Courtesy Phoenix Books Rutland
“The Ageless Authors Anthology” is a collection of poetry, essays and short stories from the Ageless Authors Writing Contest exclusively for writers age 65 and older from across the country.
Thursday, March 29, 6:30 p.m.—RUTLAND— On Thursday, March 29 at 6:30 p.m., Phoenix Books Rutland will host Jean Yeager for a reading from “The Ageless Authors Anthology” and an open mic featuring writers age 65 and older. Come to read, come to listen, or come for both. Those interested in reading can sign up at the door.
“The Ageless Authors Anthology” is a collection of poetry, essays and short stories from the Ageless Authors Writing Contest exclusively for writers age 65 and older from across the country. For this book, 52 senior writers contributed work that showcases the experience inherent in this older group. Some of the writers are widely published, while others have been toiling away in relative obscurity, and this is the first time they’ve published their work. These writings are entertaining and memorable. From writer and composer Michael Coolen in Corvallis, Ore., comes the opening sentence you can’t forget, “Dad was killed by whales.” The late John Garzone of Lenox, Mass,. tells the story of the female pool shark who stole a young man’s heart in “Smooth Sheila.” And Shirley K. Wright of Coppell, Texas weaves a suspenseful tale of a home invasion in the expanses of the Texas Hill Country in “No Thanks For the Memory.”
“Ageless Authors” is the brainchild of Dallas writers Ginnie Bivona and Larry Upshaw, who compiled the work for this collection. Bivona is an 86-year-old novelist and poet who started writing in her fifties. Upshaw is a 70-year-old former journalist, ghostwriter, and marketing executive. They set out to prove that no one has to shut off their brain when they reach a certain age.
“‘Ageless Authors’ captures the best offered by seasoned writers,” said Vermont essayist Jean Yeager. “I’m grateful to be judged against my peers. We may be the fine aged wines of the writing world.” Jean Yeager won the essay category in last year’s Ageless Authors competition. He is a member of the League of Vermont Writers and other more local writing groups. He hopes to use the Ageless Authors connection as an excuse to make writers age 65-plus more visible in the area. His book, “Th3 Simple Questions: Slice Open Everyday Life” is available at Phoenix Books.
This event is free and open to all. Phoenix Books Rutland is located at 2 Center St., Rutland. For more information, call 802-855-8078 or visit phoenixbooks.biz.
