DATE: SEPTEMBER 28, 2024

• EXPO HALL $2
• EXPO HALL + KEYNOTE $5
• ALL ACCESS $10
• KIDS 18 AND UNDER FREE

Writing with Gratitude

Writing and gratitude can both change lives for anyone writing, reading, or living a story.  What is gratitude, though, in a world of chaos and challenge? How can living and writing in gratitude transform a story from one of pain, to one of healing? Join Eric Alan, author and photographer of the book Grateful by Nature, for a one-hour exploration of transformation by writing the same story twice.

Eric Alan is an author, photographer, lyricist, meditation and workshop leader. The most recent of his four nonfiction books is Grateful by Nature, an exploration of gratitude as a transformative practice. His first book, Wild Grace: Nature as a Spiritual Path, continues to inspire meditations and workshops on reintegration with nature. He is also active in land conservation efforts via Cerro Gordo Land Conservancy.

Calling all poets—novices to veterans. Come take the stage and read

your best poem. Florence Big Wave Poetry Group and Florence Regional

Arts Alliance (FRAA) will present an introductory “poetry open mic” session with coordinator Charles Castle. Learn how to use a mic and project your voice, and listen to other poets. Whether you are in school, “old-school,” or a Slam winner -- “bring it” to the workshop stage!

How do you flesh out your great idea into a novel-length story? Award-winning journalist, author and editor Ned Hickson will explain the checklist every writer should follow before beginning their novel: from choosing a narrative style, building character development, using outlining techniques, to conducting research -- this workshop covers the foundation for developing your storyline to its fullest potential.

Ned Hickson is an award-winning nationally syndicated columnist and retired journalist.  He has been awarded “Best Local Column” and “Best Commentary” from both the Oregon Newspaper Publishers Association and the Society of Professional Journalists. His first book, Humor at the Speed of Life (2013), is a collection of columns over his 23 years at Siuslaw News, where he also served as editor-in-chief from 2016-2021. His

second book, Pearls of Writing Wisdom: From 16 shucking years as a columnist (2016), is a humorous writer’s guide offering tips, inspiration and insights from his many years as a columnist and writer.  No Safe Harbor (2023) is his first suspense novel and the first in a series featuring Seattle private investigator Shane McPhearson, with the next book in the series, Harbinger of Truth, scheduled for release later this year. He is also working on a young adult paranormal fiction mystery, The Truth About Emily, planned for release in December 2024.  He lives on the central Oregon coast with his incredible wife, his Harley Sportster, their crazy female tabby cat, and a growing murder of neighborhood crows.

Elina is an editor, digital creator, writing coach, and experienced expert in the steps needed to take a book from basic idea through the publication process. She has experience assisting writers surmount the roadblocks that are preventing their books from hitting the shelves. Originally from Reka Tyret, Russia, (Irkutsk Time Zone -- the same as Perth, Australia) she now makes her home in Los Angeles, Californian and Florence, Oregon, and assists clients worldwide.

Robin Woods returns with a workshop geared to helping writers jump start or restart a writing project that’s stalled -- for whatever reason! Robin’s Prompt Me non-fiction work books have helped hundreds of writers get back to their keyboards and back on track, and this workshop hits the high points to get the words flowing.

Author and Workshop Leader Robin Woods is a former high school instructor of English, literature, and writing. She has studied graphic art and web design and uses these skills in her book publishing. Robin has published seven highly-rated novels and an award-winning

creative writing series called Prompt Me. She also has multiple projects in the works including a creative writing book centered on gratitude and self-healing and a reimagining of The Snow Queen.

Scott Donaldson is a board-certified urologist specializing in vasectomies in Greer, South Carolina. He has practiced the specialty of urology for more than 25 years. He has trained resident urology physicians throughout his career and has held the highest physician

hospital leadership positions, from Chair of Peer Review to Chief of Staff at Duke and UNC.  Donaldson is also an author and storyteller who has a syndicated radio show, and is a dad, husband, and itinerant surgeon known in South Carolina -- locally renowned in SC as “The Vasectomy King.”

Ken Babbs -- author, raconteur, and an original founding member of the counterculture “Merry Pranksters,” wrote the book Last Go Round with best friend and co-Prankster, Ken Kesey. With Paul Perry, Babbs produced On the Bus: The Complete Guide to the Legendary Trip of Ken Kesey and the Merry Pranksters and the Birth of the Counterculture.

Meet Lane County Resident and former FURTHUR bus rider at the Book Festival, and hear his take on “How The Heck Did Lane County Become Such a Hotbed of Creativity?” and other topics.

Kassy is a longtime teacher at Siuslaw Schools, an accomplished artist and book self-publisher, and a leader in the local arts community with her business, “DragonArt.”  She will provide fascinating FREE activities at the Kids table in the lobby from 10:30 AM to 4:00 PM on the Festival day.