Signs Along the Way

A Zine Launch and Reading at the Library with San Juan Writes

Griffin Bay Bookstore and the San Juan Island Library take special delight in presenting San Juan Writes, a group of 13 of our very own island writers reading from their inaugural anthology, Signs Along the Way, at the Library on Wednesday, November 9th, 7:00 pm.

Signs Along The Way, the group’s first ‘zine, includes poetry, prose, and creative non-fiction written to the theme: street signs in the San Juan Islands. The group is planning volume II, and is exploring putting out a call for submissions to other island writers who are interested in submitting work for inclusion.

In case you’re wondering: What do you mean, a ‘zine? Rhymes with bean, short for fanzine, or magazine. A ‘zine is any self-published, small circulation publication based on a common interest or theme. Sometimes referred to as an alternative, underground or creative view publication, ‘zines are typically sold at a minimal price, reflecting the publishing expense. ‘Zines can be found at magical places the world over.

This one includes the following 13 Island Writers:

JR Devaney is a long-time sailor, who writes humorous nautical stories about his befud- dled predicaments. Illustration by Chinmayo, 2010 .

Lynne Mercer is a long-time resident of San Juan Island. Her love of poetry and its magic has been a constant companion. The daily thrill of crows and other creatures enlivening this beautiful island inspire her word paintings.

Nancy Spaulding has led the life of a working artist. She is a long time resident of San Juan Island. She divides her time between the quest for new expression, her extensive garden, and her cherished family and friends.

William Jay Weissinger is a writer (WilliamWeissinger.com), stone sculptor (WeissingerStudios.com) and retired attorney who lives on San Juan Island with his wife Rudi.

Elizabeth Forlenza “Surrounded by the beauty and tranquility of San Juan Island for the last decade has inspired me, at age 94, to become a writer. I am currently working on several short stories and a memoir of my life as a former ex-pat. Along the way I have been a Guardian Ad Litem, Master Gardener, bookbinder, and conservationist of rare plants. My passions are reading, gardens, cooking and occasionally bingeing on Netflix.”

Ingrid Fabianson has lived on San Juan Island since 1972 except for a few
escapes to Pennsylvania, Virginia, Oregon, Alaska, Europe, and Indiana for work and for school. “I love being away but the call home is too great for me to prolong them. My garden, my writing, my community, and my home-place always bring me back.”

Susie Foster Hale recently retired from teaching high school English on San Juan Island for over twenty-five years. Inspired by her students, she is currently working on a collection of personal essays about her life in school. When not writing, she can be found hiking the local trails with her bossy Norwich Terrier, Little Babe.

RA Cook, known to friends and aquaintances as Rebecca—or Becca, is a nomadic traveler who has bounced around the USA and the Scandinavian countries for decades. Currently she lives in Friday Harbor, WA. A semi-retired graphic designer and illustrator, she continually dabbles in writing and illustrating children’s picture books, short stories and novels, and works harder now than she ever has.

Amy Harold’s favorite call belongs to the cowbird, which goes really well with Earl Grey and her husband’s beard.

Heather J. Spaulding grew up on San Juan Island and now works for The Journal of the San Juan Islands as a reporter and office manager. She also runs a legal process serving company, Tiger Eye Legal Services.

April LaLande mingles with goats, who inherently bestow creative material for the prose she calls Word Jazz (not poetry, less pressure.)

Tara MacMahon has lived in Friday Harbor with her husband Paul since 2001. She is a hospice volunteer and Qi Gong practitioner. “My greatest loves are my family, dogs, and friends—and for me, poetry is that friend who always is.”

Pamela Jean Herber delights in exploring the realms where fantasy and reality meet. What better way than by writing fiction. And what better place than the San Juan Islands where tourists capture magic with iPhones while locals nap on the ferry.

• Wednesday, November 9, at 7:00 pm
• San Juan Island Library
• 1010 Guard Street
• Friday Harbor

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