.
Rising Star Creative Writing Competition Awards Ceremony – 7pm, COCC, Hitchcock Auditorium
November 8
Reading and Reception with Guest Author James Prosek – 3pm, Confluence Fly Fishing Shop, Old Mill District. By invitation.
VIP Reception – 5:30pm, Umpqua Bank, downtown Bend. By invitation.
Guest Author Readings and Book Signings – 7pm, Tower Theatre, downtown Bend
November 9
Guest author workshops and lectures, morning and afternoon, OSU-Cascades Hall
Fireside Author Reception – 7pm, Aspen Hall
November 10
Second Sunday Author Reading & Open Mic – 11am, Bend Public Library
Events for Readers and Writers
• The evening of guest author readings and book signings is the quintessential festival experience. You will hear four renowned authors read from and talk about their work, and have an opportunity to chat with them during the book signing. It’s a not-to-be-missed community event.
• Lawson Inada’s multicultural lecture, titled “Appreciating Diversity: A Literary Buffet,” will provide a fascinating look into the many racially diverse authors and poets who have shaped literature and poetry through the decades. He will discuss how these ethnic authors and poets bring their history and culture to the page.
• In her workshop titled “Poetic Forms for the Fiction Writer and Memoirist,” Karen Finneyfrock will discuss how poetic forms are useful to the prose writer in every step of the creative process. No experience in poetry required!
• James Prosek is an artist, writer and naturalist who made his authorial debut at 19 with Trout: an Illustrated History, which featured 70 of his watercolor paintings of the trout of North America. For his unique workshop, titled “Drawing and Writing ― Tandem Pursuits,” Prosek encourages participants to bring their watercolors and drawing materials to the session.
• Novelist Jim Lynch will host an informal chat in his workshop, “Learning from Books I’ve Loved: My Odyssey as a Reader and a Writer.” This session may help you better understand your own preferences and why certain books move you.
Ellen Waterston, poet and founder of The Nature of Words, will discuss the genesis of her recently published verse novel, Vía Láctea, based on walking the Camino de Santiago in 2012. In this brown bag session, she will illustrate both the flexibility and the challenges inherent in this exciting genre. Come prepared for writing prompts!