You’re invited!

Some girls are know to dream of wedding dresses. I have always dreamed of having an “author author!” party.

And I’m going to get one in two weeks.

I’ll not wax too long about it here—I’m a tad superstitious about such things—but after decades as a coach, editor, and publisher who has proudly helped other writers find publication, I finally have the opportunity to see my own book into print in an official way.

As you likely know, the pandemic robbed me of this opportunity with Intention Tremor, and it was a significant downer for me, so much like being left at the altar.

The powers that be at the Port Townsend Writers Conference, which I have been attending regularly since 2005, have graced me with a gathering space on the campus during this year’s event. You cannot know just how thrilled I am.

(Special thanks to
Gary Lilley, Eric Greenwell, and Beth Thorpe.)

So many of my “writing people” come every year that it already feels like a homecoming with each time I attend. Some of these folks are literally my second family.

To know that I can launch my book with them available to share in the celebration is deeply emotional and exciting for me.

What’s more, the PTWC organizers have even included a listing for the launch party for Cul de Sac Stories in their program, and the timing is perfect, as there are no other events taking place at that time.

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The details:

• Date: Thursday July 18, 2024

• Time: 3:30 to 4:30pm

• Location: Fort Worden/Centrum campus, Port Townsend WA—Building 305, South Gallery

• What: A reading and celebration of the release of Cul de Sac Stories by Tamara Kaye Sellman. There will be a discussion, time for questions and answers, book signings, and SNACKS!

The shindig will feature words from my editor, friend, and long-time Centrum cohort Elizabeth Thorpe, who started attending PTWC herself at about the same time.

Beth is a valuable asset to the annual program, providing manuscript review services every year for many of the PTWC’s hundreds who cycle through this amazing literary event.

I’ll read briefly from a couple of stories, talk about my relationship with the PTWC, the ups and downs of the writing life and the importance of coming together with peers for the sake of writing, and I have a couple of small raffle items to offer.

And of course, I’ll be signing books, with copies for sale not just at the event but also in the Centrum bookstore throughout the week.

There will certainly be a discussion about the importance of being part of a community to help you reach your writing dreams. In that way, I happily accept any kind of role as poster child, given this is the 50th anniversary of the PTWC and so much of my success as a writer can be attributed to all the support and creative inspiration I’ve received here at this beautiful vortex of a campus.

You’re invited!

You can come to my book launch party whether you are attending PTWC or if you’re just in the area anyway and want to bring your good cheer (and maybe buy a book for me to sign!).

If nothing else, come for the stories and the snacks and the good vibes. I would love to see you there!

I’ll post a reminder when I get to Port Townsend in mid-July; I hope you’ll have time and the opportunity to join me for this really special (to me) event!

Here’s the current schedule of the entire conference (I’ll be in the Jennifer Givhan morning cohort!) in case you’re coming or want to visit my event or any of the public reading events.

Thank you Centrum, FOR EVERYTHING.