Author events and poetry readings around Snohomish County

Rebecca Houghton: The Neverending Bookshop presents a talk with the author of “Gaby and the Big Red Firedog” at 2 p.m. Aug. 7 via Zoom. The children’s picture book is set in Seattle. When Gaby moves to the city, she is convinced that the sirens she hears are the howling of the Big Red Firedog. Houghton’s Golden Retriever, Gaby, an ardent fan of Seattle’s Fire Station 2, inspired the author’s debut children’s book. Email theneverendingbookshop@gmail.com to get the Zoom link. More at www.theneverendingbookshop.com.

Write on the Sound: Registration opens Aug. 9 for this year’s Write on the Sound. The writer’s conference, scheduled for Oct. 1-3, will be held online again this year. The keynote speaker is Lisa See, the bestselling author of “Shanghai Girls.” See will speak Oct. 2 on “Building the Story: Writers’ Process & Research.” Find a list of presentations and speakers’ biographies, as well as registration and fees information, at www.writeonthesound.com.

Alka Joshi: Sno-Isle Libraries presents a talk with the author of “The Henna Artist” and “The Secret Keeper of Jaipur” at 2 p.m. Aug. 12 via Zoom. The novels, which are set in Jaipur, India, during the 1950s, moves between the lives of the wealthy tiers of the Pink City and those who worked in their service. Joshi’s historical fiction features strong women working to define their futures on their terms. This event is part of Sno-Isle’s virtual Open Book series. A Zoom link will be emailed after registration. More at www.sno-isle.org/openbook.

Paula Becker: The Neverending Bookshop presents a talk with the author of “A Little Book of Self-Care for Those Who Grieve” at 2 p.m. Sept. 11 via Zoom. Becker will mark the 20th anniversary of 9/11. Her book is a guide for those who still grieve the deadliest terrorist attacks on American soil in U.S. history. Becker also is the author of “A House on Stilts: Mothering in the Age of Opioid Addiction,” which was a finalist for the 2020 Washington State Book Award. Email theneverendingbookshop@gmail.com to get the Zoom link. More at www.theneverendingbookshop.com.

NEW BOOKS

Nicki Chen: The Edmonds author’s new novel, “When in Vanuatu,” explores the world of ex-pat living, in particular for the spouses of those working abroad. Chen earned her master’s degree in fine arts from the Vermont College of Fine Arts. Also the author of “Tiger Tail Soup,” Chen’s new book grew out of her experiences during the 20 years she lived with her husband and their three daughters in the Philippines and the South Pacific. More at nickichenwrites.com.

Steve K. Bertrand: The Mukilteo author has released a new books of poetry: “Old Neanderthals” is a collection of 1,000 haiku about life in the Pacific Northwest. The award-winning poet, historian and photographer has published 26 poetry collections, three history books and five children’s books. Bertrand is a teacher and running coach at Cascade High School in Everett. More at www.facebook.com/steve.bertrand.965.

Shannon Kennedy: Josie Malone is the pen name of Shannon Kennedy. The Granite Falls author has released “Family Skeletons,” her third book in the “Baker City: Hearts and Haunts” series. She describes the series as paranormal military romances with a kick. A former Army reservist, Kennedy teaches riding lessons at Horse County Farm and does substitute teaching in several districts. More at www.josiemalone.com.

Carole G. Barton: Her goal is to help 1 million students who struggle to read. “The Friendship Adventure” is the story of a mouse named Bruno who sets off on adventure to make a friend. The chapter book — illustrated by Andre V. Ordonez when he was 12 years old — is meant to teach struggling readers about friendship, problem-solving, emotional intelligence, social skills and speech. Barton is a speech-language pathologist at Sunnyside Elementary School in Marysville. This is the Snohomish author’s first book. More at www.stormpraise.com/carolegbarton.html.

Nova McBee: History is not made — it’s calculated. The Edmonds author’s debut novel “Calculated” is the lead title of the new YA imprint, Wise Wolf Books. Set in Shanghai and Seattle, McBee’s novel is a gritty, modern-day blend of “The Count of Monte Cristo” and “Mission Impossible.” It’s about revenge and forgiveness, loss and identity, brainpower versus brutality, and the triumph of right over might. More at www.novamcbee.com.

Roy K. Brown: “Awakened from Oblivion” is the Everett author’s first novel. The tale is set in Darrington and Seattle: Lester and Polly June have been relegated to the scrap heap of shattered souls. With help from a Native American spirit guide, their chance meeting begins a journey to their becoming more than they could have ever imagined. The story takes bends and turns, eventually morphing into a mass murder. Brown’s writing has been published by the Washington Blues Society and American Institute of Inspectors. The retired real estate appraiser and home inspector devotes time every day to writing and story development. Email roykbrown@earthlink.net for more information.

Email event information for this calendar with the subject “Books” to features@heraldnet.com.