Writing

Have Fun in June at Kent Nerd Party

Local authors and indie publishers specializing in science fiction, fantasy, and horror will be partying in Kent on June 1. The Kent Nerd Party features a cosplay contest, Lego museum, indoor and outdoor vendors, and more. Small businesses on 1st Ave S and Meeker St will host local makers, artists, authors, and exhibits.  

Among the authors expected is Nathan Crowder, creator of Cobalt City (currently being published by DefCon One). Meet the creators of Offscript, a podcast where the hosts read different books that have been adapted, watch the corresponding movie, and compare the two. Participating Kent businesses include Retro Emporium featuring vintage 80s/90s collectibles and retro themed goods; Page Turner Books offering sci-fi, fantasy, mystery, movies, and more; Big Wu’s Gym hosting SeaLUG; and Sweet Themes Bakery serving sweet, nerd-themed treats!

The fun begins at 2pm on Saturday, June 1, and runs until 7pm. Vendor tables will be located inside and outside vendors on 1st Ave S between W Gowe St and E Titus St. The Kent Nerd Party takes place throughout downtown Kent at participating businesses.  

To learn more, visit www.downtownkentwa.com/event/meeker-street-nerd-party-2/.

Seattle Literary Events Calendar Launched

Seattle City of Literature started a calendar in February “to celebrate the people and organizations that make Seattle a UNESCO designated City of Literature.” Organizations are encouraged to contribute information on “all literary adjacent events open to the public — readings, workshops, open mics, comics classes, discussions, lectures, youth programs, book clubs, residency deadlines, festivals, talks, plays — anything you might dream up that’s “literary” in the loosest sense,” according to the announcement.

Seattle City of Literature aims to email a biweekly digest of all the literary events listed to their subscribers.

“The calendar will also serve as an important way to benchmark the health of our literary community and track all of the events that are happening every year,” said José L. Montero, President of the Board, Seattle City of Literature.

More information about the organization and its new calendar can be found at www.seattlecityoflit.org/community-calendar.

The UNESCO Cities of Literature network of 53 cities represents 6 continents and 39 countries, and a combined population of over 26 million. Seattle received its designation in 2017.

Map of the current Cities of Literature from the UNESCO press kit about the program.