It's all in the Timing...

Time is shortening now...
Sunsets continue to be beautiful...Anna Gibson was in the right place at the right time to capture this one. Somehow the colors, even in the sunsets seem to take on a different hue about now. Those Autumnal colors are coming and so is:

Washington Island Literary Festival

Writing Wisconsin: Facts and Fictions” is the theme for Washington Island’s debut literary festival, Oct. 4 – 6

(I am posting this now as there is time to take advantage of what I call the "early bird" registration fee. Take a look at the program...early registration ends on September 20!)

Featuring:

Novelist, memoirist and former Wisconsin Public Radio host Jean Feraca, and WPR’s “Chapter a Day” host Norman Gilliland. Mr. Gilliland, a familiar voice on WPR, is the author of four published books.

Presenters:

Dale Kushner ~ Founder & director of Madison’s The Writer’s Place, author of critically acclaimed novel, “The Conditions of Love”
Bruce Dethlefsen ~ Wisconsin State Poet Laureate 2011-12
Terese Allen ~ Author & chef, whose books and columns feature regional foods, culinary folklore and the pleasures and benefits of sustainable cooking.
Martha Egan ~ Author of “An Apricot Year” and other notable books
Richard Purinton ~ Author & blogger, presenting his new release: “Thordarson and Rock Island”
Ralph Murre and Sharon Auberle ~ Door County poets; authors of several collections featuring Auberle’s photography
Jerod Santek ~ Presenting on behalf of Write On, Door County!, on what writing centers can provide a community of writers and readers.
Laurie Scheer ~ Writing mentor, speaker, educator at UW-Madison

Mary Fons,Writer, editor, performer, and host of PSB/Create Network’s “Quilty”. She has coached, workshopped, performed for, and celebrated hundreds of budding poets. Ms. Fons will present an afternoon workshop for festival participants about how to turn reading aloud into performance art.

This is what I see on the schedule so far:

Friday, Oct. 4th -

• An informal meet and greet evening at The Red Cup and Islandtime books.

Saturday, Oct. 5th -

• 9:00am - TPAC - Jean Feraca speaking and reading from her book. A panel discussion follows with Norman Gilliland and other noted authors.

•Various break out sessions with the authors listed.

•Author Terese Allen - 5:30pm “Celebrating Local Foods: Wisconsin’s Culinary Traditions, Past and Present” - a talk & cooking demonstration at the Historic Island Dairy, 1309 Rangeline Road.

•Catered Dinner - Historic Island Dairy - followed by a Poetry Slam Contest led by Mary Fons.

Sunday, Oct. 6th -

•Rock Island Trip on the Karfi - Dick Purinton will present readings from his new release, "Thordarson and Rock Island" along with readings by Ralph Murre and Sharon Auberle at the Boathouse.

•A book signing and cheese tasting with Terese Allen is scheduled from 9:30- 11:30 a.m. at Island Time Books, 1885 Detroit Harbor Road, Washington Island.

•Sunday afternoon - talks by Jerod Santek from The Loft in Minneapolis, but soon to be director of Write On, Door County and Laurie Scheer from Madison who is with UW Continuing Studies and directs the annual Writers Institute. Laurie has a background in media and screenplays.

The registration fee is $75 ($90 after Sept. 15) and includes all events, coffee breaks, Saturday dinner and Sunday morning trip to Rock Island.

I can think of three ways to register: 1. See Kathleen Dixon at Island Time Books. 2. Visit truebloodpac.com. 3. Send a check to: Trueblood Performing Arts Center, P.O. Box 136, Washington Island, WI 54246 (Please add “Literary Festival” in the memo line.)

I am sure I have missed some things...the event continues to evolve...for further information do click on truebloodpac.com.

Time Changes...Labor Day has come and gone and with it Fall Hours are taking effect all over the Island...never hurts to call ahead to make sure the business is open. Here are a few:

Observer Newspaper Office - Closed Mondays, and open to the public, Tuesday 9-1:30, Wednesday 9-1:30, Thursday 12-4 (to allow for the paper deadline at 3), and Friday 9-1:30