September 16, 2011

Writers Forum to host readings, book signing

SAN BENITO – The Narciso Martinez Cultural Arts Center will host its first-ever anthology featuring the works of a local writers’ forum here on Sept. 16.

The event, with a social that is open to the public, features original writings to be recited by the authors included in the book. The anthology, entitled Writing to be Heard/Escúchame…Voices from the Chicho, contains individual writings of 20 writers who have participated in the Forum over the past years.  Composed in English and Spanish, the works reflect the experiences and familiarity of life in the Rio Grande Valley and beyond.

The first of its kind in the region, the forum was created under the auspices of the Narciso Martinez Cultural Arts Center 10 years ago when five would-be writers started an open reading forum of their works. The group grew in size, and simultaneously, the writers grew in skills.  Today, several of the authors are publishing regionally, nationally and even internationally. The forum is credited with influencing other aspiring writers to start their own groups, according to information posted on the Writers of the Rio Grande website at writersoftheriogrande.com.

Writers included in the Anthology are Jose A. Alvarez, Don Clifford, Edgar Clinton, Filiberto Conde, Julieta Corpus, Diana Domínguez, Dorothy Early, Rudy Garcia, Irma Guaderrama, Meliton Hinojosa, Gene Novogrodsky, Alan Oak, Joe Perez, Rosa Perez, Kathy Trenfield Raines, Brenda Nettles Riojas, Arturo Saldana, Ken Trevino, Ruth E. Wagner and Travis Whitehead.

Doors open at 7 p.m. at the Narciso Martinez Cultural Arts Center, 225 E. Stenger.

The event is free and open to the public, but donations for the Narciso Martinez Cultural Arts Center will be accepted, according to event organizer Beto Conde. For more information, he may be reached at 956-459-7876.