Expect animated talk from zombie author
Zombies and the mother-daughter relationship might not seem like natural literary companions, but author Lynda Melban White has found room for both in her latest novel.
White will be the featured author when the Willamette Writers Coast Chapter holds its monthly gathering at Newport Public Library this Saturday, Oct. 17.
An award-winning author of novels and short stories for teens and adults, White enjoys blending genres to create stories that don’t fit neatly into a single category.
Her latest novel, “Twenty-Twenty Boom: How I Survived the North American Zombie Apocalypse,” combines the catastrophic breakdown of civilization with a character-driven exploration of the relationship between a mother and daughter — along with a dose of humor.
White lives on the Central Oregon Coast with her husband, cat and dog, finding inspiration in both the region’s mysterious forests and its long stretches of lonely beach.
Before turning her attention more fully to writing, White worked as a middle school teacher. She continues to work with young people as a substitute teacher in Lincoln County and has taught creative writing in public schools as well as workshops for aspiring young authors.
During Saturday’s presentation, White will share some of the story behind her own writing journey, from filling notebooks with ideas to publishing novels and short stories.
The second hour of the gathering will be devoted to an open mic, giving local writers an opportunity to share their own work. Books will also be available for purchase, with stickers and bookmarks offered as free-with-purchase merchandise.
The Coast Chapter of Willamette Writers presents programs from September through June, bringing writers together for presentations, discussions and opportunities to share their work. Programs are free and open to writers aged 18 and older, while separate Young Willamette Writers chapters serve younger writers.
Saturday’s program begins at 2 pm, with the open mic continuing through 4 pm at Newport Public Library, located at 35 NW Nye Street. For more information, go to willamettewriters.org.