Dear Writers,
As most of you know, we lost one of our local literary champions this year. Laurel Leigh–writer, teacher, editor, friend to many of us–left this world earlier this year. Before her last day, she made calls and sent texts telling the people she cared about that they mattered to her. She sent a note to me (Cami) to congratulate me on building my yurt. In that message stream, she told me she had put herself into hospice and that she wouldn’t make it much longer. I asked her if there was anything at all I could do for her.
Her response?
Very writerly, of course. Laurel said she had a publication coming out. A story in the Fall Issue of the Santa Monica Review. Would I help get the word out?
I would, I told her.
Well, four days ago, a package arrived in my mailbox. She’d arranged for the publisher of the review to send me a copy of the volume. I’m reading her story now–laughing and crying.
You should read it, friends. Better yet, also come hear it read aloud this Wednesday at 6pm at Village Books where Laurel will be one of three recipients of the first ever local Literary Citizenship Award.
Join us to celebrate the life of a beautiful, creative, talented, warm, funny, smart, interesting human being who touched all of us as she receives her award and we remember they joy she brought to our lives.
Wednesday, October 18. 6pm Pacific Time at Village Books, Bellingham.
