Author Stuff & Such

At the moment, there are no readings, signings, or appearances scheduled for me, but I’ll keep you posted…

Mocktail: Blueberry Fizz

In the meantime, I support writers, musicians/bands, and other artists by attending events, concerts, and festivals in and around Seattle.

I also buy tons of books and music, which is where most of my discretionary income goes. Of course, no one knows for sure why we’re on this earth, despite adamant claims to the contrary, but I believe that nature and the arts are a large part of the reason. If nothing else, they nurture our souls, bring us joy, and are our best chance of connecting with, understanding, and accepting each other as flawed yet beautiful beings.

Seattle sows fertile ground for creativity, but, no doubt, can be quite expensive. With a little research and planning, it doesn’t have to be that way. Many libraries, independent bookstores, and other artist venues offer free or highly-discounted events. And, the Link Light Rail (running between SeaTac Airport and Seattle’s Northgate neighborhood) can mitigate transportation costs. Also, oftentimes, by volunteering (where available and with a bit of commitment and grace), you’ll see and experience some amazing things.

March 1, 2025: View from I-5, heading south to see Hamilton at the Paramount in downtown Seattle. The small bright orb on the right is Venus. And, despite how it appears in this photo, the moon, directly above the Space Needle, is in its waxing crescent phase.

By no means is the following an exhaustive list. I’ve been to many other venues, and they’re fantastic, but for various reasons, these resonate with me and where I feel most comfortable. I’ll be sure to update when I stumble across new ones.

Favorite Independent Bookstores:

Favorite Concerts and Music Festivals:

Favorite Music/Theater Venues:

Favorite Movies/Documentaries (Filmed in Seattle):

01/2025 Mt. Rainier

Favorite Writer Conference:

Starting in July 2012, every summer except for Covid, I’ve attended Port Townsend’s Writers’ Conference. The conference began in 1974, but I got there as fast as I could.

PTWC is all about craft and is the closest thing to “writer camp” that I can imagine. Held in NW Washington at the tip of the Olympic Peninsula on the grounds of Fort Worden (across the water from Canada and where An Officer and a Gentleman was filmed), writers are given multiple options (morning through evening) as to how to spend their week.

Professional and capable staff (all gifted writers themselves), and acclaimed yet approachable faculty offer valuable insight for poets, memoirists, and non-fiction and prose writers. All skill levels, from beginner to advanced, are welcome in this inclusive environment that encourages community and fosters lifelong friendships. And, the views from Fort Worden are absolutely stunning!

Fort Worden @ Port Townsend, Washington

PTWC is a build-your-own-adventure, contingent on commitment and price (limited scholarships and volunteering opportunities available), and includes many options: Morning workshops, afternoon classes, craft lectures, an hourlong session with an editor (sells out fast!), nightly faculty readings at Wheeler Theater (free to the public), and several open mic nights for participants.

And if you find time, for no extra cost, you could squeeze in a few impromptu nature walks through woods and along beaches, and occasional trips into quaint Port Townsend (free shuttle if you’re carless) for dining, shopping, and/or Karaoke.

I highly recommend opting for onsite lodging (not fancy with shared bathrooms) and the meal plan (breakfast/lunch/dinner) to immerse yourself in the retreat-like experience and lessen day-to-day distractions. But, easing in by attending afternoon classes and/or volunteering and/or enjoying free author readings might help you decide if it’s right for you.

Ford Worden @ Port Townsend, Washington

With so much to offer, the Pacific Northwest is a vibrant place to visit, and I’m grateful to be living here!