Aviatrixes, Fellows, 100,000 books, party 'til the wolves howl

Hello Fishtrap Friends,

I’m just back from a lengthy road trip. My thanks to those of you who put me up – or put up with me – on my travels around the state. Among other things, I enjoyed listening to and meeting writers at the Nature of Words in Bend. A group of students from Fishtrap’s Eastern Oregon Writers in Residence program in Chiloquin came up to eat pizza, listen to some readings, enjoy some time with Sherman Alexie, spontaneously read Matthew Dickman’s poetry out loud to one another, and go to a bookstore, where we helped them pick out some good stuff. Incidentally, there is a used bookstore in Chiloquin with 100,000 volumes, according to the proprietor, who showed me every one. I believe him.

Winter Fishtrap opened for registration on Monday, and is already about half full. So don’t delay if you’re thinking of joining Tony Vogt, Molly Gloss, and Ursula Le Guin for readings and discussion about “Learning from Women.” I think they’re going to tie me to the mast and take the wax out of my ears for this one. Go to www.fishtrap.org/winter.shtml to register.

We are now accepting Fellowship submissions for Summer Fishtrap. A Fellowship provides you with a free workshop, participation in the Gathering, a special spot during open mike readings, food and lodging, and a modest travel stipend. It’s a very fair, blind judging process. And it’s FREE. So send us a sample of your best writing! Deadline for submissions is February 1, 2010. Go to www.fishtrap.org/fellows.shtml for full details.

Fishtrap’s annual Pretty Good Book Sale will be happening on Saturday, December 5, from 8 am to 3 pm. Here’s your chance to pick up good literature at bargain basement prices.

If you’re looking for a new book, consider Outpost: Voices from the Meadow, with writing and photography by participants in last summer’s Outpost workshop, which occurred during Summer Fishtrap. You can view and buy it online at http://www.blurb.com/books/909290. Thanks to workshop participant Don Witten for this labor of love, and to all who contributed.

Anne and Jim Shelly of Fireworks Pottery are graciously offering a holiday sale of their very fine clay art as a holiday fundraiser for Fishtrap. And, in the finest Wallowa County tradition, the sale will segue into a community potluck, starting at 4:30. Mark it on your calendar: Saturday, December 12th, “from noon til the wolves howl,” says Anne. See more of their lovely work at http://www.fireworksclayart.com/. Yes, but where are they in REAL space? Go 1.3 miles past the Grange Hall up Hurricane Creek Road, and they’re just past two old log miner’s cabins. Turn right at the light.

FISHTRAP FRIENDS

If you’re anywhere close to Enterprise, you really need to come listen to Heidi Muller and Dan Maher, who are embarking on their Good Road 20th Anniversary Tour to celebrate the years that Dan has used Heidi’s song “Good Road” as his theme song for the Inland Folk radio show. Join Heidi and Dan at the Fishtrap House on Monday, November 23, at 7 pm for a mere $10 donation. Expect a round-robin sharing of solos, duets and stories. Bob Webb will join them for other concerts in December. For the entire tour schedule, visit http://www.heidimuller.com/.

That's it until after Thanksgiving! Remember to give thanks!

Cheers,

Rick Bombaci, Executive Director