Three celebrated Northwest novelists discuss the joys and pitfalls of the novel-writing process. This panel is part of the first annual 'Novel Day' at the Liberty Park Library.
Happy Novel Day! Novel Day is a celebration of the craft of writing novels, featuring workshops and panels presented by some of the most beloved novelists in our region.
In this panel, novelists Sonora Jha, Chelsea Martin, and Tara Karr Roberts will discuss the novel drafting process. Writing Education Specialist and local novelist Sharma Shields will moderate the discussion. There will be time for audience questions.
About the presenters:
Sonora Jha is the author of three books, most recently the novel The Laughter, which won the 2024 Washington State Book Award for Fiction and was named one of the Best Books of 2023 by the New Yorker, NPR, and others. It also won the AutHer Award for Fiction and was long listed for the 2024 Aspen Words Literary Prize. Her memoir, How to Raise a Feminist Son (2021) has been translated into Spanish, Portuguese, and German. Her debut novel, Foreign (2013) was a finalist for the Shakti Bhatt Prize and the Hindu Prize and was long listed for the DSC Prize. After a career in journalism in India and Singapore, Dr. Jha is now a professor at Seattle University and lives in Seattle. Her new novel, Intemperance, will be newly published this autumn by Harper Via.
Chelsea Martin's first novel, Tell Me I'm an Artist, was published by Soft Skull. Her previous books include Caca Dolce (Soft Skull), Even Though I Don't Miss You (Short Flight/Long Drive), and many others. She currently lives in Spokane, WA with her husband and child.
Tara Karr Roberts is a novelist, science writer, and newspaper columnist who lives in Moscow, Idaho, with her family (including two teenagers who love to write but are tired of hearing her talk about writing). Her debut novel, Wild and Distant Seas, was published by W.W. Norton in 2024 and received a 2025 Pacific Northwest Book Award.
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We strive to make events welcoming for people of all abilities. To request accommodations (i.e. hearing assistance, ASL requests, or other ADA inquiries), email sday@spokanelibrary.org.
For all event information inquiries, email telref@spokanelibrary.org or call 509-444-5300.
AGE GROUP: | Adults |
EVENT TYPE: | Writing Workshops | Learning & Lectures | Book & Film Discussions | Arts & Culture |
Mon, Sep 29 | 9:00AM to 6:00PM |
Tue, Sep 30 | 9:00AM to 6:00PM |
Wed, Oct 01 | 9:00AM to 6:00PM |
Thu, Oct 02 | 9:00AM to 6:00PM |
Fri, Oct 03 | 9:00AM to 6:00PM |
Sat, Oct 04 | 9:00AM to 6:00PM |
Sun, Oct 05 | 12:00PM to 4:00PM |
COMPUTERS & TECHNOLOGY
14 public computers
2 children’s computers
3D printer
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MEETING & STUDY ROOMS
64 capacity event room
3 study rooms
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Free parking
Bike parking
STA Bus Route: 94
SERVICES
Faxing, copying, scanning, printing
Sasquatch Shack Children’s Playspace
Public art by Shawn Parks