MIDWEST BOOK REVIEW
November 2005 - "Small Press Bookwatch"
"... From J. A. Jance's
"Signore Bianco", to Kay Kenyon's "The Loyal Order of
Beasts", to Kathleen Alcala's "Cities of Gold", to Stephen John
Walker's "The Yoke", this is an impressive collection of genuine
literary gems. Of special note is the section dedicated to "Writing
About Writing" which consist of Marvin Bell's "The Case for the Arts
and Humanities", Terry Brooks' "Facing Down the Monster",
Elizabeth George's "Born to Write?", Mark Lindquist's "Bridget's
Kitchen", and Bharti Kirchner's "The Kettle Boils--Out Pours A Novel".
The Pen And The Key is a welcome showcase of first class literary talent
and a highly recommended read for those who appreciate the craft of well honed
writing."
FOREWORD MAGAZINE
When Lucile McDonald and Zola Helen
Ross founded the Pacific Northwest Writers Association (PNWA) fifty years ago,
they could not have imagined, although they assuredly hoped, that their
fledgling organization would still be around in 2005. That the success of their
venture is so artistically displayed in this celebratory anthology is testament
to their optimistic vision.
Yet, it is a means of celebration
fraught with challenges. In a society motivated by instant gratification and
informed by sound bites, one would presume that the reading public embraces
literature that can be read in one sitting. Paradoxically, this is not the
case, and anthologies of short fiction and poetry, especially regional ones,
have limited appeal. What, then, would make this collection as relevant to
residents of Portland, Maine, as it is to those of Portland, Oregon?
One need only look at the list of
contributing authors to find the answer. Best-selling and award-winning
writers-among them Terry Brooks, Stella Cameron, J. A. Jance, Marjorie
Reynolds, and Ann Rule-bring a broad national recognition to the project. From
Jance's whimsically irresistable canine detective, to Reynolds' affective tale
of a fractious family reunion, to Cameron's horrific, hypnotic story of rape
and murder, the anthology is united not so much by theme as by the
transcendence of writing.
At no time does the caliber of the
writing by such powerhouses threaten to overshadow that of those writers whose
works may not be as well known. Five of the PNWA's newest members are showcased
in the "Emerging Writers" section, and Dr. Phyllis Hollenbeck's
candid and cautionary essay, "Hollenbeck's First Rule of Medicine,"
alone is worth the book's purchase price. Pulling no punches, Hollenbeck asserts
that it is "not the gender of the doctor that counts but the degreeof
jerkdom," exhorting readers to "find a physician whose brain cackles
with the thrill of science and can also make a patient comfortable enough to
tell their story."
Is such vibrant writing a natural
gift or a learned skill? Such is the conundrum explored in the "Writing
About Writing" segment, five discourses in which PNWA members weigh in on
the art of their craft. Regardless of the source of their talent, says Brooks
in "Facing Down the Monster," what unites writers is a commitment
borne of courage and "a confidence of self that allows us to believe that
we have something important and interesting to say."
"Important" and
"interesting" may not be the sexiest adjectives in the thesaurus, but
they are solid criteria by which to judge all of PNWA's writers-established and
emerging-who have succeeded beyond McDonald's and Ross's wildest dreams.
(September 2005)
- Carol Haggas
SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER
The prodigious Pacific Northwest Writers Association celebrates its 50th
anniversary with publication of a fine, Boeing-funded anthology that includes
work by some of the region's notable authors, including J. A. Jance, Robert
Ferrigno, Stella Cameron and Shawn Wong.
- Northwest Bookshelf (September 9,
2005)
SEATTLE TIMES
Honoring the Pacific Northwest Writers Association's 50th anniversary, this
collection features works by 24 contributors based in the region, including J.
A. Jance, Bharti Kirchner and Marvin Bell.
- Tyron
Beason (August 28, 2005)
