books

Elena S. Smith, local author and member of the Inland Northwest Writers Guild, will help book lovers kick off a brand new year when she visits the Local Authors Book Club to discuss her writing history and her first two books.

Elena S. Smith was born and raised in St. Petersburg, Russia, but by leap of faith, she moved to Moscow…Idaho in 1993. Why it happened is described in her fiction-documentary novel Why Birches Are White (2006), an insight to the depth of culture intricacies. Elena published her second novel, a contemporary romance – Truths and Lies – in 2023, which has garnered praise for her writing skills.

Dr. Smith taught English, Russian, film and culture at Washington State University for almost twenty years, and has recently retired. She now enjoys her freedom to travel, hike, read, golf and party with friends. She is thinking about writing a new story, “maybe this time a mystery.”

You are invited to join in the discussion with this engaging author. The event will begin at 2 pm (Pacific time) on January 1st, via Zoom. Those who are not members of the group may request to receive the Zoom link by writing to lindathewriter@gmail.com.

On April 27th, an entire day is being set aside to celebrate Indie Authors in our area. There are two event locations planned:

Northwest Indie Bookfest 2024

Location: Mezzanine at Auntie’s Bookstore, 402 W. Main, Spokane WA – an open public event featuring indie author signings and mini-presentations. At this time, details are still being formed and you may keep tabs on this special event on Facebook (look up “Northwest Indie Bookfest NIB”).

Indie Authors Celebration with Inland Northwest Writers Guild

Location: Spokane Central (downtown) Library, Conference Room B on the 3rd floor – an open public event featuring indie author signings, mini-workshops and short discussion groups. As details are finalized for these short activities, this page will be updated and notice will be given. For now, here’s a comment from Sharma at the library concerning indie authors:

“Indie authors, according to Writer’s Life, ‘publish their work without the aid of a publishing house. They handle all the costs and income, and treat the marketing, the editing, and the publishing as part of their business.’ While some people self-publish only to share their work with friends and family, indie authors develop a larger audience.”

Hope you will all be able to join us that day. While some of the events will be limited and require RSVP, the lounge area will be open to everyone to show & sign their books, sell copies (with your own processing) and chat with interested readers and hopeful future indie writers.

Linda (lindathewriter@gmail.com)